doc02953520260106131406.pdf

This is a Request for Proposal document issued by METRO Regional Transit Authority in Summit County, Ohio, seeking an outside advertising firm to sell and maintain digital and print signage across its fleet of 225 revenue vehicles, comprising 133 standard transit buses and 92 paratransit vehicles. Advertisement options include printed interior overhead signage, interior digital displays, and complete vehicle wraps on both exterior sides and rear areas of full-size buses. The solicitation encourages vendors to propose advertising services for both transit agency locations and small businesses as well as larger commercial clients. The question submission deadline is February 9, 2026 at 4:00 p.m., with responses provided on February 11, 2026, and final proposals due February 19, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. through METRO's OpenGov portal. The contract term is four years, commencing May 1, 2026, through May 1, 2030, with a potential optional renewal year.

Evaluation criteria allocate 25 points each for vendor experience, project approach, market strategy, and proposal quality, with an additional 10 points for the compensation proposal. METRO's historical advertising sales data indicates annual revenues ranging from approximately $208,483 to $263,398 over the past five years, with no minimum guarantee amounts specified. The contractor must assume all costs associated with advertising material printing, installation, maintenance, and removal, including vehicle preparation and repair work, and must provide insurance coverage or a performance bond. The selected vendor will work with METRO's in-house advertising sales manager to transition existing accounts and manage space allocation and billing logistics. Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) participation requirements apply, and the procurement is subject to Federal Transit Administration regulations. METRO's service area encompasses a population of 538,370 in Summit County, operating 24 fixed routes and express commuter service between Akron and Cleveland, providing significant advertising exposure opportunities.