RFP #2026-09 Fixed Route Transit System Evaluation Service Planning Study.FINAL.pdf

GENERAL RFP SPECIFICATIONS

RFP #2026-09

FIXED ROUTE TRANSIT SYSTEM EVALUATION

& SERVICE PLANNING STUDY

Contact Information: Tina Bartlett-Bearup, Purchasing Manager

City of Watertown

245 Washington Street, Suite 206

Watertown, NY 13601

Phone: (315) 785-7749

Email: tbartlettbearup@watertown-ny.gov

The following outlines the planned schedule of major activities related to this RFP solicitation. The City of Watertown reserves the right to amend the schedule as necessary.

Important Dates:

RFP Response Deadline Tuesday, September 22, 2026, 11:00 A.M.

Site Visit N/A

Anticipated Vendor Selection Monday, October 19, 2026 mailto:tbartlettbearup@watertown-ny.gov

RFP #2026- 09 FIXED ROUTE TRANSIT SYSTEM EVALUATION & SERVICE PLANNING STUDY

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Section I Notice to Proposers

Section II Instructions to Proposers & General Conditions

Section III RFP Project Overview & Scope of Services

Section IV Insurance Requirements

Section V Proposal Form

Section VI Mandatory Documentation

Section VII Appendix A

Section VIII Appendix B – Transit Map

Section VIIII Appendix C – FTA Required Provisions & Clauses

Section X Appendix D – FTA Certifications

Pursuant to the provisions of Sections 103 and 104-b of the General Municipal Law, State of New

York, sealed proposals will be received by the City of Watertown, Purchasing Department for the following, furnish complete to specifications:

Fixed Route Transit System Evaluation & Service Planning Study

Sealed proposals will be received until 11:00 AM on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at the City of Watertown, Purchasing Department, Suite 206, 245 Washington Street, Watertown, NY 13601.

The award of this RFP is subject to appropriation of funds necessary by the City of Watertown.

The City reserves the right to reject any or all proposals deemed not to be in the best interest of the City, at the sole discretion of the City of Watertown.

Further information is available within the City of Watertown, Purchasing Department. Please contact Tina Bartlett-Bearup at (315) 785-7749. If you have questions related to the detailed specifications, please contact Brandi Smith, Transit Director at (315) 785-7771 or bsmith@watertown-ny.gov. All proposals must be submitted in a sealed envelope plainly marked, “RFP #2026-09: Fixed Route Transit System Evaluation & Service Planning Study.”

Attached please find the appropriate proposal forms and specifications. All proposals must be submitted in three (3) complete sets.

Tina Bartlett-Bearup, Purchasing Manager

City of Watertown

245 Washington Street, Suite 206

Watertown, NY 13601

Email: tbartlettbearup@watertown-ny.gov

Section I

Notice to Proposers mailto:tbartlettbearup@watertown-ny.gov

INSTRUCTIONS TO PROPOSERS

1. The City of Watertown, New York, hereafter known as the City, is seeking sealed proposals from qualified vendors to provide proposals for a Fixed Route Transit System

Evaluation and Service Planning Study.

2. Sealed proposals for furnishing and delivery of services as required and as set forth in these specifications prepared by the City of Watertown will be received until 11:00 AM on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, EST in the Purchasing Department, Suite 206, City

Hall, 245 Washington Street, Watertown, NY. Faxed or electronically submitted proposals will NOT be accepted.

3. Copies of the specifications may be obtained by contacting Tina Bartlett-Bearup, Purchasing Manager, City of Watertown, at (315) 785-7749 or via e-mail at tbartlettbearup@watertown-ny.gov.

4. Proposals shall be submitted only in the form hereinafter set forth on the forms furnished with all the blanks filled in. RFP responses must be enclosed and sealed in a plain envelope and clearly marked “RFP #2026-09: Fixed Route Transit System Evaluation

& Service Planning Study” on the front of the envelope as specified in the notice to proposers or advertisement/invitation. Any proposal not in accordance with these instructions or in the forms prescribed or not containing all statements contained on said proposal form, may be rejected. Telephoned, faxed or e-mail proposals or amendments will not be accepted.

5. Proposers are responsible for the timely delivery of their proposals. Submittals after the posted due date and time will be returned unopened to the proposer. Reliance upon mail or public carriers is at the proposer’s risk. LATE PROPOSALS WILL NOT BE

ACCEPTED.

6. Express Mailings: All express envelopes must be clearly marked “Sealed RFP Enclosed” on the front of the outside envelope to ensure the proposal is delivered properly. The sealed RFP envelope must be included inside the express envelope.

7. During examination of these specifications, should any proposer find any discrepancies, omissions, ambiguities, or conflicts, or to be put in doubt as to their meaning, the proposer shall request from the purchaser, in writing, an interpretation or correction thereof, not later than five (5) days before the date of the RFP opening. The City shall review the question and where the information sought is not clearly indicated or specified, in the

City’s opinion, the City will issue a clarifying or correcting addendum. Proper

Section II

Instructions to Proposers & General Conditions mailto:tbartlettbearup@watertown-ny.gov.

interpretation or the making of any necessary inquiry will be the proposer’s responsibility.

