Request for Proposals (RFP) Ridership Program Consulting Services

The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) is requesting proposals for ridership program consulting services under a two-year contract effective September 1, 2026, through August 30, 2028, with a budget of $380,000 funded through Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and Local Measure M funds. The RFP was posted July 1, 2026, with Addendum #1 issued June 16, 2026.

No DBE goal has been established for this procurement. The contract is structured as firm-fixed price with three primary work tasks: Employer Transportation Survey and Average Vehicle Ridership (AVR) Calculation Support Services; Implementation of Transportation Survey and AVR Calculation; and Employer Transportation Survey, AVR Analysis, Report, and RideGuide Production. The consultant must provide comprehensive rideshare program support including strategic planning, outreach coordination, data analysis, and operational support to enhance OCTA's rideshare initiatives.

Evaluation criteria are weighted as follows: Qualifications of the Firm (30%), Staffing and Project Organization (25%), Work Plan (20%), and Cost (25%). The successful proposer must demonstrate experience in transit rideshare program management, public outreach, data analysis, strategic planning, and federal transit regulations. Staffing must include a designated program manager and supporting analysts with detailed time allocations and cost breakdowns.

The consultant is classified as an independent contractor and must maintain comprehensive insurance coverage including Commercial General Liability, Automobile Liability, Workers' Compensation, and Employers' Liability of $1 million each, with OCTA named as additional insured. Monthly payment is due within thirty days of invoice approval for completed work tasks documented through progress reports. The contract incorporates FTA requirements, civil rights and environmental compliance standards, debarment restrictions, and prevailing wage provisions. Subconsultants must be paid within fifteen days of the consultant receiving progress payments from OCTA. The procurement plan was approved June 1, 2026, with requisition number R001622.