Technology_Consultant_for_Public_Transit.pdf

2026-RFP-02

TECHNOLOGY CONSULTANT FOR PUBLIC TRANSIT

NEORide

One Park Center Drive

Wadsworth, OH 44281

RELEASE DATE: March 23, 2026

DEADLINE FOR QUESTIONS: April 10, 2026

RESPONSE DEADLINE: May 8, 2026, 12:00 am

RESPONSES MUST BE SUBMITTED ELECTRONICALLY TO:

https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/neoride

NEORide

Technology Consultant for Public Transit

I. LEGAL NOTICE

II. INSTRUCTIONS TO PROPOSERS

III. SCOPE OF WORK

IV. PROPOSAL SUBMISSION PROVISIONS

V. PROPOSAL EVALUATION & CONTRACT AWARD

VI. EVALUATION CRITERIA

VII. GENERAL TERMS & CONDITIONS

VIII. FEDERAL TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION (FTA) REQUIREMENTS

IX. PROPOSAL SUBMISSION (VENDOR FORMS & ATTACHMENTS)

Attachments:

A - Sample_Participation_Agreement

B - Sample_MSA

C - NEORide-2023 and 2024 ATTAIN-Vol-1

D - NEORide-2023 and 2024 ATTAIN- Vol2

E - Pricing Template

#2026-RFP-02

Title: Technology Consultant for Public Transit

1. LEGAL NOTICE

Monday, March 23, 2026

Request for Proposals

Technology Consultant for Public Transit

RFP #2026-RFP-02

1.1. Summary

NEORide is seeking proposals for a Technology Consultant for Public Transit. The scope of work/specifications is outlined in the Request for Proposal (RFP). The successful Proposer shall meet the terms and conditions set forth in this document and all other attachments.

All interested contractors must register as detailed in the solicitation. All questions should be submitted electronically via the Portal’s Question and Answer (Q&A) tab.

All proposals must be received electronically on or before Friday, May 8, 2026 at 12:00 am (EST) via the

Portal

The right is reserved to accept any proposal/bid or any part or parts thereof or to reject any and all proposals/bids. Acceptance of any proposal/bid is subject to concurrence by the Ohio Department of

Transportation and the United States Department of Transportation.

Any contract resulting from these proposals may be subject to financial assistance contract between

NEORide, its partner agencies and the United States Department of Transportation and the Ohio

Department of Transportation. Agreements are established through free, full, and open competition as described by the laws of the State of Ohio and are available for other NEORide entities anywhere in the

United States, subject to each entity’s jurisdictional law and regulation. A Master Service Agreement will be developed with NEORide (a sample MSA can be found as attachment A). NEORide or its partner agencies wishing to utilize the contract will complete a partnership agreement (a sample partnership agreement can be round as attachment B) accepting the terms and pricing of the master service agreement. Billing can be done either directly to the NEORide agencies or to NEORide itself depending on the terms of the agreement.

• NEORide hereby notifies all proposers that, regarding any contract entered into pursuant to this

RFP, advertisement or solicitation, disadvantaged business enterprises will be afforded full opportunity to submit proposals in response and will not be subjected to discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex or national origin in consideration for an award.

Purchasing Procedures:

• Agreements are established through free, full, and open competition as described by the laws of the State of Ohio and are available as a cooperative agreement for other NEORide members anywhere in the United States, subject to each entity’s jurisdictional law and regulation. Purchase orders or participation agreements are issued by participating governmental entities directly to the

Vendor or vendor-assigned dealer. A copy of the purchase orders or participation agreement are sent to NEORide offices where they are reviewed by NEORide staff and forwarded to the

Vendor. In some instances, the entity may send the purchase orders or equivalent directly to the vendor and report the purchase to NEORide.

• Note: It is always the vendor's responsibility to report all sales under the agreement to NEORide.

1.2. Background

NEORIDE is a Council of Governments with the goal of supporting coordinated public transit. NEORIDE has a membership of over 40 regional transit agencies in 12 states. The 40 plus agencies that comprise NEORIDE run ahead of the curve in many aspects of public transportation from innovative program development and multi-county transit coordination.

NEORide is releasing this request for proposal (RFP) to procure a technology consultant specializing in public transit that will be made available to all NEORide Members through a Master Services Agreement.

NEORide's procurement is funded through an administration fee of .75% paid to NEORide by the awarded contractors. This fee will only apply to participation agreements signed by partner agencies and not should NEORide itself elect to use the agreement. The fee is based on the actual vendor projects sales. The vendor will pay the fee on the actual invoices and paid sales to the NEORide participant. Fees are not assessed to vendors for shipping costs, required bond costs, or any taxes that may be applicable.

