Arlington County Government Sealed Solicitation
Title: 24-DES-RFP-291 Master Transportation Planning
Deadline: 11/17/2023 3:00 PM (UTC-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada)
Status: In Review
Solicitation Number: 24-DES-RFP-291
Description: The intent of this solicitation and resulting agreement is to obtain the services of a qualified contractor to provide transportation planning services to support Arlington County in carrying out specific work activities identified in the Scope of Services section.
The selected contractor will assist the County in developing a new Transportation Plan. The Plan will provide guidance on how to create a safe, equitable, reliable, and sustainable transportation network. This network is critical to Arlington’s long-term growth and sustainability. A new Transportation Plan will help guide community investment in the coming decades to ensure that Arlington continues to be a place where people want to live, businesses choose to locate, and visitors come to enjoy.
Pre-Bid Meeting Date: 10/19/2023 11:00 AM
Documents:
| Documents as of 9/29/2023 |
|---|
| 2023-09-29 24-DES-RFP-291 MTP.pdf |
| Attachment A - MTP_Cost Response Template.xlsx |
Addition 1
Posted: 10/20/2023
Type of Addition: Attendance Sheet & Minutes
Documents:
Addition 2
Posted: 11/21/2023
Type of Addition: In Review
Question 1
Posted: 10/19/2023
Question: Given Arlington County's commitment to accessibility and equity, would the County consider requiring project teams to partner with Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) or Small, Women-owned, and Minority-owned (SWaM) businesses to encourage more diverse participation for this solicitation? Regarding the Mandatory Requirements, Section 4.b - Project Team, would the County consider evaluating the Project Team based on the number of DBE-certified firms listed as sub-contractors?
Response: Arlington County is a local government and does not currently have goals and set asides for minority, small, women or disabled veteran owned businesses. All responses are evaluated and awarded based on the qualifications listed in each solicitation. The County is currently working on a disparity study which may give us an opportunity for more support in the future. On this note, several focus group opportunities are occurring over the next few weeks for the vendor community to continue to share their experiences in doing business, or trying to do business, with Arlington County. Contractors/Vendors and non-profits can sign-up for the Focus Group that matches their business area. https://arlingtoncountyvadisparitystudy.com/
Question 2
Posted: 10/20/2023
Question: Could you tell me why there is no SWaM participation goal on a contract that purports to: "To realize Arlington’s commitment to accessibility, climate resiliency, equity, and safety, a reframing of Arlington’s guiding transportation document is needed. An updated vision and policy document that places equity at its core, ensures economic competitiveness, plans for new and emerging technologies, and reflects other County priorities (e.g., Community Energy Plan Implementation, Biophilic Cities Network, Vision Zero) will position staff and the County Board to make decisions and capital investments that support a safe, sustainable, and equitable multimodal transportation network." And that references the Realizing Arlington’s Commitment to Equity (RACE) initiative throughout the RFP? Would you consider amending the RFP to include some participation goals? Even though local government doesn't have an MWDBE program, it can encourage primes to voluntarily include MWDBE sub-consultants and provide evaluation points for a prime's voluntary inclusion. Thanks.
Response: We have already responded to this question. Please see the public solicitation.
Question 3
Posted: 10/20/2023
Question: Is this transportation project funded using any funds provided by the VA Dept. of Transportation? If so, the VA Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity (which manages SWaM certification) states, "The certifications’ purpose is to enhance procurement opportunities for businesses participating in state-funded projects. . . and the Commonwealth has a goal to procure 42% of its goods and services from SWAM-certified businesses. " Therefore, the County does have the authority, if the project is receiving any funds from the DOT. https://sbsd.virginia.gov/certification-division/swam/ Thanks.
Response: This is all local funds, no VA DOT or federal funding.
Question 4
Posted: 10/24/2023
Question: 1. Are there page requirements for this proposal? If so, are covers, cover letter, table of contents, dividers, and resumes included in the page count? 2. Can we include additional resumes for team personnel that are not included in the list of key personnel on page 27 of the RFP? 3. On the cost proposal spreadsheet provided, where can we enter in hours and rates for non-key personnel? Does each subconsultant need to fill out a separate cost proposal spreadsheet?
Response: 1. Not to exceed 100 pages from cover to cover. Yes, table of contents, dividers, cover letter, references, and resumes will count toward total page count. 2. You can; however, it will count towards your total page count. 3. All personnel must be classified under one of the labor categories provided in the cost proposal sheet. One cost proposal per offeror which should include cost proposals from subcontractor.
