ECAT Fixed-Route Service Redesign 2025

Escambia County's Mass Transit Department is seeking professional services for a comprehensive Fixed-Route Service Redesign project through Request for Proposal PD 24-25.129. The county aims to develop a seamless multi-modal transportation network by analyzing GPS mobility and operational data to optimize fixed-route, microtransit, and paratransit services. Proposers must demonstrate expertise in route optimization, service design, creating detailed maps and policies, and providing technical transportation planning services. The project requires a 12-week completion timeline, with a mandatory pre-solicitation meeting scheduled for August 8, 2025, and proposal responses due by August 29, 2025, at 1:00 pm. The evaluation process will be conducted in two phases, with initial scoring to create a shortlist of firms, potentially followed by interviews and presentations. Evaluation criteria are weighted across five categories: commitment to timeframe (10%), route optimization and design (25%), ability to provide clear maps and policies (30%), project management (25%), and bidder qualifications (10%).

The procurement opportunity appears open to various transportation planning and consulting firms, with no specific set-aside designations mentioned. Bidders must submit comprehensive documentation, including E-Verify compliance, conflict of interest forms, and proof of registration with the Federal System of Award Management. Insurance requirements are extensive, mandating coverage for workers' compensation, general liability, business auto liability, and technology professional services. While a specific budget is not explicitly stated, the project is supported by a Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Grant Agreement (FAIN number FL-2020-052) that provides $3,648,678 in federal assistance for capital and operating expenses, with a current end date of 9/30/2026. The grant includes local matching funds of $2,300,000 and allows for operating assistance up to $2,500,000. Proposers should be prepared to integrate with existing ECAT (Escambia County Area Transit) operational infrastructure and potentially support multi-jurisdictional service delivery, including coordination with Baldwin County, Alabama, which is part of the Pensacola Urbanized Area.