Real Property & Right-of-Way Acquisition Services

Request for Proposal (RFP) No. 1012-27-082 for
Real Property & Right-of-Way Acquisition Services
Research Triangle Regional Public Transportation Authority dba GoTriangle (GoTriangle), as
authorized under the N.C.G.S. 160A-610, is seeking to establish a contract for the above-
referenced services.
The Request for Proposal (RFP) document is available for download in the State of North
Carolina electronic Vendor Portal https://evp.nc.gov, and on the GoTriangle's website:
https://gotriangle.org/procurement
Publish Date: October 8, 2026
Pre-Offer Conference: N/A
Submission Date & Time: October 28, 2026, by 2:00 pm local NC time
For detail timeline, refer to the Instructions to Offerors Section 1. Anticipated Procurement Schedule.
Via email to:
Submission Location: Tim Heule, Procurement Officer
Email: Theule@gotriangle.org
Instructions for preparing and submitting a proposal are provided in the Instructions to
Offerors Section 4. Contents of Submittal of this document. To be considered responsive
and responsible, offerors must submit all required items specified in that section.
All Inquiries regarding this solicitation shall be submitted to:
Tim Heule, Procurement Officer at Theule@gotriangle.org or by phone at 919-485-7481
LATE PROPOSALS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
GOTRIANGLE RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REJECT ANY OR ALL PROPOSALS.
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RFP No. 1012-27-082 Real Property & Right-of-Way Acquisition Services
TABLE OF CONTENTS
BACKGROUND ......................................................................................................................................4
SCOPE OF SERVICES .............................................................................................................................4
TERMS AND CONDITIONS .....................................................................................................................8
1. SERVICES ................................................................................................................................................... 8
2. CONTRACT TERM ...................................................................................................................................... 8
3. INVOICING AND COMPENSATION .......................................................................................................... 8
4. CHANGES IN THE SERVICES .................................................................................................................... 9
5. CONFLICT OF INTEREST ........................................................................................................................... 9
6. CONTRACT TERMINATION ..................................................................................................................... 10
7. TRANSITION ASSISTANCE ...................................................................................................................... 12
8. INDEMNIFICATION AND HOLD HARMLESS .......................................................................................... 12
9. DISPUTE RESOLUTION............................................................................................................................ 13
10. CHOICE OF LAW / FORUM ..................................................................................................................... 14
11. INSURANCE ............................................................................................................................................. 14
12. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR ............................................................................................................... 14
13. ACCURACY OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ............................................................................................ 15
14. NON-DISCRIMINATION ........................................................................................................................... 15
15. COVENANT AGAINST CONTINGENT FEES ........................................................................................... 15
16. DELEGATION AND ASSIGNMENT .......................................................................................................... 15
17. NONWAIVER ............................................................................................................................................ 15
18. MERGER ................................................................................................................................................... 16
19. REFERENCE ............................................................................................................................................. 16
20. CONTRACTOR'S PERSONNEL ............................................................................................................... 16
21. CERTIFICATION ON ISRAEL BOYCOTT .................................................................................................. 16
22. NOTICES ................................................................................................................................................... 16
23. NO THIRD-PARTY RIGHTS....................................................................................................................... 17
24. SEVERABILITY .......................................................................................................................................... 17
25. SURVIVORSHIP ........................................................................................................................................ 17
26. ATTACHMENTS ........................................................................................................................................ 17
27. SEPARATE COUNTERPARTS .................................................................................................................. 17
28. IRAN DIVESTMENT ACT ........................................................................................................................... 18
29. E-VERIFY ................................................................................................................................................... 18
30. DEBARMENT POLICY .............................................................................................................................. 18
31. FORCE MAJEURE ..................................................................................................................................... 18
32. OPERATIONAL CONTINUITY .................................................................................................................. 19
33. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND WORK PRODUCT ................................................................... 19
FEDERAL REQUIREMENTS.................................................................................................................. 21
1. Incorporation of Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Terms ..................................................... 21
2. Compliance with Federal Regulations ..................................................................................... 21
3. Federal Changes .................................................................................................................... 22
4. No Government Obligation to Third Parties .............................................................................. 22
5. Program Fraud and False or Fraudulent Statements or Related Acts ......................................... 22
6. Federal Tax Liability and Recent Felony Convictions ................................................................ 22
7. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (Assistance Listings) Identification Number................ 23
8. Assistance Listings Number for the Federal Transportation Administration ............................... 23
9. Government-Wide Debarment and Suspension (Non-Procurement) ........................................ 23
