REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS PUBLIC TRANSIT OUTREACH AND COMMUNITY OUTREACH PROGRAM

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)
PUBLIC TRANSIT OUTREACH AND COMMUNITY
OUTREACH PROGRAM
OBJECTIVE OF THIS REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)
The Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC), Ventura County's regional
transportation planning agency, is seeking to engage a full-service consultant to lead its Public
Transit Outreach and Community Outreach Program in coordination with VCTC staff. The
program objective is to increase public awareness of the VCTC brand and services, to grow
transit ridership and to support transit goals included in VCTC's adopted strategic plan. VCTC
provides intercity bus service, regional transit initiatives, services coordinated with local bus and
passenger rail operators, free-fare programs, Spanish-language transit outreach and general
information about all VCTC transit and transportation programs. The selected consultant will
help advance VCTC's vision to keep Ventura County moving and mission to create a more
connected, resilient, equitable and user-friendly transportation system for Ventura County.
VCTC is an independent public agency governed by a 17-member Commission, including a
member from each of Ventura County's 10 city councils, all five members of the Ventura County
Board of Supervisors, and two public members representing incorporated and unincorporated
areas. VCTC builds consensus, makes strategic plans, obtains and allocates resources,
contracts for transit services and provides information on a range of transportation and
infrastructure topics. VCTC's adopted goals and five-year strategic plan provide direction and
guide the priorities of staff. VCTC's transit team also works closely with Ventura County's seven
other transit operators to coordinate services countywide.
VCTC has 24 staff members across five departments, each with a wide array of responsibilities.
The agency has limited staff members available for outreach activities. The consultant chosen
will serve under the direction of the Government and Community Relations program manager.
VCTC takes a team approach to outreach, however, and members of the Transit Operations
and Planning Department will provide regular input and direct oversight of specific projects and
initiatives. The selected consultant will work with several members of the Transit Operations and
Planning Department, as well as the Government and Community Relations program manager.
The selected consultant should bring significant transit and transportation experience, expertise,
and creativity across multiple outreach disciplines. The selected consultant should have at least

five years of experience providing outreach for and on behalf of public agencies. The outreach
program includes initiatives in five VCTC programs: Community Outreach, Intercity, Rideshare,
Regional Transit Technology and Regional Transit Planning. The selected consultant must
deliver impactful and effective strategies that help increase the visibility of VCTC transit services
in the community, retain current transit riders and increase ridership and promote the use of
multimodal transportation, including train, biking and walking. The selected consultant must be
able to demonstrate familiarity with current issues and trends affecting transit agencies and offer
effective solutions.
The initial agreement will be a three-year base agreement commencing July 1, 2026. VCTC will
review the program annually and reserves the right to terminate the program at any time. At the
end of the three-year base agreement period, VCTC reserves the right to extend the agreement
one time for two additional years. .
I. VCTC'S OUTREACH OBJECTIVES
* Increase public awareness of VCTC and its programs
* Retain existing VCTC Intercity riders
* Attract and retain new riders
* Serve as a source of information about public transit options in Ventura County
* Support countywide transit initiatives, including those led by VCTC, Ventura County's
local bus operators and passenger rail operators
* Inform and engage the community on other ways to reduce single-occupancy trips,
including carpooling, bicycling and walking
II. EXISTING OUTREACH EFFORTS
VCTC will require services in the categories below to help attract and retain ridership and
provide information about various transit and transportation programs. The selected consultant
must be able to perform the services identified below. VCTC reserves the right to request
additional services to meet unexpected outreach needs as they arise and will work with the
selected consultant to support positive outcomes.
General Transit and Community Outreach
Social Media Management
The consultant will be responsible for managing VCTC's social media accounts. The consultant
will create a monthly organic social media calendar, manage organic posts and monitor
comments and other engagement. VCTC's accounts on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X
are used to disseminate time-sensitive transit information, promote new and ongoing transit and
transportation programs, and provide customer service. VCTC also occasionally utilizes TikTok
for selected campaigns. Consultant will create and manage boosted social media posts on
various platforms to increase reach and engagement. Consultant will work with VCTC staff to
determine the social media platforms that best support each campaign. Consultant will design
appropriate graphics when needed, draft text for VCTC staff review and manage VCTC's photo
and video assets. Consultant will also plan and execute photo and video shoots as needed.

