Bid Announcement for REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS TO PROVIDE SHARED-RIDE TAXI SERVICES IN THE CITY OF WISCONSIN RAPIDS - JANUARY 1, 2019 THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2020

The City of Wisconsin Rapids is seeking qualified contractors to provide shared-ride taxi services within the city limits and a five-mile radius. The procurement is for door-to-door, demand-responsive, advanced reservation taxi services available to the general public, operating seven days a week with varying hours between 5:00 AM and 3:00 AM. The service requires a minimum fleet of 14 vehicles (model year 2011 or newer), with an anticipated weekly requirement of approximately 770 vehicle-driver hours. Contractors must provide an hourly service rate covering all operating and administrative costs, passenger fares, and package delivery charges. Evaluation criteria will include professional competence (20 points), capacity (25 points), experience (25 points), and price (30 points). Key deadlines include a September 19, 2018 deadline for written questions, with proposals due by 2:00 PM on October 1, 2018. Oral presentations and best and final offer procedures were anticipated for October 4-5, 2018, with final approvals targeted for October 15, 2018, and service commencement on January 1, 2019.

The procurement is subsidized with state and federal transit operating funds, specifically $285,865 from Section 5311 (CFDA 20.395). Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) goals follow WisDOT guidelines at 1.1%, though no contract-specific DBE goal has been established and DBE status is not a disqualification factor. Minimum qualifications include an automated dispatch system staffed 19 hours daily, at least three years of prior ground transportation experience, and database software for tracking ridership and revenue. Vehicles and radio equipment will be available through a lease arrangement with the City, potentially reducing the required fleet size by up to 8 vehicles. The contract will cover a two-year period from January 1, 2019 through December 31, 2020, with three optional one-year renewal periods. Contractors must comply with federal requirements, including drug and alcohol testing, maintain comprehensive insurance coverage of at least $1,000,000 combined single limit, and obtain appropriate municipal and state licensing for taxicab and package delivery services.