1.3. Contact Information

Project Contact:

Katherine Conrad Executive Director One Park Centre Dr., Suite 300 Wadsworth, OH 44281 Email: katherinec@neoride.org Phone: (330) 334-6877

Procurement Contact:

Michelle Robinson Development and Compliance Specialist 1 Park Centre Dr Ste 300 Wadsworth, OH 44281 Email: micheller@neoride.org Phone: (330) 334-6877

Department:

NEORide

Department Head:

Katherine Conrad Executive Director

1.4. Timeline

Procurement Schedule mailto:katherinec@neoride.org tel:(330)334-6877 mailto:micheller@neoride.org tel:(330)334-6877

Project Posted March 23, 2026

Deadline for questions, clarifications and approved equal requests:

April 10, 2026, 12:00am

Deadline for responses to questions/clarifications and approved equals:

April 24, 2026, 12:00am

Proposals due: May 8, 2026, 12:00am

2. INSTRUCTIONS TO PROPOSERS

2.1. Purpose

This solicitation seeks bidders for: Technology Consultant for Public Transit. The Contract shall be awarded for 2 year (2) year, commencing in 2026 with up to three (3) options to renew.. Bidders must specify a fixed cost for each line item on the #PRICING SHEET herein.

NEORide follows a procurement process that ensures free and open competition and requires that prices be verified as fair and reasonable.

2.2. Terminology

“Proposal” or "Bid" refers to the document drafted and submitted by the Proposer(s) in response to the

Request for Proposal (RFP).

“Proposer” (also referred to as "Contractor") refers to the entity submitting the Proposal.

"NEORide" or "Agency" is the government entity who is soliciting proposals with this RFP.

“Request for Proposals” (or "RFP") refers to the document prepared by NEORide which outlines the scope of work of the Contractor’s project and is used to solicit proposals for the project.

2.3. Solicitation Monitoring

All interested proposers must follow the solicitation in the e-Procurement Portal once it is posted.

Only Proposers who follow the solicitation will receive copies of questions, answers, addenda and notices.

2.4. Proposal Submission

All proposals are due NO LATER THAN 12:00 am on Friday, May 8, 2026. Proposals received after the scheduled due date and time for submission will not be accepted. Proposals submitted in any other format other than via the Portal, including but not limited to, hard copy (mailed or hand delivered), facsimile, or emailed submittals, will NOT be accepted, nor considered. The scheduled due date and time for submission will be scrupulously observed.

NEORide will not be responsible for untimely submissions due to personal or company internet or hardware limitations, settings or restrictions, internet speed, power outage, network connection, or use of a malfunctioning electronic device, or the like, neither NEORide, nor the Software Administrator

(OpenGov), will be held responsible. Proposers shall be solely responsible for ensuring the capability of their computer system while responding to this RFP, and for the stability of their internet service.

Uploading large documents may take significant time depending on the size of the file(s) and the Internet connection speed that the Proposer is using to submit a response. Failure of the Proposer to successfully submit an electronic Proposal before the deadline indicated herein shall be at the Proposer’s sole risk, and no relief will be given for late and/or improperly submitted Proposals. Once file(s) have been uploaded and the Submission Status shows as “Submitted” the submission is complete. At that point, the Proposer will also receive an email confirmation from the Portal.

2.5. Proposal Requirements

Proposals shall be prepared in a clear, concise, and economical manner according to the requirements in the #PROPOSAL SUBMISSION (VENDOR FORMS & ATTACHMENTS) section. As Pricing is https://procurement.opengov.com/governments/4328/portal/butlercountyrta/projects/245028/document?section=2338564 https://procurement.opengov.com/governments/4328/portal/butlercountyrta/projects/245028/document?section=2338559 submitted in a separate section (#PRICING SHEET), pricing information must not be included in the body of the submission. Proposal pages, if applicable, shall be numbered sequentially and include a table of contents with headings that references relevant page numbers. Any information the Proposer submits is expected to be concise and relevant to the RFP.

Proposals that do not adhere to the requirements of Proposal Submission, are difficult to read or are deemed otherwise illegible by NEORide may be rejected.

2.6. Postponement or Cancellation of Request for Proposals

NEORide reserves the right to cancel, amend, or re-issue this RFP at any time, or change the date and time for submitting proposals, by announcing same prior to the date and time established for Proposal submittal. This Announcement will be made via Notice or Addenda in the Portal.

2.7. Questions and Requests for Clarification

No oral interpretations as to the meaning of the RFP will be made to any Proposer. Any explanation desired by a Proposer regarding the meaning or interpretation of the RFP or its contents, questions about the process and any other requests for clarification of the RFP should be directed to the Procurement department at NEORide via the Portal’s Question and Answer (Q&A) tab prior to the deadline for questions, clarifications and approved equal requests mentioned above. No other method of submission will be accepted or considered.

Any interpretation or change made will be in the form of a Notice or an addendum to the RFP as appropriate and will be released as promptly as is practicable to all parties who are following the RFP no later than Friday, April 24, 2026. All addenda will become part of the RFP and any subsequently awarded

Contract. Oral explanations, statements, or instructions given by NEORide before the award of the

Contract will not be binding upon NEORide.

2.8. Addenda

Receipt and review of Addenda by each Proposer must be acknowledged electronically via the Portal.

2.9. Examination of RFP and Contract Documents - Services

Proposers are expected to examine the scope of services required, schedules, and additional instructions, if any. Failure to do so will be at the Proposer's risk. It is the intent of these specifications to provide services of first quality, and the workmanship must be the best obtainable in the various trades. The services, which the vendor proposes to provide, must be high quality in all respects. No advantage will be taken by Contractor or vendor in the omission of any part or detail, which goes to make the services complete. It is the sole responsibility of Contractor to read the scope requirements and understand them.

