Wood County Workforce Transit Feasibility Study

The Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority (TARTA) is seeking Statements of Qualification (SOQ) from experienced firms to conduct a comprehensive Wood County Workforce Transit Feasibility Study as part of the Ohio Workforce Mobility Program. The study will focus on analyzing transit mobility needs over a 5-10 year timeframe, with specific emphasis on the 795 and I-75 corridors. Key deliverables include stakeholder engagement, comprehensive transit service analysis, service recommendations, financial planning, and connection point site selection. The project will involve extensive consultations with businesses, municipalities, educational institutions, and transit agencies to assess current transit service gaps and develop multimodal transportation strategies. Evaluation criteria will include project vision, demonstrated qualifications, workforce mobility expertise, and project management capabilities. The solicitation was released on December 23, 2024, with electronic submissions due by 4:00 p.m. EST on January 29, 2025. A virtual pre-proposal conference is scheduled for January 8, 2025, and the project is expected to run from March 2025 through February 2026.

The procurement has an overall Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) goal of 10%, though no specific goal is set for this particular study. The project is funded by the United States Department of Transportation's Federal Transit Administration, with funds administered through the Ohio Department of Transportation. Respondents must complete a Declaration of Non-Collusion form and comply with extensive federal clauses covering civil rights, nondiscrimination, employee protections, and other regulatory requirements. The selection process will follow the Brooks Act's qualifications-based procurement method, with an evaluation committee ranking proposals based on technical merits. While a specific budget range is not explicitly stated, the study aims to explore transit solutions such as vanpools, microtransit, and expanded bus routes, particularly focusing on underserved areas like Perrysburg Township. Potential consequences for non-compliance include contract termination, financial penalties, and potential debarment from future federal assistance opportunities. The final deliverable will be a strategic roadmap for implementing transit solutions to support Wood County's economic growth and workforce mobility needs.