NMCOG Coordinated Public Transit-Human Services Transportation paln

Northern Middlesex Council of Governments (NMCOG) is soliciting proposals under RFP 26-03 for a consultant to update the region's Coordinated Public Transit-Human Services Transportation Plan, with proposals due November 23, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. Questions are due November 5, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. The source names no set-aside, preference program, or eligibility restriction.

The plan identifies the transportation needs of older adults, people with disabilities, and people with low incomes, inventories public, private, and nonprofit transportation services, and sets strategies for unmet needs and provider coordination. The engagement program requires a minimum of 12 stakeholder interviews, two provider workshops, a community needs survey, two community listening sessions, up to four focus groups, and up to three pop-up events. Deliverables include a draft and final plan, specific recommendations with implementation plans, maps, charts, GIS data, and tools. All engagement must be accessible and universally designed, with sign language interpretation, CART, and language interpretation available on request as direct expenses. Final PDFs must be accessible to people with disabilities. All deliverables become the sole property of NMCOG. The consultant must carry workers' compensation, comprehensive general liability, automobile liability, and professional liability insurance.

The project budget is not to exceed $50,000, inclusive of labor, subconsultants, and direct expenses such as travel, printing, interpretation, and meeting materials. Federal transportation planning funds programmed in the Northern Middlesex Metropolitan Planning Organization's Unified Planning Work Program under Task 7.2, Strengthening our Regional Transit System, fund the contract. Payment is made monthly in arrears on submission of proper invoices.

Evaluation weights are relevant prior project experience and key personnel at 40%, public engagement approach at 20%, project understanding at 15%, approach to recommendations and implementation at 15%, and proposal quality at 10%. The highest-ranked respondent receives the award, and short-list interviews are possible.

The project begins in December 2026. The draft plan goes to the Northern Middlesex Metropolitan Planning Organization by August 2027, followed by a 21-day public comment period and final plan endorsement in September 2027. Proposals are submitted electronically to Kelly Lynema at klynema@nmcog.org.