10. Ineligible Contractors and Subcontractors .............................................................................. 24
11. Organizational Conflicts of Interest ......................................................................................... 24
12. Interest of Members or Delegates to Congress ........................................................................ 24
13. Lobbying ................................................................................................................................ 24
14. Byrd Anti-Lobbying Amendment ............................................................................................. 25
15. Civil Rights Requirements ....................................................................................................... 25
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RFP No. 1012-27-082 Real Property & Right-of-Way Acquisition Services
16. Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)..................................................................................... 27
17. Disadvantaged Business Enterprise ........................................................................................ 29
18. Access Requirements for Persons with Disabilities .................................................................. 29
19. Access to Services for Persons with Limited English Proficiency ............................................... 30
20. Environmental Justice ............................................................................................................ 30
21. Veterans Preference .............................................................................................................. 30
22. Transit Employee Protective Provisions ................................................................................... 30
23. Drug and Alcohol Abuse and Testing ....................................................................................... 31
24. Full and Open Competition .................................................................................................... 31
25. Prohibition Against Exclusionary or Discriminatory Specifications ............................................ 31
26. Geographic Preference .......................................................................................................... 31
27. Notification of Federal Participation ........................................................................................ 32
28. Buy America .......................................................................................................................... 32
29. Domestic Preferences for Procurements ................................................................................ 33
30. Procurement of Recovered Materials ...................................................................................... 34
31. Recycled Products ................................................................................................................. 34
32. Prohibition on Covered Telecommunications and Video Surveillance ....................................... 34
33. Contract Work Hours & Safety Standards Act .......................................................................... 35
34. Davis-Bacon Act .................................................................................................................... 35
35. Trafficking in Persons ............................................................................................................. 36
36. Copeland Anti-Kickback Act ................................................................................................... 36
37. Safe Operation of Motor Vehicles ............................................................................................ 36
38. Clean Air ................................................................................................................................ 37
39. Clean Water .......................................................................................................................... 37
40. Energy Conservation .............................................................................................................. 37
41. Environmental Protections ..................................................................................................... 37
42. Conformance with ITS National Architecture ........................................................................... 37
43. Geographic Information and Related Spatial Data ................................................................... 38
44. Real Property ......................................................................................................................... 38
45. Fly America Requirements...................................................................................................... 38
46. Charter Bus Requirements ..................................................................................................... 38
47. School Bus Requirements ...................................................................................................... 38
48. Access to Records and Reports .............................................................................................. 39
49. Contracts Involving Federal Privacy Act Requirements ............................................................. 40
50. Breaches and Dispute Resolution ........................................................................................... 40
51. Termination ........................................................................................................................... 41
52. Other Contract Requirements ................................................................................................ 43
INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS........................................................................................................... 44
ATTACHMENTS ................................................................................................................................... 54
ATTACHMENT A - OFFEROR FORM ................................................................................................................. 55
ATTACHMENT B - COST PROPOSAL ............................................................................................................... 56
ATTACHMENT C - INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS .......................................................................................... 57
ATTACHMENT D - REFERENCES ..................................................................................................................... 60
ATTACHMENT E - IRAN DIVESTMENT ACT CERTIFICATION ......................................................................... 61
ATTACHMENT F - E-VERIFY EMPLOYER COMPLIANCE STATEMENT .......................................................... 62
ATTACHMENT G - CERTIFICATION REGARDING CONFLICT OF INTEREST ................................................ 63
ATTACHMENT H - BOYCOTT OF ISRAEL DIVESTMENT ACT CERTIFICATION ............................................ 64
ATTACHMENT I - CONFORMANCE STATEMENTS ......................................................................................... 65
ATTACHMENT I1 - EXCEPTIONS FORM .......................................................................................................... 66
ATTACHMENT J - RFP RESPONSE CHECKLIST .............................................................................................. 67
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RFP No. 1012-27-082 Real Property & Right-of-Way Acquisition Services
Background
Research Triangle Regional Public Transportation Authority d.b.a. GoTriangle (GoTriangle) is a public
transit agency serving Durham, Orange, and Wake counties in North Carolina, providing essential
mobility services through fixed-route bus, paratransit, and other commuter services. As authorized
under the N.C.G.S 160A-610, GoTriangle is seeking to establish a contract for provision of Real
Property & Right-of-Way Acquisition Services.