VCTC Website Maintenance and Management
The VCTC website, goventura.org, serves as the central source of information for all VCTC
programs and services. VCTC's information technology program manager provides general
management of the website, troubleshoots problems as they arise and posts general program
content. The consultant will perform annual maintenance to: ensure the site meets or exceeds
best practices for accessibility, continually improve the user experience, update coding, and
ensure site stability. The consultant will also design and build landing pages for outreach
campaigns, as needed. This work will be performed in coordination with VCTC staff.
Community Events
Each year VCTC participates in numerous community events, including Earth Day celebrations,
bicycle rodeos and wellness fairs. VCTC sets up a booth and distributes transit program
information and promotional items to attendees. While VCTC prefers to use its own staff for
these events, the consultant may be called upon to provide bilingual staff, reserve booth space,
handle payments and design promotional and informational items. VCTC will provide a tent,
tables, chairs and other materials needed for successful participation. Consultant may be
required to transport items, including a tent, table and chairs. The consultant will identify major
community events that may be relevant to VCTC and suggest participation.
In 2025, VCTC participated in more than two dozen community events, including Earth Day
festivals in Santa Paula, Thousand Oaks, Ventura and Fillmore; wellness fairs in Simi Valley,
Santa Paula and Thousand Oaks; a bike rodeo in Oxnard; rail safety events in Camarillo,
Oxnard and Simi Valley; the Port of Hueneme Banana Festival; and Metrolink holiday train
event in Simi Valley. The selected consultant will be required to support a similar or expand
level of outreach in future years.
Youth Outreach
Expanding youth outreach is among the goals included in VCTC's adopted strategic plan. For
seven years, VCTC has partnered with the county's Boys & Girls clubs for an art contest that
results in winners' artwork displayed on Intercity buses. The contest is based on a theme
provided by VCTC that encourages young artists to think about public transit and climate
awareness. VCTC staff also offers a Youth Roadshow, an interactive presentation designed to
make youths familiar with public transit and other ways to travel without a vehicle. VCTC intends
to continue growth of the youth outreach program. The consultant will be responsible for
development of new youth outreach programs and materials and supervision of projects to
promote VCTC to younger generations. The consultant will also be responsible for managing
the art contest.
Mobility Services Outreach
VCTC Intercity Transit Bus Service
VCTC Intercity transit service information consists of brochures (bus books), maps,
informational graphics, public notices, operations and fleet decals, online service information,
posters, fleet branding and design (livery). Consultant is responsible for graphic design and
production of all transit service information and collateral, both printed and online, including but

not limited to brochures, materials at bus stops, online promotion and social media, fleet
branding and livery, interior/exterior decals, and the goventura.org website transit pages.
Materials must be available in English and Spanish. Certain materials will also be produced in
Mandarin.
Regional Transit Technology
VCTC provides coordinated transit technologies that are utilized by all fixed-route bus operators
in Ventura County. In 2025, VCTC launched Tap2Ride, a contactless payment system that
allows riders to pay fares using contactless debit and credit cards on its Intercity bus fleet.
VCTC is expanding that technology to all of the county's bus operators in 2026. VCTC also
utilizes VCbuspass, a contactless payment system that allows riders to pay via an app or
physical fare cards. VCTC also utilizes Computer Automated Dispatching and Automatic
Vehicle Location system (CAD/AVL) technology, which provides real-time passenger
information to the riding public at bus stop displays, online and the GoVCBus app. The
Consultant will provide graphic design, online and printed collateral, outreach, promotion and
branding services of VCTC's Regional Transit Technology programs and services.
Regional Transit Promotion
VCTC coordinates efforts with local operators to promote all county transit services, which
includes highlighting operators' service changes and programs on social media and providing
their materials at all outreach events. VCTC also coordinates free-fare programs offered by all
operators, including Youth Ride Free, College Ride and several free-fare days. In 2026, VCTC
will begin working with a task force of local transit operators to better coordinate distribution of
information about all available transit services in the county. Recommendations from the task
force may impact consultant responsibilities. The consultant must be knowledgeable of or must
commit to learning about all local transit operators and their respective services. . Consultant
will provide graphic design, online and printed collateral, outreach, and promotion of the
campaigns.
Rideshare Programs
The Rideshare Program provides information on all rideshare options, including biking, walking
and teleworking. Each year, VCTC participates in Bike Week and Rideshare Week to
encourage residents to consider using public transit and other rideshare options. Bike safety,
particularly e-bike safety, is a growing concern and VCTC anticipates additional outreach in this
area. The consultant must be knowledgeable about rideshare, biking and teleworking.
Consultant will provide graphic design, online and printed materials, outreach and promotion of
campaigns. VCTC contributes content for "On the Go," a monthly newsletter published for
Southern California commuters. Consultant will work with VCTC staff and "On the Go" staff to
identify relevant content for the newsletter.
Ventura County Biking Guides
VCTC currently produces two biking guides. "Bikeways" is a countywide map to help bicyclists
identify options to travel easily through Ventura County. "Biking Ventura County" is a booklet
that provides bike safety information, biking tips and bike routes that are appropriate for
beginner and younger cyclists. VCTC distributes these guides through the goventura.org
website, at local bike shops and community events. VCTC staff will work with the consultant to