Oral answers will not be binding on the City.

8. Each party receiving and/or otherwise acquiring this RFP package acknowledges that, in the determination as to the award of the ultimate contract, the City will exercise discretion in making the final decision. Each party submitting a proposal does so recognizing that no cause of action or claims may arise in such party’s favor in any way relating to the exercise of such discretion against the City or any person, firm, corporation, or other legal entity engaged by the City to assist in making the final decision.

9. All proposals must be signed by the manufacturer or authorized dealer of the item(s) being submitted. Each RFP must give the full business address of the proposer. Proposals by a partnership must furnish the full name of all partners and must be signed by the partners.

Proposals by a corporation must be followed by the name of the State of Incorporation and by the signature and designation of the President, Vice President, or Secretary. The name of each person signing shall also be typed or printed below the signature. Satisfactory evidence of the authority of the officer signing on behalf of the corporation shall be furnished with the proposal.

10. The awarded vendor is prohibited from assigning, transferring, subletting, or otherwise disposing of contract let for this RFP without previous consent, in writing, from the City

Purchasing Manager or the designated authority. This contract shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon successors and assignees hereto.

11. RFP’s will be considered only from manufacturers, manufacturer’s branch dealers, and manufacture’s franchised dealers or authorized distributors.

12. All specified items must be delivered strictly in accordance with specifications. Where the following specifications require specific brand names, model numbers, dimensions, or capacities of components, same shall be supplied, as all have been carefully selected for their reliability and availability, or replacement on a local basis, unless, or equal or equivalent is specified. All specifications herein contained shall be construed as minimum. Should the manufacturer’s current published data or specifications exceed these, they shall be considered minimum and be furnished. No exceptions to these minimum standards shall be allowed.

13. Equivalency. In submitting a proposal, the proposer agrees to provide goods and services consistent with the specifications. Where a brand name or equivalent specification is used in this solicitation, the use of any brand name noted is for the purpose of describing the standard of quality, performance, and characteristics desired and is not intended to limit or restrict competition. If the service offered differs from the specifications, such differences must be explained in detail and submitted with your proposal. All services proposed as equivalent will be considered. A Contract, if awarded, will be on the basis of materials and equipment as described in the specifications and “Or Equal” items submitted by the proposer and accepted by the City.

The proposer may offer “or equal” items that meet the same performance and reliability standards as specified herein. If the proposer offers an “or equal” item, the proposer must include with the RFP package, documentation establishing equality of construction, operation, and utility. Said “or equal” items shall be accepted or rejected based upon the City’s evaluation of the submitted documentation and specifications. All costs associated with the review of any “or equal” items prior to recommendation of award, shall be at the proposer’s expense.

If a submitted “or equal” item is rejected, the proposer may be afforded an opportunity to meet with the City to offer additional qualifying opinions and information prior to the City rejecting the RFP at the option of the City. However, if it is determined by the City that the materials or equipment do not meet the minimum acceptable specification, the vendor will not have the opportunity to offer the City other alternatives or to offer the original equipment specified by the

City. Additionally, the proposer shall not have the opportunity to submit any alternative materials or equipment after the proposals have been opened or awarded. Neither the City nor its representatives shall make any determinations as to equality of materials or equipment prior to the opening of the proposals.

The decision to accept or reject an “or equal” item rests solely with the City. If a substitute “or equal” item is not accepted by the City, the proposal will be deemed non-responsive, and the City shall reject this proposal. The next qualified proposal shall then be reviewed for recommendation of award.

14. All prices quoted shall include all preparation, transportation, and installation charges prepaid to the destination indicated. Prices are to be quoted in US currency. The proposal price shall not include any Local, State, or Federal taxes. All fees that are to be assessed to the City during the duration of this contract must be stated. If equipment is leased, the proposal must also include charges to return the proposed equipment to lessor at the end of the lease term. All proposals shall be firm for 60 days after date of RFP opening.

15. If the service offered differs from the provision contained in this specification, such differences must be explained in detail, and proposal will receive careful consideration if such differences do not depart from the intent of this specification and are to the best interest of the City. Any exceptions, variations, or clarifications to these specifications must be set forth on a separate sheet in the proposal’s response. These exceptions must be numbered and relate to the exact items in the specifications for easy comparison.

16. The City reserves the right to request additional information as deemed necessary for proper evaluation of proposals. Requested information shall be submitted to the City within 72 hours of request.

17. All services specified must be delivered strictly in accordance with the specifications.

18. The RFP will be awarded to the lowest responsible, responsive proposal meeting all RFP specifications, and ranked highest based upon the selection criteria. The

City guarantees no minimum or maximum purchases as a result of any award.