Property acquisition services are an important component for the implementation of transit services
and the construction of transit amenities throughout the region. The firm will provide all services to
convey clear title to GoTriangle including title reports and updates, appraisals, reviews, negotiations,
recording of deeds, and all other services needed to acquire the right of way identified for GoTriangle's
transit projects, including, but not limited to, bus stops, park and rides, and other transit facilities.
All services must satisfy Federal Transit Administration (FTA) requirements; comply with the Uniform
Relocation and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act (URA), 49 CFR Part 24, the most current version
of FTA Circular 5010.1F, North Carolina Relocation Assistance Act (N.C.G.S. 133-5 through 133-18),
and any other relevant regulations.
Scope of Services
The Contractor shall:
1. Real Estate Acquisition
Provide all services necessary to acquire real property interests required for GoTriangle projects,
including fee-simple acquisitions, permanent easements, temporary construction easements, access
easements, utility easements, and other property rights. Services may include reviewing project plans
and right-of-way requirements; identifying affected property owners and other parties of interest;
conducting title research; preparing acquisition documents; presenting written offers; negotiating with
property owners; maintaining contact and negotiation records; coordinating closings; and securing
properly executed and recordable instruments.
All acquisition activities shall comply with applicable federal and state laws, regulations, policies, and
funding requirements.
2. Real Estate Relocation Services
Provide relocation advisory and assistance services for residential occupants, businesses, nonprofit
organizations, farms, and personal property affected by a project. Services may include conducting
relocation interviews and inventories; determining eligibility for relocation benefits; identifying
comparable replacement properties; calculating relocation payments; preparing notices and claim
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RFP No. 1012-27-082 Real Property & Right-of-Way Acquisition Services
documentation; assisting displaced persons with relocation requirements; inspecting replacement
properties; and maintaining complete relocation records.
3. Real Estate Appraisal Services
Prepare independent real estate appraisals to establish just compensation for property interests to be
acquired. Appraisals shall identify the property rights affected, determine the value of the proposed
acquisition, and evaluate damages or benefits to the remaining property, when applicable. Appraisal
assignments may include fee-simple acquisitions, permanent and temporary easements, partial
acquisitions, improvements, fixtures, and other compensable property interests. The appraiser shall
be a licensed or certified appraiser pursuant to 49 C.F.R. 24.103, comply with the Uniform Standards
of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) guidelines, and meet the criteria under 49 C.F.R. 24.103
and N.C.G.S. 93E-1-2.1.
4. Real Estate Appraisal Reviews
Perform independent technical and administrative reviews of appraisal reports and related valuation
documents to ensure the appraisal meets the definition and requirements located in 49 C.F.R.
