23-24-085Regional Bus Feasibility Study

The City of Danville, Virginia has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a Regional Bus Service Feasibility Study, specifically seeking qualified firms to develop a comprehensive analysis of potential commuter bus service connecting Danville with Lynchburg, Martinsville, and Greensboro, North Carolina. The study's primary objectives include evaluating the need for public transportation, developing service and organizational alternatives, and providing a recommended plan addressing operational and capital requirements. Proposals must be submitted by 4:00 PM on Thursday, May 16, 2024, with the final study to be completed by December 31, 2024 to support a subsequent capital grant application. The last day for submitting questions was Tuesday, May 7, 2024, by 5:00 PM, and all sealed bids must be mailed or hand-delivered to the Purchasing Department at 427 Patton Street, Room 304, Danville, VA 24541. The City will evaluate proposals based on conformity with the RFP requirements and select the most advantageous submission, with Danville Transit clarifying that they will not directly operate the regional bus service but are seeking to establish a potential contracting arrangement with a transportation provider.

The RFP does not specify any set-aside designations or impose restrictions on the types of organizations eligible to respond. No incumbent vendors or current contractors are identified in the documentation, and there are no explicit details about existing infrastructure or technology requiring integration. While the RFP does not provide a specific award value or budget range, it indicates that the feasibility study will be financed exclusively by the City of Danville, with the ultimate goal of supporting a capital grant application to the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation. The procurement documents require proposing firms to submit detailed information including their organizational approach, work plan, staffing plan, budget, and relevant experience. The City reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, maintaining flexibility in the procurement process to ensure the most suitable solution is selected for the regional bus service feasibility study.