RFP for Harnett Area Rural Transit System (HARTS) Transit Center Expansion Feasibility/Assessment Study and Conceptual Design

County of Harnett, North Carolina
Request for Proposal (RFP)
Harnett Area Rural Transit System (HARTS) Transit Center
Expansion Feasibility / Assessment Study & Conceptual Design
Firm Bids
For the Period of December 1, 2026 through June 30, 2029
Due Date: No Later than 2:00 PM November 3, 2026
Submit Proposals To:
Harnett County Resource Center & Library
Finance Department
Attn: Renea Warren-Ford, Procurement Manager
455 McKinney Parkway
Lillington, NC 27546
Send questions via email:
bids@harnett.org
Include Transit Expansion RFP Question in the subject line
FAXES OR E-MAILS ARE NOT ACCEPTED FOR THIS QUOTE
THE COUNTY OF HARNETT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REJECT ANY OR ALL
BIDS RECEIVED, OR TO SELECT THE BID WHICH IN OUR OPINION, IS IN THE
BEST OVERALL INTEREST OF THE COUNTY.
MAIL VIA UPS OR FEDEX COURIER SERVICE OR DELIVER BIDS IN A SEALED
ENVELOPE IDENTIFIED "BID ENCLOSED - HARTS EXPANSION FEASIBILITY
STUDY", YOUR FIRM NAME AND THE OPENING DATE ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE
ENVELOPE.
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General Services / Harnett Area Rural Transit System (HARTS) 2026
Transit Center Needs Assessment Study & Conceptual Design

I. OBJECTIVE
The County of Harnett, North Carolina ("County") invites proposals from qualified
transit center planners/designers to provide a Needs Assessment Study and
Conceptual Design for an expansion project at 250 Alexander Drive, Lillington, NC
27546. The conceptual design will include an estimated cost of construction.
The County of Harnett desires to complete a needs assessment study and conceptual
design under this RFP in order to define a clear path and estimate budget necessary to
expand the current transit center facility or recommendations for a future transit
center at another site. In the future, the County of Harnett may issue an RFQ for
architect/engineer services for the expansion design.
II. HARTS TRANSIT CENTER
Problem Description
The existing HARTS Transit Center facility and associated parking lot are operating
beyond their intended design capacity. This has resulted in operational
inefficiencies, safety concerns, and limitations in the County's ability to meet both
current and projected transit service demands. Additionally, the facility is located
within the 500-year floodplain, which presents long-term planning and resiliency
challenges.
Facility Limitations
* The building was originally designed to accommodate four administrative staff
but currently supports six, resulting in inadequate workspace. The Transit
Manager is operating out of a repurposed conference room.
* The designated passenger waiting area has been converted into a computer lab
for mandatory driver training, reducing accessibility and comfort for transit
users.
* The kitchen/break room is undersized and can accommodate only two
individuals at a time.
* Drivers lack a dedicated break area and are often forced to remain in their
vehicles during rest periods.
* There are insufficient office, training, and common spaces to support additional
staff, evolving training requirements, and planned service expansions, including
micro transit, regional connectivity, and non-emergency medical transportation
services.
Parking and Site Constraints
* The parking lot was originally designed for 24 vehicles but currently
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General Services / Harnett Area Rural Transit System (HARTS) 2026
Transit Center Needs Assessment Study & Conceptual Design

accommodates 29, exceeding its intended capacity.
* Newer transit vehicles are larger, requiring additional space for safe
maneuvering and parking.
* Overflow parking onto unpaved grassy areas creates safety risks and
operational inefficiencies.
* The existing vehicle cleaning area lacks appropriate infrastructure, posing
potential environmental concerns despite the use of biodegradable cleaning
agents and vegetative runoff mitigation.
Growth and Future Demand
* Continued population growth in Harnett County will further increase demand
for public transportation services.
* Planned service expansions, including participation in regional mobility
initiatives, will require additional passenger amenities and vehicle capacity.
* The facility must be modernized and expanded to meet federal and state
training requirements, support operational growth, and ensure safe, efficient,
and environmentally responsible transit operations.
III. ANTICIPATED DELIVERABLES
Needs Assessment Study
Respondent should evaluate existing facility and current Animal Services' operations
as part of the Needs Assessment and provide the study in an electronically submitted
format for County review. The items below should be specifically addressed:
1. A review of existing facilities.
2. Provide a building space program with recommendations for the size building
needed for administration, training, additional proposed space. And other support
areas.
3. Recommendations, if any, for new site in terms of location within service area,
visibility, access, suitability, parking and site size.
4. An opinion of probable cost for construction of the new shelter.
Conceptual Design
Respondent should provide a conceptual design with Needs Assessment Study
information. The conceptual design should include a floor plan, and a basic site plan
concept illustrating the building, public parking, and access.
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Transit Center Needs Assessment Study & Conceptual Design

