REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR CONSULTANT SERVICES TO PREPARE THE VENTURA COUNTY COORDINATED PUBLIC TRANSIT-HUMAN SERVICES TRANSPORTATION PLAN ADDENDUM 1

Request for Proposals (RFP)
Ventura County Coordinated Public Transit-
Human Services Transportation Plan Update
1. Invitation and Notice
The Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC) invites qualified consulting
firms ("Proposers") to submit proposals to provide professional planning services to
develop an updated Coordinated Public Transit-Human Services Transportation Plan
(the "Coordinated Plan") for Ventura County. This project is anticipated to be funded in
whole or in part with Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funds, and the selected
Consultant shall comply with all applicable federal requirements in effect and as may
be amended. The selected Consultant will work closely with VCTC staff, advisory
committees, transit operators, human service providers, and community-based
organizations to produce a locally developed coordinated plan that meets FTA
requirements and supports future Section 5310 funding eligibility.
Anticipated Schedule (subject to change):
Procurement Activity Date
RFP Released: April 6th , 2026
Pre-Proposal Meeting (Optional): April 15th, 2026 at 11:00am (PST)
Questions Due: April 24th, 2026 at 5:00pm (PST)
Answers Due: May 6th, 2026
Proposals Due: May 22nd, 2026 by 4:00 pm (PST)
Interviews (virtual, if conducted): May 27th or 28th
Award Date: July 10th, 2026
Contract Start: July 13th, 2026
2. Background and Purpose
VCTC is required by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to maintain a Coordinated
Public Transit-Human Services Transportation Plan as a condition of eligibility for FTA
Section 5310 (Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities) funding.
This procurement and the resulting professional services contract are anticipated to be
supported by FTA funding and will be administered in accordance with applicable
federal requirements. The Coordinated Plan establishes priorities for transportation
investments and initiatives that improve mobility for older adults, people with
disabilities, and individuals with low incomes in Ventura County. The purpose of this
RFP is to procure a Consultant to lead plan development, including existing conditions

analysis, inventory, outreach, gap analysis, strategy development, and preparation of
draft and final plan documents for VCTC consideration and adoption.
3. Minimum Proposer Qualifications
At a minimum, to be considered responsive, Proposers must demonstrate that they
meet the following minimum qualifications. VCTC may request additional
documentation to verify qualifications.
* Demonstrated experience developing coordinated public transit-human
services transportation plans and/or comparable transit planning efforts
consistent with the Scope of Work attached as Attachment A for a public agency
within the past five (5) years.
* Ability to perform the full scope of services, including project management, data
analysis, and inclusive public/stakeholder engagement; Proposer shall identify
any subconsultants and their roles.
* Demonstrated knowledge of applicable federal requirements for FTA-funded
procurements and planning activities, including (as applicable) Section 5310
coordinated planning expectations, Title VI, ADA, and nondiscrimination
requirements.
* Capacity to produce accessible outreach materials and engagement methods,
including ability to provide materials in English, Spanish, and Mandarin
consistent with the Scope of Services.
* Proposer (and any subconsultants proposed for a substantial role) must not be
suspended, debarred, or otherwise declared ineligible from contracting with the
federal government, the State of California, or VCTC.
* Proposer must have (or be able to obtain by contract execution) all licenses,
permits, and professional credentials required to perform the services in the
State of California.
* Proposer must be able to meet VCTC's insurance requirements and other
material terms included in the Consultant Services Agreement (Attachment B).
4. Proposal Content Requirements
Proposals shall be concise and organized in the order listed below. Proposers may
include additional information that demonstrates value to VCTC.
1. Cover Letter (1 page maximum) signed by an authorized representative.

2. Project Understanding and Approach to Completion of Scope of Work (4
pages maximum), including proposed work plan, engagement approach, and key
assumptions in order to complete the Scope of Work attached as Attachment A.
3. Project Team and Organization (6 pages maximum), including roles, level of
effort, key subcontractors, and a brief organizational chart.
4. Relevant Experience (6 page maximum) on comparable coordinated plans
and/or transit-human services coordination efforts (include at least three (3)
examples).
5. Stakeholder and Community Engagement Plan (4 page maximum) describing
methods to reach priority populations and ensure accessibility.
6. Schedule (2 pages maximum) showing major milestones and deliverable dates.
7. Cost Proposal (provided by VCTC as Attachment C) including total not-to-
exceed fee, budget by task, labor rates/classifications, and direct expenses.
8. References (1 page maximum), minimum three (3) for similar work.
9. Certification of Federal Compliance (See Attachment D - Forms,
Certifications, and Federal Requirements), include all necessary federal
regulatory compliance certifications in the technical proposal. These forms do
not count towards the page limit of the technical proposal.

