Consultant Services for Long Term Planning and Programming

The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) is seeking a consultant to provide comprehensive technical assistance in support of Long Term Planning and Programming over a three-year initial term, with an optional two-year extension, under Solicitation Number 250398. The consultant will be responsible for guiding OCTA in the development and administration of federal, state, and local transportation grants, including those tied to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and Senate Bill 1 (SB-1), while also monitoring emerging federal and state legislation to advise on planning policies, funding trends, and grant application strategies. The scope of work requires the consultant to deliver expert analysis, strategic recommendations, and actionable guidance on evolving transportation funding programs and regulatory frameworks. The contract is structured as a time-and-expense agreement with fully burdened hourly rates covering all direct and indirect costs, taxes, and profit margins. Payment is made monthly upon submission of detailed invoices that include labor hours, hourly rates, cumulative charges, itemized expenses with supporting documentation, and a certified progress report. All deliverables are deemed works made for hire, with full rights assigned to OCTA. The consultant must maintain robust insurance coverage including $1,000,000 per occurrence commercial general liability, $1,000,000 automobile liability, $1,000,000 employers’ liability, and professional liability coverage if applicable, with proof of insurance and additional insured endorsements required within ten days of contract execution. Strict compliance with Level 1 Safety Specifications and all applicable state and federal regulatory requirements, including Cal/OSHA, EPA, FTA, and others, is mandatory. The firm must demonstrate substantial technical experience and stability, with evaluation prioritizing qualifications (30%), staffing and project organization (30%), work plan quality (25%), and cost reasonableness (15%). Key personnel, particularly the Project Manager, must be clearly identified and their involvement detailed, with restrictions on substitutions. All proposals must be submitted electronically via the OpenGov portal by July 21, 2026, and include certifications of accuracy, compliance with economic interest reporting obligations (Form 700), and disclosure of any lobbying activities. Contractors must adhere to equal employment opportunity standards, refrain from conflicts of interest, and ensure timely payments to subconsultants. Records must be maintained in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for four years following final payment, subject to audit, and the contract includes provisions for termination with 30 days’