Request for Proposals for consultants to provide Ventura County Travel Training and Mobility Education Program ADDENDUM 1

Ventura County Transportation
Commission
Request For Proposals (RFP)
for
Ventura County Travel Training and Mobility Education
Program
Release Date: April 3, 2026
Proposals Due Date: May 29, 2026, 5:00 p.m. PDT

1. OVERVIEW
The Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC) is soliciting technical and cost
proposals from qualified firms to provide Ventura County Travel Training and Mobility
Education (Program). The Program is intended to support independent and informed
use of public transportation services in coordination with local transit operators.
Program services will be conducted throughout Ventura County through classroom-
based instruction and individualized training. The Program will emphasize multimodal
travel, including fixed-route bus, regional rail, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
demand response service, active transportation, and rideshare options as part of a
broader effort to reduce single-occupancy vehicle use. The period of performance will
be for three years with two optional one (1)-year extensions.
2. ORGANIZATION
VCTC is the Regional Transportation Planning Agency (RTPA) for Ventura County
transit and transportation activities. As the RTPA, VCTC is responsible for countywide
transportation planning, programming transportation funds, managing and providing
transportation programs and services, delivering transportation projects, and setting
transportation priorities. In addition, VCTC provides commuter bus service connecting
the various urbanized areas. Through its commuter assistance and rideshare programs,
VCTC promotes multimodal trip planning and supports countywide community-based
mobility solutions.
3. BACKGROUND
VCTC is committed to enhancing mobility and reducing reliance on single-occupancy
vehicles through coordinated transportation services, strategic partnerships, and
community education. As part of this effort, VCTC is launching a new Program to help
Ventura County residents confidently and independently navigate available
transportation options.
Proposals are requested from qualified consultants to design and implement a
countywide Program that includes classroom-style group sessions, field-based travel
training, development of training resources, and individualized training. The Program is
intended to introduce participants to a range of regional and local transportation
services, including fixed-route transit, demand response, regional rail, active

transportation options, transit technology services assistance, and rideshare solutions
such as carpooling and vanpooling.
The goal of this initiative is to empower individuals unfamiliar with the transit system or
facing barriers to travel with the knowledge and skills needed to plan and complete
multimodal trips. The Program will serve as a critical tool to increase mobility, broaden
accessibility, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and promote a more connected,
sustainable, and user-friendly transportation network throughout Ventura County.
4. SCOPE OF SERVICES
VCTC is seeking proposals from qualified firms to develop and deliver the Ventura
County Travel Training and Mobility Education Program for Ventura County residents.
The goal of the Program is to improve mobility and promote the use of public
transportation by equipping participants with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to
navigate the transit network independently. The Program shall be structured to support
individuals with a range of mobility needs, including seniors, youth, individuals with
disabilities, and those unfamiliar with public transit. The Program will include classroom-
based group sessions, field-based travel training, and individualized training for
participants who require more personalized support.
See Attachment A - Scope of Work for detailed tasks, staffing requirements, and
oversight provisions.
5. PROPOSAL SUBMITTAL INSTRUCTIONS
VCTC invites qualified firms to submit technical and cost proposals for providing the
Ventura County Travel Training and Mobility Education Program in accordance with
the Scope of Work outlined in this RFP.
Proposals must include all requested information and be organized in a manner that
clearly addresses the Evaluation Criteria. Once submitted, all proposals will become the
property of VCTC and are considered public records 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
sections 7920.000, 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 or 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.
5.1 Submission Format
* Electronic Submittal Required: Proposals must be submitted as a single,
searchable PDF file via email to dlopez@goventura.org.
* File Size Limit: Proposal files must not exceed 20 MB. If the file is larger than 20
MB, a secure file-sharing link (Dropbox, OneDrive, etc.) may be provided. Ensure
that any links include proper access permissions
* Email Subject Line: The email must use the subject line "Ventura County
Travel Training and Mobility Education Program RFP Proposal - [Proposer
Name]".
* Due Date/Time: Proposals must be received by 5 p.m. PDT May 29, 2026. Late
proposals will not be accepted.
5.2 Proposal Components
All proposals must include the items listed below. VCTC reserves the right to deem any
proposal(s) that do not adhere to any of the instructions contained in the RFP and/or
addendums as non-responsive.
Proposers must complete and submit the following required addenda as part of their
proposal package:
Attachment B - Cost Proposal
Attachment E - Client References
Attachment F - Acknowledgment of Addenda
Attachment G - Subcontractors List (if applicable)
The proposal must be organized as follows:

