GRTS Implementation RFP_FINAL.pdf

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Gorge Regional Transit Strategy Implementation

Mid-Columbia Economic Development District (MCEDD) is seeking proposals from interested consultants to support the Gorge Regional Transit Strategy Implementation Project activities for the Gorge TransLink Alliance in the Mid-Columbia River Gorge bistate region.

Purpose and Goals The purpose of this project is to implement key recommendations outlined in the 2023 Gorge Regional Transit Strategy. This project will assist the Gorge TransLink Alliance transportation providers in adopting prioritized operational strategies while engaging both policymakers and the Gorge community in outreach activities. Building on the work accomplished in this project’s facilitated workshops during 2024, this project will conclude in the spring of 2025 with a significant community event designed to foster a deep understanding and appreciation of the importance of the public transportation system to the region.

Goal 1: Improve coordination of the Gorge TransLink Alliance’s fixed route services so that they function as one regional system.

Goal 2: Build the community and policymaker support needed to continue to enhance and expand the regional public transit system.

Goal 3: Deliver one community event Goal 4: Deliver a 2024 Year-End Impact Report (trifold format)

Background MCEDD serves a bi-state area composed of three counties in Oregon (Hood River, Wasco, and Sherman) and two counties in Washington (Skamania and Klickitat), all bordering the Columbia River.

MCEDD is the lead agency for the Gorge TransLink Alliance, a partnership of the five transportation providers in the Columbia Gorge. This partnership was formalized in 2010 to promote coordinated regional transportation and a seamless system of travel for residents and visitors. The MCEDD Mobility Manager staffs this partnership and manages Gorge TransLink Alliance projects. The five transportation providers are the Hood River County Transportation District (dba Columbia Area Transit--CAT), The Link Public Transit, Skamania County Transit, Mt. Adams Transportation Service, and Sherman County Community Transit. More information about the Gorge TransLink Alliance and each provider’s services can be found at gorgetranslink.com.

The Gorge Regional Transit Strategy, completed in June 2023, is a roadmap for a regionally coordinated and integrated public transportation system for this rural, bistate region. Phase I strengthened partnerships, analyzed existing local transportation plans, and developed a collective regional vision.

Phase II focused on a comprehensive implementation strategy including further data analysis, funding and financial planning, assessment of potential regional organizational structures, and operational and policy strategies. This project will implement the prioritized strategies outlined in the Gorge Regional Transit Strategy.

Scope of Work

Task #1: Facilitate coordination of the regional fixed route services so that they function as one regional system. Budget: up to 40%.

Deliverables:

1. Assist with preparation of meeting materials, facilitation, and documentation (memos) of up to 6 x 2-hour workshops. Participants will include Gorge TransLink Alliance and ODOT/WSDOT Regional Transit Coordinators. Engage outside speakers and instructors when appropriate.

Example topic areas are outlined here and are not in any specific order. Some topic areas can be combined into one workshop.

• Data Management: providers will adopt data management tool and begin implementation.

• Expansion of Regional Universal Fare System: explore adoption of an all-provider regional day pass system for riders who do not want to purchase the annual regional pass.

Streamline existing one-day pass fare instruments.

• Forecasting operational, capital, and financial needs for planning with tools that compare demand response to fixed route services. This workshop was recently taught at the National RTAP conference. Materials available on request.

• GorgeTransLink.com website review and modification (current website developer will implement changes from a separate budget).

• Document current levels of EV development and planning. Identify shared EV charging infrastructure needs and options.

• Vehicle maintenance resource sharing.

• Multimodal Hubs: work with transit providers to identify preferred Hub locations and the Hub amenities needed and desired.

• Coordination of routes and bus stops: develop a regional bus stop naming system, set a predictable schedule for upcoming and annual route changes, coordinate timetables for transfers.

• Agency Policy Alignment: align remaining conflicting rider policies: personal care attendants, driver discretion policy, child car seat requirements, etc.

• Develop dispatch policies regarding inter-agency service communications.

• Develop 2025-2027 Work Plan

2. Final workshop memo will document:

• Workshop summary including decisions made and future action items.

• Identify improvements achieved using data and narratives.

Task #2: Policymaker and community outreach materials and activities. Budget: up to 20%.

