Land Use and Entitlement Process Support

The Orange County Transportation Authority is requesting proposals for land use and entitlement process support consulting services under RFP 250439, with proposals due August 24, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. through the Authority's OpenGov Procurement portal and questions due August 7, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.

The scope encompasses general advisory and technical support on land use issues, entitlement processes, permitting for property and development matters, and related services. Key deliverables include advising on entitlement strategies and permitting pathways for OCTA-owned facilities; reviewing proposed development projects that may impact OCTA operations and properties; coordinating with local jurisdictions and regulatory agencies; providing guidance on conditional use permits; navigating local and state land use regulations and zoning requirements; supporting real property due diligence activities; and conducting technical analysis and preparing written materials. The consultant must demonstrate expertise in municipal planning principles, development review processes, general plans and zoning codes, the California Surplus Land Act, state planning and land use laws, CEQA compliance, and public transportation policies affecting transit facilities and infrastructure.

The contract is structured on a time and expense basis with fully burdened hourly rates for three personnel categories—Project Manager/Entitlement, Land Use Planner, and Environmental Planner—with separate rates specified for Year 1 and Year 2, plus other direct costs such as mileage. The total budget is $75,000 over a twenty-four-month term. The Authority retains ten percent of each monthly invoice as security, with retained funds released within sixty calendar days of final invoice payment or within thirty calendar days of audit completion. The contract may be terminated for convenience at any time with written notice or for cause with thirty days' prior notice.

Proposals will be evaluated on Qualifications of the Firm (25 points), Staffing and Project Organization (30 points), Work Plan (25 points), and Cost and Price (20 points). The Authority reserves the right to award to one offeror or apportion requirements among multiple offerors and may invite top-ranked firms to submit Best and Final Offers. Key personnel must be approved by OCTA, and any changes require prior written consent. The consultant must maintain Commercial General Liability ($1,000,000 per occurrence), Automobile Liability ($1,000,000 combined single limit), Workers' Compensation, Employers' Liability ($1,000,000), and Professional Liability ($1,000,000) if applicable. All work products become OCTA property upon payment and are subject to the Freedom of Information Act. Offer prices must remain firm for 120 days from submission. Award notification will be provided within three business days of contract award, contingent upon receipt of adequate state and/or local funds. All offerors must certify they are not subject to Ukraine/Russia-related economic sanctions.