The submission of a Proposal shall constitute an acknowledgment upon which NEORide may rely that the

Proposer has thoroughly examined and is familiar with the solicitation, including any work site identified in the RFP, and has reviewed and inspected all applicable statutes, regulations, ordinances, and resolutions addressing or relating to the services to be provided hereunder. The failure or neglect of a

Proposer to receive or examine such documents, work sites, statutes, regulations, ordinances, or resolutions shall in no way relieve the Proposer from any obligations with respect to its Proposal or to any

Contract awarded pursuant to this RFP. No claim for additional compensation will be allowed which is https://procurement.opengov.com/governments/4328/portal/butlercountyrta/projects/245028/document?section=2338564 based on lack of knowledge or misunderstanding of this RFP, work sites, statutes, regulations, ordinances, or resolutions.

2.10. Cost of Proposals

NEORide is not liable for any costs incurred by Proposers in the preparation, presentation, testing, or negotiation of Proposals submitted in response to this solicitation.

3. SCOPE OF WORK

3.1. Summary

NEORide is seeking bidders for a Technology Consultant for Public Transit. Bidders must specify an hourly rate on the pricing sheet (attachment E). NEORide follows a procurement process that ensures free and open competition and requires that prices be verified as fair and reasonable.

Proposers should provide a brief outline of their capabilities as they relate to this project for the services described.

3.2. Executive Summary

Through this RFP, NEORide anticipates entering into an agreement with one prime contractors

("contractor"), to provide technical support for NEORide's ATTAIN grant and up to two contractors for

General Information Technology Consulting specific to public transit. A description of each project is available below.

The proposing contractor(s) must demonstrate a team with the availability of technical and transit experience.

3.3. Project Description - ATTAIN Grant

NEORide was awarded an Advanced Transportation Technologies and Innovative Mobility Deployment

(ATTAIN) Grant through FHWA. The project title is "EZData and NEOTech: a comprehensive approach to managing and utilizing multi-agency/multi-state real-time and archived mobility data exchange." The project performance period begins on 3/12/2026 and runs through 11/17/2029.

Project Overview:

EZData will be deployed as a vendor-agnostic Data Exchange for small-urban/rural agencies in OH and

IN, as a unified system for fusion, management, and consumption of transit system data. EZData will use standards-based replicable approach to implement a cloud-based system to enable design, delivery, and monitoring of high-quality mobility services for ALL travelers. Further, NEOTech, a new department within NEORide, will leverage EZData to help agencies with data-driven decision making.

A copy of the grant has been attached as Exhibit C & D.

Key deliverables:

1a: Planning

Develop concept of operations (ConOps) and system requirements for the required system. In addition, develop a Systems Engineering Management Plan. (first 9 months)

1b: Design

Develop detailed design for cloud infrastructure for compute and storage, extract-transform-load (ETL) routines using standard data formats, and reports. (first 9 months)

1c: System Implementation

Development, testing and launch of EZData infrastructure. It will include setting up the cloud data store, developing ETL routines for data ingestion, and analytics scripts to meet the initial use cases. (first 24 months)

1d: Final Report

The final report will be developed at the end of the project in Year 4.

Pursuant to federal procurement rules, regardless of any vendor named in the grant, this bid will be open to all qualified applicants. Only 1 Contractor will be selected to work on the ATTAIN Grant. This contract may be the same as one selected for the general information technology scope.

3.4. Project Description - General Information Technology

NEORide and its partner agencies are looking for a qualified Contractor to provide technology and strategy support services. Excellent understanding of software application management, software vendor management, data engineering, change management, data analytics, report design, regulatory impact on technology, emerging technology and its potential impact on transit and transit operations is a significant criterion in the selection process. NEORide and its partner agencies are seeking a diversity of skills.

Selected activities will be identified by NEORide or its partner agencies and may include some or all of the following projects:

• Cybersecurity including overall knowledge and direct impact on Public Transit

• Guidance and Best Practices for building out a Data Analytics Ecosystem

• Experience with best practices and policy (local/state/federal) as it pertains to Artificial

Intelligence (GenAI, LLM) and usage within Public Transit

• Experience outlining and supporting the execution of an overall Technology strategy including

Operational Technology

• Salesforce support and manipulation

• Understanding the landscape, challenges, and opportunities in transit

• Technology vendor contract Review and Procurement Support

The selected consultant shall have experience and competencies in emerging transportation technologies.

Miscellaneous work for emerging technologies may include:

• First and last mile connectivity and micromobility;

• Mobility as a service (MaaS) and mobility on demand (MoD) and related technologies and strategies);

• Data analytics infrastructure and advanced reporting capabilities;

• Artificial Intelligence with potential impacts for Public Transit;

• Funding and financial strategies for advanced technologies;

• Modeling and simulation for advanced technologies;

• Emerging technologies alternatives analysis;

• Microtransit and Paratransit scheduling software;

• Cybersecurity;

• Salesforce;

• Mobile Ticketing

NEORide will select up to 2 Contractors. It is not required that one of these same vendors are selected for the ATTAIN project, but NEORide may opt to. General Information Technology services will be available to NEORide as an organization and to all member agencies through a master services and partnership agreement.

