22360844.8

Joint Request for Proposals

#26-03

Reloadable cEMV Transit/Parking Payment Cards

RFP #26-03 SCHEDULE

Issue Date: Friday, January 23, 2026

Question Submission Deadline: Friday, February 6, 2026 by 12:00 PM

Deadline to Submit Proposals: Friday, March 13, 2026 by 2:00 PM

Demos: Week of April 20, 2026

Monterey-Salinas Transit

19 Upper Ragsdale Drive, Suite 200

Monterey, CA 93940

Joint Request for Proposals For

Reloadable cEMV Transit/Parking Payment Cards

BACKGROUND

The Monterey-Salinas Transit District (MST), Ventura County Transportation Commission, Stanislaus Regional Transit Authority, Santa Barbara County Association of Governments, Humboldt Transit Authority, San Luis Obispo Regional Transit Authority, Nevada County

Transit Services, Santa Barbara Metropolitan Transit District, the Santa Cruz Metropolitan

Transit District, and the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (collectively referred to as "Agencies" and individually as "Agency") request proposals from qualified firms (Proposers) for reloadable contactless EMV (cEMV) cards to be used exclusively for public transit and parking payment services. Through this joint Request for Proposals (RFP), the Agencies seek to deploy a solution for riders who do not or cannot use a bankcard or mobile wallet by providing an option to load cash onto a physical and/or digital cEMV payment card that is accepted by the

Agencies’ cEMV payment acceptance devices. This solution is intended to replace the Agencies' closed loop card and be available to riders who currently pay with cash onboard transit vehicles, at parking meters, and at off-street parking locations.

SOLICITATION TIMELINE

Proposals must be received by MST NO LATER THAN 2:00 PM, Pacific Time on Friday, March 13, 2026. Any submissions received past this deadline will be considered non-responsive and will not be accepted. Proposals must be submitted through Monterey-Salinas Transit

District’s Bonfire eProcurement portal. If you are not already registered, please do so at www.mst.org/procurement and select “Become a Vendor.”

DESIGNATED PROCUREMENT CONTACT

For general questions, please contact Steven Bruno, Purchasing Agent at 831-264-5884 or sbruno@mst.org.

ATTACHMENTS

The following attachments are hereby made part of this Request for Proposals (RFP) #26-03:

Appendix A – Sample Contract

Appendix A.01 – Federal Requirements

Appendix A.02 – Data Privacy and Security Requirements

Appendix B – Required Forms

Appendix B.01 – Certification of Contractor Regarding Debarment, Suspension, and Other Responsibility Matters

Appendix B.02 – Federal Tax Delinquency and Conviction Certification

Appendix B.03 – Certification of Restrictions on Lobbying http://www.mst.org/procurement mailto:sbruno@mst.org

Appendix B.04 – MST Bidder Form

Appendix B.05 – Non-Collusion Affidavit

Appendix B.06 – Proposer's Statement Regarding Insurance Coverage

Appendix B.07 – Proposer Information Sheet

Appendix B.08 – Exceptions to the Sample Contract

Appendix B.09 – Subcontractor's Statement of Eligibility

Appendix B.10 – Cost Proposal

Appendix B.11 – Technical Requirements Form

GENERAL INFORMATION

I. JOINT PROCUREMENT

This RFP is a joint procurement of the Agencies. MST is leading and administering the RFP on behalf of the Agencies. The Scope of Services includes the quantity of cards and service requirements that each Agency needs based on each Agency's reasonably expected needs as of the date the RFP was issued. MST will recommend award of a contract to a Selected Proposer based on the Evaluation Criteria set forth herein.

Each Agency may, but is not required to, enter into a contract with the Selected

Proposer, consistent with the terms and conditions of this RFP and the Selected

Proposer's proposal, for an Agency's respective cards and services, as specified in the

Scope of Services and Appendix C, subject to each Agency's internal approval processes and available funding.

MST will in no event be responsible for any claims, demands, losses, damages, compensation, or actions of any kind arising from or in any way related to contracts executed by the other Agencies as a result of this RFP.

II. SAMPLE CONTRACT

The Selected Proposer will be required to execute a contract, a sample of which is included in Appendix A – Sample Contract, with one or more Agencies, consistent with the terms and conditions of the RFP and the Selected Proposer's proposal.

Proposers must review all of the terms and conditions in the Sample Contract.

Submittal of a proposal will be deemed acceptance of all of the terms set forth in the

Sample Contract unless the Proposer includes any modifications requested to the

Sample Contract in Appendix B.08 – Exceptions to the Sample Contract. All requests for exceptions must be listed in Appendix B.08, separately identified by section in the

Sample Contract, and include the requested change in redline format and a the justification for the change.

MST reserves the right to request further clarification of any requested exception during negotiations and to exclude unacceptable exception(s). No exceptions may be requested after the deadline for the submittal of proposals.