update the map and guide as needed. Consultant will be responsible for design and
coordinating printing services.
Rail Programs
While not a rail operator, VCTC is a member agency of the Southern California Regional Rail
Authority (SCRRA), known as Metrolink; and the Los Angeles-San Diego-San Luis Obispo Rail
Corridor Agency (LOSSAN), which provides Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner service. Through these
partnerships, VCTC helps to bring expanded rail service to the county. Consultant must be
knowledgable about rail service in Ventura County. Tasks will include highlighting service
changes, and social media campaigns organized either by VCTC or by Metrolink and LOSSAN.
The consultant will provide graphic design and online and printed materials, as needed, and will
work with Metrolink and LOSSAN to highlight their social media campaigns.
II. CONSULTANT SCOPE OF WORK
The selected consultant shall provide guidance, expertise and support to enhance all existing
outreach campaigns listed here as well as campaigns developed through the length of the
contract. The consultant will provide measurable creative and strategic input to develop and
facilitate implementation of countywide targeted outreach activities that will best achieve the
objectives of VCTC. At the end of each campaign, the consultant will provide VCTC with an
analysis of the campaign's success, using metrics such as social media reach and website
traffic. The consultant will also provide a comprehensive report or presentation of all outreach
activities at the end of each fiscal year.
III. BUDGET
This is a blended contract that will utilize federal, state and local funding sources. The
consultant will be expected to provide separate invoices billed monthly for individual transit
programs.
IV. PROPOSAL SUBMISSION/SELECTIONPROCESS
Four (4) hard copies of the technical proposal and a thumb drive containing both the technical
proposal and the cost proposal are due no later than by 4 P.M. PST Friday, April 10, 2026 to:
Ventura County Transportation Commission
Attn: Darrin Peschka, Program Manager, Government and Community Relations
751 E. Daily Drive, Suite 420
Camarillo, CA 93010
The cost proposal should not be included in the hard copies. Proposals received later than 4
P.M. PST Friday, April 10, 2026, may be deemed non-responsive and returned to the proposer.
Any questions concerning this Request for Proposals should be directed to Darrin Peschka,
VCTC Government and Community Relations program manager, at dpeschka@goventura.org
no later than 4 P.M. PST, Friday, April 3, 2026. All consultants requesting information shall be
responded to directly and all questions and responses will be posted on the website as an
addendum to the RFP.

Responding firms are responsible for all costs and expenses incurred in the preparation and/or
delivery of a proposal. There is no expressed or implied obligation for VCTC to reimburse
responding firms for any expenses incurred in the preparation or delivery of proposals in
response to this request. VCTC reserves the right to retain all proposals submitted and use any
idea in a proposal regardless of whether that proposal is selected. All submissions are
considered a matter of public record. All proposals must include the items listed below. Any
proposal that does not include the following may be deemed non-responsive and rejected.
No Proposer, or anyone representing a Proposer, is to discuss this RFP with any official or
employee of VCTC, other than the Procurement Officer named in this RFP. Neither Proposers,
nor anyone representing a Proposer, is to discuss this RFP with any consultant engaged by the
Commission for assistance in preparing the RFP documents or any cost estimate associated with
this procurement. Violation of this prohibition may result in disqualification of the Proposer even if
the contract has already been awarded.
All proposals submitted in response to this RFP will become the property of VCTC and will be
subject to disclosure pursuant to the California Public Records Act. Proposers must identify, in
writing, all copyrighted material, trade secrets or other proprietary information that it claims are
exempt from disclosure under the Public Records Act (California Government Code Section
6250 et seq.).
Any proposer claiming such an exemption must identify the specific provision of the California
Public Records Act that provides an exemption from disclosure for each item that the proposer
claims is not subject to disclosure under said Act. Any proposer claiming such an exemption
must also state in its proposal that the proposer agrees to defend, indemnify and hold harmless
VCTC and its officers and employees, from any action brought against the VCTC for its refusal
to disclose such material, trade secrets and other proprietary information to any party making a
request, therefore. Any proposer who fails to include such a statement and/or fails to identify the
specific provision of the California Public Records Act supporting the claimed exemption shall
be deemed to have waived any right to an exemption from disclosure as provided by said Act
and shall release and hold harmless VCTC from any harm resulting from VCTC's release of
said materials.
A. PROPOSAL INFORMATION AND CONTENT
Proposals should be no more than 50 pages total. Proposals should be organized as follows:
1. Title Page - Indicate RFP subject, name of proposer's firm, address, telephone
number, name of contact person, and date of proposal as well as the names and
contact information of any subcontractors.
Provide the names and titles of individuals authorized to make representations for the
proposer.
2. Table of Contents - Include a clear identification of the material in the RFP by section
and page number.
3. Letter of Transmittal - Briefly state the proposer's understanding of the work to be
done and make a positive commitment to perform the work within the specified time
period.

