REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

RFQ-TRN26-07

TRANSPORTATION PROJECT DELIVERY PLAN CONSULTANT

SERVICES

3555 Timmons Ln

Houston, TX 77027

RELEASE DATE: October 7, 2026

PRE-PROPOSAL CONFERENCE DATE (NON-MANDATORY): Wednesday, October 21, 2026

DEADLINE FOR QUESTIONS: October 26, 2026

RESPONSE DEADLINE: November 19, 2026, 12:00 pm

RESPONSES MUST BE SUBMITTED ELECTRONICALLY TO:

Request For Proposal #RFQ-TRN26-07 Title: Transportation Project Delivery Plan Consultant Services https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/h-gac https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/h-gac

Houston-Galveston Area Council

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

Transportation Project Delivery Plan Consultant Services

I. Inquiries and Clarifications II. Submission Requirements

III. Scope of Work IV. Service Region V. Additional Resources / Website Links

VI. Contract Usage/Term VII. Pre-Award Audit

VIII. DBE Goal IX. Submission Uploads/Required Documents X. Evaluation Criteria

XI. Evaluation/Selection/Final Approval and Award-General XII. Debrief/Protest

XIII. Solicitation Terms and Conditions XIV. Terms and Conditions Applicable to Transportation TxDOT/FTA Funded

Projects

Attachments:

A - H-GAC Sample Contract Standard General Provisions

1. Inquiries and Clarifications

Respondents must submit questions by the Questions deadline indicated in this Solicitation.

Telephone/email inquiries are not accepted. H-GAC will respond as completely as possible to each question. Questions and answers will be posted as soon as available. The names of respondents who submit questions will not be disclosed.

All clarifications will be available in the Question and Answer and/or Addenda Sections in OpenGov, only the information in these sections should be used in preparing a response; verbal communications and other written documents intended to clarify and interpret will not legally bind H-GAC. H-GAC does not assume responsibility for the receipt of any clarifying information.

Respondent must carefully examine all Solicitation documents and become thoroughly familiar with all requirements before submission to ensure the response meets the intent of this Solicitation.

Respondent is responsible for making all investigations and examinations that are necessary to ascertain conditions affecting the requirements of this Solicitation. Failure to make such investigations and examinations will not relieve the Respondent from the obligation to comply, in every detail, with all provisions and requirements of the Solicitation.

2. Submission Requirements

Submissions must be in PDF or Excel format ONLY where indicated and uploaded to the designated section. Documents uploaded into incorrect sections or other formats may be deemed non-responsive and the submission rejected. Additionally, zip files are not allowed.

All responses and required documents must be submitted via the OpenGov system before the deadline.

The system will close automatically at the specified time, and late or incomplete submissions will not be accepted. The OpenGov system will not transmit partial or incomplete submissions attempted after the deadline date and time specified in this solicitation. Recording of proposal submission time and date occur via OpenGov. To satisfy any required public opening, the respondent list is made available in the OpenGov Public Portal after the deadline.

Respondents are strongly encouraged to submit proposals well in advance of any deadline to ensure all uploads and submissions are completed successfully before the cutoff time. Respondents are also encouraged to double-check all uploads to ensure the file is correct and the document is uploaded to the proper section of the response. Respondents may modify submissions that have already been submitted, before the deadline.

The H-GAC Procurement and Contracts Department will not respond to emails from potential respondents related to the acceptance or consideration of incomplete, incorrect, or late submissions.

3. Scope of Work

3.1. Overview

The Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) in coordination with the Transportation Policy Council serves as the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for an eight-county area in the Gulf Coast region. H-GAC staff work collaboratively with Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and local governments to develop long-range plans, including the Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) and the

Unified Transportation Program (UTP). In addition, these entities jointly prepare the Transportation

Improvement Program (TIP) and the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP), which outline projects ready for construction and implementation scheduled over a 4-year, fiscally constrained planning horizon.

H-GAC is responsible for coordinating transportation planning and programming across multiple jurisdictions and stakeholders. Traditionally focused on long-range planning and funding allocation, the

MPO is exploring an expanded role in transportation project development and delivery -- particularly in light of funding demands, growing regional mobility needs, and the need for coordinated project implementation. This increased support would not only help local governments advance projects to the next scheduled phase but also ensure that federal funding is applied and utilized within the federally allotted time.

To support this expanded role, H-GAC is in the process of establishing a robust Transportation Project

Delivery Team that will assist local sponsors in delivering regional transportation projects. This assistance could span a variety of activities related to project development and delivery including capacity development/training, preparing agreements, conducting preliminary engineering and environmental tasks, securing right of way or utility agreements, final design tasks and more.

3.2. Requirements

All materials developed for H-GAC related to this project will belong to H-GAC and must feature H-GAC branding. All documents must be submitted to H-GAC in an editable format (i.e., Word, Excel, Power

Point, GIS, etc.) and will be reviewed and approved by H-GAC prior to distribution. The final decision on project deliverables and content will remain with H-GAC.

3.3. Task 1 - Project Administration and Coordination

Conduct activities as discussed in scoping and kickoff meetings for project administration tasks, which include: bi-weekly progress/coordination meeting minutes, and invoices, which must be submitted to H-

GAC’s Project Manager monthly. Monthly progress reports are required regardless of whether the

Contractor submits an invoice for that month. Monthly progress reports will include a summary of:

• Activities, ongoing or completed, during the reporting period.

• Activities planned for the following month.

• Problems encountered, and remedial actions taken; and

• Project status report, detailing milestones completed and a tabulation of percent completed by task.