The contract(s) resulting from this RFP may be paid for in part or in whole using federal funds. The selected Proposer will be required to abide by all applicable local, state, and federal laws, including but not limited to the Federal Requirements provided in Exhibit A to the Sample Contract, in the performance of the contract.

Exhibit A to the Sample Contract is not negotiable; MST will not consider any exceptions to Exhibit A to the Sample Contract.

In addition, proposers must not be Federally debarred or suspended from entering into

Federally funded contracts in order to be considered for contract award. This will be verified using a search of the System for Award Management (SAM.gov). Any proposer that is Federally debarred or suspended will be disqualified.

III. REQUESTS FOR CLARIFICATION OF RFP; ADDENDA

All requests for clarification regarding the meaning or interpretation of any part of this RFP should be submitted on MST’s Bonfire Portal no later than 12:00 PM on

Friday, February 6, 2026.

Should MST determine that a clarification of the RFP is in order, MST will issue a written addendum clarifying the matter, which will be posted on MST’s Bonfire

Portal. Each Proposer has an on-going responsibility to check the Bonfire website for addenda. MST has no obligation to provide any other notice of addenda being issued.

MST's failure to respond to a request for clarification or modification will be deemed to be a rejection of such request. Any MST determination on any Proposer request will be final. Addenda issued for this RFP, if any, must be expressly acknowledged in

Proposer’s cover letter.

IV. COMMUNICATION PROTOCOLS

All communications regarding this RFP should be only with the MST's Purchasing

Agent listed above. In particular, Proposers and Proposers’ representatives may not communicate about this RFP with any other Agency staff or officer, director, employee, or agent of an Agency, outside the procedures set forth in this RFP. Any communication in violation of this section may be grounds for MST rejecting the

Proposer's proposal and subject to public disclosure. This section does not prohibit a

Proposer from making oral statements or presentations in public to one or more

Agency representatives during a public meeting.

V. CONFIDENTIALITY

The California Public Records Act (CPRA) (Government Code Sections 7920.000 et seq.) mandates public access to public records not exempt from disclosure under the

CPRA. Therefore, unless the information is exempt from disclosure by law, the content of the proposal, as well as any other written communication between MST and a Proposer, is a public record that must be made available to the public upon request.

a. Confidentiality Index and Waiver of Claims

If the Proposer believes its proposal, any other communications with MST, or any documents or materials of any kind provided to MST to supplement or explain its proposal, or in response to any MST inquiry or request in connection with this RFP

("supplemental materials"), contains information exempt from disclosure under the

CPRA, including trade secrets or other proprietary information that the Proposer believes would cause substantial injury to the Proposer’s competitive position if disclosed, the Proposer must request that MST withhold from disclosure the exempt information by submitting:

1. An unredacted copy of the proposal, communication and/or supplemental materials marking each page containing such exempt information as confidential; and

2. A redacted copy of the proposal, communication and/or supplemental materials that redacts the purportedly exempt information; and

3. A "confidentiality index" that complies with the following requirements:

a. For proposals, the confidentiality index must include: (i) the section and page number of the proposal where the information except from disclosure is located; and (ii) an explanation of why the information is exempt from disclosure under the CPRA.

b. For communications and supplemental materials, the confidentiality index must include: (i) the section and page number of the communication or supplemental document where the information except from disclosure is located, as appropriate; and (ii) an explanation of why the information is exempt from disclosure under the CPRA.

4. A signed letter with the following statement: "By submitting this

[proposal/communication/supplemental material], Proposer agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless MST, its directors, officers, employees and agents, from any and against all damages (including but not limited to attorneys’ fees that may be awarded to the party requesting the Proposer information), and pay any and all cost and expenses, including attorneys' fees, related to the withholding of the information included in the confidentiality index. If Proposer fails to accept a tender of a defense, MST reserves the right to resolve all claims at its sole discretion, without limiting any rights stated herein."

By submitting a proposal, communication, or supplemental material, Proposer:

1. Consents to the release of the redacted version of the proposal, communication, or supplemental material; and

2. Consents to the release of any portion of its proposal, communication, or supplemental material not included in the confidentiality index; and

3. Waives all claims against MST, its directors, officers, employees and agents, for the disclosure of such information.

If the Proposer does not include an unredacted copy, redacted copy, confidentiality index and signed indemnification statement, with its proposal, communication, or supplemental material in accordance with the requirements of this section, MST will have no obligation to withhold any information in the proposal, communication, or supplemental material from disclosure and may release the proposal, communication, or supplemental material without liability to MST.

