Request for Proposal

TBARTA New Freedoms Transportation Initiative

The Tampa Bay Area Regional Transportation Authority (TBARTA) requests that qualified consultants submit Proposals for consideration in the competitive selection of professional transportation planning services on the following project:

PROJECT: TBARTA New Freedoms Transportation Planning Initiative

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Section 5317 Program, 49 U.S.C. 5317 (New Freedoms), was established by the U.S. Congress to provide assistance for new public transportation services and public transportation alternatives beyond those required by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 to assist individuals with disabilities with transportation.

The TBARTA has been awarded funding under the New Freedom program to provide planning operations activities initially for transit services, including (but not limited to) fixed route, demand and/or a hybrid-type service (i.e., flexible), specifically targeted to provide stability and enhancement of current transit and transportation dependent services, specifically in Hernando and Citrus Counties. It is intended that such an activity, in partnership with both counties, will produce a transit plan that will, upon implementation, provide coordinated, efficient and cost-effective transit services for the northern-most boundaries of the TBARTA region, while addressing the necessary local services needed to support the adopted TBARTA Master Plan. It is further intended that such enhancement of local services will also increase the opportunities for transportation choices within the transportation dependant population.

About TBARTA

Created in 2007 pursuant to Chapter 343, Part IV, Florida Statutes, TBARTA is an Independent Special District of the state of Florida and subject to the provisions of Chapter 189, Florida Statutes (Uniform Special District Accountability of 1989). Compliance with governance of TBARTA is being assessed primarily in accordance with Chapters 343 and 189, Florida Statutes, although it will include other applicable statutes. As an agency of the state, TBARTA is not subject to taxation.

Scope of Services to be Provided

The Scope of Services includes (but is not limited to):

Input to the development of purpose and need statement

Assistance in the development and refinement of goals and objectives

Existing conditions analysis, including socio-economic characteristics of the counties, current service descriptions/characteristics, operations overview and analysis, existing policies that affect current transit operations, etc.

Analysis of transit development plans, including service initiatives, financial commitments, coordination plans, etc.

Assistance in public involvement activities, including community outreach to solicit input on needs for all transportation dependent and other public transportation users, identifying access challenges and opportunities to better enhance services, looking at coordination challenges between providers and human services agencies with transportation needs.

Full needs assessment report with recommended strategies for addressing the needs identified, and potential staging of the recommended strategies

Follow-up activities/implementation strategies, including enhanced regional coordination, short and long term plans, funding solutions, opportunities to support proposed strategies and the potential creation of a mobility management plan/program

Provide strategies for increase public outreach/input

Project Length

The project length maximum is 22-24 months; the project must be completed by December 30, 2013.

Additional Requirements

Transportation planning, including public transportation background/knowledge

Experience with plans, processes and requirements of public transit agencies, local governments, Metropolitan Planning Organizations and the Florida Department of Transportation;

Local knowledge/experience with organizational and transit structure, policies, plans and operations of Hernando and Citrus counties

Will work with and directly report to TBARTA staff

Confirm that the individual/firm and all other professionals associated with the proposal are properly registered/licensed to practice in Florida.

Proposal Submission Deadline

5:00 p.m., January 13, 2012

Submission Information

Submittals are to be made electronically by PDF, and should be a maximum of five (5) pages (single side) in length

All persons to be associated with the project must be identified within the proposal, including qualifications

Please note if your agency has DBE or WBE status

Include references and a list of similar projects performed in the last five (5) years

Submit your proposal to:

Sandi Moody

Director of Programs and Operations

TBARTA

Sandi.Moody@tbarta.com

Please submit questions concerning this RFP to Ms. Moody via email.