Missouri Vanpool Pilot Project

The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) and Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission (MHTC) are seeking qualified offerors to implement a statewide vanpool pilot project through a Request for Proposal (RFP) issued on September 10, 2024. The two-year contract, with three potential one-year renewal options, aims to develop innovative transit solutions addressing post-pandemic public transportation challenges, particularly in rural and urban areas with limited transit access. Key project objectives include implementing vehicle cleaning protocols, reducing COVID-19 exposure through small commuter groups of 4-15 participants, utilizing innovative mobility tools for fare collection, strengthening public confidence in transportation, and increasing employment access. Proposals must be submitted electronically via MissouriBUYS by October 24, 2024, at 2:00 PM Central Time, with vendor questions due by September 17, 2024, and responses published by September 24, 2024. The evaluation criteria will assess proposals based on experience and reliability (25 points), key personnel qualifications (25 points), proposed method of performance (20 points), proposed fee (20 points), and overall proposal quality (10 points).

The project has a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) goal of 0%, though DBE participation is encouraged. The total project budget is $450,000, funded through the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Section 5312 Public Transportation Innovation Grant Program. Buy America requirements are in effect, with a two-year waiver for commercially produced vans and minivans used in public transportation, though ADA-accessible vehicles must meet 70% domestic content requirements and final assembly in the USA. The Missouri Public Transit Association will serve as the third-party independent evaluator, providing oversight and performance assessment. While no incumbent vendors are specifically mentioned, the project emphasizes developing new transit solutions that can potentially be scaled or replicated in other regions. The anticipated project start date is January 1, 2025, with MoDOT serving as the fund administrator and working in coordination with the FTA to manage day-to-day project operations and meet established objectives.