A Proposer may not designate its entire proposal or major portions of its Proposal as confidential. A Proposer may not designate MST forms as confidential. MST will not honor such designations, and will disclose submittals so designated to the public.

b. Review of Confidentiality Index

Upon receipt of a request pursuant to the CPRA seeking a proposal, communication or supplemental material relating to this RFP, MST may provide the redacted version of the requested record or may withhold information designated in the confidentiality index that is exempt from disclosure. If MST determines that information in the confidentiality index is not exempt from disclosure, MST will give reasonable notice to the Proposer prior to releasing any material listed in the confidentiality index.

In the event of a conflict between the redacted version of a record, the confidentiality index, and confidentiality designations in the body of the record, the redacted version of the record prevails.

c. Confidentiality Indemnity

Proposers agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless MST, its directors, officers, employees and agents, from any and against all damages (including but not limited to attorneys’ fees that may be awarded to the party requesting the Proposer information), and pay any and all cost and expenses, including attorneys' fees, related to the withholding of the information included in a confidentiality index. If Proposer fails to accept a tender of a defense, MST reserves the right to resolve all claims at its sole discretion, without limiting any rights stated herein.

VI. LEVINE ACT

The Levine Act (Government Code 84308) is part of the Political Reform Act of 1974 and applies to elected and appointed officers of a public agency, including the MST

Board of Directors (Board). The Levine Act prohibits any Board Member from participating in or influencing the decision on awarding a contract with MST to anyone who has contributed $500.00 or more to the Board Member within the previous twelve months. The Levine Act also requires a member of the Board who has received such a contribution to disclose the contribution on the record of the proceeding. In addition, Board Members are prohibited from soliciting or accepting a contribution from a party applying for a contract while the matter of awarding the contract is pending before MST or for twelve months following the date a final decision concerning the contract has been made.

The Levine Act also applies to the governing bodies of each of the other Agencies

(collectively referred to as "Agency Boards").

Proposers must disclose on the record any contribution of $500.00 or more that they have made to a MST Board Member, or a member of any other Agency Boards, within the twelve-month period preceding submission of their response to this RFP.

This duty applies to the Proposer, any member of Proposer's team, any agents for the

Proposer other team members, and to the major shareholders of any closed corporation that is part of the Proposer's team.

Proposers must indicate in the cover letter submitted with their proposal whether any contribution(s) must be disclosed pursuant to the Levine Act. If the Proposer has made a contribution that needs to be disclosed, the Proposer must include with its proposal a separate written document stating the date, amount, and receipt of the contribution(s).

VII. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

By submitting a proposal, the Proposer represents and warrants that no director, officer or employee of MST is in any manner interested directly or indirectly in the proposal or in the Agreement which may be made under it or in any expected profits to arise there from, as set forth in Article 4, Division 4, Title I (commencing with Sec.

1090) of the Government Code of the State of California.

The Proposer warrants and represents that it presently has no interest and agrees that it will not acquire any interest which would present a conflict of interest under

California Government Code Sections 1090 et seq. or Sections 87100 et seq. during the performance of services under a contract awarded as a result of this RFP ("this

Agreement"). The Proposer further covenants that it will not knowingly employ any person having such an interest in the performance of this Agreement. Violation of this provision may result in this Agreement being deemed void and unenforceable.

Depending on the nature of the work performed, the Proposer may be required to publicly disclose financial interests under MST's Conflict of Interest Code. The

Proposer agrees to promptly submit a Statement of Economic Interest on the form provided by MST upon receipt. No person previously in the position of director, officer, employee or agent of MST may act as an agent or attorney for, or otherwise represent, the Proposer by making any formal or informal appearance, or any oral or written communication, before MST, or any officer or employee of MST, for a period of twelve (12) months after leaving office or employment with MST if the appearance or communication is made for the purpose of influencing any action involving the issuance, amendment, awards or revocation of a permit, license, grant or contract.

The Proposer warrants that it has no organizational conflicts of interest at this time.

Alternatively, the Proposer must disclose all known organizational conflicts of interest. An organizational conflict of interest occurs when, due to other activities, relationships, or contracts, a firm or person is unable, or potentially unable, to render impartial assistance or advice to MST; a firm or person’s objectivity in performing the contract work is or might be impaired; or a firm or person has an unfair competitive advantage in proposing for award of a contract as a result of information gained in performance of this or some other agreement.

This section extends to each of the Agencies. By submitting a proposal, the Proposer represents and warrants that the it has no conflict of interest and that it will comply with the terms and conditions of this section for each Agency.

See the Sample Contract in Appendix A of the RFP for additional conflict of interest provisions that will be in effect during the contract term.

VIII. NON-COLLUSION

By submitting a proposal in response to this RFP, each Proposer certifies that its proposal is genuine and not a sham or collusive or made in the interest of or on behalf of any person not named therein; that the Proposer has not, directly or indirectly, induced or solicited any other person to submit a sham proposal or any other person to refrain from responding to this RFP; and that the Proposer has not in any manner sought collusion to secure any improper advantage over any other person submitting a response to this RFP.