A contract and/or purchase order will be awarded as soon as possible to the lowest overall responsible, responsive proposer, provided the proposal is reasonable and it is in the interest of the City to accept it. Each proposer shall be prepared, if requested by the City, to present evidence of his experience, qualifications, and financial ability to carry out the terms of the contract.

In anticipation of the fact that no one vendor will be able to meet all requirements of the specification, the City reserves the sole right to decide whether a proposal does or does not substantially comply with the requirements of this specification, to accept or reject any modifications in terms of vendor’s proposal or any parts thereof, and also waive any irregularity, conformity, non-compliance with or any non-response to the specifications or any part thereof provided such deviation does not deviate from the intent of this specification. The City reserves the right to accept, order and contract hereunder to other than the lowest proposer. The City reserves the right to reject any or all proposals.

19. The competency and responsibility of proposers will be considered in making the award.

The City reserves the right to reject any or all proposals when such rejection is in the interest of the City, and to reject the proposal of who, in the judgment of the City, is not qualified to fulfil the contract. The City prior to any award of contract may require a statement of financial condition and/or Dun & Bradstreet rating. The past and present financial condition of the proposer will be seriously considered during evaluation.

20. The awarded proposer shall defend any and all suits and assume all liability for use and all claims made against the City or any of its officials or agents for the use of any patents, processes, devices, or article forming a part of the apparatus or any appliance furnished under the contract.

21. The City reserves the right to terminate any contract resulting from this RFP with (10) ten calendar days written notice to the vendor. The City agrees to show cause and allow the vendor the opportunity to rectify problems. However, if in the sole opinion of the City

Attorney, Purchasing and the using department, the vendor has not resolved the problem to the satisfaction of the City in a timely and workman like manner, said contract shall be terminated. The vendor agrees to remove said equipment from City property within seven

(7) calendar days and refund the City in full for the equipment/product within that same timeframe.

22. When the specified services are provided, the City of Watertown will process for payment the full amount of the contract price within 30 days of receipt of vendor invoice, if in the

City’s opinion, the delivered services comply with City’s RFP specifications. If poor workmanship and/or minor deviations exist, the City may withhold up to 15% of the contract price upon delivery and delay payment of the balance until the contractor has made all necessary corrections. The City may withhold the full amount of the contract price, if in the City’s opinion the delivered unit contains major deviations from the specifications.

23. As required by New York State Municipal Law, Section 103, all proposals must be submitted with a non-collusion statement signed by an authorized agent of the proposer.

No proposal will be accepted without said statement. Additionally, any out-of-state proposer must submit with their proposal a statement certifying that they are authorized to do business in New York State.

24. All purchases for the City of Watertown, New York, are tax exempt from sales tax pursuant to New York State Law, Section 1116(A) (1). The City of Watertown is not required to have a sales tax number. You may consider this our statement that we are an exempt organization pursuant to Tax Law Section 1132(C) and that you are not required to collect sales tax on purchases made on behalf of the City of Watertown. Proposals shall not include any Local, State, or Federal taxes. The proposer shall not be liable for any

State or Federally mandated tax or program after the sale of this unit.

GENERAL CONDITIONS

1. The submission of a proposal will be construed to mean that the proposer is fully informed as to the extent and character of the supplies, materials, equipment, or services required and a representation that the proposer can furnish the supplies, materials, equipment, or services satisfactorily in complete compliance with the specifications. The proposer hereby understands and agrees that no plea of ignorance relating to any data, conditions, policies, or requirements of the City that may exist or that may reasonably be encountered pursuant to this contract, will be accepted as a result of failure or omission on the part of the proposer to fulfill in every respect all the requirements hereunder, nor will the same be accepted under any circumstances as a basis for any type of claim whatsoever for extra charges for startup cost or for the rendering of proper service hereunder. Further, said City shall not honor such claims for charges.

2. All items of standard equipment, which are normally provided by the manufacturer, shall be furnished unless such items are expressly deleted or are specified to be other than standard. When optional equipment is specified, all components listed in the manufacturer’s data book as being included with the option shall be furnished.

3. The proposer certifies and warrants all major components offered are compatible with each other, and are approved for the application, by both the component manufacturer and as well as the primary manufacturer for the intended use as stated in detailed specifications. The proposer acknowledges that the City will rely upon the expertise, skill and judgment of the proposer in offering and furnishing suitable equipment that will perform satisfactorily for all intended uses as described hereinafter.

4. No interpretation of the meaning of the specifications or other contract documents will be made to any proposer orally. Every request for such interpretation should be in writing, addressed to the City, not later than five (5) days prior to the date fixed for the opening of proposals. Notice of all such interpretations and any supplemental instructions will be sent to all proposers of record by the City in the form of addenda so issued shall become a part of the contract documents. Proper interpretation or the making of any necessary inquiry will be the proposer’s responsibility.

5. The parties hereto understand and agree that each and every provision of law or clause required by law to be inserted in this contract shall be deemed to have been inserted herein, and if through mistake or inadvertence, such provisions not inserted said clause shall be deemed to have been inserted and shall have the full force and effect unconstitutionally.

