Coordinated Public Transit Human Services Transportation Plan

The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT), Office of Air, Rail, and Transit (ART) is seeking proposals for a comprehensive Statewide Coordinated Public Transit Human Services Transportation Plan and customer research services. The procurement aims to identify transportation needs for individuals with disabilities, seniors, and people with low incomes, with key deliverables including strategies for meeting local transportation needs and prioritizing transportation services and projects for funding and implementation. Vendors must provide customer research services encompassing telephone surveys, focus groups, and optional methods such as online surveys, intercepts, and human-centered design studies. The RFP requires contractors to be experienced in transportation planning and customer research, with a total project timeline of 4 months for the coordinated plan and 8 months for customer research services. Proposal submissions are due by October 11, 2023, at 2:00 PM Central Time, with all inquiries and clarification requests needing to be submitted by September 20, 2023, at 5:00 PM CT. Proposers must be registered in SAM.gov and possess a Unique Entity Identifier. SDDOT will evaluate proposals based on the contractor's experience, proposed methodology, understanding of project requirements, and overall project approach.

The RFP does not explicitly mention specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. The maximum budget for this contract is $229,400, with the contract award expected by November 15, 2023. SDDOT will evaluate and negotiate with the highest-ranked proposer, and the project will be funded through financial assistance from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). No incumbent vendors are specifically identified in the documentation. The customer research component will require integration with existing public transit infrastructure in South Dakota, focusing on understanding current and potential customer perceptions. Potential contractors should have comprehensive knowledge of public transit systems, experience in conducting comprehensive transportation needs assessments, and the ability to develop actionable strategies for improving transportation services for vulnerable populations. Proposers must demonstrate expertise in research methodologies, data analysis, and strategic planning in the public transportation sector.