4. PROPOSAL SUBMISSION PROVISIONS

4.1. Modification or Withdrawal of Proposals Prior to Submittal Date and Late Proposals

At any time prior to the Proposal opening, a Bidder may withdraw or modify its Proposal in the Portal.

Any Proposal or modification of Proposal received after the exact time specified for Proposal receipt will not be considered.

4.2. Errors and Administrative Corrections

NEORide will not be responsible for any errors in Proposals. Bidders will only be allowed to alter

Proposals after the submittal deadline in response to requests for clarifications by NEORide. NEORide reserves the right to request an extension of the procurement period from Proposers.

NEORide reserves the right to allow corrections or amendments to be made that are due to minor administrative errors or irregularities, such as errors in typing, transposition or similar administrative errors. Other changes or requests made by the Proposers must be sent to the Procurement Contact and initialed by the person signing the Proposal.

4.3. Compliance with RFP Terms and Attachments

NEORide intends to award a Contract based on the terms, conditions, and attachments contained in this

RFP. Proposers are strongly advised to not take any exceptions. Proposers shall submit Proposals which respond to the requirements of the RFP. An exception is not a response to an RFP requirement. If an exception is taken, a “Notice of Exception” must be submitted with the Proposal. The “Notice of

Exception” must identify the specific point or points of exception and provide an alternative.

Proposers are cautioned that exceptions to the terms, conditions, and attachments may deem the

Submission non-responsive and result in rejection of the Proposal.

4.4. Collusion

The Proposer guarantees that the Proposal submitted is not a product of collusion with any other

Proposer, and no effort has been made to fix the Proposal price of any Proposer or to fix any overhead, profit, or cost element of any Proposal price.

If NEORide determines that collusion has occurred among Proposers, none of the Proposals from the participants in such collusion shall be considered. NEORide's determination shall be final.

4.5. Pricing, Taxes, and Effective Date

The price to be quoted in any Proposal will include all items of labor, materials, tools, equipment, delivery, and other costs necessary to fully meet the requirements of NEORide. Any items omitted, which are clearly necessary for the completion of this project, will be considered a portion of such specifications or requirements, although not directly specified.

NEORide is exempt from payment of Federal Sales, Excise and Transportation Tax, and the Ohio Sales, Excise and Use Tax. As such, proposers will not include these taxes in their price(s). All other government taxes, duties, fees, licenses, permits, royalties, assessments, and charges shall be included in the proposed price.

In the event of a discrepancy between the unit price and the extended amount for a required item, the unit price will govern. The price quoted by the proposing firms will not change for a period of ninety (90) days, beginning from the date the Proposal is opened.

4.6. Rejection of Proposals

Any Proposal failing to conform to the essential requirements of the RFP, such that it materially affects price, quantity, quality, or delivery of the items offered, or in which the Proposer imposes conditions modifying the requirements of the RFP or limiting its liability to NEORide in a way that gives the

Proposer an advantage over others, will be rejected as non-responsive. Minor informalities or errors that do not go to the substance of a Proposal may be waived. A low Proposer may be requested to delete certain conditions from its Proposal, provided they do not affect the substance of the Proposal. If the

Proposer fails to furnish a proposal guarantee required as a condition of the Proposal, the Proposal must be rejected.

When it is determined to reject all Proposals, all bidders will be notified that all Proposals were rejected stating the reasons for rejection.

4.7. Additional Information, Rejection

NEORide reserves the right to request additional information from any Proposer, or none. It also reserves the right to reject any and all proposals without prior notice; to waive informalities and technicalities; to extend deadlines; to negotiate directly with only those respondents deemed to be qualified according to the criteria on this RFP; and to enter into one, more than one, or no contracts as it shall deem to be in its best interests.

4.8. Protests

A. General

1. Protests may be made by prospective Proposers, Vendors, or Proposers whose direct economic interest would be affected by award of a contract or by failure to award a contract.

NEORide will consider all protests requested in a timely manner regarding the award of a contract, whether submitted before or after an award.

a. All protests are to be submitted in writing to:

i. NEORide

ii. 1 Park Centre Drive, #300

iii. Wadsworth, Ohio 44281

2. Protest submissions should be concise, logically arranged, and clearly state the grounds for protest. A protest must include at least the following information:

a. name, address, and telephone number of Protestor;

b. identification of contract solicitation number;

c. a detailed statement of the legal and factual grounds of the protest, including copies of relevant documents; and

d. a statement as to what relief is requested.

3. Protests must be submitted to NEORide in accordance with these procedures and time requirements, must be complete and contain all issues that the protestor believes relevant.