Deliverables:

1. Onboard in-person rider surveys that capture ridership data, stories, and photos for policymaker and community outreach activities. Consultant will support planning, documentation, and final presentation of the ridership surveys. MCEDD will rely on MCEDD-funded travel trainers to distribute and collect the surveys.

2. 2024 Year-End Impact Report (trifold format—see thestreettrust.org/impact 2023 Impact Report as an example).

3. Prepare materials that capture rider stories and demonstrate how recent improvements have benefited riders (options include videos, photos, narratives).

4. Ridership and other data displayed in infographics.

5. Prepare a short presentation for regional policymakers and community partners. (Virtual attendance and support encouraged—up to 10 presentations).

Task #3: Assist with the planning and execution of a Gorge Transit Summit event. Budget: up to 30%.

Deliverables:

1. Event planning, marketing, materials.

2. Manage and cover the cost of venue, audiovisual, catering, speakers.

3. Facilitate event.

4. Assist Gorge TransLink providers in successful invitations to and participation of policymakers, partners, community.

5. Deliver event summary, lessons learned, and template to repeat event.

Task #4: Contingent tasks that were developed in Tasks #1- #3. Budget: up to 10%. These funds can be related to stated goals.

Existing Materials Tools developed during the Gorge Regional Transit Strategy that can inform this project can be accessed at https://gorgetranslink.com/gorge-transit-strategy/ . Consultant is encouraged to include them in their proposal.

• Gorge TransLink Connections Spreadsheet

• Data Collection and Management sheets

All work will occur from contract signing through closeout on June 30, 2025.

Project Management and Review The project will be managed by MCEDD. MCEDD will organize and the Consultant shall lead up to 6 Project Management Team coordination calls. Work over the course of this contract will involve coordination and communication with the Gorge TransLink Alliance transportation providers, using a collaborative decision-making process during the series of workshops.

Budget Approximately $90,000 in grant funding. MCEDD may amend or extend this contract beyond the initial scope of this project to accommodate the terms and conditions of the funding sources or future grants awarded to MCEDD.

Project Funding Sources and State and Federal Requirements https://gorgetranslink.com/gorge-transit-strategy/

MCEDD has received funding from the ODOT State Transportation Improvement Fund Discretionary Grant Program and from the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) Consolidated Grant Program to support this project. As such, the Contractor will be required to comply with all applicable state and federal laws, regulations, policies, guidelines, and requirements with respect to funding sources.

Timeline January 15, 2024, 5:00 p.m. Proposal deadline January 16-22, 2024 Potential interviews of proposers January 23, 2024 Award decision announced January 24-30, 2024 Project kick-off meeting

Task calendar developed Contract Closeout Date June 30, 2025

Requirements Requirements include experience working with public transportation services and facilitating public meetings. Consideration will be given for the proposal that best meets the needs of MCEDD’s Gorge Regional Transit Strategy Implementation project. Additional preference includes firms located within MCEDD’s service area. Selection will be based on qualifications, project approach, performance history, and expertise and experience.

Questions All questions regarding this RFP should be provided via email to kathy@mcedd.org. Answers will be provided via email to all submitted questions no later than 3 business days after they are received, and a full overview of all questions & responses will be posted on the MCEDD website by January 8, 2024.

Submission Requirements To be considered for the award, respondents must submit the following items in a timely manner and in proper form. Each submittal must include:

1.) An outline of the proposed project scope of work;

2.) A proposal describing your qualifications;

3.) Proposed fee structure including rates and any other costs;

4.) Names, phone numbers and contacts for three organizations to be contacted as references;

5.) Copies of or links to work samples;

6.) Location of principal office and branch(es); and 7.) Any other information you consider to be of value in evaluating your qualifications.

In order to be considered for award, responses must be received by MCEDD by 5:00 p.m. on January 15, 2023 to:

Jessica Metta, Executive Director Mid-Columbia Economic Development District

802 Chenowith Loop Rd The Dalles, Oregon 97058 or via email to jessica@mcedd.org.

mailto:jessica@mcedd.org

MCEDD reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, to waive any formality in the proposals and to accept the proposal(s) which deems to be in the best interest of MCEDD.