Fare Collection System Upgrade Consultant

The Regional Transit Authority (RTA) of Louisiana is soliciting proposals under RFP 2024-030 for a qualified consultant to design and manage the upgrade of its current fare collection system to a next-generation, account-based system. The primary objectives of this modernization are to increase boarding speeds and minimize operator interaction. The consultant will be responsible for developing a comprehensive procurement strategy, which includes creating a Concept of Operations, defining technical requirements and Key Performance Indicators, drafting the Scope of Work, and managing the subsequent RFP process for the system supplier. To prevent conflicts of interest, the consultant awarded this contract will be ineligible to serve as a supplier in the subsequent RFP for the actual fare collection upgrades. The contract will be awarded based on Best Value using a trade-off methodology, with technical evaluations heavily weighted across experience and qualifications (30%), project approach and resource management (30%), key personnel expertise (25%), and partnership strength (15%). A mandatory Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) goal of 22.3% has been established for the project. Proposals must be submitted via the Procureware portal, with a final extended deadline of November 1, 2024. Performance will take place in Louisiana, and the RTA will conduct acceptance inspections at the delivery location to ensure all deliverables are free from defects and conform to federal regulations, including Buy America and the Clean Air Act.