B. Protests Before Proposal Opening

1. Protests alleging restrictive specifications or improprieties which are apparent prior to

Proposal opening or receipt of proposals must be submitted in writing at the address above and must be received at least seven (7) days prior to Proposal opening or closing date for receipt of Proposals. If the written protest is not received by the time specified, Proposals may be received, and an award made in the normal manner, unless NEORide determines that remedial action is required. Oral protests not followed up by a written protest will be disregarded. NEORide may request additional information from the appealing party and information or response from other bidders, which shall be submitted to NEORide not less than ten (10) days after the date of NEORide's request. So far as practicable, appeals will be decided based on the written appeal, information and written response submitted by the appealing party and other bidders. In failure of any party to timely respond to a request for information, it may be deemed by NEORide that such party does not desire to participate in the proceeding, does not contest the matter, or does not desire to submit a response, and in such a case, the protest will proceed and will not be delayed due to the lack of a response.

Upon receipt and review of written submissions and any independent evaluation that

NEORide deems appropriate, NEORide shall either:

a. Render a final decision, or

b. At the sole election of NEORide, conduct an informal hearing at which the interested parties will be afforded opportunity to present their respective positions and facts, documents, justification, and technical information in support thereof. Parties may, but are not required to, be represented by counsel at the informal hearing, which will not be subject to formal rules of evidence or procedures. Following the informal hearing, if one is held, the NEORide will render a decision, which shall be final, and notify all interested parties thereof in writing but no later than ten (10) days from the date of informal hearing.

C. Protests After Proposal/Proposal Opening/Prior to Award

1. Protests against the making of an award by the NEORide must be submitted in writing to

NEORide and received within seven (7) days of the award by the NEORide. Notice of the protest and the basis therefore will be given to all bidders or proposers. In addition, when a protest against the making of an award by the NEORide is received and it is determined to withhold the award pending disposition of the protest, the bidders or proposers whose

Proposals might become eligible for award shall be requested, before expiration of the time for acceptance, to extend or to withdraw the Proposal. Where a written protest against the making of an award is received in the time period specified, award will not be made prior to seven (7) days after resolution of the protest unless NEORide determines that:

a. The items to be purchased are urgently required; or

b. Delivery or performance will be unduly delayed by failure to make award promptly; or

c. Failure to make award will otherwise cause undue harm to NEORide or the federal government.

D. Protests After Award

1. In instances where the award has been made, the Contractor shall be furnished with the notice of protest and the basis thereof. If the contractor has not executed the contract as of the date the protest is received by NEORide, the execution of the contract will not be made prior to seven (7) days after resolution of the protest unless NEORide determines that:

a. The items to be purchased are urgently required; or

b. Delivery or performance will be unduly delayed by failure to make award promptly; or

c. Failure to make award will otherwise cause undue harm to NEORide or the federal government.

E. Decision

1. Any decision pertaining to a protest following the guidelines contained in this section is final.

F. Protests to Federal Transit Administration (FTA)

1. Under certain limited circumstances, an interested party may protest to the FTA the award of a contract pursuant to an FTA grant. FTA's review of any such protest will be limited to:

a. Alleged failure by NEORide to have written protest procedures or alleged failure to follow such procedures, or

b. Alleged violations of specific federal requirement that provides an applicable complaint procedure shall be submitted and processed in accordance with that federal regulation.

2. Protestors shall file a protest with FTA not later than five (5) working days after NEORide renders a final decision under the NEORide protest procedure. In instances where the protestor alleges that NEORide failed to make a final determination on the protest, the protestor shall file a complaint with FTA no later than five (5) Federal working days after the protestor knew or should have known of NEORide failure to render a final determination in the protest.

G. Submission of Protest to FTA

1. Protests submitted to FTA should be submitted to the FTA Region 5 Office in Chicago, Illinois with a concurrent copy to NEORide. The protest filed with FTA shall:

a. Include the name and address of the protestor;

b. Identify the NEORide project number and the number of the contract solicitation;

c. Contain a statement of the grounds for protest and any supporting documentation. This should detail the alleged failure to follow NEORide's protest procedures, or the alleged failure to have procedures, and be fully supported to the extent possible

d. Include a copy of the local protest filed with NEORide and a copy of the NEORide decision, if any.

5. PROPOSAL EVALUATION & CONTRACT AWARD

5.1. General

NEORide shall employ the Scored Criteria-Based Selection in a Negotiated Purchase Method in making the award for this procurement. See #EVALUATION CRITERIA section for information that will be evaluated. Proposers will be required to submit supporting documentation on the technical aspects and cost. The Evaluation Committee may elect to interview proposers to clarify their proposals and/or for the

Proposers to make oral presentations. If interviews, presentations, or negotiations are held, the evaluation team may reevaluate the proposals of those firms interviewed. NEORide expects all offerors to fully cooperate with its evaluation process. The contract will be awarded to the responsive and responsible bidder with the highest score that is in the best interest of NEORide.

Due to COVID-19 related restrictions and policies, NEORide may ask providers to do a virtual interview instead of in-person at this time. All correspondence will come from the NEORideMichelle Robinson for interview scheduling.

5.2. Eligibility for Award

A. For a Proposer to be eligible for award, Proposers must be deemed both responsive and responsible.

B. Responsive Proposals are those complying in all material aspects of the solicitation, both as to the method and timeliness of submission and as to the substance of the provided submission.

Proposals that do not comply with all the terms and conditions of the solicitation may be rejected as non-responsive.

