Design-build for parking access revenue control system replacement

Orange County, California is soliciting design-build proposals for replacement of the Parking Access Revenue Control System (PARCS) at John Wayne Airport through a two-step RFP process with proposal due September 9, 2026, and a mandatory pre-submittal meeting and site visit on August 26, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. A minimum 3% subcontracting requirement applies to OCLSB or DVBE firms, and a 25% Small Business Enterprise participation goal is required throughout the overall contract term. Compliance with prevailing wage requirements, skilled apprentice commitments, and skilled and trained workforce provisions under California Public Contract Code sections 22164(c) and 22185.3(b) is mandatory.

The scope spans replacement of aging gate arms, kiosks, and license plate reader technology across six locations (Parking Structures A1, A2, B2, and C; Main Street Parking Lot; and T-Lot). Deliverables include a cloud-based system with business intelligence and dashboard capabilities, updated signage with removal of two-hour parking restrictions, updated electric vehicle parking assignments, field investigation and engineered drawings, system implementation, backend systems development, removal of obsolete equipment, staff training, and comprehensive operations and maintenance documentation. The contractor must furnish all labor, equipment, and materials on a turnkey basis. License plate recognition systems must achieve minimum 99% capture rate accuracy. The system requires multi-credential support, offline operational capability, integration with existing valet operations, and support for transportation network company operators.

Minimum qualifications include five consecutive years of PARCS development, implementation, and commissioning experience; three similar projects for public agencies or airports; a licensed California Professional Civil Engineer with minimum ten years' experience; a valid Class A contractor license; and an existing, fully functioning product for demonstration.

The contract is structured as a Guaranteed Maximum Price agreement with Phase I (design and pre-construction) and Phase II (construction) pricing submitted separately. A 550 calendar day completion timeline from Notice to Proceed applies, with $5,000 per day liquidated damages for delays. Performance and payment bonds equal to 100% of contract price are required within 14 days of award. Insurance requirements include $3 million commercial general liability, $1 million auto liability, statutory workers' compensation with $1 million employer's liability, $1 million professional liability, $1 million network security and privacy liability, and $1 million pollution liability. A one-year warranty on construction work and minimum five-year hardware warranties apply. Questions are due August 26, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. Evaluation occurs September 24, 2026, with interviews for top-ranked firms on October 1, 2026. Scoring comprises 500 points for Phase 1 written responses, 400 points for Phase 2 presentations or interviews, and 108 points for cost proposals. Proposals remain valid for 365 calendar days. Cost proposals are submitted only at interview by shortlisted respondents. All submissions are electronic only via the County's eProcurement Portal.