RFP-Independent Evaluator Consulting Services for MDOT Service Initiatives FY24 Grant Funded Mobility Pilot Project

The City of Detroit, Office of Contracting and Procurement, on behalf of the Office of Mobility Innovation, is soliciting proposals for Independent Evaluator Consulting Services for the MDOT Service Initiatives FY24 Grant Funded Mobility Pilot Project. This 12-month professional services contract seeks qualified consulting firms to provide independent evaluation services for an autonomous vehicle transit pilot project operating from March 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026. The primary deliverables include a comprehensive independent evaluation report compliant with Michigan Department of Transportation requirements, analyzing autonomous vehicle system data and monthly progress documentation to develop a sustainable business model, with draft reports due May 30, 2026 and July 31, 2026, a review workshop by August 31, 2026, and a final report due December 18, 2026. Respondents must demonstrate a minimum of three years of experience providing similar evaluation services for comparable projects, and proposals will be evaluated on five technical criteria (relevant experience, capacity and key staff, strength of proposal and work plan, past performance, and pricing), each worth 20 points, for a total of 100 possible points. Key deadlines include a pre-proposal conference on February 6, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. Eastern via Microsoft Teams, questions due by February 4, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. Eastern with answers distributed by February 9, 2026, and proposals due February 23, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. Eastern through the EUNA Bonfire Supplier Portal. Required submissions include a respondent questionnaire, detailed proposal with technical approach and preliminary project schedule, cost proposal with firm fixed pricing, Certificate of Authority, notarized affidavits addressing disclosure of interests and non-collusion, and evidence of required insurance coverage including workers' compensation, commercial general liability of $1,000,000 per occurrence with $2,000,000 aggregate, automobile liability of $1,000,000 combined single limit, and errors and omissions cyber liability of $1,000,000 per claim with $5,000,000 aggregate.

The City of Detroit has established equalization credits for certified Detroit-based businesses, with credits ranging from 1 to 5 percent depending on business classification, allowing eligible respondents to receive competitive advantages in evaluation. Detroit Headquartered and Detroit Resident businesses receive the highest credit at 5 percent, while Mentor Ventures receive 1 percent; the equalization allowance permits award to a higher bidder provided the award does not exceed 12 percent above the lowest responsible bid or $100,000, whichever is less. Successful respondents must satisfy additional conditions of award prior to contract finalization, including submission of notarized City of Detroit Consolidated Affidavits addressing hiring policy compliance, slavery era records disclosure, prison industry and immigration detention system records, covenant of equal opportunity, and political contributions; proof of Treasury Clearance with a minimum 10-day processing period; and evidence of active System of Awards Management registration with a minimum 10-15 day processing period. No incumbent vendor or current contractor information is identified in the solicitation materials. The contract is grant-funded through the MDOT Service Initiatives FY24 program, and no specific budget value or award amount is disclosed in the RFP documentation; however, all proposed pricing must remain fixed throughout the 12-month contract term. The City anticipates one award and reserves the right to select the most responsible respondent with the most reasonable costs, with contract commencement contingent upon approval by Detroit City Council and issuance of both a Contract Purchase Agreement and Standard Purchase Order from Procurement, with payment processing in accordance with the City of Detroit Prompt Payment Ordinance utilizing standard NET 30 terms.