C. Responsible Proposers are those prospective Proposers who, at a minimum according to 49

U.S.C. Section 5325, must:

1. Have adequate financial resources, as required during performance of the Contract.

2. Be able to comply with the required or proposed delivery or performance schedule, taking into consideration all existing business commitments.

3. Have a satisfactory record of past performance.

4. Have necessary technical capability to perform.

5. Certify that they are not on the U.S. Comptroller General's list of ineligible Proposers.

6. Are qualified as a manufacturer or regular provider of the equipment being offered.

7. Are otherwise qualified and eligible to receive an award under applicable laws and regulations.

5.3. Single Proposal Response

NEORide may award a contract to a single Proposer provided that an analysis can be completed which documents the price is fair and reasonable. Price analysis will be used when price reasonableness cannot be established based on catalog or market price of a commercial product sold in quantity or set by law or regulation. A cost analysis is required in all other cases of single Proposal evaluation.

https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/butlercountyrta/projects/245028/document?section=undefined

FTA Circular 4220.1F specifies that single Proposals must be considered as non-competitive negotiations and negotiated procurement procedures must be followed.

5.4. Cost or Price Analysis

NEORide reserves the right to conduct a cost or price analysis for any purchase. NEORide may be required to perform a cost analysis when competition is lacking for any purchase. Sole source procurements which result in a single Proposal being received will be subject to a cost analysis which will include the appropriate verification of cost data, the evaluation of specific elements of costs and the projection of data to determine the effect on Proposal prices. NEORide may require a Pre-Award Audit and potential Proposers shall be prepared to submit data relevant to the proposed work which will allow

NEORide to sufficiently determine that the proposed price is fair, reasonable, and in accordance with

Federal, state, and local regulations. Procurements resulting in a single Proposal will be treated as a negotiated procurement and NEORide reserves the right to negotiate with the single Bidder to achieve a fair and reasonable price. If a negotiated price cannot be agreed upon by both parties, NEORide reserves the right to reject the single Proposal. Contract change orders or modifications will be subject to a cost analysis.

5.5. Award and Proposal Approval

The proposals will be evaluated by a Selection Committee established by NEORide. Award will then be made to the responsive, responsible Proposer whose proposal best meets the requirements of the RFP, and will be the most advantageous to NEORide with respect to the criteria listed above, as evaluated by

NEORide's Selection Committee.

NEORide reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, to accept other than the lowest price proposal, to negotiate separately with any source whatsoever, and to accept the proposal considered to be most advantageous to NEORide. NEORide reserves the right to select the contractor based on proposals received without seeking further information or clarification from proposers.

Upon review of the proposals, the staff will designate the most qualified proposers as finalists. These finalists may be invited to make an oral/visual presentation and participate in a question-and-answer session to clarify their proposal with the NEORide Selection Committee members. If interviews or presentations are held, each of the proposers in the competitive range will be afforded the opportunity to amend their proposal and the Selection Committee members may choose to re-evaluate their scores. The

Selection Committee may also request that all finalists submit their best and final offer. The best and final offers will then be evaluated using the same criteria as for the initial proposals, and the rankings adjusted.

If there is one (1) proposal that is the most advantageous offer for NEORide, then an award may be made to that proposer. If not, NEORide reserves the right to request another best and final offer.

Once the Selection Committee determines the Proposal which is most advantageous to NEORide, the proposal, including pricing, specifications and term of Contract, would then be presented to NEORide's

Executive Committee for approval.

5.6. Contract Negotiation and Finalization

Once approval has been obtained by the Selection Committee and the Executive

Committee, Development and Compliance Specialist will begin gathering any remaining documentation and begin Contract negotiations. The award is considered pending during Contract negotiations and will not be formally announced until negotiations have ceased and the document signed.

If the NEORide staff is unable to negotiate a satisfactory contract with the first-ranked proposer at a fair and reasonable price, negotiations will be formally terminated. Negotiations would be undertaken with the second-ranked proposer, and so on, until a satisfactory contract could be negotiated.

Formal Contract award will occur when the Executive Committee approves the contract and NEORide signs the Contract. No other act of NEORide shall constitute Contract award.

5.7. Notice to Proceed

The Contract will serve as the formal Contract award, will establish the Contract value and incorporate the terms of this document but will not be the authorization for Contractor to proceed. When

Development and Compliance Specialistprovides copies of the signed Contract to all parties and finalizes the award in the eProcurement Portal to notify all vendors publicly, this will constitute a Notice to

Proceed to Contractor.

6. EVALUATION CRITERIA

The Evaluation Committee will evaluate the proposals in accordance with the criteria set forth below. The total evaluation points, as separately determined by each team member, will be added and each proposer will be ranked in numerical sequence, from the highest to the lowest score. NEORide may then select the proposal that is considered the most advantageous to NEORide.

No. Evaluation Criteria Scoring Method Weight (Points)

1. Hourly Price

Complete the "Pricing Sheet" tab with all requested prices as stated in the table (failure to include everything requested will deem your submission non-responsive and your proposal may not be evaluated).

NOTE: proprietary pricing sheets may be submitted for clarification ONLY and will not be evaluated as part of the formal proposal.