Coordinate and hold bi-weekly progress/coordination meetings (virtual is o.k.) with H-GAC to discuss progress, outstanding issues, and prepare for upcoming tasks and activities. Provide continuous quality assurance and quality control throughout the duration of the project. Monthly invoicing procedures will be discussed at the Contractor kick-off meeting with H-GAC’s Transportation Finance staff.

Task 1: Deliverables

• Bi-weekly progress meeting minutes

• Monthly invoices and monthly progress reports due by the 10th of each month

3.4. Task 2 - Organizational Assessment and Team Roles

• Conduct interviews with internal MPO staff and external stakeholders, including Departments of

Transportation (DOTs), transit agencies, and local governments, to determine regional project delivery needs.

• Benchmark MPOs or regional agencies with similar project delivery functions and organizational models to understand how peer MPOs approach project delivery, through coordination with state DOTs and local government sponsors, in order to support and inform early-stage discussions with TxDOT.

• Clarify the appropriate role of the project delivery team within the MPO’s regional mission and legal authority.

• Define the types of projects and project phases in which the team may engage to assist with delivery (such as feasibility analysis, environmental tasks/coordination, design (preliminary and detailed) assistance and coordination, and grant administration).

• Recommend an appropriate service model for the team, including project management and coordination support, technical support, and/or direct delivery oversight.

Task 2: Deliverables

• Summary report of all data and information collected regarding the overall organizational assessment and service model recommendations necessary for sponsor support as it relates to project delivery.

3.5. Task 3 - Develop Organizational & Staffing Plan

• Review the MPO’s existing organizational structure, staffing levels, processes, and legal authority related to project development and delivery.

• Identify capacity, legal, and procedural gaps associated with performing project delivery–related responsibilities.

• Propose an organizational structure for the team within the MPO.

• Define staffing needs, job descriptions, and minimum required qualifications.

• Identify internal capacity-building and/or consultant support strategies.

• Recommend interagency collaboration models (MOUs, shared staffing, joint project agreements, etc.).

Task 3: Deliverables

• List and graphic representation (e.g., charts or infographics) of organizational necessities required to provide project delivery services.

• Write-up of an organizational plan for the newly formed Project Delivery team to perform the project delivery services considering existing organizational, staffing structure, and any perceived gaps.

3.6. Task 4 - Develop Program Processes and Procedures

Task 4.1 Project Selection and Initiation

• Develop comprehensive procedures to guide the effective identification, evaluation, and selection of transportation projects for delivery assistance, including sub-tasks associated with these projects.

• Establish clear project eligibility guidelines that define the types of projects H-GAC can deliver based on:

o Available and anticipated funding sources o Strategic priorities and regional goals

• Coordinate with TxDOT, H-GAC, and local government sponsors to collect and review data on projects submitted for federal funding.

• Define standardized processes for:

o Regional project selection and prioritization o Project scoping o Funding coordination across agencies

• Develop detailed procedures outlining how local government sponsors can submit projects and enter the regional project delivery pipeline(e.g. Call for Projects).

Task 4.1: Deliverables

• Graphic or visual representation of the project selection and initiation process.

• Write-up and list of guidelines and best practices for the selection and initiation of projects including procedures mentioned in the task description above.

Task 4.2: Procurement Process for Project Delivery Services

• Review and analyze applicable State and Federal procurement policies relevant to the procurement of consulting/professional services for transportation engineering, environmental projects, and sub-tasks.

• Identify and evaluate the most appropriate procurement methods for H-GAC to use when procuring consultant/professional services.

• Ensure all recommended procurement approaches align with applicable Federal regulations, statutes, and codes to maintain full compliance for federally funded projects.

• Coordinate closely with H-GAC’s procurement team to:

o Understand internal procurement processes and decision points o Clarify the agency’s role and level of involvement during consultant procurement

• Develop and clearly document recommended procurement procedures incorporating:

o Industry best practices o Federal and State funding requirements o H-GAC-specific operational considerations

• Provide guidance to support consistent, compliant, and efficient implementation of consultant procurement processes.

Task 4.2: Deliverables

• Description and summary of applicable Federal and State procurement policies

• List of recommended procurement methods and guidelines for consultant services, including a visual representation (e.g., flowchart or infographic) of the federal and state procurement process as mentioned in the task description above.

Task 4.3: Implementing Organizational Procedures and Systems for Executing Projects in Compliance with Federal and State Requirements

• Develop a comprehensive project delivery task roadmap for technical assistance, covering the full lifecycle of project development and delivery assistance including preparing agreements, conducting preliminary engineering and environmental tasks, securing right of way or utility agreements (also mentioned in task 4.4), and final design tasks.

• Clearly define each stage of project development, including:

o Required activities and task sequencing o Required decision milestones

• Coordinate with TxDOT to ensure any and all project phases comply with applicable Federal and

State requirements, particularly as H-GAC assumes a project management role.

• Ensure the roadmap functions as a practical, implementable guide to support consistent, compliant, and efficient project delivery across all programs.

• Evaluate and recommend tools, systems, and data platforms to support:

o Project tracking and workflow management o Project performance and readiness monitoring o Interagency data sharing and coordination

• Define standardized documentation and reporting requirements to ensure consistency and uniform application across projects.

• Develop templates, guidance documents, manuals, and reference materials to support consistent application of processes across similar scoped projects for various local government sponsors.

• Incorporate change management strategies to support the adoption of new processes, tools, and roles within H-GAC, particularly as they relate to project delivery assistance activities for the newly formed project delivery team.