Respondents are required to complete Attachment 1, Cost Sheet in order to be
considered a responsive respondent/bidder.
IV. SELECTION OF SUCCESSFUL RESPONDENT
The County will select, in its sole and absolute discretion, the respondent with which
the County wishes to perfect a planning/design agreement. If the County and the
selected respondent cannot agree on contract terms or if the selected respondent fails
to promptly execute the agreement tendered to it by the County, the County may
abandon its discussions with the selected respondent and select another respondent.
Respondents shall not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, national
origin, ethnicity, age, disability, sex, pregnancy, religion, National Guard or veteran
status, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression.
V. PROPOSAL DEADLINE
Proposals, as described in this RFP, must be submitted in three (3) counterparts in a
manner easily reproducible and must be received by the Finance Department,
Procurement Manager no later than 2:00 P.M. on November 3, 2026 ("Proposal Due
Date"). Proposals delivered to the Harnett County Resource Center & Library, Renea
Warren-Ford, Procurement Manager, 455 McKinney Parkway, Lillington, NC
27546.
VI. COMMUNICATIONS, QUESTIONS AND CLARIFICATION
Respondents shall limit contact with respect to this RFP. Any questions or inquiries
for additional information shall be submitted, in writing to the County of Harnett,
Finance Department, Procurement Manager, by e-mail to bids@harnett.org, by
October 20, 2026. Questions submittals should include a reference to the applicable
RFP section and be submitted in the format shown below: Please include Transit
Expansion RFP Question in the subject line.
REFERENCE RESPONDENT QUESTION
RFP Section, Page Number Respondent Question....?
Required responses will be in writing and made part of this RFP as an addendum. No
information, instruction, or advice provided orally or informally by any County
personnel whether made in response to question or otherwise concerning this RFP,
shall be considered authoritative or binding. Respondents shall rely only on written
material contained in an Addendum to this RFP.
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General Services / Harnett Area Rural Transit System (HARTS) 2026
Transit Center Needs Assessment Study & Conceptual Design

VII. ACCEPTANCE/REJECTION OF PROPOSALS
The County reserves the right to accept or reject any bid in whole or in part. The
County reserves the right to request clarification of information submitted and
investigate the ability of the Respondent to meet the required needs. The County
reserves the right to waive all requirements for this proposal. It is understood that all
proposals and other information submitted by respondents pursuant to this RFP will
become part of the public file concerning this matter and be subject to the public
disclosure laws of North Carolina. The County reserves the right to reject any
respondent that, in the County's opinion, does not have adequate qualifications. The
County reserves the right, at any time, to reject any or all proposals and to advertise for
new proposals. The County also reserves the right to waive minor irregularities and
formalities in proposals.
VIII. GOVERNING LAWS, JURISDICTION, AND VENUE
A. The Agreement is made under and shall be governed and construed in accordance
with the laws of the State of North Carolina. The place of the Agreement or
purchase order, its situs and forum, shall be Harnett County, North Carolina, where
all matters, whether sounding in Contract or in tort, relating to its validity,
construction, interpretation and enforcement shall be determined. Respondent
agrees and submits, solely for matters relating to the Agreement, to the jurisdiction
of the courts of the State of North Carolina, and stipulates that Harnett County shall
be the proper venue for all matters.
B. Except to the extent the provisions of the Contract are clearly inconsistent
therewith, the applicable provisions of the Uniform Commercial Code as
modified and adopted in North Carolina shall govern the Agreement. To the
extent the Contract entails both the supply of "goods" and "Services," such shall
be deemed "goods" within the meaning of the Uniform Commercial Code, except
when deeming such Services as "goods" would result in a clearly unreasonable
interpretation.
IX. DISPUTE RESOLUTION
The parties agree that it is in their mutual interest to resolve disputes informally. A
claim by the Respondent shall be submitted in writing to the County Contract
Administrator for decision. A claim by the County shall be submitted in writing to the
Respondent's Contract Administrator for decision. The Parties shall negotiate in good
faith and use all reasonable efforts to resolve such dispute(s). During the time the
Parties are attempting to resolve any dispute, each shall proceed diligently to perform
their respective duties and responsibilities under the Agreement. If a dispute cannot be
resolved between the Parties within thirty (30) days after delivery of notice, either Party
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Transit Center Needs Assessment Study & Conceptual Design