24.2(a), 24.103, 24.104, N.C.G.S. 93E-1-2.1, and any other applicable requirements. The review
appraiser shall evaluate the adequacy of the property description, valuation methodology, market
data, analyses, conclusions, and compliance with applicable appraisal standards. Services may
include requesting corrections or supplemental information, documenting review findings, reconciling
differences between appraisals, and recommending or approving an amount of just compensation in
accordance with the reviewer's authority and applicable requirements. Review appraisals shall be
performed by qualified personnel who are independent and separate from the original appraisal
assignment. The review appraiser must be qualified pursuant to 49. C.F.R. 24.103 and comply with
USPAP guidelines.
5. Administrative Offer Summaries
Prepare Administrative Offer Summaries or other abbreviated valuation documents for uncomplicated
acquisitions when a formal appraisal is not required or when an appraisal waiver is authorized.
Services may include inspecting the property, researching relevant market data, evaluating the
property interest to be acquired, documenting the basis for the recommended offer, and preparing
calculations.
6. Legal Description Preparation
Prepare accurate, complete, and recordable legal descriptions for fee-simple acquisitions, permanent
easements, temporary construction easements, access easements, utility easements, and other
property interests. Legal descriptions shall be based on current surveys, plats, design plans, deeds,
and available property records and shall clearly identify the location and extent of the property interest
being acquired. Services may include reviewing boundary information, resolving discrepancies,
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RFP No. 1012-27-082 Real Property & Right-of-Way Acquisition Services
coordinating with surveyors and designers, and revising descriptions in response to design or agency
comments.
7. Deed Preparation
Prepare deeds, easement agreements, temporary construction easements, access agreements,
releases, affidavits, memoranda of agreement, settlement documents, and other instruments
necessary to transfer or document property interests. The firm shall coordinate with GoTriangle,
property owners, title companies, surveyors, and legal counsel to ensure that documents accurately
reflect the approved acquisition and are suitable for execution and recording. Services may also
include obtaining signatures, notarizations, lien releases, subordinations, and other documentation
necessary to provide clear and acceptable titles.
8. Temporary Construction Easements
Provide services necessary to obtain temporary construction easements required for construction
access, grading, utility adjustments, staging, demolition, restoration, or other temporary project
activities. Services may include confirming the easement limits and duration; identifying affected
owners and parties of interest; preparing valuation and offer documentation; negotiating terms;
obtaining executed easement agreements; coordinating access with the property owner and
construction team; and assisting with easement closeout.
9. Condemnation Services
Provide technical and administrative support when voluntary acquisition efforts do not result in an
agreement and GoTriangle determines that condemnation may be necessary. Services may include
preparing complete condemnation referral packages; documenting acquisition and negotiation
activities; confirming ownership and parties of interest; updating title work, appraisals, surveys, legal
descriptions, and exhibits; coordinating with GoTriangle's legal counsel; supporting settlement
discussions; and providing records, analyses, or expert testimony as requested. The firm shall
continue negotiations when directed and shall maintain clear separation between acquisition
negotiations and legal decisions reserved for GoTriangle and its counsel.
10. Public Outreach Services
Support GoTriangle's communication and engagement efforts with affected property owners. Services
may include preparing project fact sheets, acquisition process summaries, frequently asked
questions, presentation materials, property-owner correspondence, and other informational
materials; organizing and attending individual property-owner meetings; documenting questions and
commitments; and coordinating responses with GoTriangle staff and project consultants.
Communications shall be accurate, accessible, timely, and consistent with approved project
information. The firm shall not make commitments regarding project design, compensation,
construction, or property impacts without prior authorization from GoTriangle.
