Mobility Broker and Operations of ESS On-Demand Services

The City of Durham is soliciting proposals for a Mobility Broker and the operations of GoDurham ACCESS on-demand services, including ADA paratransit and microtransit. The contract encompasses a comprehensive scope of work involving the provision of a Software-as-a-Service platform, vehicle operations and maintenance, customer support, and operator training. The agreement is structured for an initial five-year term beginning September 1, 2025, with two optional one-year extensions. Award selection will be based on a best-value trade-off methodology, with 75 percent of the evaluation weighted toward non-cost factors, specifically focusing on the implementation and service improvement plans, management capability, and the quality of program submittals. Contractors must adhere to strict federal and local compliance mandates, including 49 CFR Part 26 for Disadvantaged Business Enterprise participation and various FTA regulations regarding Buy America and labor protections. Key requirements include the retention of specific management personnel and a 30-day retention period for non-union staff. The selected provider will be responsible for managing a diverse fleet of vehicles and meeting defined performance targets across safety, reliability, and efficiency. Proposals must be submitted electronically via the City of Durham portal by March 28, 2025, and must include detailed pricing for startup, fixed, and operating costs over the five-year period.