Grants Consultant Services

The Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority (SORTA) is seeking a Grants Consultant through RFP #088-2025-RFP-L to provide comprehensive grant writing and management services for multiple transportation-related grant programs. The primary focus is on preparing strategic and competitive grant applications for the Ohio Transportation Review Advisory Council (TRAC) Grant, Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) Grant, and FTA Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Grant. Qualified consultants must demonstrate expertise in grant application writing, technical support, project management, and strategic guidance across these specific funding sources. The proposal evaluation will be points-based, totaling 1,000 points distributed as follows: Project Approach (425 points, 42.5%), Firm and Staffing Qualifications (325 points, 32.5%), Price (200 points, 20%), and Value (50 points, 5%). Key dates include a pre-proposal meeting on August 20, 2025, with proposals due electronically by September 10, 2025, at 2:00 pm through SORTA's e-Procurement Portal. Proposers must submit a detailed technical proposal demonstrating understanding of grant requirements, firm experience, staff competency, and project approach, with pricing information submitted separately in the Vendor Questionnaire.

The solicitation does not explicitly mention specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. The contract term will be one year, with SORTA reserving the right to reject any and all proposals and award the contract to the firm deemed most advantageous. While specific budget ranges are not disclosed, the comprehensive evaluation criteria suggest a robust and competitive procurement process. The contract will be funded in part by FTA grants and operates under Ohio Revised Code Sections 306.30 et seq., with contractors required to comply with federal and state regulations, including mandatory insurance coverage with minimum limits of $1,000,000 for comprehensive general liability and automobile coverage. Successful contractors must also adhere to various federal compliance requirements, including equal employment opportunity standards, Americans with Disabilities Act provisions, Clean Air Act regulations, and Drug-Free Workplace Act guidelines. Payment terms indicate that SORTA will generally pay contractors within 30 calendar days after invoice approval, with funds not guaranteed beyond the current fiscal year and payment contingent upon fund availability.