Question 5
Posted: 10/25/2023
Question: 1.) Are the resumes included limited to the Key Personnel called out in the RFP? 2.) Is there a page limit for resumes, quals, and/or the total proposal? 3.) The RFP calls out 3-5 quals allowed, do multi-firm teams submit 3-5 quals per firm or is this meant to imply a total number of quals for the team? 4.) Does the County have a budget identified for this project? 5.) The RFP on page 28 in reference to the project org chart asks “Include the name experience (including years of related work), education, training, certificates, professional licenses, certifications, and other applicable data for each project team personnel to demonstrate competence and experience in work of comparable size and complexity”. Does this info need to be included in the org chart itself or can we include this information in another format?
Response: 1) Refer to answer to Q4. 2) Refer to answer to Q4. 3) 3-5 from the prime/lead team and not-to-exceed 2 each from the proposed subcontractors. 4) County doesn't disclose budget at this stage. 5) In a format that is digestible
Question 6
Posted: 10/30/2023
Question: Will the final plan be static, or web based, and does it need to be in multiple languages? If it needs to be in multiple languages which languages will be required?
Response: • Please refer to the RFP – Task 10.1. There are 2 requests a final pdf printable version and a web based version. • English
Question 7
Posted: 10/30/2023
Question: Page 13 – Task 2.2.2 Listening Sessions The RFP states: “Have one staff member attend each Listening Session.” Would it be allowed to include more than one team staff member at each listening session?
Response: No
Question 8
Posted: 10/30/2023
Question: Page 25 - General The RFP states: “The Offeror’s proposal must address the Proposal Submittal Elements below, in the order listed, and must not exceed the stated page limitations.” Is there a page limit for the overall proposal or for individual sections of the proposal?
Response: Refer to answer to Q4.
Question 9
Posted: 10/30/2023
Question: Page 27 - Key Personnel The RFP lists 7 positions (with 9 total staff) as Key Personnel. May the offeror include an additional labor category or staff person to be included as Key staff in this section of the proposal?
Response: Refer to answer to Q4.
Question 10
Posted: 10/30/2023
Question: Pages 27-28 – Proposal Submittal Elements Section 4.b.ii. under “Team Experience, Personnel Qualifications” says to “Provide an organization chart of the roles each firm will provide, including Key Personnel and their firm association, and responsibilities.” Section 6 on “Offeror’s Organization and Management Plan” says to: “Describe the proposed organization of the Offeror or team, identifying the role and responsibility of individual firm(s), specific positions within the firm or team organization…..Reporting hierarchy of staff and subcontractors.” Can you clarify whether the organization chart should be within Section 4 or 6 and under which evaluation factor the team’s organization will be evaluated?
Response: Section 4 would be the correct place.
Question 11
Posted: 10/30/2023
Question: Page 28 – Proposal Submittal Elements Regarding #5 c – “Plan for controlling program overhead costs.” Typically overhead costs are built into our hourly rates. Can you explain what is meant by plan for controlling program overhead costs?
Response: Referring to cost of printing, travel, etc.
Question 12
Posted: 10/30/2023
Question: Page 29 – Cost Proposal Could you clarify whether the resulting contract is anticipated to be a Time & Materials contract or Fixed Price by subtask?
Response: T&M
Posted: 10/20/2023
Type of Addition: Attendance Sheet & Minutes
Documents:
Posted: 11/21/2023
Type of Addition: In Review
Posted: 10/19/2023
Question: Given Arlington County's commitment to accessibility and equity, would the County consider requiring project teams to partner with Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) or Small, Women-owned, and Minority-owned (SWaM) businesses to encourage more diverse participation for this solicitation? Regarding the Mandatory Requirements, Section 4.b - Project Team, would the County consider evaluating the Project Team based on the number of DBE-certified firms listed as sub-contractors?
Response: Arlington County is a local government and does not currently have goals and set asides for minority, small, women or disabled veteran owned businesses. All responses are evaluated and awarded based on the qualifications listed in each solicitation. The County is currently working on a disparity study which may give us an opportunity for more support in the future. On this note, several focus group opportunities are occurring over the next few weeks for the vendor community to continue to share their experiences in doing business, or trying to do business, with Arlington County. Contractors/Vendors and non-profits can sign-up for the Focus Group that matches their business area. https://arlingtoncountyvadisparitystudy.com/
Posted: 10/20/2023
Question: Could you tell me why there is no SWaM participation goal on a contract that purports to: "To realize Arlington’s commitment to accessibility, climate resiliency, equity, and safety, a reframing of Arlington’s guiding transportation document is needed. An updated vision and policy document that places equity at its core, ensures economic competitiveness, plans for new and emerging technologies, and reflects other County priorities (e.g., Community Energy Plan Implementation, Biophilic Cities Network, Vision Zero) will position staff and the County Board to make decisions and capital investments that support a safe, sustainable, and equitable multimodal transportation network." And that references the Realizing Arlington’s Commitment to Equity (RACE) initiative throughout the RFP? Would you consider amending the RFP to include some participation goals? Even though local government doesn't have an MWDBE program, it can encourage primes to voluntarily include MWDBE sub-consultants and provide evaluation points for a prime's voluntary inclusion. Thanks.
