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Rhode Island Department of Transportation Planning Division

Office of Transit and Capital Planning

TRFP27006857 Request for Technical Proposals for On-Call Transit Planning Consultant Services

SECTION A. BACKGROUND

Rhode Island’s extensive network of transit services includes commuter rail, intercity rail, fixed-route bus, park and rides, and ferry, reaching much of the State as well as its major employment and leisure destinations. Nevertheless, as explored in Rhode Island’s Transit Master Plan (TMP), and the RIDOT Rail Plan (underway) these transit services are sometimes not as fast, frequent, or direct as they could be, particularly in areas of the state with the most demand for transit. With a dense urban core in and around Providence, smaller dense communities at the edges of the state, and strong economic ties to Boston, there is potential to increase transit ridership on existing and new modes. Additionally, RIDOT seeks to promote economic development through strategies such as Transit Oriented Development (TOD) and seasonal/special event services.

Request for Proposals (RFPs) are hereby solicited by the State of Rhode Island Department of Administration (RIDOA)/Division of Purchases on behalf of the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) Planning Division Office of Transit and Capital Planning, to acquire on call transit planning consultant services. This procurement will result in up to three (3) contracts with a contract value of $110,000.00 per year, not to exceed $330,000 each contract for the initial three-year contract term. At the exclusive option of the State, the contract may be extended for up to two (2) additional one-year terms. If this contract is extended for any additional one-year terms, then prior to that extension, the parties will agree upon additional compensation terms. The successful Consultant(s) and Sub-Consultants will be precluded from participating in any resultant solicitations derived from RFPs prepared by the Consultant(s) under this contract.

The Respondent shall be knowledgeable of Rhode Island’s existing transit systems and assets as well as the challenges and obstacles facing the State and its transit service providers. The respondent shall perform planning, design-level analyses and investigations to increase ridership; develop and implement faster and more frequent transit services; and foster transit-supportive economic development along Rhode Island’s rapid transit network, including rail, ferry, and fixed-route bus routes. The project tasks include but may not be limited to traditional planning analyses (data collection, mapping, ridership projections, environmental review, service modeling, cost estimates, etc.) and design preparation (conceptual-level) as well as visualization (3-D modeling, realistic rendering), communications, grant-writing support, and marketing techniques

The Respondent shall also be familiar with the TMP’s State of the System Report and its resulting investment scenarios. Although this work pertains to a statewide geographic scope, the Consultant will focus efforts on linking high population densities to areas of existing or potential job centers; areas determined in the TMP and other planning documents to have medium to high propensity for transit demand.

Respondents must possess a working familiarity with the State of Rhode Island Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction February 2026, and all subsequent revisions, as well as all applicable RIDOT Department Policy Memos (DPMS) and RIDOT Memorandums to All Consultants (TACS).

http://www.ripta.com/transitforwardri https://www.dot.ri.gov/about/who/office_of_transit.php https://www.dot.ri.gov/about/who/office_of_transit.php https://www.dot.ri.gov/business/bluebook/index.php https://www.dot.ri.gov/business/bluebook/index.php

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SECTION B. SCOPE OF WORK

PROJECT TASKS

The selected Consultant shall provide guidance and professional assistance for enhancing the existing transit services, corridors, and transit hubs throughout Rhode Island, as well as developing new transit services, including but not limited to, bus, rail, and ferry service. The consultant will perform the following tasks - as needed - upon request by RIDOT:

1. Plan/Policy Review – Assess and review all pertinent State, local, and regional plans relative to existing and proposed transit services, particularly the Rhode Island Transit Master Plan and other plans from RIPTA, RIDOT, the DOA Statewide Planning Program, and State and Local land use plans that encourage transit–oriented development (TOD) and a balanced (multimodal) transportation network.