• Identify training needs and develop recommendations for staff and partner agency training.

• Outline internal communication approaches to support awareness, alignment, and effective implementation.

• Propose quick-start actions to support early-stage implementation and improvements.

• Recommend a long-term governance structure to oversee project delivery processes, tools, and continuous improvement.

• Utilize TxDOT Local Government Scheduling tool and any other resources to provide insight into scheduling constraints for projects as well as establishing baselines.

• Develop Risk Management procedures to follow through full cycle of all tasks related to project delivery.

Task 4.3: Deliverables

• List of Federal and State requirements applicable to each stage of project delivery.

• Comprehensive writeup of all procedures written in this task description above, necessary for full project execution.

• Visual representation (e.g., chart or diagram) outlining the full project execution process from initiation to final deliverables (pre-construction).

• Determine best practices and procedures for schedule management (including baseline schedule creation and tracking) and risk management.

Task 4.4: Identify critical aspects of pre-construction project closeout (i.e. Utility Agreements, ROW acquisitions, Railroad agreements, close out documents/forms) in accordance with Federal and State guidelines

• Develop a detailed project closeout outline and checklist to ensure full compliance with applicable Federal and State guidelines.

• Coordinate with TxDOT to confirm all pre-construction closeout activities meet regulatory requirements and follow industry best practices.

• Provide H-GAC with a clear and practical framework to efficiently complete project closeouts while maintaining compliance.

• Identify and document required pre-construction closeout activities, including but not limited to utility agreements, right-of-way (ROW) acquisitions, railroad agreements, and required pre-construction closeout documents and forms.

• Ensure all pre-construction closeout activities are completed, authorized, and cleared prior to the project bid phase and/or letting.

• Identify opportunities where the MPO can assist local government sponsors by performing eligible pre-construction closeout-related activities.

Task 4.4: Deliverables

• List of Federal and State requirements for project (pre-construction) closeout

• Visual representation (e.g., checklist or flowchart) illustrating the required steps and compliance criteria for proper pre-construction project closeout including completion and clearance of utility agreements, RR agreements, and ROW acquisition.

• Roadmap for how MPOs can assist local government sponsors with these critical activities, necessary for pre-construction project closeout, discussed in the task description above.

• Stage gate checklist to close out (pre-construction) projects.

3.7. Task 5 - Establishing Short-Term and Long-Term Workplan and Standard Budgets for H-GAC Project Delivery Services

• Collect all necessary data to evaluate existing and projected budget information related to H-

GAC’s project delivery efforts.

• Develop long term and short term workplan and associated budget required for services

• Gather relevant data sources, which may include:

o Internal financial data o Historical budget trends o Anticipated funding allocations for each project delivery service

Task 5: Deliverables

• Summary report of all data and information collected

• List and graphic representation (e.g., charts or infographics) of existing and projected budgets for H-GAC’s project delivery framework.

• Long term and short term workplan with associated required budgeting needs

3.8. Final Deliverables

Provide the following minimum deliverables. Additional deliverables may be included as needed and should be clearly noted in the proposal. All electronic files must be submitted on a flash drive containing the original files in editable formats, including any graphics used for illustrations. Documents must be submitted to H-GAC in editable formats (e.g., Word, Excel, Power BI, Microsoft Project, PowerPoint, GIS) and will be subject to review and approval by H-GAC prior to distribution. H-GAC reserves the final decision on all project deliverables and content.

• Draft document containing the deliverables specified for each task

• Final document incorporating the deliverables specified for each task

• Electronic copies of all deliverables

4. Service Region

4.1. Map

The MPO services the eight counties below in blue, consisting of: Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Liberty, Montgomery, and Waller.

5. Additional Resources / Website Links

• Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) Website: https://www.h-gac.com/Home

• Transportation Improvement Program: https://www.h-gac.com/transportation-improvement-program https://www.h-gac.com/Home https://www.h-gac.com/transportation-improvement-program https://www.h-gac.com/transportation-improvement-program

6. Contract Usage/Term

6.1. Contract Term

H-GAC estimates that the resulting contract will have an initial term of approximately twelve (12) months. This estimate is provided for planning purposes only, and the actual contract term will be established in the executed contract.

The contract may be renewed by mutual agreement of the parties, subject to programmatic needs, funding availability, applicable laws and regulations, and any required Board approvals. H-GAC retains sole discretion regarding the exercise of any contract renewal option.

Information contained in this Solicitation regarding contract term, renewal options, or other contractual matters is provided for informational purposes only and does not create any contractual obligation. In the event of any conflict or inconsistency between this Solicitation and the executed contract, the terms and conditions of the executed contract will control.

6.2. Contract Terms Applicable to Software and Technology

H-GAC anticipates that any resulting agreement for software, software-as-a-service (SaaS), licensing, subscription, hosting, maintenance, or technology support services may include an initial term of one (1) year with up to four (4) optional one-year renewal periods. This anticipated term structure is provided for planning purposes only, and the actual contract term and renewal options will be established in the executed agreement.

H-GAC’s preference is to utilize its standard terms and conditions as the primary governing contract document. Contractor-developed agreements, subscription terms, licensing agreements, or similar documents may be incorporated as supplemental documents when necessary to address technology-specific requirements. H-GAC reserves the right to negotiate contractual provisions as needed to ensure compliance with applicable procurement requirements, funding requirements, and H-GAC contracting standards.

In the event of any conflict or inconsistency between this Solicitation and the executed agreement, the terms and conditions of the executed agreement will control.