SCOPE OF SERVICES

I. CONTEXT

Since 2021, many California transit agencies, including MST, have begun accepting cEMV payments by riders onboard transit vehicles. Driven by interest in reducing barriers to payment, improving the customer experience, and reducing operational costs associated with legacy payment systems, agencies large and small have created a modern and consistent transit payment experience across the entire state of California. These efforts have support from state officials at the California State Transportation Agency and the Department of Transportation (Caltrans) with technical support provided by the

California Integrated Travel Project (Cal-ITP).

Inspired by the success of these efforts, MST's Board of Directors committed to a contactless fare payment transition plan at its February 2025 Board meeting.1 The plan calls for removing cash fareboxes from all transit vehicles and only accepting digital payments onboard from riders by January 2026. For MST, the goal is to significantly increase the speed of vehicle boarding while eliminating the high cost of collecting cash payments onboard.

Additionally, the removal of cash onboard transit vehicles creates a safer environment for both transit agency personnel and riders. Finally, removing cash from the system allows riders to benefit from MST fare policies, such as fare capping, which can only be provided through digital payments.

The other Agencies, plan to continue to accept cash onboard but seek to minimize use of cash payments by riders and maximize use of their onboard cEMV payment acceptance devices.

With similar goals of increasing the speed and ease of access and eliminate the high cost of collecting cash, several Agencies plan to intend to use this card to replace cash acceptance at parking meters and other parking facilities.

II. GOALS

MST and some of the other Agencies have partnered with BankOn to provide information on accessible bank accounts for transit riders, worked with fintech companies to offer incentives and rewards that reduce the cost of transit trips for cardholders, and regularly run marketing and awareness campaigns on digital payment options targeted at

1 https://mst.org/about-mst/board-of-directors/board-meetings/ https://mst.org/about-mst/board-of-directors/board-meetings/ transit riders. However, MST and the other Agencies anticipate that some transit customers who currently use cash onboard to pay their fare may not be comfortable with the existing alternatives. In addition, the Agencies seek a solution to replace current closed loop cards with a solution that uses cEMV payment acceptance devices already onboard, and to extend this solution to include parking payment.

Therefore, the Agencies seek a merchant-restricted, reloadable cEMV payment card that can meet the needs of current closed loop card holders and cash paying customers. The

Agencies envision this solution to complement the other payment options available to riders: credit and debit card or smartphone mobile wallet and some have digital ticketing applications.2

To achieve these goals, the Scope of Services does not deeply specify the internal designs of the systems, or the methodology used for the development and maintenance of any reloadable cEMV payment card offered for consideration. Instead, the scope of services focuses on a product that best meets the desired needs of the Agencies at a cost that provides the greatest return on our investment. This solicitation is intended to result in the selection of the best overall value proposal, not necessarily the lowest priced proposal, considering quality, performance, and cost based on the Evaluation Criteria in the RFP.

III. AGENCIES PARTICIPATING IN THIS JOINT PROCUREMENT

The Agencies have similar goals, onboard technology, rider demographics, and payment processing services. Some of these transit agencies are also adjacent to MST and to one another. The Agencies participating in this RFP include:

a. Monterey-Salinas Transit District (MST). MST was created by state law AB 644 and formed on July 1, 2010. MST succeeds the Monterey-Salinas Transit Joint

Powers Agency formed in 1981 when the City of Salinas joined the Monterey

Peninsula Transit Joint Powers Agency which was formed in 1972. Current members of the district are the Cities of Carmel, Del Rey Oaks, Gonzales, Greenfield, King City, Marina, Monterey, Pacific Grove, Salinas, Sand City, Seaside, Soledad, and the County of Monterey. A board of directors with a representative from each member jurisdiction governs the agency and appoints the general manager. For more information about MST, visit http://www.mst.org/.

MST's public transit service area includes population centers of Monterey County and extends south along the Highway 101 corridor to Paso Robles and north to

Gilroy and Watsonville. To ensure the safe and efficient operation of its services, MST maintains several facilities across Monterey County for employees, buses, 2 For example, see https://mst.org/wp-content/media/MST-MonthlyReport-May-2025.pdf Page 64.

https://mst.org/wp-content/media/MST-MonthlyReport-May-2025.pdf and other equipment. These facilities include multiple transit centers that serve as key transfer points for riders traveling between various destinations.

MST operates 37 fixed bus routes with 131 buses and an additional 39 on-demand vehicles. MST began accepting cEMV payments in 2021. The agency processes over $4.6 million in revenue each year in fares from its current payment systems.

In addition to a cash farebox, payments are accepted using the Kuba ABT 3000 onboard hardware with Littlepay, CyberSource, and Elavon technology stack.