6. The parties hereto expressly agree that in any provision, sentence, clause, or part thereof, in this agreement or within any specification or plans made a part hereof, is held by proper authority to be unconstitutional, illegal or invalid, such findings shall neither effect nor impair such provision(s), sentence (s), or clause (s) which remain.

Except for so much that is held to be unconstitutional, illegal, or invalid, this agreement shall remain in full force and effect.

AWARD

7. The Contract/Purchase Order will be awarded to the lowest overall responsive responsible proposer, provided the proposal is reasonable, meeting all RFP specifications, and ranked highest based upon the selection criteria and it is in the best interest of the City. Each proposer must be prepared to present satisfactory proof of their capability and ability to successfully complete the requirements of this solicitation. The City reserves the right to make whatever investigations or inquiries necessary to determine the competency and ability of any proposer to complete the requirements of this solicitation. A review may include but not be limited to inspection of the proposer’s facilities and equipment, references or previous contract performance with the City or others.

8. In anticipation of the fact that no one vendor may be able to meet all requirements of the specification(s), the City reserves the sole right to decide whether a proposal does or does not substantially comply with the requirements of this specification, to accept or reject any modifications in terms of vendor’s proposal or any parts thereof, and also waive any irregularity, conformity, non-compliance with or any non-response to the specifications or any part thereof provided such deviation does not deviate from the intent of this specification. The City reserves the right to accept, order and contract hereunder to other than the lowest proposer.

9. The City reserves the right to reject all proposals. Also reserved is the right to reject, for cause, any proposal as a whole or in part; to waive technical defects; qualifications;

irregularities; and omissions if in its judgment the best interests of the City will be served. Also reserved is the right to reject proposals and to purchase items on State or

County contracts if such items can be obtained on the same terms, conditions, specifications, and at a lower price.

10. Where a proposer is requested to submit a proposal on a total sum or sums, the right is reserved to award contracts on total sum or sums, whichever is in the best interest of the City. The City guarantees no minimum or maximum purchases as a result of any award. Separate awards may be issued for each specified item.

11. If two or more proposers submit identical proposals as to price, the decision of the

City to award a contract to one of such identical proposers shall be final. If after review, it is determined that both proposals are essentially equivalent, the names of both proposals will be placed in a container and the winning proposal selected by a draw witnessed by a minimum of two members of the Purchasing Department and a member of the City Comptroller’s Department. (General Municipal Law, Sec. 103, Sub. 1).

CONTRACT

12. Each proposal will be received with the understanding that the acceptance thereof in writing to furnish any or all items described therein shall constitute a contract between the successful proposer and the City. The contract shall bind the successful proposer on his part to furnish and deliver at the prices and in accordance with the conditions of this proposal. A formal contract may be required depending on the proposal (see

Appendix A).

13. The placing in the mail of a notice of award or purchase order to a successful proposer, to the address given in their proposal, will be considered sufficient notice of acceptance of contract.

14. If the awarded vendor fails to deliver as ordered, or within the specified time, or within reasonable time as interpreted by the City, or fails to make replacement of rejected articles, when so requested immediately or as directed by the City, the City may purchase from other sources to take the place of the item rejected or not delivered.

The City reserves the right to authorize immediate purchase from other sources against rejections on any contract when necessary. On all such purchases the successful proposer agrees to reimburse the City promptly for excess costs caused by such purchases. Should the cost be less, the successful proposer shall have no claim to the difference. Such purchases will be deducted from the contract quantity.

15. Cancellation of contract for any reason may result in removal of the successful proposer’s name from mailing list for future proposals for an indeterminate period.

16. Any additional materials, equipment, or services outside the scope of the original agreement must have written approval. The City is not responsible for reimbursing any unapproved additional materials, equipment or services outside the scope of the original agreement.

17. If equipment is delivered with deviations or improper service, the proposer must arrange to have necessary work done within (5) working days after receiving written notification from the City. If corrections are not made within that period, the City may elect to have corrections made at the proposer’s expense.

18. When materials, equipment or supplies are rejected, they must be removed by the successful vendor from the premises of the City within ten (10) days of notification.

Rejected items left longer than ten (10) days will be regarded as abandoned, and the

City shall have the right to dispose of them as its own property.

19. Pertinent information: Damaged goods not removed by the vendor, as stated, will be regarded as abandoned and the City shall have the right to dispose of them as its own property. This condition addresses the following concerns:

a. Damaged cases discovered during and after delivery

b. Products that do not meet specifications

c. Storage of such items

d. Ownership of such items

20. In any of the situations mentioned, the vendor is required to pick up damaged goods at the time of delivery and immediately issue credit. Additionally, if the discrepancies are not noted until after receipt of the goods, the vendor agrees to pick up the items on the next delivery. In either event, if the vendor does not adhere to these terms, the

City gains title to the property and needs only to maintain a record of the delivery date and the item codes to be entitled to credit.

