26-004QP: On-Call Pedestrian Wayfinding

The City of Seattle Department of Transportation is requesting qualifications for on-call consultant services supporting the Seamless Seattle pedestrian wayfinding system under RFQ 26-004QP, with proposals due September 3, 2026 and a pre-submittal conference on August 6. Women and minority-owned business enterprise (WMBE) participation is required, with proposers mandated to submit a meaningful Inclusion Plan targeting WMBE subcontracting opportunities for core functions.

One contract will be awarded for up to $600,000 over a five-year term commencing January 2027 and ending January 2032. There is no minimum guarantee of work; individual scopes, fees, and schedules will be negotiated through Work Authorizations between the SDOT Project Manager and the selected consultant. Work encompasses wayfinding system planning, wayfinding maps and asset development using SDOT's established design standards, updates to existing signage and assets, pedestrian wayfinding system asset management, and community engagement. The system currently includes over 120 wayfinding signs in Downtown and University District with planned expansions citywide.

The Prime Consultant must demonstrate at least five years of experience in city wayfinding system planning and design with successful delivery of at least two city pedestrian wayfinding systems within the past five years, including demonstrated capabilities in wayfinding system planning, sign content development, asset management, and community engagement. Evaluation is weighted: On-Call Project Delivery (30 points), Project Team Experience (30 points), Quality of Proposed Approach (30 points), and Inclusion Plan (10 points). Interviews and selection are anticipated for October 2026, with contract execution targeted for November 2026.

Consultants must obtain Seattle and Washington State business licenses prior to contract execution and maintain minimum Commercial General Liability of $1,000,000 each occurrence and $2,000,000 combined single limit. Funding is anticipated through local and federal sources (FHWA/WSDOT and FTA). Questions are due August 27, 2026.