6.3. No Automatic Renewals

H-GAC does not permit automatic renewal provisions that extend the term of an agreement without affirmative action and approval by H-GAC. Any renewal must be expressly exercised by H-GAC in accordance with the executed agreement, applicable procurement requirements, funding availability, performance considerations, and any required approvals. Contractor terms providing for automatic renewal, evergreen extensions, or continuation of services beyond the approved contract term will not apply unless expressly accepted by H-GAC in a written amendment or renewal agreement.

6.4. No Guarantee of Usage

H-GAC makes no guarantee of volume or usage under any contract resulting from this Solicitation.

6.5. Sample Contract and Standard General Provisions

See "Additional Reference Documents" for Sample Contract Standard General Provisions.

A Sample Contract with standard General Provisions is provided for review. The awarded contract will be the same or similar to the sample. H-GAC reserves the right to update the actual contract with any additional required terms and conditions as required for compliance to agency and funding source requirements. Exceptions to these standard terms and conditions are not allowed, and will not be reviewed. Any special provisions required of any H-GAC funding source will also become part of any subsequent contract.

7. Pre-Award Audit

7.1. Pre-Award Audit

Due to the amount and type of funding programmed for this project, H-GAC requires that a pre-award audit be conducted before the execution of a contract. The information required for this audit, in addition to a draft contract and detailed scope of work, may include any or all of the following documents, as applicable to funding source and the determination of the awardee if a Subrecipient. The documents requested will be determined by the H-GAC Internal Audit Department and will be requested and required before a contract is awarded:

A. Detailed annual budget

B. 12-month project Schedule/Timeline

C. Itemized cost estimate by personnel job title (including hours), benefits, overhead, travel, equipment, supplies, printing and other direct expenses; and

D. Support data for the benefit and indirect rates (overhead) based on audited costs.

E. Federal OMB Form 60

F. Certificate of Formation

G. Bylaws

H. Employee Handbooks

I. Code of Conduct

J. HR Policies

K. Certificate of Insurance

L. Finance Manual

M. Policies and Procedures (including for banks, AR, AP, fixed asset)

N. IT Policies (including cybersecurity; back-up and recovery plans, incident reporting plan, etc.)

O. Procurement Policies

8. DBE Goal

8.1. DBE Goal

H-GAC has established a goal of 25% (30% for all Workforce/Aging projects) for all projects in its total annual third-party consulting opportunities. H-GAC’s goal is to ensure that small and minority businesses, women's business enterprises, veteran-owned businesses, and labor surplus area firms (See

U.S. Department of Labor's list) are used when possible in providing services under a contract. Under federal procurement requirements of 2 CFR §200.321, if subcontracts are to be let, the prime contractor must ensure the firms are considered as set forth below:

Such consideration means:

(1) These business types are included on solicitation lists;

(2) These business types are solicited whenever they are deemed eligible as potential sources;

(3) Dividing procurement transactions into separate procurements to permit maximum participation by these business types;

(4) Establishing delivery schedules (for example, the percentage of an order to be delivered by a given date of each month) that encourage participation by these business types;

(5) Utilizing organizations such as the Small Business Administration and the Minority Business

Development Agency of the Department of Commerce; and

Nothing in this provision will be construed to require the utilization of any firm that is either unqualified or unavailable.

8.2. DBE Supplemental Guidance

As a recipient and sub-recipient of Federal funds, the guidance of the appropriate funding agency supplemental regulation regarding Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) programs will be incorporated as listed below, and as may be applicable. Please refer to the applicable guidance for the indicated funding source.

The Small Business Administration (SBA) is the primary reference and database for information on requirements related to Federal Subcontracting https://www.sba.gov/federal-contracting/contracting-guide/prime-subcontracting.

Funding Source Supplemental Regulation by Funding Agency

• U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT/FAA): Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Parts

23 and Part 26. Only businesses listed under the Texas Unified Certification Database Diversity

Management System are qualified to meet the stated goal requirement. Locate a business here:

https://txdot.txdotcms.com/.

• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Title 40 Code of Federal Regulations parts 33, Executive Order 11625, Executive Order 12138, and Executive Order 12432.

https://www.sba.gov/federal-contracting/contracting-guide/prime-subcontracting https://www.sba.gov/federal-contracting/contracting-guide/prime-subcontracting https://txdot.txdotcms.com/

• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD): HUD Acquisition Regulations

(HUDAR) HUDAR, dated January 21, 2000, Parts 2419 and 2426.

• U.S. Department of Labor (DOL): Title 48 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Chapter 29, Parts

2900-2999.

• U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC): Title 48 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Chapter 13, Subchapter D.

• U.S. Department of Energy (DOE): Title 48 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Chapter 9, Subchapter D.

• U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA): Title 48 of the Code of Federal Regulation, Chapter 4, Subchapter D.

• U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) including FEMA: Title 48 of the Code of Federal

Regulation, Chapter 30, Subchapter D.

• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS): Title 48 of the Code of Federal

Regulation, Chapter 3, Subchapter D.

• U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ): Title 48 of the Code of Federal Regulation, Chapter 29, Subchapter D.

• U.S. Department of the Treasury (USDT): Title 48 of the Code of Federal Regulation, Chapter 10, Subchapter D, Part 1022.

• U.S. Department of Education (ED) Title 48 of the Code of Federal Regulation, Chapter 34, Subchapter D.

Additional Resources for Socio-Economic Databases/Programs - The entities and programs linked below can also be searched or contacted for assistance in locating a small business if no funding agency is indicated above. The respondent must independently verify the current certifying status of the agencies listed.