21. No services are to be delivered until receipt of an official purchase order from the City.

Each delivery must show a purchase order number on the outside of the package, unless otherwise directed by the Purchasing Manager.

22. It is mutually understood and agreed that the successful proposer shall not assign, transfer, convey, sublet, or otherwise dispose of the contract or his right, title, or interest therein, or his power to execute such contract, to any other person, company, or corporation, without the previous written consent of the City. This contract shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon successors and assignees hereto.

23. Each proposal will be received with the understanding that the acceptance thereof in writing by the Purchasing Manager and/or City Council, to furnish any or all the items described therein shall constitute a contract between the successful proposer and City.

However, the City is under no obligation to purchase items until such a properly executed Purchase Order has been issued.

24. The contract shall bind the successful proposer on his part to furnish and deliver at the prices and in accordance with the conditions of his proposal. The contract shall bind the City on its part to order from such a successful proposer and to pay for at the contract prices all items ordered and delivered, unless otherwise specified, or impacted by funding conditions.

25. It is the policy of the City of Watertown to encourage the greatest possible participation of minority and women-owned business enterprises. All qualified

Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBE) suppliers, contractors, and/or businesses will be afforded equal opportunity without discrimination because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, or sexual preference.

PREVAILING WAGE REQUIREMENTS

26. New York State Prevailing Wage Rates: If any portion of work being proposal is subject to the prevailing wage rate provisions of Labor Law, the successful vendor is responsible for complying with all current labor rates and regulations throughout the duration of any contract resulting from this proposal and will conduct his business in strict compliance with County Law, New York State Labor Laws, Federal OSHA

Laws, and all other laws that apply.

The current schedule(s) of the prevailing rates and prevailing hourly supplements can be accessed at the New York State Department of Labor website @ www.labor.state.ny.us. Rates can also be obtained by contacting the Department of

Labor at (315) 428-4056.

The proposer agrees to pay in accordance with New York State Labor Law and New

York State schedule of Labor Rates. He will conduct his business in strict compliance with County Law, New York State Labor Laws, Federal OSHA Laws, and all other laws that apply. Applicable __ Not Applicable _X_

Labor rates as required by New York State Department of Labor shall be provided prior to the start of any work in compliance with this document. The City will only pay and the vendor agrees to only charge prevailing wage rates to those employees of any organization that are required by New York State law to receive said rates in the course of doing work for the City. The City reserves the right to withhold payment to the successful vendor pending receipt of certified payrolls in accordance with New

York State Department of Labor regulations. Upon notice of award the City will provide the name and address of the individual to whom the certified payrolls must be forwarded before invoices are approved and paid.

The Contractor agrees to verify all rates with the New York State Department of Labor prior to submitting a proposal and prior to doing any work for the City as well as to establish which of those workers involved in any part of the contract for the City are required by law to receive said rates. Applicable __ Not Applicable _X_

Vendors currently on the NYS Labor Department Debarred list will not be considered for the award of this contract. By submitting a proposal for consideration, the Vendor is indicating to the City that they are currently in good standing with the NYS

Department of Labor at the time of the proposal.

NEW***

Public Work Contractor and Subcontractor Registry Requirements:

Starting December 30, 2024, all contractors and subcontractors submitting bids or performing construction work on public work projects or private projects covered by Article 8 of the Labor Law are required to register with the New York State

Department of Labor (NYSDOL) under Labor Law Section 220-i.

https://dol.ny.gov/contractor-and-subcontractor-landing https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flsems.gravityzone.bitdefender.com%2Fscan%2FaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubnlzZW5hdGUuZ292L2xlZ2lzbGF0aW9uL2xhd3MvTEFCL0E4%2F430B1D89A92E6945B0D1BEBF0AA3C81C94E2829F8FD47B7B2572EFA5594AD07C%3Fc%3D2%26i%3D1%26docs%3D1&data=05%7C02%7Ctbartlettbearup%40watertown-ny.gov%7Ce4cec289c2e5482747d508dd16082149%7Cd9b94236e8a34323ad8cb88b8bf66013%7C0%7C0%7C638690947758738808%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C40000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=mbE6Va5PkErUiNqdF6vsmVl7sdAhWdENz0eHJ%2BDzPzk%3D&reserved=0 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flsems.gravityzone.bitdefender.com%2Fscan%2FaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubnlzZW5hdGUuZ292L2xlZ2lzbGF0aW9uL2xhd3MvTEFCLzIyMC1J%2F691CBF27E6B21FEFB45466FCB7808F95B3E486416371454135BB7C279854C9D3%3Fc%3D2%26i%3D1%26docs%3D1&data=05%7C02%7Ctbartlettbearup%40watertown-ny.gov%7Ce4cec289c2e5482747d508dd16082149%7Cd9b94236e8a34323ad8cb88b8bf66013%7C0%7C0%7C638690947758751174%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C40000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=jcAEqqKsHPEktbJ%2FI6scfNXNDW25m2Qa2UoQxqIgd3w%3D&reserved=0 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flsems.gravityzone.bitdefender.com%2Fscan%2FaHR0cHM6Ly9kb2wubnkuZ292L2NvbnRyYWN0b3ItYW5kLXN1YmNvbnRyYWN0b3ItbGFuZGluZw%3D%3D%2F6184EF2E7C0618BDE52BD941F632FD2AA50795AD9A2631231CEFB1930E127B73%3Fc%3D2%26i%3D1%26docs%3D1&data=05%7C02%7Ctbartlettbearup%40watertown-ny.gov%7Ce4cec289c2e5482747d508dd16082149%7Cd9b94236e8a34323ad8cb88b8bf66013%7C0%7C0%7C638690947758775299%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C40000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=zq0Fvtw7m74fsfgo9FMuUrhHEpkSYEV%2BUGl13nz6R4c%3D&reserved=0