Points Based 15 (13.6% of Total)

2. Project Understanding and Competency -

ATTAIN Grant Project

Proposer must provide a narrative of their understanding of the ATTAIN Grant project and how they would implement key deliverables.

Points Based 25 (22.7% of Total)

3. Competency around General Information

Technology

Proposer must provide a narrative of their understanding software application management, software vendor management, data engineering, change management, data analytics, report design, regulatory impact on technology and emerging technology.

Points Based 25 (22.7% of Total)

4. Experience and Project Quality

Proposer must provide visuals and information on three specific types of technology projects specific to public transit. The information provided should demonstrate an effective use of time and manpower, as well as creative customer relations strategies and materials.

Points Based 20 (18.2% of Total)

5. Technical Capacity

Proposer must provide an overview and description of the team that will be working with NEORide, including resumes for each Key

Team Member. Proposer must also provide a brief narrative explanation as to proposer's availability to take on NEORide as an ongoing client for the desired term of the contract.

Points Based 25 (22.7% of Total)

7. GENERAL TERMS & CONDITIONS

7.1. Assignability

NEORide reserves the right to assign all or any portion of the award under this contract including option quantities. NEORide's right of assignment will remain in force over the specified contract period or until completion of the contract to include options, whichever occurs first.

The terms and provisions of the Contract Documents shall be binding upon NEORide and the Contractor and their respective partners, successors, heirs, executors, administrators, assigns and representatives. The rights and obligations of the Contractor under the Contract may not be transferred, assigned, sublet, mortgaged, pledged or otherwise disposed of or encumbered in any way. The Contractor may subcontract a portion of its obligations to other firms or parties but only after having obtained the prior written approval by NEORide of the subcontractor, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld. NEORide may assign its rights and obligations under the Contract to any successor to the rights and functions of

NEORide or to any governmental agency to the extent required by applicable laws and governmental regulations or to the extent NEORide deems necessary or advisable under the circumstances.

7.2. Indemnifications

The Contractor shall indemnify and save harmless NEORide, its trustees, officers and employees from and against all loss, costs, liability, damage and expense whether direct, consequential or incidental, for personal injury and for property damage, such loss, costs, liability, damage and expense arising out of, or resulting in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, from work or operations under the contract but not limited to the acts, errors, omissions and negligence of Contractor's employees and agents, except to the extent of liability imposed due to RTA's own negligence.

7.3. Laws of Ohio

The rights and duties of the parties hereto shall be determined by the laws of the State of Ohio, and to that end the contract shall be construed and considered as a contract made and to be performed in the County of Medina, Ohio.

7.4. Defective Work, Materials or Services

When and as often as NEORide determines that the work, materials, or services furnished under the

Contract are not fully and completely in accordance with any requirement of the Contract, it may give notice and description of such non-compliance to Contractor. Within seven (7) calendar days of receiving such written notification, Contractor must supply NEORide with a written detailed plan which indicates the time and methods needed to bring the work, materials, or services within acceptable limits of the

Contract. NEORide may reject or accept this plan at its discretion. In the event this plan is rejected, the work, materials, or services will be deemed not accepted and returned to Contractor at Contractor’s expense. This procedure to remedy defects is not intended to limit or preclude any other remedies available to NEORide by law, including those available under the Uniform Commercial Code.

7.5. Contract Term

The term of any Contract arising from this RFP shall be for the duration of contract which shall be 2 year

(2) year, commencing in 2026 with up to three (3) options to renew..

7.6. Option to Extend the Term of the Contract

NEORide may extend the term of this contract by written notice to the Contractor within 30 days, provided that NEORide shall give the Contractor a preliminary written notice of its intent to extend at least 60 days before the contract expires. The preliminary notice does not commit NEORide to an extension. If NEORide exercises this option, the extended contract shall be considered to include this option provision. The total duration of this contract, including the exercise of any options under this clause, shall not exceed 60 months.

7.7. Insurance

The Contractor shall maintain, at its own expense, throughout the period of the Contract and any extensions thereof and provide the following minimum insurance coverages of the types and in the amounts described below that are applicable to the scope of work being performed:

A. Worker’s Compensation and Employer’s Liability Insurance. Contractor must carry Workers'

Compensation Insurance (including occupational disease) in compliance with Workers'

Compensation statutes of any applicable jurisdiction in which the Work is to be performed. For the attainment of Workers Compensation in monopolistic states, including Ohio, coverage must be secured through the state fund.

o If Contractor is a qualified self-insurer in compliance with the laws of the state, this is also acceptable. A certificate of compliance from the appropriate workers' compensation bureau or board must be provided with the certificate of insurance.

1. Part A – Statutory

2. Part B – Employers Liability

a. Bodily Injury by Accident $500,000

b. Bodily Injury by Disease (Policy Limit) $500,000

c. Bodily Injury by Disease (Each Employee) $500,000 o Contractor must also carry Employer’s Liability Insurance with minimum limits of

$1,000,000 each accident; $1,000,000 for disease (per employee); and $1,000,000 for disease

(policy limit). This policy must include Ohio "Stop Gap" coverage, including coverage for

"substantially certain" claims.

