RFP# 202708-Operations & Maintenance Services for Homestead Circulator Transit System

Description: The purpose of this Request for Proposals (RFP) is to solicit qualified and experienced transit service providers to operate, maintain, and support the City’s circulator transit system under a transit operations agreement. The selected contractor will be responsible for delivering safe, efficient, reliable, and cost-effective fixed-route transit services in accordance with the performance standards, service requirements, and applicable state and federal regulations set forth in this solicitation. In addition to the operation of the existing trolley system, the City may elect to expand or modify the circulator program during the term of the contract to include additional trolley routes, on-demand services, micro-transit, shuttle operations, or other future transit services as determined by the City to meet evolving community and mobility needs. The Contractor shall comply with all applicable requirements of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), including all rules, regulations, grant conditions, and reporting requirements associated with any federal or state funding used to support the trolley program. The Contractor shall cooperate with the City in providing all documentation, operational data, and other information necessary to ensure compliance with FTA and FDOT grant requirements. The guidelines under 2 CFR 200, Title 23, and 23 CFR shall apply to this contract in order to be eligible for reimbursement under the Public Assistance Program. In compliance with 2 C.F.R. § 200.321 the City shall take all necessary affirmative steps to ensure that small and minority businesses, women’s business enterprise, and labor surplus area firms are used when possible. Agencies must also comply with applicable System Safety Oversight (SSO) requirements in accordance with FDOT and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) regulations, including compliance with Rule Chapter 14-90, Florida Administrative Code, as applicable. Agencies are responsible for maintaining appropriate policies, procedures, and records to demonstrate compliance. Agency acknowledges understanding of FDOT compliance requirements, including Triennial Reviews and applicable System Safety Oversight (SSO) requirements Optional Scope of Services: Value-Added Revenue Enhancement (Advertising, Sponsorships, and Naming Rights) The value-added revenue-generating services described in this RFP are optional for Proposers. Proposers may submit either: a Proposal for operations and maintenance only; or a Proposal that includes operations and maintenance together with the development, implementation, and management of revenue-generating programs, including, but not limited to, advertising, sponsorships, and naming rights associated with the City's circulator system. The inclusion of such services shall be at the sole discretion of the City and subject to the City's prior written approval. The City reserves the right to award: Operations and maintenance only Operations and maintenance together with value-added revenue-generating services Operations and maintenance with a contractual option to add such services at a later date during the contract term, based on the proposal determined to provide the best value to the City. Any approved services shall comply with all applicable federal, State of Florida, and local laws, regulations, ordinances, and City policies. The City of Homestead currently operates a municipal fixed-route trolley system to provide accessible, reliable, and affordable public transportation to residents, visitors, and the local workforce. The trolley service enhances mobility throughout the City, supports economic development, connects residential neighborhoods with commercial corridors and community facilities, and provides first-mile/last-mile connectivity to regional transit services. The City currently provides trolley service along established routes with defined scheduled service hours. The service is funded through a combination of local funds and, where applicable, state and/or federal transportation assistance. The City is committed to maintaining high standards of safety, reliability, customer service, and regulatory compliance. The City of Homestead wishes to continue the trolley transit services within the City  to service the residents of the City. The City trolley system is provided at no charge to the residents.