4. Profile of the Proposer - State whether the firm is local or national and provide a
summary of representative experience relevant to the work solicited by this RFP.
5. Summary of Proposer's Qualifications - Provide a brief statement of similar projects
performed. Identify individuals who performed work on similar projects and individuals
that will be assigned to this project.
Provide a list of references for whom similar work has been performed, as well as
references for any proposed subcontractors.
6. Description of Outreach Activity Program - Describe what, how and by whom the
different outreach activities will be implemented; when and by what method(s) the
activities will be documented to verify the activity's success; and, how the different
activities satisfy the needs expressed in the RFP.
7. Fee Structure - Identify and include a detailed fee structure for outreach activities.
8. Certification of Federal Compliance - Include all necessary federal regulatory
compliance certifications in the proposal; see Section VI for certification information
and forms.
B. PROPOSAL EVALUATION
Proposals will be reviewed by a consultant selection committee selected by VCTC. The
Evaluation Panel shall examine each proposal which meets the mandatory requirements and
recommend a consultant to VCTC. The recommendation must receive the approval by vote of
the Ventura County Transportation Commission in order to be awarded. At VCTC's discretion,
virtual interviews will be arranged with some or all proposers the week of April 27, 2026.
Proposals will be evaluated according to the following criteria:
* Experience with similar projects and work;
* Familiarity with Ventura County, the various services offered by VCTC and local transit
operators and the media markets that are important to the area;
* Demonstrated competence to perform work specific in this RFP, the ability to meet the
schedule, and compliance with all applicable federal regulations and requirements;
* Cost
* Assigned personnel qualifications and availability;
* Responsiveness to RFP and;
* Evidence of full understanding of the work to be performed, including the importance of
and the different methods for quantifying the success of the different outreach activities.
Award of contract under this solicitation will be made on a "best value" basis and the successful
proposer may not be the lowest priced proposer. This RFP does not commit VCTC to awarding a
Contract.

In conducting this RFP, VCTC reserves the right to:
1. Accept or reject any or all submittals, or any item or part thereof.
2. In its sole discretion, to accept the Proposal it considers most favorable to VCTC's interest.
3. Issue subsequent Requests for Proposals.
4. Alter the Selection Process Dates.
5. Remedy technical errors in the RFP process.
6. Request additional information from Proposers and investigate the qualifications of all
firms under consideration.
7. Confirm any part of the information furnished by a proposer.
8. Obtain additional evidence of managerial, financial, or other capabilities.
9. Approve or disapprove the use of specific subcontractors.
10.Negotiate with any, all, or none of the Proposers.
11.Solicit best and final offers from all or some of the Proposers.
12.Award a contract to one (1) or more Proposers.
13.Accept other than the lowest-priced Proposal.
14.Cancel or withdraw this RFP at any time without prior notice and the VCTC makes no
representations that any contract will be awarded to any Proposer responding to this RFP.
15.Waive informalities and irregularities in Proposals or the selection process.
C. PROPOSAL REVIEW SCHEDULE
The following schedule has been established for this solicitation. VCTC reserves the
right to modify this schedule if it is in the best interest to do so. If VCTC does modify
the schedule, it shall provide written notice of such to all parties known to have
received copies of this RFP.
DATE ACTIVITY
March 6, 2026 Advertise and Issue RFP
April 1, 2026 Pre-proposal Meeting (virtual)
April 3, 2026 Deadline for questions
April 10, 2026 Proposals Due at VCTC Office
Week of April 27 Interviews with proposers (at VCTC discretion)
June 6, 2026 Approval of Contract by VCTC
June 6, 2026 Approval of Notice to Proceed
V. FEDERAL REQUIREMENTS AND CERTIFICATIONS
This program is funded with Federal Transit Administration funds and must comply with FTA
requirements. The following federal requirements and certifications found in the Appendix are
considered a part of this RFP and will become a part of the contract for consultant services. The
certifications must be signed and included in the consultant's submittal for the proposal to be
considered "responsive."

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)
PUBLIC TRANSIT OUTREACH AND COMMUNITY
OUTREACH PROGRAM
APPENDIX

APPENDIX: FEDERAL REQUIREMENTS AND CERTIFICATIONS
A. Proposal Cost Form
B. Proposer's Reference Form, Parts I & 11
C. Worker's Compensation Insurance Certification
D. List of Subcontractors (File if Applicable)
E. Federal Transit Administration Guidelines
F. Disclosure of Lobbying Activities Form
G. Professional Service Agreement