may elect to exercise any other remedies available under the Agreement, or at law.
This term shall not constitute an agreement by either party to mediate or arbitrate any
dispute.
X. INSURANCE COVERAGE
During the term of the Agreement, the respondent at its sole cost and expense shall
provide commercial insurance of such type and with such terms and limits as may be
reasonably associated with the Agreement. As a minimum, the respondent shall
provide and maintain the following coverage and limits:
A. Worker's Compensation - The respondent shall provide and maintain Worker's
Compensation Insurance, as required by the laws of North Carolina, as well as
employer's liability coverage with minimum limits of $100,000.00, covering all of
respondent's employees who are engaged in any work under the Agreement. If any
work is sublet, the respondent shall require the subcontractor to provide the same
coverage for any of his employees engaged in any work under the Agreement; and
B. Automobile - Coverage with limits no less than $1,000,000 per occurrence for
bodily injury and property damage for any vehicle used during performance of
contract services, including coverage for owned, hired, and non-owned vehicles.
Respondent shall name County as additional insured for Automobile Liability
Insurance.; and
C. Providing and maintaining adequate insurance coverage described herein is a
material obligation of the respondent and is of the essence of the Agreement. All
such insurance shall meet all laws of the State of North Carolina. Such insurance
coverage shall be obtained from companies that are authorized to provide such
coverage and that are authorized by the Commissioner of Insurance to do business
in North Carolina. The respondent shall at all times comply with the terms of such
insurance policies, and all requirements of the insurer under any such insurance
policies, except as they may conflict with existing North Carolina laws or the
Agreement. The limits of coverage under each insurance policy maintained by the
respondent shall not be interpreted as limiting the respondent's liability and
obligations under the Agreement.
XI. GENERAL INDEMNITY
The respondent shall hold and save the County, its officers, agents, and employees,
harmless from liability of any kind, including all claims and losses accruing or resulting
to any other person, firm, or corporation furnishing or supplying work, services,
materials, or supplies in connection with the performance of any resulting contract, and
from any and all claims and losses accruing or resulting to any person, firm, or
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Transit Center Needs Assessment Study & Conceptual Design

corporation that may be injured or damaged by the respondent in the performance of
any resulting contract and that are attributable to the negligence or intentionally tortious
acts of the respondent provided that the respondent is notified in writing within 30 days
that the County has knowledge of such claims. The respondent represents and warrants
that it shall make no claim of any kind or nature against the County's agents who are
involved in the delivery or processing of respondent goods to the State. The
representation and warranty in the preceding sentence shall survive the termination or
expiration of any resulting Contract.
XII. EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY AND OTHER COMPLIANCE
REQUIREMENTS
The County does not discriminate in the administration of any of its programs or
activities. The respondent will be required to assure that no person shall be denied
employment or fair treatment, or in any way discriminated against, on the grounds of
or because of the basis of race, sex, religion, age, national origin, or disability
XIII. HOLD HARMLESS
Upon receipt of this RFP through the award of a contract, the respondent shall
indemnify, keep and hold harmless the County and any agents, officials or employees
of the County against all suits or claims that may be based on all alleged death or injury
to persons or damages to property that might occur, or that might have been alleged to
have occurred in the course of the performance of this proposal and subsequent award
of contract by the respondent or their employees, and shall at their own expense defend
any and all such actions and shall at their own expense pay all charges of attorneys and
all costs and other expenses arising there from or incurred in connection therewith and
if any judgment shall be rendered against the County in such action the respondent
shall, at their own expense, satisfy and discharge the same.
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General Services / Harnett Area Rural Transit System (HARTS) 2026
Transit Center Needs Assessment Study & Conceptual Design

County of Harnett, North Carolina
Request for Proposal (RFP)
Harnett Area Rural Transit System - Transit Center
Transit Center Needs Assessment Study & Conceptual Design
Attachment 1 Cost Sheet
Needs Assessment Study - Estimate Cost by each Deliverable or provide Lump Sum
Deliverable Estimated Cost
A review of existing facilities $
Provide a building space program with recommendations for the
size building needed for administration, animal housing (indoors
& outdoors), medical clinic area and other support areas.
$
Recommendations for new site in terms of location within service
area, visibility, access, suitability, parking and site size $
Recommendations for equipment, materials, finishes, HVAC,
plumbing and waste drainage $
$
An opinion of probable cost for construction of the new shelter $
$
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Transit Center Needs Assessment Study & Conceptual Design

TOTAL or LUMP SUM
Conceptual Design
Deliverable Estimated Cost
Respondent should provide a conceptual design with Needs
Assessment Study information. The conceptual design should
include a floor plan, and a basic site plan concept illustrating the
building, public parking, and access. $
Total Project Cost $
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General Services / Harnett Area Rural Transit System (HARTS) 2026
Transit Center Needs Assessment Study & Conceptual Design