DSP Rhode Island Freight Plan Update

The Rhode Island Department of State Purchasing has issued Solicitation RFP26006118 for the DSP Rhode Island Freight Plan Update, aimed at procuring professional services to update the state's freight planning framework. The project is structured around two core components: first, an in-depth Freight Commodity Flows and Forecast study to analyze and forecast the movement of goods into, out of, through, and within Rhode Island, incorporating current data and projecting trends through 2050; second, a comprehensive Statewide Truck Parking Assessment addressing commercial vehicle parking shortages, existing facility inventories, potential remedies, and implementation strategies to mitigate economic impacts. The contract is expected to commence around January 1, 2026, with an initial term of nine months and a possible renewal for an additional 12 months contingent on performance and funding. Proposals must address sophisticated analytical approaches, including access and utilization of proprietary freight data, and evaluate shifts in commodity flows and truck parking needs since 2022, with projections extending to 2050. The solicitation requires that vendors comply with Rhode Island’s General Conditions of Purchase, including defined insurance minimums covering general, professional, automobile, and workers’ compensation liabilities, with elevated coverage thresholds if handling sensitive or mission-critical data. Participation by Minority, Women, and Disability Business Enterprises (ISBEs) is mandatory, with submission of participation plans and associated forms required as part of the evaluation. The procurement follows a best-value methodology, prioritizing the technical proposal, then cost and ISBE participation, with cost scored relative to the lowest bid and ISBE points assigned proportionally to participation rates. Vendors must submit separate electronically uploaded proposals for technical qualifications, cost, ISBE participation, and attestation forms through the Ocean State Procures™ platform by December 29, 2025. Vendor compliance with state laws, certifications, and reporting requirements—including political contribution disclosures and conflict of interest declarations—is a prerequisite for award. No explicit shipping, delivery, or inspection locations are specified, and the prime contractor assumes full responsibility for all deliverables and subcontractor performance. All successful proposal elements, including subcontractor commitments and confidentiality designations, must adhere to stipulated formatting and submission guidelines detailed in the solicitation documents.