2. Transit Hub/Corridor Assessment – Multi-modal assessment of high-capacity transit hubs and corridors for enhanced bus, BRT, rail and ferry services. Work may include but is not limited to the following:

a. Analyze the economic impacts of new or enhanced transit operations and/or stations

b. Provide recommendations on increasing ridership on existing transit routes and at specific stations

c. Propose methods and conceptual plans to improve multimodal access and increase non-automobile first and last mile trips to existing or proposed transit stations

d. Mapping and right-of-way assessments

e. Service modeling along Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor. Ready access to an existing service model of the Northeast Corridor, at minimum between Boston South Station and Rhode Island Stations.

f. Service enhancement plan for operations service levels, station/hub spacing, trip frequency, connection and compatibility with other services, etc. including recommendation on restructuring existing services where applicable

g. Environmental analysis, including identification of major material and cultural issues and constraints

h. Ridership projections and origin-destination forecasts using updated state travel demand model and other economic development and land use growth models

i. Evaluate transit alternatives based on reasonable evaluation metrics so comparisons and recommendations can be made

j. Recommendation on advancing high-capacity transit hub and corridors

k. Complete observational studies, such as for ridership or station access

l. Complete census data analysis

m. Complete rail string line and service modeling analysis

3. Transit Oriented Development (TOD) – Analyze TOD opportunities at various hub locations, including ferry terminals.

a. Identify barriers to successful TOD at existing and planned transit stations

b. Propose transit-supportive land uses, infrastructure, policies, zoning regulations, and design standards that will promote vibrant, walkable, mixed-use communities surrounding transit stations.

c. Evaluate success or lack of success of recent TOD-focused initiatives

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4. Conceptual Design – Prepare conceptual design plans and related 3D renderings and mapping for transit hubs and corridors (particularly high-capacity corridors), transit-oriented/supportive projects, track improvements, transit stations, first/last mile connections to transit stations, and complete streets improvements.

5. Cost Estimates – Develop capital and operating cost estimates for each of the hub and corridor alternatives associated with existing transit services. Items that require cost estimating may include hub facilities, maintenance facilities, corridor improvements, rolling stock acquisition, fleet electrification, and bus, passenger rail, and other modal operating costs.

6. Funding/Finance – Identify and review available federal, state, local and private funding sources for capital and operations. Assist in assembling components of funding applications, including those contained in other tasks of this contract and cost-benefit analyses.

7. Implementation Plan – Develop a reasonable implementation plan and schedule of recommended alternatives for enhancements to existing transit services considering cost and funding options, including a phased- approach to implementation.

8. Communications/Presentations – As required, the consultant may be required to develop presentation materials, including PowerPoint presentations and presentation boards for internal and external meetings, and facilitate meetings with stakeholders and the general public. The consultant team will produce Section 508-compliant content as needed.

9. Bus Priority Implementation – Provide the technical services required to design and implement bus priority projects that can be executed in a short timeframe at a level similar to that of a “Tactical Urbanism” project. RIDOT expects the primary elements of such projects to include bus lanes, bus queue jump lanes, bus-on-shoulder lanes and enhanced bus stops.

10. Grant Application Support -- Provide technical support and other related services to plan, develop, and advance grant applications, analyze the costs and benefits of potential grant projects pursuant to state and federal guidance, identify potential projects for grant opportunities, and prepare readiness reports, including conducting due diligence and preparing potential budget and schedule estimates.

11. On-Call support for transit-related planning tasks – Other related tasks, and on call support for transit-related planning tasks, as required.

SECTION C. PROPOSAL

Vendors shall follow the Ocean State Procures (OSP) Vendor Reference Guide for instruction on how to submit proposals in response to this solicitation.

PROPOSAL FORMAT AND ORGANIZATION

The Technical Proposal shall follow the format listed below. There is no page limit for the Proposals.

However, RIDOT requests that the content specifically addresses the qualifications listed below.

https://ridop.ri.gov/vendors/vendor-training-and-guides-osp-system

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1. SECTION 1 (PRIME)

a. Cover Letter

b. Transmittal Letter

c. Table of Contents

d. Certificate of Authorization

e. P.E. Licenses/Certifications

f. Required Forms

2. SECTION 2 (PRIME)

a. Firm/Staff Qualifications

b. Relevant Experience

c. Project Approach

d. Current Workload

3. SECTION 3 (SUB-CONSULTANTS) - Organized by Sub-Consultant with tabbed dividers.

a. Transmittal Letter

b. Resumes or SF 330

c. Relevant Experience

d. Current Workload

e. Certificate of Authorization

f. P.E. Licenses/Certifications

g. Required Forms

4. SECTION 4 (APPENDICES - OPTIONAL)

Respondents are encouraged to submit any other technical information deemed useful to provide RIDOT with sufficient information to evaluate the firm’s qualifications to perform the requested services.

