P-25-015 Local Government Relations Services

The Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA), an independent Florida state agency serving Northeast Florida, is seeking a consultant for Local Government Relations Services through Request for Proposals (RFP) P-25-015. The procurement aims to secure a government affairs consultant to provide advocacy, strategic communication, and technical expertise for JTA projects and initiatives across Jacksonville and the surrounding 5-county Northeast Florida region. The selected consultant will be responsible for monitoring legislative activities, representing JTA in meetings, and supporting the agency's strategic vision, with a particular focus on the Ultimate Urban Circulator (U2C) program that integrates advanced transit technologies. Proposals will be evaluated using a best value competitive source selection method, allocating 100 points across four criteria: Qualifications/Experience (40 points), Approach to Plan & Schedule (40 points), Past Performance (10 points), and Rates/Fees (10 points). Key qualifications include a lead team member with a minimum of 5 years of experience representing clients in Jacksonville and Northeast Florida, and key staff with at least 3 years of similar experience. The RFP allows consultants to submit proposals on either a lump sum (payable monthly) or hourly fee basis, with all proposals requiring a maximum not-to-exceed amount. Proposals are due by 2:00 pm (ET) on Friday, January 10, 2025, for a 5-year contract with no renewal options.

The solicitation does not explicitly specify set-aside designations or restrictions on responding organizations. However, the attached FTA Third Party Clauses document indicates potential requirements for disadvantaged business enterprise (DBE) participation and compliance with federal transit assistance regulations. The RFP suggests a preference for proposers with a strong track record of working with local agencies and demonstrating focused attention to JTA's priorities. While no specific budget range or award value is directly stated, the requirement for proposers to submit a maximum not-to-exceed amount implies some financial flexibility. The procurement is closely tied to JTA's existing multimodal transportation infrastructure, which includes fixed route services, Bus Rapid Transit, Alternative Transit Solutions, an Automated People Mover (Skyway), paratransit services, and the Saint Johns River Ferry. The solicitation is particularly interested in consultants who can support the agency's innovative U2C program, which aims to implement an advanced automated transit network in Jacksonville, indicating a forward-looking approach to transportation technology and government relations.