5. Format and Completeness Checklist
Before submitting, Proposers should confirm that their submittal meets the following
format and completeness requirements. Proposals that are incomplete or that do not
follow these instructions may be deemed non-responsive.
Check Requirement Notes / Reference
Separate files: Technical Proposal and Cost
Proposal are submitted as separate files, and the
Section 7
Technical Proposal contains no cost/pricing
information.
File formats: Technical Proposal is provided in PDF
format; Cost Proposal is provided in one PDF and one Section 7
Excel file (as applicable).
Cover letter: Includes a signed cover letter (1 page
Section 4
maximum) by an authorized representative.
Technical proposal contents: Includes each
required section listed in Section 4 (Proposal Section 4
Content Requirements), in the order requested.
Page limits: Narrative sections comply with the page
limits stated in Section 4; required forms and
Section 4
certifications that do not count toward page limits
are included as applicable.
Team and subconsultants: Identifies key personnel,
roles, and level of effort; lists all subconsultants and Section 4
the work they will perform.
Cost proposal completeness: Includes total not-to-
exceed fee, budget by task, labor
classifications/rates, hours, and direct expenses, Attachment C
using VCTC's provided format (Attachment C), if
applicable.
Required forms and certifications: Includes all
required federal compliance forms and certifications
Attachment D
(Attachment D) and any other requested
certifications.
Addenda acknowledgement: Acknowledges receipt
Section 6
of all addenda issued by VCTC (if any).
6. Evaluation and Selection
VCTC will evaluate proposals based on responsiveness to this RFP and may request
interviews, additional information, and/or clarifications. VCTC will evaluate the proposals
to determine which proposal would provide the best overall value to VCTC with cost being
just one factor. VCTC reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, waive informalities,

and select the proposal that is in the best interest of VCTC. Specifically, in conducting this
Request for Proposals, VCTC reserves the right to:
1. Accept or reject any or all submittals, or any item or part thereof;
2. Issue subsequent Requests for Proposals;
3. Alter the Selection Process Dates;
4. Remedy technical errors in the Requests for Proposals process;
5. Request additional information from Proposers and investigate the
qualifications of all firms under consideration;
6. Confirm any part of the information furnished by a Proposer;
7. Obtain additional evidence of managerial, financial or other capabilities;
8. Approve or disapprove the use of particular subcontractors;
9. Negotiate with any, all, or none of the Proposers;
10. Solicit best and final offers from all or some of the Proposers;
11. Award a contract to one or more Proposers;
12. Accept other than the lowest-priced Proposal;
13. Cancel or withdraw this Requests for Proposals 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;
14. Waive informalities and irregularities in Proposals or the selection process.
In evaluating the Proposals, VCTC will consider the following criteria that will be scored
for a maximum of 100 points:
* Project Understanding & Approach (including methodology, work plan, and
ability to meet schedule) - 30 points
* Relevant Experience & Past Performance with coordinated plans, transit
planning, equity analysis, and implementation frameworks - 20 points
* Engagement Approach, including ability to reach priority populations and
deliver accessible materials - 15 points
* Project Team Qualifications and capacity to perform the work - 15 points
* Schedule & Work Plan - 10 points
* Cost/Fee Proposal - 10 points
Points for the Cost/Fee Proposal will be assigned using a proportional scoring method.
The proposer submitting the lowest total cost will receive the maximum points