TRANSMITTAL LETTER

Respondents shall include a transmittal letter on their firm’s letterhead and signed by an authorized representative of the firm. This person shall be the contact point for all communications from RIDOT related to this RFP. The letter shall acknowledge receipt of all addenda. Provide the name of each company comprising the team, including Sub-Contractors and proposed DBE Firms; identify the services each firm will provide and the Project Manager who shall be responsible for the delivery of project assignments on time, on budget, and in accordance with the Contract provisions.

ORGANIZATIONAL CHART

Provide an organizational chart for the entire proposed team including Sub-Consultants and the services they will provide. The chart shall also delineate the “chain of command” and identify the major functions to be performed and their reporting relationships in managing project tasks. The chart shall identify all members of the key personnel required.

STAFF QUALIFICATIONS

Provide resumes for each key team member showing education, training experience, license(s), intended contract role, and both past and recent (within five years) experience, particularly with respect to comparable experience on similar Transit projects.

Key Personnel: At a minimum, the following key personnel performing the functions described below shall be identified.

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1. Project Manager – This individual shall provide direct supervision of the project and possess strong transit planning experience and leadership skills. The PM shall be accessible to the RIDOT POC and be prepared to discuss any requested findings in a coordinated team meeting environment, if required. The PM must have extensive experience in rail and bus transit planning performed within the last TEN (10) YEARS.

2. Project Planner -- Personnel fulfilling this role must demonstrate transit planning experience performed within the last TEN (10) YEARS and possess an educational background in planning, landscape architecture, engineering, or a related discipline.

3. Staff Planner – Staff assigned to this category shall provide evidence of transit planning or general planning experience.

4. Staff Engineer – Staff assigned to this category shall demonstrate transit and/or highway/traffic engineering. An engineer may also demonstrate “Complete Streets” implementation and strategy experience.

5. GIS/Design Technician – All individuals assigned to this category must have adequate GIS and urban design software experience.

6. Technician/Office – Office staff must have experience providing general office support and computer skills.

7. Other – Respondents may propose personnel categories in addition to the categories cited above. Include the title, specific responsibilities and credentials for each proposed category.

Multiple categories may be proposed but must be definitive as far as services anticipated and relevance to the project scope.

SUB-CONSULTANT(S)

Sub-Consultant(s) shall provide a cover letter to the Prime that delineates the services they will provide.

This letter shall preface each separately tabbed Sub-Consultant proposal documents that shall include the following:

1. Cover Letter

2. Resumes for Key Personnel

3. Relevant Experience

4. Current Workload

5. Certificate of Authorization

6. P.E. Licenses/Certifications

7. Required Forms

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE

Pursuant to 430-RICR-00-00-1 any individual and/or firm who submits a response to a Request for Proposals (RFP) or any other bidding method which requires the performance of engineering work or services shall be construed to be offering to practice engineering in this state. A copy of the current Rhode Island Certificate of Authorization (for the firm) and current Rhode Island registration(s) (for the

TRFP27006857 Page 6 of 8 individuals) who shall perform the specified engineering services must be included in the Technical Proposal.

1. The team must demonstrate a minimum of 5 years of transit planning experience and possess a working knowledge of applicable State and Federal transportation regulations.

2. Provide a listing of the firm’s projects (Max of 5) similar in scope that have been completed within the last TEN years. The Consultant should not include projects or experiences if none of the core project team contributed to the experience.

3. Provide a listing of Client references with respect to each similar project cited, include the following contact information: names, email addresses and telephone number. The clients listed shall be specific to those for which your Firm provided transit planning services.

PROJECT APPROACH

Respondents shall provide a detailed technical synopsis of their proposed services based on the scope of work requested which demonstrates their knowledge of the State’s existing transit systems and assets as well as any potential technical and/or any administrative issues facing the State under this initiative.

Responses shall demonstrate a thorough understanding of the TMP’s State of the System Report.

Alternative approaches and/or methodologies to accomplish the intended results of this solicitation are encouraged. However, proposals that depart from or materially alter the terms, requirements or scope of work as defined by this Request will be rejected and considered non-responsive.