The law defines a “contractor” as any entity entering into a contract to perform construction, demolition, reconstruction, excavation, rehabilitation, repair, installation, renovation, alteration, or custom fabrication. The law defines “subcontractor” as any entity subcontracting with a contractor to perform construction, demolition, reconstruction, excavation, rehabilitation, repair, installation, renovation, alteration, or custom fabrication, which is subject to Article 8 of the Labor Law. Contractors are responsible for verifying that any subcontractors they work with are registered.

Contractors need to register before submitting any new bids or commencing new work on a covered project on or after December 30, 2024. Subcontractors need to register before commencing new work on a covered project on or after December 30, 2024. NYSDOL encourages all contractors and subcontractors to register as soon as possible to obtain a Certificate of Registration to avoid negatively impacting a bidding period or project schedule. Applicable __ Not Applicable _X_

The Bureau of Public Work & Prevailing Wage Enforcement at the New York State

Department of Labor is responsible for enforcing prevailing wage laws in New York

State. The Bureau of Public Work & Prevailing Wage Enforcement publishes the annual prevailing wage schedule every year on July 1. To find information about the prevailing wage rate for your area, or to find contact information for your local Public Works and

Prevailing Wage Enforcement District Office, please visit Bureau of Public Work and

Prevailing Wage Enforcement website or send an email to labor.sm.pwask@labor.ny.gov.

GUARANTEES BY THE SUCCESSFUL PROPOSER

27. The successful proposer guarantees:

a. To furnish adequate protection from damage for all work and to repair damages of any kind for which he or his workmen are responsible, to the building or equipment, to his own work, or to the work of other successful proposers.

b. To carry adequate insurance to protect the City from loss in case of accident, fire, theft, etc.

DELIVERY

28. Delivery must be made in accordance with the Instructions to Proposers and

Specifications. The decision of the City as to reasonable compliance with delivery terms shall be final. Proposers are required to state in their proposal the number of calendar days delivery will take, after receipt of the City’s purchase order, for the unit proposal to be delivered to the City or for the project work to commence.

29. If the awarded proposer exceeds his specified delivery date, a liquidated damage fee may be assessed at a minimum of $150 dollars per diem for each day delivery exceeds the required date, excluding Sundays/Holidays. So that there is no misunderstanding, the City will submit to the proposer, after award of proposal, a certified letter stating the exact date the fee will be enforced.

mailto:labor.sm.pwask@labor.ny.gov

PAYMENTS

30. When the purchased services are delivered, the City of Watertown will process for payment the full amount of the contract price within 30 days of receipt of vendor invoice, if in the City’s opinion, the delivered service is in compliance with City’s proposal specifications. However, if poor workmanship and / or minor deviations exist, the City may withhold up to 15% of the contract price upon delivery and delay payment of the balance until the contractor has made all necessary corrections. The

City may withhold the full amount of the contract price, if in the City’s opinion the delivered services contain major deviations from the specifications.

31. Payment will be made only after correct presentation of claim forms or invoices as may be required. Certified payroll is required for any prevailing wages projects.

32. Payment of any claim shall not preclude the City from making claim for adjustment on any item found not to have been in accordance with the contract specifications.

33. The proposer shall state the amount of discount that will be allowed the City for payment terms less than 30 days.

SAVING CLAUSE

34. The awarded vendor shall not be held responsible for any losses resulting if the fulfillment of the terms of the contract shall be delayed or prevented by wars, acts of public enemies, strikes, fires, floods, acts of God or for any other acts not within the control of the successful proposer and which by the exercise of reasonable diligence he is unable to prevent.

NON-APPROPRIATED FUNDS CLAUSE/REDUCED FUNDING TERMINATION

35. This contract shall be deemed executory only to the extent of the monies appropriated and available for the purpose of the contract, and no liability on account thereof shall be incurred by the purchaser beyond the amount of such monies. It is understood that neither this contract nor any representation by any public employee or officer creates any legal or moral obligation to request, appropriate or make available monies for the purpose of the contract. In accordance with New York State General Municipal Laws the City of Watertown will not be liable for any purchases or contracts for goods or services for which funding is not available. As a result, the vendor agrees to hold the

City harmless for any contract let for which funding does not currently exist or for which funding has been removed prior to the issuance of a purchase order by the City.

