Project Implementation and Technology Support

NEORide, a Council of Governments comprising 35 regional transit agencies in Ohio, is seeking a contractor for Project Implementation and Technology Support through a Request for Proposal (RFP) related to a SMART grant awarded to the Stark Area Regional Transit Authority (SARTA) in FY 2023. The project involves implementing and analyzing the Perrone Robotics TONY/MAX collision avoidance system on six transit vehicles, including five Ford E450 EH vans and one 35-foot Gillig Low Floor motor coach. Key deliverables include developing a management plan, collecting project information, preparing DOT reports, conducting project meetings, leading outreach and engagement efforts, assisting in training program development, performing a workforce needs assessment, and preparing implementation and evaluation reports. The contractor will be required to develop an in-house database and share training program results. Proposals are due electronically by August 30, 2024, at 5:00 pm EST via an online procurement portal, with questions accepted until August 14, 2024. NEORide will evaluate proposals based on criteria including qualifications, related experience, references, ability to meet requirements, and cost, and reserves the right to select more than one vendor.

The procurement includes specific provisions for disadvantaged business enterprises, with NEORide notifying all proposers that full opportunity will be afforded to submit proposals without discrimination based on race, color, sex, or national origin. The contract is subject to financial assistance agreements with the Ohio Department of Transportation and the United States Department of Transportation, with a total project budget of $2,995,000 ($1,975,000 from federal funding and $1,020,000 from non-federal sources). The project aims to address transit-related accidents by potentially reducing annual incidents by at least 60% through advanced safety technology deployments. The work is scheduled to begin immediately upon contract award and must be completed by January 1, 2026, with a one-year agreement that has potential for extension. The technology will be tested across rural and urban areas in Ohio, including university towns and suburban downtown areas, with potential for future expansion to up to 40 additional vehicles. Integration will involve retrofit of vehicles with lidar, radar, cameras, and sensors to improve driver alerts, warnings, and intersection management.