CURRENT WORKLOAD

Include a current listing of projects the firm is contracted to perform and anticipated completion dates. If preferred, this list can be limited to those projects assigned to your firm’s key staff. Demonstrate your capacity to take on additional work. Given the on call nature of these services and the workload anticipated, consulting firms selected must possess the capability and capacity to manage numerous projects with varying degrees of complexity simultaneously.

REQUIRED FORMS

Required Forms Forms Prime Sub

Certification Regarding Debarment Lobbying Form

Conflicts Disclosure Form - for Board of Directors, key personnel and anyone who has a potential conflict to

USDOT Standard Title VI Assurances Supplemental Bidder Attestation form

SECTION D. EVALUATION

TECHNICAL EVALUATION GROUP

A Technical Evaluation Group (TEG), the majority of which must be currently employed by the State of Rhode Island, will be convened by RIDOT. The TEG will be comprised of a Chairperson and RIDOT technical personnel (Voting Members) assigned to evaluate and score all proposals. All members of the TEG will be required to execute a Conflict of Interest and Confidentiality Certificate prior to the Division of Purchases release of the Proposals. The Final Selection Recommendations will be presented to the State

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Architectural/Engineering Consultant Services Selection Committee for final approval. RIDOT reserves the right to use any appropriate technical resources to aid in evaluating the submittals. Technical resources will act in an advisory capacity only and will not review or score any documentation.

RIDOT, at its sole discretion, may conduct interviews, ask written questions of the Respondents, seek written clarifications and conduct discussions on the Proposals during the evaluation and selection process. RIDOT retains the option to determine which teams, if any, will be invited to make oral presentations. Respondents shall be aware that RIDOT reserves the right to conduct an independent investigation of any information, including prior experience, identified in a Proposal by contacting Project references, accessing public information, contacting independent parties, or by any other means.

TECHNICAL PROPOSAL EVALUATION CRITERIA

Technical Proposals will be evaluated qualitatively based upon the following selection criteria. The selection criteria below are intended to be informational, and all information required under the identified Sections will be evaluated.

1. STAFF QUALIFICATIONS

a. Do the staff proposed to work on this contract have at least FIVE (5) Years of passenger rail, bus, and ferry transit planning experience?

b. Have the staff proposed to work on this contract completed similar projects (MAX 5) within the last TEN (10) YEARS?

c. Were references and contact information provided for each project presented?

d. Were all personnel categories assigned and personnel identified per category? Were qualifications and experience levels acceptable?

e. Did proposed key Sub-Consultants provide similar requirements and required contact information?

f. Does the proposed Firm possess the technical and administrative capacity suitable to the level of project complexity anticipated under this Project?

g. Were DBE Firm(s) and work assignments disclosed? Current RI DBE Certifications provided?

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POINTS

2. RELEVANT EXPERIENCE

a. Was project experience presented for the staff proposed to work on this contract similar in nature to services anticipated in Scope?

b. Does the firm or subconsultant have experience with rail planning along the Northeast

Corridor?

c. Was sub-consultant experience relevant?

d. With regard to the similar projects presented, how was the Firm’s performance rated in terms of quality of work, timeliness of submissions, adherence to project schedule, and coordination with stakeholders?

e. Does the Firm possess the ability to handle all project elements addressed in the project tasks in a timely and responsive manner?

f. Does the firm possess adequate staff and resources to handle project elements addressed in the project tasks in situations that require producing substantial amounts of work on tight deadlines?

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POINTS

3. PROJECT APPROACH

a. Did the technical approach provide a full understanding of the project scope and knowledge of the State’s available and potential transit assets, as well as the Transit Master Plan?

b. Were any potential technical issues discussed and mitigation factors proposed?

c. Were visualization and innovative communications techniques proposed?

d. Does the firm have the capacity to take on additional work?

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POINTS

MAXIMUM TOTAL SCORE 100

POINTS

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METHOD OF PAYMENT

The Specific Rates of Compensation payment method will be utilized. This payment method provides for reimbursement for consultant services on the basis of direct labor hours at specified fixed hourly rates (including direct labor costs, indirect costs, and fee (profit) plus any direct expenses/costs). Per TAC 0297 statements of indirect costs must be submitted to the Office of Internal Audit for approval. Firms without approved ICRs or cognizant rates issued by other states will submit their ICR as part of the contract process. The accepted rate will be the lower of the presented rate or 125%. Fixed fee (profit) will be set at ten percent (10%) for the contract term.