Issuance of a purchase order by the City indicates that the City currently has and has set aside adequate funds to procure the goods and services indicated in the purchase order or contract. Should it become necessary for the City to cancel a project or purchase after an order to proceed or purchase order has been issued, the City will only be liable for, and the vendor agrees to only assess those financial damages that it can prove to have incurred as a result of the cancellation.

IRANIAN ENERGY SECTOR DIVESTMENT

36. Iranian Energy Sector Divestment. Contractor hereby represents that said Contractor is in compliance with New York State General Municipal Law Section 103-g entitled

“Iranian Energy Sector Divestment”, in that said Contractor has not:

a. Provided goods and services of $20 million or more in the energy sector of Iran including but not limited to the provision of oil or liquefied natural gas for the energy sector of Iran; or

b. Acted as a financial institution and extended $20 million or more in credit to another person for forty-five days or more, if that person’s intent was to use the credit to provide goods or services in the energy sector in Iran.

Any Contractor who has undertaken any of the above and is identified on a list created pursuant to Section 165-a (3) (b) of the New York State Finance Law as a person engaging in investment activities in Iran, shall not be deemed a responsible proposer pursuant to Section 103 of the New York State General Municipal Law.

Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, every Contractor submitting a proposal in response to this Request for Proposals must certify and affirm the following under penalties of perjury:

a) “By submission of this proposal, each proposer and each person signing on behalf of any proposer certifies, and in the case of a joint proposal, each party thereto certifies as to its own organization, under penalty of perjury, that to the best of its knowledge and belief, that each proposer is not on the list created pursuant to NYS

Finance Law Section 165-a (3) (b).” The City of Watertown will accept this statement electronically or within the proposal documents submission in accordance with the provisions of Section 103 of General Municipal Law.

Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, any Proposal that is submitted without having complied with subdivision (a) above, shall not be considered for award. In any case where the Proposer cannot make the certification as set forth in subdivision (a) above, the Proposer shall state and shall furnish with the proposal a signed statement setting forth in detail the reasons, therefore. The City reserves its right, in accordance with General

Municipal Law Section 103-g, to award the Proposal to any Proposer who cannot make certification, on a case-by-case basis under the following circumstances.

a. The investment activities in Iran were made before April 12, 2012, the investment activities in Iran have not been expanded or renewed after April 12, 2012, and the

Proposer has adopted, publicized, and is implementing a formal plan to cease the investment activities in Iran and to refrain from engaging in any new investments in Iran; or

b. The City has made a determination that the goods or services are necessary for the

City to perform its functions and that, absent such an exemption, the City would be unable to obtain the goods or services for which the Proposal is offered. Such a determination shall be made by the City in writing and shall be a public document.

SEXUAL HARASSMENT COMPLIANCE

37. Sexual Harassment Compliance. Contractor hereby represents that said Contractor is in compliance with New York State Labor Law Section 201-g relative to Sexual

Harassment prevention and training to all employees.

Every Contractor submitting a proposal in response to this Request for Proposals must certify and affirm the following under penalties of perjury:

a. By submission of this proposal, each proposer and each person signing on behalf of any proposer certifies, and in the case of a joint proposal, each party thereto certifies as to its own organization, under penalty of perjury, that the proposer has and has implemented a written policy addressing sexual harassment prevention in the workplace and provides annual sexual harassment prevention training to all of its employees. Such policy shall, at a minimum, meet the requirements of Section

201-g of labor law.

b. The City of Watertown will accept this statement electronically or within the proposal documents submission.

NON-DISCRIMINATION REQUIREMENTS

38. In accordance with Article 15 of the Executive Law (also known as the Human Rights

Law) and all other State and Federal statutory and constitutional non-discrimination provisions, the Contractor will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, creed, color, sex, national origin, age, disability or marital status. Furthermore, in accordance with Section 220-e of the Labor Law, the

Contractor agrees that neither it nor its subcontractors shall, by reason or race, creed, color, disability, sex or national origin: (a) discriminate in hiring against any New

York State citizen who is qualified and able to perform the work; or (b) discriminate against or intimidate any employee hired for the performance of work under this contract. Contractor is subject to fines of $500 per person per day for any violation of

Section 220 E or Section 239 as well as possible termination of this contract and forfeiture of all money due hereunder for a second or subsequent violation.

39. The City of Watertown, in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 78 Stat. 252, 42 U.S0 2000d to 2000d4 and (Reference to Administering

Administration Regulation(s)) issued pursuant to such Act, hereby notifies all contractors that it will affirmatively insure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, minority business enterprises will be afforded full opportunity to submit quotes in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, or national origin, gender, age, or disability in consideration for an award.