MST annual ridership is over 2 million and has a base fare of $2. Linked here is the 2024 transit agency report about MST from the National Transit Database

(NTD) maintained by the Federal Transit Administration.

b. Santa Cruz METRO. Santa Cruz METRO processes $8.78 million in revenue each year, of which almost $600,000 was from cash onboard ticket sales. The agency had annual ridership over 3.35 million and a base fare of $2. Linked here is the 2024 Santa Cruz METRO operating profile on NTD.

c. Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC). VCTC is Ventura County’s regional transportation planning agency and operates 7 intercity routes, processing over $800,000 in fare revenue in FY2024. They have an annual ridership of over

450,000 and a base fare of $1.75. Linked here is the agency’s 2024 NTD profile.

d. Stanislaus Regional Transit Authority (StanRTA). StanRTA provides fixed route and demand-response services throughout Stanislaus County, operating 27 routes with over 3 million annual trips. In FY2025, StanRTA reported over $550,000 in fare revenue. Linked here is the agency's 2024 NTD profile.

e. Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG). SBCAG is the regional planning agency for Santa Barbara County and operates the Clean Air

Express, a commuter bus service, processing approximately $500,000 in fare revenue. This service has a base fare of $8 and has an annual ridership of around

120,000. Linked here is the agency’s 2024 NTD profile.

f. Humboldt Transit Authority (HTA). HTA operates and maintains the Redwood

Transit System (RTS), the Willow Creek Transit Service, the Southern Humboldt

Transit Systems, Eureka Transit Services’ fixed route system, and others in the region. Their services have an annual ridership of 480,000 and has a base fare is

$2. Linked here is the agency’s 2024 NTD profile.

g. San Luis Obispo Regional Transit Authority (SLORTA). SLORTA operates regional and commuter fixed route services as well as paratransit and dial-a-ride in the San Luis Obispo area. These services provide nearly 800,000 trips annually with fare revenue of approximately $1 million annually. The base fares range from $1.50 to $2. Linked here is the agency’s 2024 NTD profile.

https://www.transit.dot.gov/sites/fta.dot.gov/files/transit_agency_profile_doc/2024/90062.pdf https://www.transit.dot.gov/sites/fta.dot.gov/files/transit_agency_profile_doc/2024/90006.pdf https://www.transit.dot.gov/sites/fta.dot.gov/files/transit_agency_profile_doc/2024/90164.pdf https://www.transit.dot.gov/sites/fta.dot.gov/files/transit_agency_profile_doc/2024/90306.pdf https://www.transit.dot.gov/sites/fta.dot.gov/files/transit_agency_profile_doc/2024/90303.pdf https://www.transit.dot.gov/sites/fta.dot.gov/files/transit_agency_profile_doc/2024/91036.pdf https://www.transit.dot.gov/sites/fta.dot.gov/files/transit_agency_profile_doc/2024/90206.pdf

h. Nevada County Transit Services is the local and regional fixed-route service provider via Nevada County Connects and contract manager for paratransit and

On-demand Dial-A-Ride services via Nevada County Now for Western Nevada

County. These combined services provided over 130,00 passenger boardings in

2024-25, and process nearly $250,000 in fare revenue annually. Linked here is the agency’s 2024 NTD profile.

i. Santa Barbara Metropolitan Transit District (SBMTD). SBMTD operates 112 buses over 42 different routes, serving rides across Santa Barbara’s South Coast.

In FY2024-25, the agency processed approximately $5 million in fare revenue.

The agency has an annual ridership of over 4.6 million and a base fare of $2.50.

Linked here is the agency’s 2024 NTD profile.

j. San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA). SFMTA manages over 26,000 parking meters and 38 parking garage and lot facilities with more than 15,000 spaces. In 2025, the agency processed approximately $3.1 million from over 3.5 million cash transactions at its parking meters. Linked here is the agency's 2024 NTD profile.

The Scope of Services, including all quantities and requirements reflected in Section V, reflects the Agencies' reasonably anticipated needs during the term of any contract(s) from this RFP.

IV. TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS APPLICABLE TO ALL AGENCIES

The Agencies seek a qualified contractor to provide a transit/parking payment card solution that meets all of the following requirements:

• A reloadable cEMV payment card available to any transit rider or parking user

• Can only be used on specific merchant payment acceptance devices, e.g. a transit agency

• Does not require an application, a bank account, or a smartphone

• Can be loaded by the rider with paper cash at a variety of accessible retail locations

The solution must include physical and digital cEMV cards. The solution must include all necessary software to support administration, management, and reporting by the Agency.

The Selected Proposer will be required to provide the configuration, management, training, technical support, maintenance and other services related to the solution.