allocated for this criterion. All other proposals will receive points calculated by indexing
their total proposed cost relative to the lowest-cost proposal using the following
formula:
* Cost Score = (Lowest Proposed Cost / Proposer's Cost) x Maximum Available
Cost Points
7. Submission Instructions
Submission Deadline: Proposals must be received by VCTC no later than Wednesday,
May 22nd, 2026 by 4:00 p.m. (PST). Late proposals may be rejected.
Submission Method: Proposers shall submit separate Technical and Cost Proposals
as distinct files. The Technical Proposal will be evaluated independently of cost
information.
Technical Proposal
The Technical Proposal shall be submitted in PDF format and shall include all required
narrative, qualifications, approach, work plan, schedule, and related materials. No cost
or pricing information shall be included in the Technical Proposal.
Cost Proposal
The Cost Proposal shall be submitted separately from the Technical Proposal and shall
include:
* One PDF version of the cost proposal, and
* One Excel version of the cost proposal using a format suitable for analysis and
comparison.
The Cost Proposal shall include all pricing information, including labor rates, hours,
direct costs, optional task pricing (if applicable), and total not-to-exceed amounts.
Failure to submit the Technical Proposal and Cost Proposal as separate files, or
inclusion of cost information in the Technical Proposal, may result in the proposal being
deemed non-responsive.
The Technical and Cost Proposal shall be submitted electronically to Aubrey Smith via
email at asmith@goventura.org with the subject line "RFP - Coordinated Plan
[Technical/Cost] Proposal Submittal".
Questions and Addenda: Direct all questions in writing to Aubrey Smith, Program
Manager - Regional Transit Planning at asmith@goventura.org by the Questions Due

date referenced above. VCTC responses and any changes to this RFP will be issued by
written addenda. Proposers are responsible for monitoring addenda and
acknowledging receipt in their proposal.
All addenda will be posted on VCTC's website (https://www.goventura.org/work-with-
vctc/contracts/) and bidders will be notified of relevant document postings/activities via
email. It is the bidder's responsibility to regularly check the website for updated
information.
8. Contract Terms, Compliance, and Requirements
* Contract Type: Professional services agreement with a not-to-exceed
amount; compensation and payment terms to be negotiated with the
selected Consultant.
* Compliance: Consultant shall comply with all applicable federal, state, and
local laws and regulations, including FTA requirements applicable to
planning and Section 5310 coordinated planning, Title VI, ADA, and
nondiscrimination requirements.
* Accessibility: Outreach materials and engagement methods shall be
accessible and, at a minimum, provide materials in English, Spanish, and
Mandarin, consistent with the Scope of Services.
* Insurance: Consultant shall maintain insurance coverage types and limits as
required by VCTC (to be specified in the agreement).
* Ownership of Work Product: All deliverables produced under the contract
shall become the property of VCTC.
* Subconsultants: Proposer shall identify all subcontractors and their roles;
the prime Consultant remains responsible for all work.
Scope Reference: The detailed Scope of Work that the selected Consultant will be
expected to perform is attached as Attachment A.
9. VCTC's Protest Procedures
RESOLUTION 91-05
A RESOLUTION OF THE VENTURA COUNTY
TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION ADOPTING
CONTRACT PROTEST PROCEDURES

SECTION I.
THE VENTURA COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION DOES HEREBY
DETERMINE AND FIND AS FOLLOWS:
A. The Ventura County Transportation Commission (hereinafter, "VCTC") does
from time to time solicit bids from contractors for work and/or proposals for
professional services; and
B. There is a potential that an Interested Party (as defined in Section II.A,
below), may at some time wish to protest the determinations hereinafter set
forth as protestable; and
C. It is in the interest of the health, safety, and general welfare of the residents
of Ventura County and potential Interested Parties that the Commission
establish procedures for protests to contracts awarded by, and bids or
proposals on contracts received by VCTC, as hereinafter set forth:
SECTION II.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE VENTURA COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION
DOES HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
A. GENERAL.
1. This policy specifies procedures for Interested Parties (as hereinafter
defined) protesting the following staff actions:
(a) A written notice, by, or on behalf of, the Executive Director denying a
bidder's or proposer's request for a change in contract requirement;
and
(b) A written recommendation to Ventura County Transportation
Commission ("VCTC") or a decision made by, or on behalf of, the
Executive Director to disqualify a proposer, bidder, or subcontractor;
and
(c) A written recommendation by, or on behalf of, the Executive Director
that VCTC award a contract to a particular bidder or proposer.
2. This policy does not govern any VCTC staff decision not listed in this Section
II.A.
3. When a protest has been properly filed, pursuant to the procedures
hereinafter set forth, prior to contract award, the VCTC shall not award the
contract prior to deciding the protest. When a protest has been properly filed
before the opening of bids, bids shall not be opened prior to the VCTC
decision on the protest. When a protest has been filed properly after the
contract is awarded, the contract shall not be executed until the protest is
resolved by the VCTC.