City of Houston, Office of Business Opportunity

Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC)

City of Austin, Small Business Development

National Women Business Owners Corporation

Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority

National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC)

North Central Texas Regional Certification Agency

U.S. Women's Chamber of Commerce http://www.houstontx.gov/obo/ http://www.wbenc.org/ http://www.austintexas.gov/department/small-and-minority-business/about https://www.nwboc.org/ http://ccrta.org/opportunities/dbe-certification/ https://www.nmsdc.org/ http://www.nctrca.org/ https://uswcc.org/

South Central Texas Regional Certification Agency

U.S. Department of Transportation DBE Program

Texas Department of Transportation Disadvantaged and Small Business Enterprise Programs

SBA Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Program

The Small Business Administration https://sctrca.org/ https://www.transportation.gov/civil-rights/disadvantaged-business-enterprise http://www.txdot.gov/business/partnerships/dbe.html https://www.sba.gov/federal-contracting/contracting-assistance-programs/women-owned-small-business-federal-contract-program https://www.sba.gov/partners/contracting-officials/small-business-procurement

9. Submission Uploads/Required Documents

Submissions must be in PDF or Excel format ONLY where indicated and uploaded to the designated section. Documents uploaded into incorrect sections or other formats may be deemed non-responsive and the submission rejected. Additionally, zip files are not allowed.

9.1. SUBMISSION UPLOAD SECTION

Please complete each section listed below and upload/respond to the questions or provide the information as directed.

9.1.1. Methodology/Approach*

Submit details regarding approach to undertaking the tasks listed in this Solicitation. A recommended methodology for performance of each task identified in the scope of work must be included, along with a timeline for completion. The tasks and deliverables listed are minimums; provide additional tasks and deliverables recommended to complete a successful study. Joint submissions must describe how the partners will support each other in ensuring a successful outcome.

Provide examples of interview guides, benchmarking methods, or assessment frameworks the

Respondent has used on similar projects.

Explain how practical staffing recommendations could be developed that are realistic for H-GAC to implement.

Describe familiarity with the TxDOT Local Government Project Procedures and any applicable TxDOT scheduling tools.

Identify any additional capabilities or innovations the Respondent can bring to the project, such as:

• Project delivery maturity assessment tools.

• Digital workflow or dashboard solutions.

• Project pipeline management tools.

• Power BI or other dashboard development.

• Automated reporting templates.

*Response required

9.1.2. Project Understanding*

Provide a detailed narrative demonstrating the firm's project understanding including:

• The relationship among H-GAC, TxDOT, local governments, transit agencies, and other regional partners.

• The importance of advancing federally funded projects within required funding timelines.

• The challenges local sponsors face in project development and delivery.

• The potential role of an MPO in supporting project delivery while remaining aligned with its legal authority and regional planning mission.

• The importance of developing tools, templates, checklists, visual process maps, and governance recommendations that H-GAC staff can use after the contract ends.

*Response required

9.1.3. Firm Experience/Capabilities*

Provide information on the firm’s experience on projects of similar type, size, function, and complexity.

Describe five (5) projects, in order of most relevant to least relevant, which demonstrate the firm's capabilities to perform the project at hand.

Follow the format below for each project:

A. Project name, location, and dates during which services were performed.

B. Brief description of project.

C. Services performed by your firm.

D. Owner’s stated satisfaction level in the Services and/or overall service of your firm.

E. Owner contact information.

*Response required

9.1.4. Key Personnel Qualifications*

Submit detail outlining the project manager and key staff members and a clear indication as to their involvement in the project. Brief resumes of staff members, including field staff, must be included.

Please upload resumes in the separate section marked "Resumes". Substitutions for essential personnel involved will not be allowed without H-GAC’s prior approval and resulting delays will be the responsibility of the Contractor. H-GAC retains the right to request the removal of any personnel found, in H-GAC’s opinion, to be unqualified to perform the work. Submit additional information Respondent deems pertinent to demonstrating qualifications and/or experience to perform the services being requested such as memberships in any professional associations, documents, examples, and others.

Demonstrate team expertise in areas such as:

• MPO planning and programming.

• Transportation project delivery.

• TxDOT procedures.

• Federal-aid transportation compliance.

• Organizational assessment.

• Environmental process.

• Change management.

*Response required

9.1.5. Resumes*

Please upload resumes here.

*Response required

9.2. REQUIRED DOCUMENTS/CERTIFICATIONS

The documents/certifications/confirmations below are required for every Solicitation.

9.2.1. Electronic Signature Agreement/Confirmation*

Submission must be signed by a duly authorized representative(s) of the respondent, which must be the actual legal entity that will perform the contract if awarded and any total fixed price contained therein will remain firm for a period of one-hundred eighty (180) days following the submission due date and can be further extended by mutual written agreement.

A signature (electronic) constitutes acknowledgement and acceptance of all the Solicitation Terms and

Conditions. Respondents, their authorized representative, and their agents are responsible for obtaining, and will be deemed to have, full knowledge of the conditions, requirements, and specifications of this Solicitation at the time a response is submitted to H-GAC. This Solicitation does not commit H-GAC to award a contract, issue a Purchase Order, or pay any costs incurred in the preparation of a submission to this Solicitation. The submission will become part of H-GAC’s official files without any obligation on H-GAC’s behalf. All Submissions will be held confidential from all parties other than H-GAC, and only released in accordance with Public Information Act requirements.