1. Cover Page (1 Page Maximum) - Identify RFP subject, proposer's firm name,
local address, contact information, and the name/title of individuals authorized to
represent the proposer.
2. Table of Contents (1 Page Maximum) - Provide a clear index of the proposal
contents.
3. Letter of Transmittal (1 Page Maximum) - Summarize the proposer's
understanding of the work and commitment to perform it.
4. Profile of the Proposer (1 Page Maximum) - Describe the firm, its relevant
experience, and capabilities.
5. Statement of Qualifications (4 Pages Maximum) - Highlight relevant past
projects and key staff experience.
6. Study Approach (10 Pages Maximum) - Outline the proposer's approach to
tasks, deliverables, and challenges.
7. Project Team (8 Pages Maximum) - Provide organizational structure and
resumes of key personnel.
8. Innovative Approaches (4 Pages Maximum) - Identify any innovative
strategies for delivering the project.
9. Fee Structure (Attachment B) - Submit a cost proposal using the Excel
template provided (Attachment B). Additional cost explanations may be added as
one page.
By submitting a proposal, each Proposer represents that it:
1. Has thoroughly examined and become familiar with the work described in the
Scope of Work.
2. Understands the requirements of the Scope of Work, the nature and location of
the work, and all other matters that can affect the work.
3. Will honor its proposal for 180 days and acknowledges that the proposal cannot
be withdrawn within that time and without prior written consent from the
Commission. Proposers may withdraw their proposals before the opening of
proposals by submitting a written request signed by an authorized representative
of the firm and delivered to VCTC.
4. Will comply with all requirements set forth in this RFP and in the ensuing
contract, if awarded.
5. Has reviewed the attached Model Contract (Appendix B) and, other than through
the request for clarification process or through explicit listed exceptions within a
proposal will not seek to alter or revise its terms and conditions.

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.
6. EVALUATION AND SCORING
Proposals will be evaluated by a selection panel appointed by VCTC based on the
proposer's understanding of the scope, technical approach, relevant experience, cost
effectiveness, and ability to serve diverse populations. VCTC will use a weighted
scoring system to assess each proposal. Final selection may include interviews or
requests for clarification.
Any proposal submitted in response to this RFP will be evaluated in strict accordance
with the stated evaluation criteria. VCTC reserves the right to award the contract not
necessarily to a Proposer with the lowest cost proposal, but to a Proposer who provides
the best overall value, demonstrates the highest level of competency, best meets the
RFP requirements and who best serves the Commission's interests. Awards will be
made to the responsible firm whose proposal is most advantageous to VCTC, with cost
and other factors considered.
Evaluation Criteria - 100 possible points possible
Evaluation Criteria Maximum Points
Technical Approach and Understanding of Scope 40 points
Qualifications and Relevant Experience of Firm 25 points
Cost Proposal and Cost Effectiveness 20 points
References and Past Performance 15 points
7. RESERVATION OF RIGHTS
This Request for Proposals (RFP) does not commit VCTC to awarding a Contract.
In conducting this RFP, VCTC reserves the right to:
1. Accept, 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-cost 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.
8. QUESTIONS
Questions regarding this RFP must be directed to Dolores Lopez at
dlopez@goventura.org no later than April 24, 2026.
9. PROCUREMENT SCHEDULE
Milestone Date
RFP Release Date Friday, April 03, 2026
Thursday, April 16, 2026 @ 11:00 AM (PDT) via
Pre-Proposal Conference
Microsoft Teams (link to be posted on VCTC's
(Optional)
website)
Questions Deadline Friday, April 24, 2026 @ 5:00 PM (PDT)
Responses to Questions Friday, May 08, 2026
Proposal Submittal Due
Friday, May 29, 2026 @ 5:00 PM (PDT)
Date/Time
Interviews (Optional) TBD via Microsoft Teams Meeting
Via email to: dlopez@goventura.org
Proposal Submittal Location All proposals must be submitted electronically in
PDF format via email to dlopez@goventura.org by
the deadline. The email subject line must read

Milestone Date
"Ventura County Travel Training and Mobility
Education Program RFP Proposal - [Proposer
Name]." Proposals may not exceed 20 MB in size. If
file size exceeds this limit, proposers must submit a
file-sharing link (e.g., Dropbox, OneDrive) with
proper access permissions. Hard copies will not be
accepted unless otherwise requested by VCTC.
Contract Award September 11, 2026
Solicitation Contact Dolores Lopez
All dates listed in the procurement schedule are subject to revision. Proposers are
responsible for monitoring VCTC's website at https://www.goventura.org/work-with-
vctc/contracts/ for any updates, addenda, or changes to the schedule.