Pursuant to Title IV, requirements, any entity or person that enters into a contract with the City of Watertown including but not limited to prime contractors, sub-contractors, and sub-recipients, may not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, disability, or religion in their selection and retention of subcontractors

(including consultants), in connection with any federally funded program or activity

(including any program or activity undertaken/funded by a City of Watertown

Department that receives federal funds).

COOPERATIVE BIDDING

40. Cooperative Bidding. It is understood and agreed that in addition to the City of

Watertown, other County agencies as well as municipalities and school districts throughout New York State may also “piggyback” off this contract and enter into its own contract with any successful bidder based upon these specifications and bids received. The bidder understands and agrees that submission of its bid to the City is also submission of the bid to participating municipalities.

The City of Watertown reserves the right to allow all municipal and not for profit organizations authorized under the General Municipal Laws of the State of New York, to purchase any goods and/or services awarded as a result of this bid in accordance with the latest amendments to NYS GML 100 through 104. However, it is understood that the extension of the contracts to a municipality are at the discretion of the vendor and the vendor is only bound to any contract between the City of Watertown and the vendor. Additionally, the City reserves the right to purchase any goods or services included as a part of this bid by any means legally available to it at any time.

All orders/contracts will be issued by the participating entities. Each participating entity shall be billed by and make payment directly to the successful bidder. Upon request, participating entities must furnish the contractor with the proper tax exemption certificates and documentation of tax-exempt status.

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION LAW

41. FOIL Requests: The New York State Freedom of Information Law as set forth in

Public Officers Law, Article 6, Section 84-90, mandates public access to government records, however, proposals submitted in response to this solicitation may contain technical, financial background or other data, public disclosure of which could cause substantial injury to the Proposer’s competitive position or constitute a trade secret.

Proposers who have a good faith belief that the information submitted in their proposals is protected from disclosure under the New York Freedom of Information

Law must clearly identify the pages of the proposals containing such information by typing in bold face on the top of each page, “THE PROPOSER BELIEVES THAT

THIS INFORMATION IS PROTECTED FROM DISCLOSURE UNDER THE

STATE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION LAW”. The City of Watertown assumes no liability for disclosure of information so identified, provided that the City of

Watertown has made a good faith legal determination that the information is not protected under applicable law or where disclosure is required to comply with an order or judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction.

End of General Conditions

The following specifications are desired by the City and are not meant to be exclusionary.

It is the intent of this specification to establish specific guidelines for vendors to adhere to when providing Fixed Route Transit System Evaluation and Service Planning Study services to the City of Watertown.

The City of Watertown seeks proposals from qualified vendors to provide Fixed Route Transit

System Evaluation and Service Planning Study services, with the following specifications intended as guidelines rather than exclusionary requirements, to ensure consistent, high‑quality support that advances the City’s transit system goals.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

The City of Watertown is seeking proposals to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the

City’s fixed-route public transportation system. The purpose of this project is to assess the feasibility, reliability, and long-term sustainability of existing transit routes and to provide data-driven recommendations for service improvements.

The City operates its fixed-route public transportation service under the CitiBus system and is a recipient of Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Section 5307 and Section 5339 funding. The current system consists of (3) three fixed-route buses operating within the

City, as well as contracted, complementary paratransit service provided in accordance with applicable Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements.

Watertown’s public transit history evolved from interurban lines in the 1920’s to the current municipally managed CitiBus system. The system now provides fixed-route and paratransit services from a downtown hub located on Arcade Street in Watertown, New York, with current plans targeting fleet upgrades and facility upgrades to address aging infrastructure.

The current Watertown CitiBus schedule serves the public via the following routes: The State-

East Main, Washington, Arsenal-Mall Loop; The Northside Loop; and The Coffeen-JCC

Loop; spanning the entire City limits. See Appendix B for the entire current fixed-route schedule.

This study will provide an objective, data-driven foundation to support future service planning, modernization, and long-term sustainability. The nine (9) specific study tasks are outlined in this document.

PROPOSAL GUIDELINES:

This Request for Proposal represents the requirements for an open and competitive process.

Section III

RFP Project Overview & Scope of Services

Proposals will be accepted until 11:00 AM EST Tuesday, September 22, 2026. Any proposals received after this date and time will be returned to the sender. All proposals must be signed by an official agent or representative of the company submitting the proposal.

If the organization submitting a proposal must outsource or contract any work to meet the requirements contained herein, this must be clearly stated in the proposal. Additionally, all costs included in proposals must be all-inclusive to include any outsourced or contracted work. Any proposals which call for outsourcing or contracting work must include a name and description of the organizations being contracted.

All fees and costs must be estimated with a justification and explanation of each.

SCOPE OF SERVICES:

The selected consultant shall be responsible for complete services in relation to the Fixed

Route Transit System Evaluation and Service Planning Study.

This study will examine current service patterns in relation to present-day land use, population, employment centers, medical facilities, and other key trip generators. The consultant will analyze system performance, identify operational challenges, and develop recommendations to improve efficiency, reliability, and rider access while balancing…