Respondent agrees and understands the above requirements, and by confirming, I certify that I am legally authorized to bind the entity to the Terms and Conditions of the Proposal as submitted. I also agree that any other related documents entered into in connection with this Proposal, which include a digital acknowledgement or electronic signature, are to be treated in all respects as having the same force and effect as original signatures.

☐ Please confirm

*Response required

9.2.2. Electronic Submission Signature*

Signature of the person authorized to bind Respondent company to any contract/purchase order that may result from this Solicitation and acknowledgement and acceptance of the full Solicitation Terms and

Conditions.

Please type (sign) Authorized Signor Name and Title Here:

Maximum response length: 200 characters

9.2.3. Contact by Respondent*

To ensure a fair and competitive environment, direct communication between H-GAC employees other than the Solicitation Contact or any party able to create an unfair advantage to Respondent or disadvantage to other Respondents with respect to the Solicitation process, or the award of a Contract is strictly prohibited. This restricted period of communication begins on the issue date of the Solicitation and for Respondent(s) not selected for award ends with the conclusion of the protest period identified in the Solicitation document and for Respondents(s) selected for award ends with the Contract execution. This restriction does not apply to communications to other H-GAC employees during a Pre-

Proposal/Bid or Response conference or other situations where the Solicitation Contact has expressly authorized direct communications with other staff. A Respondent who intentionally violates this requirement of the Solicitation process or otherwise deliberately or unintentionally benefits from such a violation by another party may have its Submission rejected in accordance with H-GAC Procurement

Policy. Respondent(s) will not offer any gratuities, favors, or anything of monetary value to any official or employee of H-GAC (including any and all members of the evaluation committee) for the purposes of influencing consideration of any Submission.

Respondent agrees and understands the above requirement.

☐ Please confirm

*Response required

9.2.4. Small and Minority Business, Women's Business Enterprise, and Labor Surplus Affirmation*

Please download the below documents, complete, and upload.

• Small-and-Minority-Business...

*Response required

9.2.5. Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion for Covered Contracts *

Debarment and Suspension (Executive Orders 12549 and 12689) – A contract award (2 CFR 180.220) must not be made to parties listed on the government-wide exclusions in the System for Award

Management (SAM), in accordance with the OMB guidelines at 2 CFR 180 that implement Executive

Orders 12549 (3 CFR Part 1966 Comp. p. 189) and 12689 (3 CFR Part 1989 Comp. p. 235), “Debarment and Suspension.” SAM Exclusions contains the names of parties debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded by agencies, as well as parties declared ineligible under statutory or regulatory authority other than Executive Order 12549. Respondent certifies that neither it nor its principals are presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, declared ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from participation by any federal department or agency or by the State of Texas and at all times during the term of the Contract neither it nor its principals will be debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, declared ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from participation by any federal department or agency or by the State of Texas. Respondent shall immediately provide the written notice to H-GAC if at any time the

Respondent learns that this certification was erroneous when submitted or has become erroneous by reason of changed circumstances. H-GAC may rely upon a certification of the Respondent that the

Respondent is not debarred, suspended, ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from the covered contract, unless the H-GAC knows the certification is erroneous.

https://government-project.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/35456/ec453edf-3688-4efd-8f66-63961d9fd09e_Small-and-Minority-Business-Women-Business-Enterprise-Labor-Surplus-Affirmation-Form_%281%29.pdf?X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Content-Sha256=UNSIGNED-PAYLOAD&X-Amz-Credential=ASIA47RIURE4EGPRMCJ6%2F20261007%2Fus-west-2%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&X-Amz-Date=20261007T100001Z&X-Amz-Expires=72000&X-Amz-Security-Token=IQoJb3JpZ2luX2VjEEEaCXVzLXdlc3QtMiJHMEUCIQDM0R7FVoZzMLWqI%2BV%2FYOi%2B%2FYwL3uvs4Act8fkIMkfmrgIgLcllfdsO%2BpvvcaUwkWaVPPUqo9JVm%2F%2F7WcHm1LLMWhEqjAUICRACGgw4OTIzNjQ2ODc2NzIiDP%2BTRJ9RqHTLrsgvhCrpBAB2JB3C99kqLA%2Fp9ZRCxmntTJ67EEHTXg0Vm83HcDYpqlTD0ESV5awruyfmGe0kC38h5qfQoYQEkQ2rf7kGcJjGy8hmT7bupoZsra5otOqAZK69de7MO%2BLoCuEn3hbA6vUNSpT6Hg851qNTCLvcmfBOb52LSrVVbvzlPD4ItvDwVBSrws6yHsogMWKNxDeSSEnp94hWHw5UugBxmgimX99LGLvLG7WagbY1miGKlrJf0PM1VeHscTdn2XzUMtHFLjBsj8pYxe%2F%2BG1OrMyWRp20jYNMDyKC8yOrDV%2B%2Bwe6LqBC1LgLrOlruHCFmAr5UZ6NBxw75Ciiym5Hc2TepUMm7bSFgZm8STnI6yBMmY7aCYILMHB6HKHM9R1xRLVcfS87hUkN91fUiVegPqEfYKvCvXUOZLqb1XbrQBOBfL5oNF9zEViJKV38dTghM%2Fj12OLjwvj4bCAKtSdz0BLlzxdlDZ93oKrziQDgpbiWTsqkhaUhjk%2FDzFgf%2BHRVVqegrt0lO%2FCvfSBr1DResSCKtvy3CTefljUrgbKNNW%2B6M4bXdhcNy1PRNT3mPsgGZeNKkLIL0Z1Odp4gZY4AjNsREc5fvKYsb222iX68Mx8WYMrvIvijmuubGNqj07TI2VV7alI7AybttJTDeAFTZQrRIptlh1BzC4pEDDgB4jfrm9SUm3fCb5t4GlBSlaToCuv835GP6jatmkOpteDkVO0a2h2i7yGH38bxujpeYWB3iz4RTE5mjdhQTOwmRt1iw5HH2Ft%2FLEUYzWN8nZAMltfTxvsigPe2fIEV%2F%2FNfmGPlRI0OZqRLEdjQsGhtz6MPKPmNYGOpkB66Uq2rZm244FX%2FmGtrEA6Nf%2BKqkTdE58oV8b6hACmpWHR9gr%2FxOPdeyJvzRQSiUfaEDa9ZAwzz0VrI%2B%2BLOUAD58X9J00wDFa5JCVTQE8veldjS3SnTQq4iUdmrUflxfv21lvpj4UlwbUNI4hamfNbviJqzb6DaMSp8BOaGVsI5XMYhr4sx8zePBIX24CPhkWSU15Q93M07UO&X-Amz-Signature=bb7349b82a2808a61653d76a64c5d9b08ea7617ea9221dab888214aa1a71d244&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&response-content-disposition=attachment%3B%20filename%3D%22Small-and-Minority-Business-Women-Business-Enterprise-Labor-Surplus-Affirmation-Form_%281%29.pdf%22&x-id=GetObject