B. Commercial General Liability Insurance. Contractor must carry Commercial General Liability

Insurance written on ISO form CG 00 01 10 01 (or its equivalent) with limits of $1,000,000 per occurrence and in the aggregate.

C. Commercial Auto Liability Insurance. Contractor shall carry Commercial Automobile Liability

Insurance covering all owned, leased and non-owned vehicles used in connection with the work to be performed under this contract, with limits of not less than $1,000,000 combined single limit per accident for bodily injury and property damage.

D. Professional Liability Insurance. Professional shall carry Professional Liability/Errors &

Omissions/Malpractice Insurance in an amount of no less than $1,000,000 per occurrence and in the aggregate.

E. Fidelity Bond/Crime. If Professional or its employees will be on the premises of BCRTA in connection with performance of work under this contract, Professional shall carry no less than

$1,000,000 in Third Party Crime Coverage for the benefit of BCRTA in the event of theft or other intentional harm to BCRTA’s property by Professional’s employees.

F. Requirements Common to All Policies. Contractor shall issue certificates of insurance to

BCRTA in advance of any contract execution naming “Butler County Regional Transit

Authority” as Additional Insured.

7.8. Payment Procedures

Payments for products delivered or services performed shall be made after presentation of Contractor’s invoices to NEORide. Such invoices shall be computed in accordance with the fee schedule agreed to by

NEORide and Contractor, and incorporated into the final contract, and are due and payable within thirty

(30) calendar days of receipt of a correct invoice as agreed upon by NEORide. Each invoice shall contain

Contractor’s list of products or services delivered. Contractor agrees to supply with each invoice, additional information as may be requested by NEORide.

NEORide may, at any time, conduct an audit of any and/or all records kept by the Contractor for this project. Any overpayment uncovered in such an audit may be charged against the Contractor’s future invoices. NEORide may withhold payment for services it believes were improper, failed to meet with project specifications, or are otherwise questionable. Invoices should be submitted on a monthly basis to:

NEORide located at 1 Park Centre Drive, #300, Wadsworth, OH 44281.

8. FEDERAL TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION (FTA) REQUIREMENTS

8.1. ACCESS TO RECORDS AND REPORTS

1. Record Retention. The Contractor will retain, and will require its subcontractors of all tiers to retain, complete and readily accessible records related in whole or in part to the contract, including, but not limited to, data, documents, reports, statistics, leases, subcontracts, arrangements, other third party

Contracts of any type, and supporting materials related to those records. (a) A bid guarantee from each bidder equivalent to five percent of the bid price. The "bid guarantee" must consist of a firm commitment such as a bid bond, certified check, or other negotiable instrument accompanying a bid as assurance that the bidder will, upon acceptance of the bid, execute such contractual documents as may be required within the time specified.

2. Retention Period. The Contractor agrees to comply with the record retention requirements in accordance with 2 C.F.R. § 200.334. The Contractor shall maintain all books, records, accounts and reports required under this Contract for a period of at not less than three (3) years after the date of termination or expiration of this Contract, except in the event of litigation or settlement of claims arising from the performance of this Contract, in which case records shall be maintained until the disposition of all such litigation, appeals, claims or exceptions related thereto.

3. Access to Records. The Contractor agrees to provide sufficient access to FTA and its contractors to inspect and audit records and information, including such records and information the contractor or its subcontractors may regard as confidential or proprietary, related to performance of this contract in accordance with 2 CFR § 200.337.

4. Access to the Sites of Performance. The Contractor agrees to permit FTA and its contractors access to the sites of performance under this contract in accordance with 2 CFR § 200.337.

8.2. CHANGES TO FEDERAL REQUIREMENTS

Federal requirements that apply to the Recipient or the Award, the accompanying Underlying Agreement, and any Amendments thereto may change due to changes in federal law, regulation, other requirements, or guidance, or changes in the Recipient’s Underlying Agreement including any information incorporated by reference and made part of that Underlying Agreement; and

Applicable changes to those federal requirements will apply to each Third Party Agreement and parties thereto at any tier.

8.3. CIVIL RIGHTS LAWS AND REGULATIONS

The following Federal Civil Rights laws and regulations apply to all contracts.

The Contractor and any subcontractor agree to comply with all the requirements prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin of the Title VI of the Civil Rights Action of

1964, as amended 52 U.S.C 2000d, and U.S. DOT regulation “Nondiscrimination in Federally-Assisted

Programs of the Department of Transportation – Effectuation of the Title VI of the Civil rights Act, “49

C.F. R. Part 21 and any implementing requirement FTA may issue.

1 Federal Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Requirements. These include, but are not limited to:

a) Nondiscrimination in Federal Public Transportation Programs. 49 U.S.C. § 5332, covering projects, programs, and activities financed under 49 U.S.C. Chapter 53, prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), disability, or age, and prohibits discrimination in employment or business opportunity.

b) Prohibition against Employment Discrimination. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, 42 U.S.C. § 2000e, and Executive Order No. 11246, “Equal Employment Opportunity,” September 24, 1965, as amended, prohibit discrimination in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

2 Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex.