P-26-014 Test & Learn Research & Development (R&D) Program

The Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) is issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) for an innovative Test & Learn Research & Development (R&D) Program designed to advance autonomous vehicle technology and supporting infrastructure in Jacksonville's urban core. The procurement seeks technology solutions across five primary topic areas: Advanced Autonomous Vehicle Operations and Pilot Deployment Safety Validation; Intelligent Intersection Management; Pedestrian and Vulnerable Road User Safety; Emergency Response Integration; and Multimodal Trip Planning/Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) Integration, with an additional Open Innovation category for emerging technologies aligned with JTA strategic priorities. These solutions will support the Ultimate Urban Circulator (U2C) autonomous vehicle pilot deployment in Jacksonville's urban core. The contract is structured as Firm Fixed Price with Economic Adjustment and will be awarded on a best value competitive basis, with cost not expected to be the controlling factor in selection. Evaluation will be weighted across four criteria: Qualification and Experience of Key Staff (30 points), Methodology and Work Plan (30 points), Innovation (30 points), and Quality Assurance and Quality Control (10 points), for a maximum possible score of 100 points. Key deadlines include a non-mandatory pre-proposal meeting on March 5, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.; a written question deadline of March 12, 2026, at 12:00 p.m., with responses provided by March 20, 2026; and a proposal submission deadline of March 30, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. (ET) through the JTA OpenGov Procurement Portal. The contract term is one year with four one-year renewal options, commencing upon issuance of a Notice to Proceed.

The JTA has established a 30 percent annual small business goal requiring minimum 20 percent small business participation on construction-related contracts and 30 percent on professional services contracts. All Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Small Business Enterprise (SBE) firms must be certified by the Florida Uniform Certification Program at the time of submission. Respondents must meet minimum requirements including good standing in Florida, non-listing in the System for Award Management (SAM), current licensing where applicable, authorization to conduct business in Florida, and completion of the JTA Cybersecurity Vendor Compliance Questionnaire. Proposers must maintain comprehensive insurance coverage including Commercial General Liability ($2,000,000 aggregate), Automobile Liability ($1,000,000 combined single limit), Workers' Compensation (Statutory), Professional Liability ($1,000,000 per occurrence), Cyber and Data Security Liability ($1,000,000), and Excess Liability ($4,000,000). All respondents are subject to the Florida Public Records Law and Government in the Sunshine Act. No specific award value or budget range is provided in the solicitation documents.