RLS Response to Invitation.pdf

This is a proposal response from RLS & Associates, Inc. to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) in response to an Invitation to Negotiate for On Call Transit Consulting Services (Solicitation BPM007068). The procurement establishes multiple contracts for multimodal transit consulting services across six primary disciplines: Transit Planning Studies, Transit Planning Tasks, Transit Operations Planning, Transit Operations Tasks, Strategic Planning, and Coordination and Mobility Management Projects. Services will be provided on an as-needed basis through individual task assignments over a twelve-month initial contract term, with potential extension up to forty-eight months total. The RFP requires contractors to support various transit-related activities with deliverables and performance measures specified in individual task assignments. Proposals were due by September 10, 2025, with reimbursement based on hourly rates for actual work performed.

RLS & Associates submitted revised pricing reflecting strategic reclassification of staff across labor categories. The proposed hourly rates are as follows: Consultant rate reduced from $147.00 to $77.00 per hour; Developer rate increased from $97.00 to $120.00 per hour; Project Manager rate increased from $132.00 to $135.00 per hour; and Grant Writers rate decreased from $75.00 to $68.00 per hour. These adjustments were implemented to align staff expertise with more appropriate professional categories. The contract is funded through federal transit programs including FTA Sections 5311, 5310, and 5305. The solicitation establishes a 0.00% Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) contract goal, though DBE participation is encouraged. Eligible respondents include federally recognized tribal agencies, councils of governments, metropolitan planning organizations, non-profits, local governments, and transit authorities, with particular focus on supporting rural and small urban transit services and transportation for elderly and disabled populations.