Know Your Customer details and PII

One of the stated requirements for this solution is that a physical cEMV card can be issued and reloaded without any Know Your Customer details. Customers for each https://www.transit.dot.gov/sites/fta.dot.gov/files/transit_agency_profile_doc/2024/91095.pdf https://www.transit.dot.gov/sites/fta.dot.gov/files/transit_agency_profile_doc/2024/90020.pdf https://www.transit.dot.gov/sites/fta.dot.gov/files/transit_agency_profile_doc/2024/90015.pdf

Agency must be able to purchase either a preloaded card or optionally load or reload a card using cash or other means of acceptable payment, and the purchased card must be able to be used within any accepted Agency until the funds loaded on the card have been exhausted. With the exception of fare capping rules, as defined by each Agency, no discounts tied to the ability to identify a customer’s eligibility would be required to activate the card.

In addition, customers must also have the ability to register a card, either with a designated Agency service location, or via an online portal or application. By registering the card, customers must have the ability to also register for any discount structures that they are eligible for, as determined by the Agency’s policies.

In situations where a customer’s identity is required, the vendor must protect the customer’s PII, in accordance will all applicable state and federal laws.

Functionality Required Optional Value- Added

1 Card issuance and acceptance

1.1 Riders can purchase/obtain a card in-person at retail locations (e.g., Pharmacy, Gas Stations, grocery stores, convenience stores) throughout each Agency's service area

X

1.2 The card can be provisioned via mobile wallet (Apple/Google) and be selected as the rider’s “Transit Card”/”Transit Pass” sections

X

1.3 Provide a solution for agency-staffed customer service

locations to issue and load cards for riders

X

1.4 Provide a contactless EMV “tap” card (this refers to the

physical card's contactless functionality not via a digital wallet) that is accepted by a cEMV transit agency on-board payment acceptance device and/or parking payment device

X

1.5 Riders do not need to create an account or provide any

personal information to obtain or load funds onto a card

X

1.6 Riders can purchase a card online and receive via mail X

1.7 Capable of distributing cards in bulk to retail locations and the transit agency headquarters

X

1.8 Provide a top-up machine where cardholders can load value with cash or card

X

2 Funds management

2.1 Spending is limited to transit agency on-board payment

acceptance devices and parking payment devices (Spending on non-transit/parking services and products is prohibited)

X

2.2 Spending is allowed on additional transit agencies and parking services outside the service area of the Agency, at the direction of the Agency.

X

Functionality Required Optional Value- Added

2.3 Fraud protection measures are in place, including automatic fraud detection and the ability for card holders and the transit agency to block cards if fraud is detected or card is lost

X

3 Card Loading

3.1 Riders can load and top-up card value with cash at retail locations (e.g., Pharmacy, Gas Stations, grocery stores, convenience stores) throughout each Agency's service area

X

3.2 Riders can load and top-up card value virtually online or via mobile wallet

X

3.3 Funds must be available within 10 minutes of loading X

3.4 Agency has the ability to assign a free fare pass product to the account

X

3.5 Agency has the ability to assign a discounted fare or pass product to the account

X

4 Customer Care

4.1 Cardholders can view balance online X

4.2 Cardholders with a digital card can view balance in mobile wallet

X

4.3 Cardholder can confirm balance at agency customer service location or retail location

X

4.4 Cardholders can view recent transactions (payments and top-ups) online

X

4.5 Cardholders can view recent transactions (payments and top-ups) at agency customer service location

X

4.6 Cardholders can receive a refund of balance X

4.7 Cardholder customer support online in English and Spanish X

4.8 Cardholder customer support via phone in English and

Spanish

X

5 Marketing

5.1 Agency has the ability to embed a map of retail locations that sell cards and offer card loading/top-up services on the agency's website that is updated within a week of any changes

X

5.2 Agency can request custom branding on the cards X

5.3 Provide the agency with digital files and collateral to promote card availability to customers

X

5.4 Provide retail locations with collateral to promote card

availability

X

6 Reporting

6.1 Agency can access a cloud-based portal that provides daily reporting on the number of cards issued, funds loaded, funds expended, average balance

X

6.2 Agency can access APIs that provide custom reporting X

V. AGENCY-SPECIFIC QUANTITIES AND REQUIREMENTS

Each of the Agencies' specific quantities, payment terminal vendor specifications, and annual fare revenue are set forth separately below.

Agency Annual Fare Revenue

Estimated Number of cEMV Payment Cards to be Issued

Payment Terminal Vendor/Model Number

Additional Requirements

Santa Barbara Metropolitan Transit District

$3,146,000 1,051,577 Kuba

PRODATA

ABT3000

Ventura County Transportation Commission

$2,262,047 2,379 Kuba

San Luis Obispo Regional Transit Authority

$942,600 200,000 Kuba

Santa Barbara County Association of Governments

$470,000 600 Kuba

Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District

$300,000 10,000 Kuba

Nevada County Transit Services

$150,000 200 Kuba

Humboldt Transit Authority

$60,000 3,000 SC Soft

Stanislaus Regional Transit Authority

$25,000 5,000 TBD

Monterey-Salinas Transit District

$500,000 25,000 Kuba

PRODATA

ABT3000

The solution must be fully deployed by January 1, 2027.