Response: We have already responded to this question. Please see the public solicitation.
Posted: 10/20/2023
Question: Is this transportation project funded using any funds provided by the VA Dept. of Transportation? If so, the VA Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity (which manages SWaM certification) states, "The certifications’ purpose is to enhance procurement opportunities for businesses participating in state-funded projects. . . and the Commonwealth has a goal to procure 42% of its goods and services from SWAM-certified businesses. " Therefore, the County does have the authority, if the project is receiving any funds from the DOT. https://sbsd.virginia.gov/certification-division/swam/ Thanks.
Response: This is all local funds, no VA DOT or federal funding.
Posted: 10/24/2023
Question: 1. Are there page requirements for this proposal? If so, are covers, cover letter, table of contents, dividers, and resumes included in the page count? 2. Can we include additional resumes for team personnel that are not included in the list of key personnel on page 27 of the RFP? 3. On the cost proposal spreadsheet provided, where can we enter in hours and rates for non-key personnel? Does each subconsultant need to fill out a separate cost proposal spreadsheet?
Response: 1. Not to exceed 100 pages from cover to cover. Yes, table of contents, dividers, cover letter, references, and resumes will count toward total page count. 2. You can; however, it will count towards your total page count. 3. All personnel must be classified under one of the labor categories provided in the cost proposal sheet. One cost proposal per offeror which should include cost proposals from subcontractor.
Posted: 10/25/2023
Question: 1.) Are the resumes included limited to the Key Personnel called out in the RFP? 2.) Is there a page limit for resumes, quals, and/or the total proposal? 3.) The RFP calls out 3-5 quals allowed, do multi-firm teams submit 3-5 quals per firm or is this meant to imply a total number of quals for the team? 4.) Does the County have a budget identified for this project? 5.) The RFP on page 28 in reference to the project org chart asks “Include the name experience (including years of related work), education, training, certificates, professional licenses, certifications, and other applicable data for each project team personnel to demonstrate competence and experience in work of comparable size and complexity”. Does this info need to be included in the org chart itself or can we include this information in another format?
Response: 1) Refer to answer to Q4. 2) Refer to answer to Q4. 3) 3-5 from the prime/lead team and not-to-exceed 2 each from the proposed subcontractors. 4) County doesn't disclose budget at this stage. 5) In a format that is digestible
Posted: 10/30/2023
Question: Will the final plan be static, or web based, and does it need to be in multiple languages? If it needs to be in multiple languages which languages will be required?
Response: • Please refer to the RFP – Task 10.1. There are 2 requests a final pdf printable version and a web based version. • English
Posted: 10/30/2023
Question: Page 13 – Task 2.2.2 Listening Sessions The RFP states: “Have one staff member attend each Listening Session.” Would it be allowed to include more than one team staff member at each listening session?
Response: No
Posted: 10/30/2023
Question: Page 25 - General The RFP states: “The Offeror’s proposal must address the Proposal Submittal Elements below, in the order listed, and must not exceed the stated page limitations.” Is there a page limit for the overall proposal or for individual sections of the proposal?
Response: Refer to answer to Q4.
Posted: 10/30/2023
Question: Page 27 - Key Personnel The RFP lists 7 positions (with 9 total staff) as Key Personnel. May the offeror include an additional labor category or staff person to be included as Key staff in this section of the proposal?
Response: Refer to answer to Q4.
Posted: 10/30/2023
Question: Pages 27-28 – Proposal Submittal Elements Section 4.b.ii. under “Team Experience, Personnel Qualifications” says to “Provide an organization chart of the roles each firm will provide, including Key Personnel and their firm association, and responsibilities.” Section 6 on “Offeror’s Organization and Management Plan” says to: “Describe the proposed organization of the Offeror or team, identifying the role and responsibility of individual firm(s), specific positions within the firm or team organization…..Reporting hierarchy of staff and subcontractors.” Can you clarify whether the organization chart should be within Section 4 or 6 and under which evaluation factor the team’s organization will be evaluated?
Response: Section 4 would be the correct place.
Posted: 10/30/2023
Question: Page 28 – Proposal Submittal Elements Regarding #5 c – “Plan for controlling program overhead costs.” Typically overhead costs are built into our hourly rates. Can you explain what is meant by plan for controlling program overhead costs?
Response: Referring to cost of printing, travel, etc.
Posted: 10/30/2023
Question: Page 29 – Cost Proposal Could you clarify whether the resulting contract is anticipated to be a Time & Materials contract or Fixed Price by subtask?
Response: T&M