Attachment A
Scope of Work
The successful proposer shall develop and conduct classroom-based and virtual group
training sessions using a phased implementation approach. Year 1 will focus on
Program launch activities, including curriculum development, coordination with local
transit operators, outreach planning, and initial training delivery. A total of five (5) group
sessions shall be conducted during Year 1, consisting of four (4) in-person classroom-
based sessions, one (1) in each service region: Gold Coast Transit District (GCTD)
service area (West County), Camarillo, East County (including Thousand Oaks, Simi
Valley, and Moorpark), and Heritage Valley, to ensure countywide coverage. One (1)
additional virtual session shall be provided to introduce the Program and provide a
general overview of available transportation options.
The Program will transition to full implementation in Years 2 and 3 and subsequent
option years 4 and 5, consistent with the annual session distribution and virtual session
requirements outlined. A total of ten (10) group sessions shall be conducted annually,
consisting of eight (8) in-person classroom-based sessions distributed as follows: three
(3) in the GCTD service area, one (1) in Camarillo, three (3) in East County, and one (1)
in the Valley Express service area (Heritage Valley, including Fillmore and Santa Paula).
Two (2) additional virtual sessions shall also be provided annually to offer general
overviews of the Program or topic-specific content that does not require hands-on
instruction.
Training content must be location specific. When sessions are conducted in a
designated area they must include information on the services available in that service
area. For example, trainings held in the GCTD service area must cover the city's fixed-
route services, Dial-A-Ride, Safe Rides, and other local options. Trainings in the
Thousand Oaks service area must include the city's fixed-route and Dial-A-Ride
services, as well as East County Transit Alliance (ECTA) programs. In all cases, the
training should also include information on VCTC's intercity regional transit services and
how they connect to local options.
Each session must include content on fixed-route or demand-response services to
ensure participants understand the core transit options available to them. Sessions
must also be tailored around specific themes such as transit technology, active
transportation, or rail connections without the expectation that all topics be covered in
every session. For example, a session in the GCTD may emphasize active
transportation, while a Thousand Oaks session may focus on digital tools like trip

planning and fare payment apps. The selected firm will be required to propose a
schedule of session topics and titles in advance for VCTC review and approval.
At least one hands-on, field-based travel training and mobility education session must
be conducted in each service region area (e.g., GCTD service area, Camarillo, East
County and Heritage Valley). These sessions must provide participants with real-world
experience navigating the transit system, such as boarding a bus, purchasing fares,
transferring between services, or riding to a designated location. To ensure accuracy
and local relevance, the contractor shall be responsible for gathering detailed service
information specific to each area and coordinating with the appropriate local transit
operator(s) to review and approve session content and logistics. Proposers must
describe how these sessions will be coordinated with local operators and integrated into
the overall training program.
The following sections outline the minimum curriculum requirements for the core topic
areas identified above: transit technology tools, regional rail, active transportation, and
employer-based rideshare options. While topics must be addressed, they are not
intended to be exhaustive. Proposers are encouraged to tailor and expand upon these
areas based on the needs of each service region, the associated operator(s), and prior
experience implementing similar programs to guide content development and delivery.
Transit Technology
Proposer must provide instruction and demonstrations on commonly used transit
technology tools. This includes training on contactless fare payment tools, the
GOVCbus app for trip planning and real-time arrival information, and online trip planners
such as VCTC's web trip planner, Google Maps, and Apple Maps. Participants should
be shown how to access rider alerts and learn to navigate demand-response scheduling
platforms. Instruction should be accessible and tailored to participants' comfort with
digital tools.
Regional Rail
The Program must include instruction on using Metrolink and Amtrak Pacific Surfliner
services. This includes trip planning, mobile fare purchase, station navigation, transfer
points, Metrolink-Amtrak codeshare, and real-time alerts. Where feasible, field trips or
station visits should be included to familiarize participants with platforms, signage, ticket
validation, accessibility features, and integration with local transit.
Active Transportation
Training should promote the safe and effective use of walking and bicycling in
combination with transit. This includes how to use bus bike racks, locate bike lockers at
major hubs, identify safe routes, and understand pedestrian access to stops. The