San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency

$5 million 10,000 TBD

SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS

Each proposal must include all completed forms, cost proposal, and a technical proposal containing all of the following information. The technical proposal should be no more than 20 pages (this excludes required forms and the cost proposal). Please submit one (1) electronic version of your technical proposal through MST's Bonfire eProcurement portal that includes the following:

Cover Letter

• Identify the vendor, authorized representative, and contact information.

• The letter shall identify and be signed by the person authorized for contract negotiation.

• Acknowledge all addenda issued for this RFP, if any.

• Indicate whether any contribution(s) must be disclosed pursuant to the Levine Act.

Company Profile

• Length of time in business, business type, and location of incorporation.

• Technical experience in completing projects of a closely similar nature.

• Experience working with transportation organizations or other public agencies.

• Record of completing work on schedule.

• At least two (2) references that represent projects for similar clients and/or scope. For each reference include firm name, business address, telephone number, name of authorized contact and email address. References should list where and when solutions were deployed and any results.

Key Personnel

• Names and work location of key personnel who would be directly engaged in the performance of work.

• For each individual please submit a resume that lists their education, number of years related experience, and a brief description of work performed on similar projects and proposed role on this project.

• Please include any additional information to explain key personnel's relevant technical experience and the stability of proposed team.

Technical Solution

• Description of how your solution meets the technical requirements in the Scope of

Services in the RFP.

• Describe the potential benefits and long-term advantages of your solution regarding all of the following:

o Cost-effectiveness o Maintenance o Usability o Discounts and Rewards o Technological features o Compatibility with ecosystem partners, like apps and wallets o Commercial opportunities o Banking partnerships

Implementation and Management Plan

Provide a detailed implementation plan for this project, including:

• Management approach

• A proposed work schedule to accomplish all the required tasks within the desired timeline

• Identify who would be assigned to complete each task.

• A project management plan, including frequency of calls and visits with the Agency.

• The testing and acceptance plan.

• The training, marketing, and deployment support for the project.

• The level of types of on-going support available post-launch to ensure the system remains functional.

• Reporting capabilities

• Process and timeline to address issues, including SLA metrics, uptime %, and responsiveness time targets.

• If the solution is cloud or SaaS based, provide Proposer's protocols, and documented evidence of Proposer's adherence to such protocols, for ensuring customer data preservation and compliance with business continuity best practices.

Special instructions for Completing and Submitting the Cost Proposal Form: Do not include your cost proposal in the same document as your technical proposal. This must be uploaded separately to the Cost Proposal section of the procurement submittals in Bonfire. The Cost Proposal template is included in Appendix B – Required Forms.

Special instructions for forms referencing Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs): As a result of the DBE Program Interim Final Rule issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation on October 3, 2025, fields/columns on forms requesting DBE status/certification are not applicable at this time. Please leave those fields/columns blank.

WAIVER

Proposers are solely responsible for examining, with appropriate care and diligence, all parts of this RFP and fully informing themselves of all relevant aspects of the Scope of Services. By submitting a proposal, the Proposer represents and warrants that the Proposer has: sufficiently examined and are familiar with each part of this RFP and with all matters affecting the performance of the Scope of Services; checked its proposal for errors and omissions; confirmed that the prices stated in its proposal are correct for performing the Scope of Services and as intended by it. The Proposer waives any claim against the Agencies for costs incurred in preparing a proposal and responding to this RFP.

WITHDRAWAL OF PROPOSAL

Submission of a Proposal constitutes a firm offer to the Agencies for 90 calendar days from the submission deadline for proposals. A Proposer may withdraw its proposal any time before the date and time when proposals are due, without prejudice, by accessing Bonfire and withdrawing their proposal.

EVALUATION AND SELECTION PROCEDURE

A. MST Evaluation Committee

MST will establish an Evaluation Committee responsible for (1) reviewing all proposals and (2) conducting the evaluation and product demonstrations/interviews, if any, described in this RFP.

MST reserves the right to reject or accept any and all proposals, to waive any minor irregularities in proposals or procedures, and to request additional information from Proposers at any stage of the evaluation.

B. Preliminary Responsiveness Review

The Evaluation Committee will conduct a preliminary responsiveness check to confirm that each proposal contains all the required documentation and information necessary to be deemed responsive to the RFP. MST may reject as non-responsive any proposal that does not include the documents and information required by the RFP. However, MST reserves the right to request additional information and clarifications during the evaluation and selection process from any or all Proposers regarding their proposals.

C. Evaluation Criteria, Product Demonstrations/Interviews, Review of References

The Evaluation Committee will review all proposals based on the Evaluation Criteria set forth below. Those firms determined to meet MST objectives may be invited to perform a product demonstration or interview. The Evaluation Committee will score and rank proposals based on the Evaluation Criteria below based on a maximum of 100 points, allocated as indicated below.