Please download the below documents, complete, and upload.

• Certification-Regarding-Deb...

*Response required

9.2.6. Certification Regarding Lobbying/Byrd Anti-Lobbying Amendment* The undersigned certifies, to the best of his or her knowledge and belief, that:

(1) No Federal appropriated funds have been paid or will be paid, by or on behalf of the undersigned, to any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with the awarding of any Federal grant, the making of any Federal loan, the entering into of any cooperative agreement, and the extension, continuation, renewal, amendment or modification of any

Federal contract, grant, loan, or cooperative agreement.

(2) If any funds other than Federal appropriated funds have been paid or will be paid to any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with this

Federal contract, grant, loan, or cooperative agreement, the undersigned shall complete and submit

Standard Form- LLL, "Disclosure of Lobbying Activities," in accordance with its instructions.

(3) The undersigned shall require that the language of this certification be included in the award documents of all sub-awards at all tiers (including subcontracts, sub-grants, and contracts under grants, loans, and cooperative agreements) and that all sub- recipients shall certify and disclose accordingly.

This certification is a material representation of fact upon which reliance was placed when this transaction was made or entered into. Submission of this certification is a prerequisite for making or entering into this transaction imposed by section 1352, title 31, United States Code. Any person who fails to file the required certification shall be subject to a civil penalty of not less than $10,000 and not more than $100,000 for each such failure.

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9.2.7. Certification Regarding Drug-Free Workplace Requirements* Respondent represents and warrants that it shall comply with the applicable provisions of the Drug-Free

Workplace Act of 1988 (41 U.S.C. § 701 et seq.) and maintain a drug-free work environment. H-GAC may request a copy of this policy upon contract award.