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RFP No. 1012-27-082 Real Property & Right-of-Way Acquisition Services
11. Key Personnel
The staff assigned to the work shall:
11.1. Have experience managing the appraisal process, conducting appraisals, and managing
acquisition, relocation, and property management under the requirements of the Uniform
Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 as codified in 42
U.S.C. 4601 et seq. and the applicable implementing regulations set forth in 49 Code of
Federal Regulations [C.F.R.] Part 24 (collectively, the "Uniform Act") and FTA C 5010.1F
(Award Management Requirements Circular);
11.2. Have a working knowledge and experience complying with 49 C.F.R. Part 24 and FTA C 5010.1F;
11.3. Have knowledge about and experience with acquiring property in North Carolina pursuant to
the North Carolina Relocation Assistance Act (N.C.G.S. 133-5 through 133-18);
11.4. Have developed property rights agreements with public agencies, utilities and railroads;
11.5. Have experience in developing schedules and budget estimates related to property
acquisition;
11.6. Have knowledge and experience with FTA projects (particularly the use of FTA circulars,
guidance, and guidelines).
11.7. The Senior Project Manager and/or the Director of Real Estate & Transit-Oriented Development
shall approve Contractor's personnel who will be assigned to the duties according to the task
order prior to execution.
12. Certification of Necessity
The Contractor shall work with the Senior Project Manager and/or the Director of Real Estate & Transit-
Oriented Development in conjunction with GoTriangle's Capital Development department in order to
determine the necessity of each acquisition and shall prepare the Certification of Necessity.
The Certification of Necessity shall include:
12.1. Written explanation of the reasons for the acquisition, illustrating the facilities to be built on
the property or other circumstances dictating its need for project purposes (such as staging
areas).
12.2. Description of the property interests to be obtained and an explanation of any potential
contaminants on the property.
13. Negotiations
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RFP No. 1012-27-082 Real Property & Right-of-Way Acquisition Services
As directed by the GoTriangle Senior Project Manager and/or the Director of Real Estate & Transit-
Oriented Development, the Contractor shall:
13.1. Conduct negotiations with affected property owners and document and report the outcomes
of such negotiations to the GoTriangle Senior Project Manager and/or the Director of Real
Estate & Transit-Oriented Development.
Prepare and issue required notices to affected property owners, residents, and displaced
businesses, including, as applicable, the General Information Notice, Notice of Intent, Notice of
Relocation Eligibility, 90-Day Vacate Notice, and 30-Day Vacate Notice.
END OF SECTION
Terms and Conditions
1. Services
Contractor agrees to perform the services outlined in the contract (hereinafter "Services").
Contractor hereby represents and warrants that it has the experience, capability and resources,
including but not limited to sufficient personnel and supervisors, to efficiently and expeditiously
perform the Services to be provided hereunder with the highest professional standards, and
Contractor further represents and warrants that it will at all times devote the necessary personnel
and supervisors to perform the Services hereunder in such a manner. Contractor warrants and
represents that prior to submitting a proposal for any Services, Contractor will examine all of the
specifications, directions and conditions relating to the Services, investigate the scope of the
project and the difficulties which may be encountered in performing the Services, and hereby
assumes full and complete responsibility for, and risk in connection with, said Services.
2. Contract Term
The term of the resulting contract shall begin on the date of execution and continue for an initial
period of three (3) years, unless canceled, terminated, or otherwise extended as permitted.
3. Invoicing and Compensation
3.1. GoTriangle agrees to pay the Contractor, and the Contractor agrees to accept payment, for
services rendered under the resulting contract in accordance with the mutually agreed-upon
project milestones. Payment for each milestone shall be due within thirty (30) days following
(i) the Contractor's submission of a valid invoice for the completed milestone, and (ii) written
approval of milestone completion by the designated end user or authorized representative of
GoTriangle.
3.2. Contractor shall submit an original invoice in a form satisfactory to GoTriangle and shall
reference this Contract Number 1012-27-082. Invoices shall be submitted in an electronic
form to the following address: invoice@gotriangle.org.
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RFP No. 1012-27-082 Real Property & Right-of-Way Acquisition Services
3.3. GoTriangle will forward payments of Contractor's invoices to the "remit to" address on the
invoice which has been approved for payment.