To determine the number of points a Proposer will receive in each category, the Evaluation

Committee will consider the proposal material submitted, product demonstrations/interviews (if applicable), additional information requested by MST, client references, and any other relevant information about a given Proposer.

Based on the Evaluation Committee's assessment, MST staff will recommend the firm receiving the highest overall score for contract award.

The following Evaluation Criteria will be used by MST's Evaluation Committee to evaluate proposals:

Solution Functionality: Ability of the solution to provide an “out-of-the-box” match for all the technical requirements listed in Section IV of the Scope of Services in the RFP. The ability to meet the optional value-added functionalities/services in Section IV of the Scope of Services in the RFP will not be considered. (40 points)

Firm's and Key Personnel's Experience: Technical experience in completing projects of a closely similar nature; experience working with transportation organizations or other public agencies; record of completing work on schedule; financial strength and stability of the firm;

technical experience and stability of proposed team, if any; and assessments by client references.

(30 points)

Cost Form: Reasonableness of the total price and competitiveness of this amount with other offers received. Points will be awarded on pricing for the required technical requirements listed in Section IV of the Scope of Services only. (20 points).

Implementation and Management Plan: The thoroughness, detail, and degree to which the plan is realistic for implementation, including testing, training, marketing, deployment and on-going support. If the solution is cloud or SaaS based, Proposer's protocols, and adherence to such protocols, for ensuring customer data preservation and compliance with business continuity best practices will be evaluated as well. (10 points)

RIGHTS OF MST

This RFP does not commit any Agency to enter into a Contract, nor does it obligate any Agency to pay for any costs incurred in preparation and submission of proposals or in anticipation of a contract.

MST may investigate the qualifications of any Proposer under consideration, require confirmation of information furnished by the Proposer, and require additional evidence or qualifications to perform the Services described in this RFP.

MST reserves the right to:

1. Cancel or postpone this solicitation at any time for any reason.

2. Reject any or all proposals.

3. Modify or rescind any part of or the entire RFP.

4. Issue subsequent Requests for Proposal.

5. Remedy errors in the Request for Proposal process.

6. Approve or disapprove the use of particular subconsultants or subcontractors.

7. Negotiate with any, all, or none of the Proposers.

8. Solicit best and final offers from all or some of the Proposers.

9. Waive informalities and irregularities in proposals.

In the event the Selected Proposer defaults or fails to execute a contract with an Agency, an

Agency may enter a contract with another proposer.

PROTEST PROCEDURES

A. General Procedures

Any proposer or contractor whose direct economic interest would be affected by the award of the

Contract or the failure to award the Contract may file a protest with MST pursuant to the protest procedures set forth herein. All protests must be submitted in writing and to MST directed to the

General Manager, 19 Upper Ragsdale Drive, Suite 200, Monterey, CA 93940. Failure to comply with any of the requirements of this section may result in rejection of the protest.

B. Protests Based Upon the RFP

Protests based on the RFP must be submitted in writing prior to the proposal due date. If the aggrieved person did not know and could not have known of the facts giving rise to such protest prior to the proposal due date, the protest must be submitted within five (5) calendar days after such aggrieved person knows of should have known of the facts giving rise to the protest. The protest must clearly identify: (i) The name, address, and telephone number of the protester; (ii)

The grounds for the protest, any and all documentation to support protest and the relief sought;

and (iii) The steps that have been taken to date in an attempt to correct the alleged problem or concern.

C. Protests Based Upon the Notification of Intent to Award a Contract

Protests based on the notification of intent to award of a Contract as a result of this RFP must be submitted in writing within five (5) days of the issuance of the notification of such award.

Protests must include: (i) The name, address, and telephone number of the protester; (ii) The grounds for the protest, any and all documentation to support protest and the relief sought; and

(iii) The steps that have been taken to date in an attempt to correct the alleged problem or concern.

CONTRACT AWARD AND EXECUTION

A. Contract Award by MST

If MST determines to award a contract pursuant to this RFP, Proposers will be notified of MST’s intent to award the contract at least 72 hours before the contract is awarded by MST's General

Manager or Board of Directors. MST reserves the right to not award any contract as a result of this procurement and may terminate the procurement and commence a new procurement for part or all of the Services at any time. Formal contract award will only occur as and when, if at all, the General Manager or MST Board takes such action. If MST awards a contract, the Selected

Proposer must execute and deliver execution copies of the Agreement within ten (10) working days of receipt, together with all required documents, including but not limited to, the insurance certificates.

B. Contract Awards by all Other Agencies

Each Agency is solely responsible for (i) ensuring they are authorized to enter into a contract as a result of this RFP, (ii) administering their respective contract, and (iii) making all payments relative to their respective contract. MST makes no guarantee as to the authority of the other

Agencies to enter into a contract as a result of this RFP.