The grantee certifies that it will provide a drug-free workplace by: (a) Publishing a statement notifying employees that the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession or use of a controlled substance is prohibited in the grantee’s workplace and specifying the actions that will be taken against employees for violation of such prohibition; (b) Establishing a drug-free awareness program to inform employees about— (1) The dangers of drug abuse in the workplace; (2) The grantee’s policy of maintaining a drug-free workplace; (3) Any available drug counseling, rehabilitation and employee assistance programs, and (4) The penalties that may be imposed upon employees for drug abuse violations occurring in the workplace. (c) Making it a requirement that each employee to be engaged in https://government-project.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/35456/8163f0ca-74a9-408e-9c5d-018b69ec7080_Certification-Regarding-Debarment_%281%29.pdf?X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Content-Sha256=UNSIGNED-PAYLOAD&X-Amz-Credential=ASIA47RIURE4EGPRMCJ6%2F20261007%2Fus-west-2%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&X-Amz-Date=20261007T100001Z&X-Amz-Expires=72000&X-Amz-Security-Token=IQoJb3JpZ2luX2VjEEEaCXVzLXdlc3QtMiJHMEUCIQDM0R7FVoZzMLWqI%2BV%2FYOi%2B%2FYwL3uvs4Act8fkIMkfmrgIgLcllfdsO%2BpvvcaUwkWaVPPUqo9JVm%2F%2F7WcHm1LLMWhEqjAUICRACGgw4OTIzNjQ2ODc2NzIiDP%2BTRJ9RqHTLrsgvhCrpBAB2JB3C99kqLA%2Fp9ZRCxmntTJ67EEHTXg0Vm83HcDYpqlTD0ESV5awruyfmGe0kC38h5qfQoYQEkQ2rf7kGcJjGy8hmT7bupoZsra5otOqAZK69de7MO%2BLoCuEn3hbA6vUNSpT6Hg851qNTCLvcmfBOb52LSrVVbvzlPD4ItvDwVBSrws6yHsogMWKNxDeSSEnp94hWHw5UugBxmgimX99LGLvLG7WagbY1miGKlrJf0PM1VeHscTdn2XzUMtHFLjBsj8pYxe%2F%2BG1OrMyWRp20jYNMDyKC8yOrDV%2B%2Bwe6LqBC1LgLrOlruHCFmAr5UZ6NBxw75Ciiym5Hc2TepUMm7bSFgZm8STnI6yBMmY7aCYILMHB6HKHM9R1xRLVcfS87hUkN91fUiVegPqEfYKvCvXUOZLqb1XbrQBOBfL5oNF9zEViJKV38dTghM%2Fj12OLjwvj4bCAKtSdz0BLlzxdlDZ93oKrziQDgpbiWTsqkhaUhjk%2FDzFgf%2BHRVVqegrt0lO%2FCvfSBr1DResSCKtvy3CTefljUrgbKNNW%2B6M4bXdhcNy1PRNT3mPsgGZeNKkLIL0Z1Odp4gZY4AjNsREc5fvKYsb222iX68Mx8WYMrvIvijmuubGNqj07TI2VV7alI7AybttJTDeAFTZQrRIptlh1BzC4pEDDgB4jfrm9SUm3fCb5t4GlBSlaToCuv835GP6jatmkOpteDkVO0a2h2i7yGH38bxujpeYWB3iz4RTE5mjdhQTOwmRt1iw5HH2Ft%2FLEUYzWN8nZAMltfTxvsigPe2fIEV%2F%2FNfmGPlRI0OZqRLEdjQsGhtz6MPKPmNYGOpkB66Uq2rZm244FX%2FmGtrEA6Nf%2BKqkTdE58oV8b6hACmpWHR9gr%2FxOPdeyJvzRQSiUfaEDa9ZAwzz0VrI%2B%2BLOUAD58X9J00wDFa5JCVTQE8veldjS3SnTQq4iUdmrUflxfv21lvpj4UlwbUNI4hamfNbviJqzb6DaMSp8BOaGVsI5XMYhr4sx8zePBIX24CPhkWSU15Q93M07UO&X-Amz-Signature=2aaae49f11c375fd552ff85deefabf6ec97f22556bd6c73c721ab9f41cc88725&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&response-content-disposition=attachment%3B%20filename%3D%22Certification-Regarding-Debarment_%281%29.pdf%22&x-id=GetObject the performance of the grant be given a copy of the statement required by paragraph (a); (d) Notifying the employee in the statement required by paragraph (a) that, as a condition of employment under the grant, the employee will— (1) Abide by the terms of the statement; and (2) Notify the employer of any criminal drug statute conviction for a violation occurring in the workplace no later than five days after each conviction; (e) Notifying the agency within ten days after receiving notice under subparagraph

(d)(2) from an employee or otherwise receiving actual notice of such conviction; (f) Taking one of the following actions, within 30 days of receiving notice under subparagraph (d)(2), with respect to any employee who is so convicted— (1) Taking appropriate personnel action against such an employee, up to and including termination; or (2) Requiring such employee to participate satisfactorily in a drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program approved for such purposes by a Federal, State, or local health, law enforcement, or other appropriate agency; (g) Making a good faith effort to continue to maintain a drug-free workplace through implementation of paragraphs (a), (b), (c), (d), (e) and (f).

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9.2.8. Equal Employment Opportunity*

Respondent represents and warrants its compliance with all applicable duly enacted state and federal laws governing equal employment opportunities. The equal opportunity clause provided under 41 CFR

60-1.4(b) is hereby incorporated by reference.

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9.2.9. Covid-19 Vaccine Passport Prohibition*

Under Section 161.0085 of the Texas Health and Safety Code, Respondent certifies that the individual or business entity named in this Response or contract is not ineligible to receive the specified contract. A business in this state may not require a customer to provide any documentation certifying the customer's COVID-19 vaccination or post-transmission recovery on entry to, to gain access to, or to receive service from the business. A business that fails to comply with this subsection is not eligible to receive a grant or enter into a contract payable with state funds.

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9.2.10. Filing Reports Form 1295 Certificate of Interested Parties* No officer, member or employee of the Contractor or Contractors subcontractor, no member of the governing body of the Contractor, and no other public officials of the Contractor who exercise any functions or responsibilities in the review or Contractor approval of this Master Agreement, shall participate in any decision relating to this Master Agreement which affects his or her personal interest, or shall have any personal or pecuniary interest, direct or indirect, in this Master Agreement.

As required by Section 2252.908 of the Texas Government Code. H-GAC will not enter a Contract with

Contractor unless (i) the Contractor submits a disclosure of interested parties form to H-GAC at the time the Contractor submits the contract H-GAC, or (ii) the Contractor is exempt from such requirement. The required form and instructions are located at the Texas Ethics Commission website https://www.ethics.state.tx.us/whatsnew/elf_info_form1295.htm. Respondents who are awarded a

Contract must submit their Form 1295 with the submission to H-GAC.

Please download the below document, complete, and upload. Download a blank Form here:

https://www.ethics.state.tx.us/filinginfo/1295/

• 1295_(1).pdf

*Response required

9.2.11. Conflict of Interest Questionnaire*

No officer, member or employee of the Contractor or Contractors subcontractor, no member of the governing body of the Contractor, and no other public officials of the Contractor who exercise any functions or responsibilities in the review or Contractor approval of this Master Agreement, shall participate in any decision relating to this Master Agreement which affects his or her personal interest, or shall have any personal or pecuniary interest, direct or indirect, in this Master Agreement.

Chapter 176 of the Texas Local Government Code requires contractors contracting or seeking to contract with H-GAC to file a conflict-of-interest questionnaire (CIQ) if they have an employment or other business relationship with an H-GAC officer or an officer's close family member. H-GAC officers include its Board of Directors and Executive Director, who are listed on the H-GAC website.