Response to Offeror questions document.pdf

South Dakota Department of Transportation

Better Lives Through Better Transportation

Division of Finance & Management Office of Air, Rail & Transit

700 East Broadway Avenue Pierre, SD 57501

O: 605.773-3574 | F: 605.773.2804 dot.sd.gov

RFP #9043

Inquiries Submitted Regarding with South Department of Transportation (SDDOT) Responses

1. The RFP lists the Coordinated Public Transit Human Services Transportation Plan and the Customer Survey as if they are two separate items, with the Customer Survey (tasks 28-33) occurring after development of the plan. However, the development of the plan also requires an assessment of the perceptions of passengers (task 4). Therefore, could the customer survey be conducted at the beginning of the project instead of the end, so that the results of the survey can be used as input for the plan?

Yes, the customer survey tasks can be conducted with the related Coordinated Plan tasks throughout the process.

2. Tasks 14-16 describe the outreach and public participation tasks. However, task 4 also requires outreach and public participation, as does the Customer Survey (tasks 28-33). For example, task 4 requires stakeholder involvement, but tasks 14-16 describe stakeholder involvement as if they are separate tasks. Are these really separate tasks, or can they be done in conjunction with each other?

These tasks can be performed in conjunction with each other.

3. The RFP specifically states that a survey of current and potential customers is to be conducted by phone, as well as through focus groups, and other options could also be used, such as online or intercept surveys. Is it a requirement for the surveys to be conducted by phone, or could the survey be conducted entirely through other means (online, intercept, mail, etc.).

The proposer should include in their proposal the proposed method(s) to conduct surveys to obtain good representation of individuals and the state as a whole.

4. The Period of Performance included in the Request for Proposal (RFP) notes the duration for development of the Coordinated Public Transit Human Services Transportation Plan as four months, and for the Customer Survey as eight months.

o Based on the timeline in the RFP it appears that much of the customer survey process would occur after the development of the Coordinated Public Transit Human Services Transportation Plan. Is this correct, and if so is there flexibility to conduct the survey process first so that information obtained through that process can be used as part of the needs assessment component of the coordinated transportation plan? Or are these really independent efforts?

There is flexibility to perform tasks jointly regarding both aspects of the proposal.

o Is there flexibility with this timeline to allow greater time for the coordinated transportation planning process, or would the four-month timeframe be a firm deadline for completion of the plan component of the project?

The 4-month deadline is a fixed component of the project.

5. In conducting the outreach for the Coordinated Public Transit Human Services Transportation Plan, is there an expectation on the level of in-person engagement versus on-line?

No expectations. The outreach must be in compliance with the Public Participation requirements as stated in the RFP. Proposal should include the proposed method(s).

6. For the customer research services, is there an expectation of the level of engagement that will occur through specific options noted in the RFP? For example, the degree to which you might prefer focus groups to surveys, in-person surveys to electronic or mail surveys?

No expectations. The outreach must be in compliance with the Public Participation requirements as stated in the RFP. Proposal should include the proposed method(s).

7. For the customer survey the RFP noted that the methodology must ensure statewide representation and be administered to current and potential customers. Can you clarify or provide additional details on the intended respondents for the survey process, in particular if you have any characterization of potential users other than the general public?

No specific characteristics, proposer should include in proposal recommendations to collect data to determine the needs in South Dakota.

8. The schedule of payments by deliverable lists seven deliverables, the list of tasks with deliverables above it lists nine deliverables, but there is no number eight. Could you please clarify the number and description of the deliverables, and the percentage of payment associated with each?

The omission of the number 8 from the deliverable list is due to an error, there are 8. The last payment will be made after the deliverables are met.

Deliverable Percent of Total Cost

1 15%

2 15%

3 15%

4 20%

5 10%

6 25%

Total 100%