RFP - Transit Planning Consultant for Harris County Housing and Community and Development (FTA)

Harris County is seeking a Transit Planning Consultant for Harris County Housing and Community Development through a federal Request for Proposal (RFP) released on September 19, 2025, with proposals due on October 20, 2025. The project involves comprehensive transit planning services for Harris County Transit (HCT), which serves areas outside the Houston-Metro service area across 1,700 square miles with nearly 2.5 million residents. The consultant will be responsible for a wide range of services including transit planning, operational assessments, financial analyses, compliance reviews, community engagement, market research, grant assistance, and support for a ferry vessel procurement project. The contract is structured for an initial one-year term with potential for four additional one-year renewals. Key objectives include developing innovative transit solutions, enhancing service efficiency, and providing equitable transportation alternatives. Potential contractors must demonstrate expertise in transit planning, with qualifications to be evaluated based on project staff experience, organizational capabilities, references, and comprehensive compliance with federal transit requirements.

The procurement emphasizes participation of Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE), with an overall DBE participation goal of 13%. Bidders must complete several demographic and business profile forms, including detailed documentation of ownership status, business classification, and potential subcontractor relationships. The contract will be funded through federal grant sources, potentially including the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and Federal Transit Administration (FTA). While no specific contract value is explicitly stated, pricing will be based on fully loaded hourly rates for various professional positions. Contractors must meet extensive federal compliance requirements, including detailed insurance specifications, workers' compensation coverage, drug and alcohol testing policies, and strict lobbying disclosure regulations. Additional requirements include comprehensive background checks, non-discrimination provisions, and adherence to telecommunications equipment restrictions, with potential contract values likely ranging from $100,000 to several million dollars depending on specific project scope and duration.