SCOPE_OF_SERVICES_TR_AK (1).docx

SCOPE OF SERVICES

1.1 Introduction

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) provides the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) with an annual apportionment of Rural Transit Assistance Program (RTAP) (49 U.S.C. 5311(b)(3)) funding. Funds are available for the fiscal year they are apportioned plus the next two fiscal years. Current year apportionments can be found here: Table 9. FY 2023 Section 5311 and Section 5340 Rural Area Formula Apportionments, Rural Transportation Assistance Program Allocations, and Appalachian Development Public Transportation Assistance Program (Full Year) | FTA (https://www.transit.dot.gov/funding/apportionments/current-apportionments).

RTAP provides a source of funding to assist in the design and implementation of training and technical assistance projects and other support services tailored to meet the needs of transit operators in nonurbanized areas.

Rural Transportation Assistance Program - 5311(b)(3) | FTA (https://www.transit.dot.gov/funding/grants/rural-transportation-assistance-program-5311b3) The mission of RTAP is to “make grants and contracts for transportation research, technical assistance, training, and related services in rural areas” (49 U.S. Code Section 5311 – Formula Grants for Rural Areas). Program objectives include promoting safe and effective delivery of public rural transportation services, improving the quality of information and offering technical assistance and training, disseminating training and technical assistance materials, providing peer-to-peer networks and connections, supporting the coordination of public, private, specialized and human service transportation, and maintaining the Rural National Transit Database. Exact wording can be found in Chapter IX of the 5311 Circular (FTA C 9040.1G). State RTAP funds are used by MDT for sanctioned activities and program components, including sponsored and provided training, statewide and national training scholarships, technical assistance, research, and related support services. The purchase of equipment, materials, conference fees, speakers, etc. to support these is also allowed.

1.2 Purpose

The purpose of this Request for Proposal (RFP) is to establish a contract for professional planning services. These services are to be used to develop a State RTAP training needs summary as well as a Work Plan to be implemented by the coordinator.

MDT is requesting proposals to hire a consultant team to:

· Develop a State RTAP Activities Plan through a process that provides maximum opportunity for the participation of rural transit operators, both public and private, in identifying and establishing priority areas of need for transportation research, technical assistance, training, and related support services in other than urbanized areas.

· Develop a State RTAP Work Plan to be implemented by the State RTAP Coordinator.

The goal of MDT is to receive the highest level of quality that aligns with its needs at the lowest reasonable price from an experienced and qualified firm.

1.3.2 Execution of the Scope of Work

Provide a work plan that comprehensively addresses the following Scope of Work. The work plan should also include a timeline by task and proposed reporting (i.e. surveys, written reports, quarterly reports, oral reports, and graphic illustrations to support reports, presentations, and invoices.)

Scope of Work or Requirements The purpose of this procurement is to complete a Training Needs Summary and Annual Work Plan for the RTAP Program for the State of Montana. Throughout the process, MDT will assess the Coordinator’s performance and progress towards expected results. Assessments and program monitoring will be based on:

Phase One: Data Gathering and Orientation

· Unique traits of Montana. The contractor needs to understand the unique situation of rural transit providers in Montana. Transportation is especially important for transit-dependent population groups, which typically include older adults, low-income individuals, and individuals with disabilities.

· Resources and plans. The contractor needs to be familiar with FTA funding opportunities, National RTAP Resources, Montana State Transit Management Plan (https://www.mdt.mt.gov/publications/plans.aspx), and other related plans relevant to Transit Providers in Montana.

· Survey of Needs. The contractor will conduct statewide surveys of Transit Providers and at least one focus group in each of the three Transit Regions of the state as well as with Montana Transit Association (MTA) to determine statewide training and technical assistance needs.

· SWOT. The contractor will complete a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) analysis of the current management and delivery of the RTAP Program.

Deliverable: Report on training and technical assistance needs

• Demonstrate understanding of key issues in a Needs Summary report that lays out the training and technical assistance needs of Transit providers in the State of Montana. The Needs Summary will include a breakout of needs on a statewide and regional level.

Phase Two: Work plan development

Deliverable: Plan Document and Public Presentation A plan document is to be produced which compiles data, summarizes conclusions, and identifies specific recommendations and action steps. It may include photographs, maps, graphs, diagrams, charts, budgets and implementation schedule. Furthermore, the plan document must incorporate all findings, analyses, and conclusions from work conducted for Phase One and Phase Two of the Scope of Work. The contractor is expected to present the plan and recommendations to MDT.