RFP 2025-17 - Bus Advertising

The Mass Transportation Authority (MTA) in Flint, Michigan has issued Request for Proposal (RFP) 2025-17 seeking a qualified vendor to manage comprehensive transit advertising services across its extensive vehicle fleet and digital signage platforms. The MTA operates a public transportation system serving Genesee and surrounding counties with approximately 388 vehicles including large and small buses, SUVs, electric cars, minivans, trolleys, and other transit vehicles. The selected vendor will be responsible for administering advertising on both exterior and interior bus spaces, as well as managing advertising on a full-color digital sign located at the Downtown Flint Transportation Center. Proposals must be submitted electronically through Bidnet Direct or via sealed format to MTA offices by December 3, 2025, at 3:00 PM (EDT). The contract will have a five-year term, beginning after board approval, and the vendor must provide a firm fixed percentage split of gross revenues with guaranteed minimum annual revenue for each contract year. Evaluation criteria will include technical qualifications, pricing, prior experience, performance capability, and professional personnel qualifications. The MTA reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and to amend or cancel the RFP without obligation.

The procurement includes specific requirements for disadvantaged business enterprise (DBE) participation, with a 1.24 percent DBE goal for contractors. Vendors must comply with federal, state, and local regulations, including Federal Transit Administration (FTA) requirements, Davis-Bacon prevailing wage standards, debarment certifications, and equal employment opportunity guidelines. The vendor will be responsible for all advertising-related costs, including installation, removal, material storage, monthly reporting, and establishing an Irrevocable Letter of Credit equal to one-fourth of the minimum annual guarantee. The MTA retains 10 percent of exterior bus advertising space for internal use and reserves five interior card spaces per bus. Advertising restrictions include prohibitions on tobacco and alcohol advertisements, as well as content deemed inappropriate for all ages. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly stated, the vendor must submit detailed pricing proposals with estimated gross advertising revenues and minimum guaranteed amounts for each of the five contract years. The comprehensive nature of the advertising management contract suggests potential for significant revenue generation for the successful bidder.