4. Materials submitted as a part of the protest resolution process will be
available to the public except to the extent that:
(a) The information is designated proprietary by the person submitting
the information to VCTC. If the person submitting material to VCTC
considers that the material contains proprietary material which
should be withheld, a statement advising of this fact shall be affixed
to the front page of the material submitted and the alleged proprietary
information must be specifically identified in the body of the materials
wherever it appears.
B. FILING A PROTEST
1. Protests may be filed only by "Interested Parties". "Interested Parties" are
defined as (a) bidders who have responded, and prospective bidders who
may respond, to a request for bids, (b) prospective professional services
contractors who may respond, and professional service contractors who
have responded, to a request for proposals on a VCTC contract and/or a
generally funded contract, and (c) subcontractors or suppliers at any tier who
have a substantial economic interest in an award, a provision of the
specifications, or a bid or proposal submitted to VCTC by a prime contractor,
or in the interpretation of the provisions of such documents.
2. Protests to a contract requirement must be filed at least ten (10) working
days prior to bid opening or the deadline for receiving proposals. Protests to
VCTC staff actions must be filed within five (5) working days of receipt by the
bidder or proposer from the Executive Director, or a person authorized to act
on behalf of the Executive Director, or written notice of the VCTC staff action.
3. Protests shall be addressed to Ventura County Transportation Commission,
751 E. Daily Drive, Suite 420, Camarillo, CA 93010, or such other address as
may appear on the request for proposal for bid solicitation.
4. Protests shall be in writing and contain a statement of the ground(s) for
protest. At least ten (10) copies of the protest shall be submitted by the
protestor in the time and manner specified in this section.
5. The Executive Director, or an authorized person acting on behalf of the
Executive Director, shall provide notice, by telephone, telephone facsimile
(FAX) or by letter, to all bidders and/or persons who have submitted
proposals on the contract which is subject to the protest known to VCTC.
Such notice shall state that a protest has been filed with VCTC and identify
the name of the protestor. The notice shall be given not more than five (5)
working days after receipt of a properly filed protest. The notice shall state
that bidders will receive further information relative to the protest only by
submitting a written request for further information to the Executive Director.

C. VCTC PRELIMINARY RESPONSE TO A PROTEST: MEETING WITH STAFF TO
ATTEMPT EARLY RESOLUTION OF THE PROTEST
1. Not more than ten (10) working days after receipt of a properly filed protest,
the Executive Director, or a person authorized to act on his or her behalf,
shall prepare and distribute to the protestor and to all persons specified in
Section B.5, above:
(a) A written preliminary response to the protest. This response shall
include a brief explanation of the reasons why the protested VCTC
staff action is justified; and
(b) The time, date and place of the meeting described in Section C.2,
below.
2. The Executive Director and/or appropriate VCTC staff shall meet with the
protestor to discuss and attempt to resolve the protest within thirty (30) days
of the response required by section C.1(a) above.
3. After the meeting required by Section C.2, above the protestor shall within
five (5) working days give the Executive Director written notice that either the
protest is withdrawn or, alternately, that the protestor requests further
consideration of the protest. In the event that the protestor fails to file the
notice required by this Section C.3 at the office of the Executive Director
within five (5) working days after the meeting, the protest shall be deemed
withdrawn.
D. FURTHER INVESTIGATION
1. If a protest is not withdrawn pursuant to Section C.3, above, the Executive
Director shall, within thirty (30) days of receipt of the notice from the
protestor described in Section C.3, above, further investigate the protest with
the assistance of the VCTC staff.
2. The Executive Director may contract third-party consulting services when
necessary to investigate a protest. The Executive Director may negotiate with
the protestor and other interested parties for the sharing of the cost of such
consulting services.
3. As part of the investigation, the Executive Director shall establish a
reasonable time within which VCTC, the protestor, and other interested
parties shall exchange all documents and arguments relevant to the protest;
provided, however, that such time shall not exceed thirty (30) days without
the concurrence of the protestor and the Executive Director.
E. INTENDED DECISION: COMMENTS BY PROTESTOR AND OTHER PARTIES