3.4. GoTriangle may withhold full or partial payment of any invoice as GoTriangle deems
necessary due to:
3.4.1. Non-satisfaction of Services that are not remedied;
3.4.2. Third-party claims filed or information in possession of GoTriangle reasonably
indicating probable filing of such claims;
3.4.3. Damage to GoTriangle or another party for which Contractor is partially or wholly
responsible;
3.4.4. Persistent failure to carry out the Services in accordance with this Agreement.
3.5. In the event any full or partial payment is withheld, full payment shall be made when the
offending condition is cured.
3.6. The prices shall remain firm for the duration of the current contract term. The Contractor may
request a price adjustment in connection with any renewal term by providing written notice
to GoTriangle not less than sixty (60) days prior to the expiration of the then-current term. Any
such request shall include detailed supporting documentation and justification for the
proposed adjustment, including evidence of increases in labor, materials, market
conditions, or applicable price indices. All requested price adjustments shall be subject to
GoTriangle review and written approval and shall become effective only upon renewal of the
contract.
4. Changes in the Services
Only a Contract Amendment signed by duly authorized representatives of both parties, can modify
the Contract, as long as it does not change the Contract's general scope. Purported changes to the
Contract by an unauthorized person or made unilaterally by the Contractor will be void and without
effect; Contractor will not be entitled to any claim made under the Contract based on any such
purported changes.
5. Conflict of Interest
GoTriangle has adopted a Code of Ethics that establishes standards of conduct for GoTriangle
officials and employees. No director, officer or employee of GoTriangle shall have, during their
tenure, any interest, direct or indirect, in Contractor, its subcontractors, this Agreement or the
proceeds thereof. Contractor shall not, directly or indirectly, offer to the aforementioned individuals,
nor shall such individuals accept from Contractor, gifts, gratuities, favors, or anything of monetary
value.
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RFP No. 1012-27-082 Real Property & Right-of-Way Acquisition Services
6. Contract Termination
6.1. Termination for Convenience
6.1.1. GoTriangle may terminate the Contract for the convenience of GoTriangle as follows:
a. By giving Contractor thirty (30) calendar days prior written notice of such
termination.
b. Immediately, by written notice to Contractor, by reason of bankruptcy or
insolvency of Contractor, or the filing of any bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership,
or similar action or proceeding by or against Contractor, or any assignment by
Contractor for the benefit of its creditors, or any other acts or omission by
Contractor reflecting or manifesting bankruptcy or financial insolvency.
6.1.2. Upon receipt of a written notice of termination for any of the above conditions
Contractor shall immediately discontinue all Services affected, unless the notice
directs otherwise.
6.1.3. GoTriangle may at any time, by written notice to Contractor, require Contractor to stop
all, or any part, of the Services for a period herein specified in the Stop Work Order,
not to exceed ninety (90) calendar days after the Stop Work Order is delivered to
Contractor, and for such further period to which the parties may agree in writing. Upon
receipt of the Stop Work Order, Contractor shall immediately stop performing the
Services covered by the Stop Work Order and take all reasonable steps to minimize
the incurring of costs allocated to the portion of the Services covered by such Stop
Work Order. Within the period, GoTriangle will deliver to Contractor either (i) a notice
that the Stop Work Order is canceled, and authorization for the Services to re-
commence or (ii) a notice of termination of the Agreement for convenience or default.
6.1.4. Notwithstanding any other provisions to the contrary, including without limitation the
provisions of the Agreement relating to compensation, this paragraph shall control
with respect to payments upon termination, in lieu of any other provisions set forth.
Upon termination of the Agreement for convenience, GoTriangle shall pay for Services
performed according to those amounts listed in the provisions of the Agreement
relating to compensation, based upon the Services performed by Contractor through
the date of termination.
6.2. Termination For Default
6.2.1. The Contractor shall be in default if it breaches any of its obligations under this
Contract deemed material by the Contracting Officer. In addition to those instances
specifically referred to in this Contract, the Contractor shall be in default in the
following circumstances:
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