RFP 92-26 MBTA Network Assessment

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) is requesting proposals for network assessment services covering routing protocol performance, stability, scalability, redundancy, and security across the enterprise network environment under RFP 92-26, with responses due August 26, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. via COMMBUYS and a pre-bid conference on July 28, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. via Microsoft Teams. Supplier diversity accounts for 25 percent of overall technical scoring in the evaluation process.

The scope encompasses detailed evaluation and analysis of the MBTA's existing transit network (bus, subway, and commuter rail), data collection, ridership analysis, operational efficiency review, and strategic recommendations for network optimization and service improvements. Deliverables include a comprehensive written report with findings, analysis, and prioritized recommendations for network improvements, supporting data, maps, and visualizations. The contractor must demonstrate expertise in transit planning, network analysis, and public transportation systems. The assessment requires coordination with MBTA staff, stakeholder engagement with municipal and regional partners, and public outreach.

The MBTA may award the contract to one or multiple bidders based on best-value criteria combining technical evaluation, supplier diversity participation, and pricing. Evaluation includes pass/fail criteria (legal and financial stability) and technical response evaluation weighted across project understanding, bidder experience and performance, project management approach, and qualifications of proposed resources. Bidders must achieve a minimum average score of 2 on each technical criterion and rank among the top three highest technical proposal scores to advance to virtual presentations, anticipated for the week of September 14, 2026. Estimated contract execution and service start are November 2, 2026.

Contractors must provide proof of required insurance within three business days of conditional notice of award: Commercial General Liability ($1,000,000 per occurrence / $1,000,000 annual aggregate), Automobile Liability ($1,000,000 combined single limits), Workers' Compensation ($1,000,000 each accident, per employee, and aggregate for disease), and Umbrella Liability ($5,000,000 per occurrence and annual aggregate). All carriers must hold Best's ratings of A- or better and be licensed by the Massachusetts Division of Insurance. Contractors must participate in the B2Gnow contract compliance reporting system if partnering with diverse subcontractors. Questions are due August 5, 2026, with official answers published by August 11, 2026.