Transit_Vehicles_RFI_4.21.23.pdf

City of Murfreesboro

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION

(RFI-59-2023)

FOR

SOLICITING RESPONSES FROM TRANSIT

VEHICLE PROVIDERS ON THE AVAILABILITY

OF NEW OR EXISTING TRANSIT VEHICLES

ISSUE DATE: APRIL 24, 2023

RESPONSE DUE DATE: MAY 5, 2023

1) Introduction The City of Murfreesboro (hereinafter referred to as the “City”) is releasing this Request for Information (RFI) to solicit responses from transit vehicle providers on the availability of new or existing transit vehicles. The City intends to engage in a Request for Competitive Sealed Proposals (RFCSP) process for new transit vehicles and will include in that solicitation the information received in response to this RFI from transit vehicle providers.

2) Vehicle Specifications The City is soliciting responses from transit vehicle providers on the availability of a minimum of nine (9) new transit vehicles that meet or exceed the following vehicle specifications. Vehicles should be new (2022 model or newer) and able to be retrofitted with electronic vehicle location, communications, and fare collection equipment. Vehicles are to have been manufactured to comply with Federal Transit Administration Buy America standards and seller is to provide proof of same. Please see general vehicle specifications below.

Vehicles should provide for a minimum 16-passengers plus two (2) wheelchair positions. Vehicles can be low-floor with ADA-compliant ramps or raised with ADA-compliant wheelchair lift equipment. A 5- Year/200,000-mile chassis warranty is preferred.

2.1. Standard Chassis Equipment

Ford E‐450 Chassis (or equivalent) Gas Engine Automatic Transmission Heavy Duty Suspension Power Steering & Brakes Cruise Control and Tilt Steering Wheel Driver Air Bag Front Bumper Dash AC Engine Compartment Lights Engine Block Heater

2.2. Body and Interior Equipment and Features

Fully Powered Driver Seat LED Interior and Exterior Lights Amber Stop Request Lamp Tow Hooks Stainless Wheel Inserts Exterior Key Switch 7” Tail Lights Heated Mirrors Radio/AM/FM/CD/PA Brochure Rack Security Camera System (minimum 5 cameras) Front and Passenger Side Destination Signs Bike Rack Spare Tire and Rim Passenger Seating Tinted Glass

2.3. Paratransit Features

ADA-Compliant Ramp or Wheelchair Lift Wheelchair Tie Downs

2.4. Safety Features

Back‐Up Alarm First Aid Kit Fire Extinguisher Safety Triangles

2.5. Exterior Features

For vehicles that are already assembled, please include your ability to re-paint the vehicle in a single color of choice and the ability to wrap bus with City-provided design.

3) Schedule

3.1 Schedule Deadlines and Requirements

The City intends to adhere to the schedule listed below for the RFI process. Dates may be adjusted by the City as needed.

No responses will be accepted after May 5, 2023, at 2:00 PM Central Standard Time (CST).

The City is accepting only electronic submissions for this RFI. Respondents must create a free account with OpenGov, the City’s e-procurement portal, by signing up at:

https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/murfreesborotn. All responses to the RFI received by the deadline and will be opened upon receipt.

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

Activity Target Date

RFI Issued April 24, 2023

Submittal of questions April 28, 2023, at 2:00 PM

Responses to RFI submitted May 5, 2023, at 2:00 PM

RFCSP Issued May 23, 2023

Open Bids TBD

City Council action TBD

4) Response Information The City is accepting only electronic bid submissions. Responders must create a free account with OpenGov by signing up at https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/murfreesborotn.

Any inquiries, questions, or requests for explanation in regard to the City requirements must be received no later than April 28, 2023 by 2:00 PM CST (local time) via OpenGov. No oral interpretation or clarifications will be given as to the meaning of any part of the Request for Information documents.

Prospective proposers desiring further information or interpretations must make requests in writing through the Question/Answer Tab via the City's e-Procurement portal, OpenGov, on or before April 28, 2023 by 2:00 PM local time. Please include the section title for each question, if applicable, in order to ensure that questions asked are responded to correctly. All questions submitted and answers provided shall be electronically distributed to proposers on record as following this solicitation on the City's e-procurement portal.

4.1 Delivery of Request for Information (RFI)

When: RFI must be submitted by 2:00 p.m., local time (CST), May 5, 2023

Where: RFI must be submitted electronically and uploaded via OpenGov at:

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

How: RFI must be clearly marked “Request for Information for Soliciting Responses from Transit Vehicle Providers on the Availability of New or Existing Transit Vehicles,” and uploaded to OpenGov.

An RFI sent by mail, fax, e-mail or other means will not be accepted.

Each RFI must be 20 pages or less.

4.2 Cost Incurred by Respondents

The City is not liable for any costs incurred by prospective respondents in the preparation of submitting a response to this RFI, in presentation of the response or any other activities related to responding to this RFI.

4.3 Information Accepted

Each respondent submits their information with the understanding that the acceptance of the response does not constitute a contract between the respondent and the City.

4.4 Public Records/Confidentiality

The responses received become the exclusive property of the City. Responses to the RFI shall become a matter of public record and shall be regarded as public records, with the exception of those elements of each response that are marked as “TRADE SECRET,” “CONFIDENTIAL” or “PROPRIETARY.” If required by law or by an order of a court, the City may be required to disclose such records or portions thereof, including without limitation those so marked. Responses that indiscriminately identify all or most of the response as exempt from disclosure without justification may be found to be technically unacceptable.

All information regarding this RFI should be submitted through the OpenGov procurement portal.

City of Murfreesboro Purchasing Department Contact information: Cathy Smith, Purchasing Director, purchasing@murfreesborotn.gov mailto:purchasing@murfreesborotn.gov