RFP #26-07-001 LCTA Engineering For Bus Stop Improvements

Project Description: The goal of this project is to engineer improved bus stop accessibility at existing bus stops across the LCTA system, while ensuring compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Public Right of Way Accessibility Guidelines (PROWAG).
Using LCTA’s Bus Stop Improvement Plan, developed in coordination with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and supported by Kimley‑Horn, LCTA has selected 27 existing bus stop locations to receive improvements.
The Engineering scope of work includes developing concrete construction plans that address technical specifications such as slope and boarding dimensions, right-of-way (ROW) verification, and ultimately delivering final construction plans that will be executed in a separate Phase II construction bid, with the Phase II RFP to be released promptly upon completion of this Engineering phase. The project only includes design work for concrete improvements at existing bus stops and permitting, along with completing the Section 106 and Categorical Exclusion worksheet to support the Federally funded project. There is no design or environmental work needed pertaining to curb cuts or electrification.
Bidding Documents can be obtained at no cost on PennBid at https://pennbid.bonfirehub.com.
Proposal Submission Requirements
Bids must be submitted electronically via PennBid at https://pennbid.bonfirehub.com.
Proposers must submit technical qualifications and cost proposals in separate documents.
In addition to all proposal requirements, all proposers must complete and submit with their RFP the Bidder/Proposer List Application in PennBid at https://pennbid.bonfirehub.com.
Failure to submit the completed Bidder/Proposer List Application with your proposal may result in the proposal being deemed non-responsive.
All required federal forms, certifications, and affidavits included with this RFP must be fully completed, signed, and submitted with the proposal. Failure to provide completed and signed federal forms may result in the proposal being deemed non-responsive.
Total page limit for proposals is capped at a total of 25 pages (including resumes of key project staff).
Late submissions will not be accepted.
Questions and Clarifications
Questions regarding this project shall be submitted via the “Ask a Question” feature in PennBid at https://pennbid.bonfirehub.com
Responses will be issued via addendum. Addenda will be posted on PennBid and notification via Public Notice sent to Bidders who have registered with and downloaded documents from PennBid.
Procurement Schedule
LCTA anticipates the procurement process will proceed according to the following schedule:
Milestone Date
RFP Release Date Monday, July 20, 2026
Deadline for Questions Monday, August 3rd, 2026
Responses to Questions/Addendum Issued Monday, August 17th, 2026
Proposal Due Date and Time Monday, August 31st, 2026
Anticipated Award Recommendation Wednesday, September 16th, 2026
Anticipated Board Approval Tuesday, September 22nd, 2026
Scope of Work:
Engineering & Design
LCTA has identified 27 locations to move to design. The locations are in the public r/w but would need boundary survey if the stop is identified for relocation, or would encroach on private property with additional concrete or expanded boarding areas.
Please see Appendix A for locations and associated accessibility improvements. The spreadsheet “LCTA Bus Stop Database of Conditions” and the locations highlighted in the “Task 2 Field” tab is integral for proposers to review and base your proposal on, as it outlines what specific improvements have been identified for each location. It outlines slope percentages as gathered during planning.
• Proposers must include a month-by-month plan to accomplish the project and outline a realistic schedule to submit final, bid-ready design packages.
Suggested project milestone schedule:
o Data Gathering and Site Surveys
o 30% design/submit Section 106
o 60% design/submit CE Worksheet
o 90% Final Plans and Specs
o Permits submitted & Bid packages
Project Approach and Experience
• In addition to submitting a statement of work, proposers must answer the following items in their RFP response:
○ Please describe your firm’s experience with the PennDOT HOP process.
○ Please describe your firm’s experience (if any) submitting Section 106 and Categorical Exclusion documentation to the Department of Transportation (DOT), in this case specifically to Federal Transit Administration (FTA).
○ Please describe how your firm plans to avoid unnecessary delays and to work across different roadway types with different permitting requirements.
○ Please list your firm’s track record delivering bus stop, sidewalk, or streetscape designs on time and within budget. Transit experience is important but not prohibitive.
○ Please provide resumes and qualifications for project staff that would be assigned to the project.
Project Schedule:
The timeline for full completion of the project is estimated at 6-8 months start to finish for Tasks 1 & 2.
Project Tasks
● Task 1: Deliverables (27 stop accessibility plans, delivered within 6-8 months): Design bid packages to fully support moving to construction, including necessary permitting applications drafted and entered into the EPS system for LCTA.
○ Simple improvements, such as single additions of concrete segments, entirely within existing right-of-way may be shown on a single aerial plan sheet, while more complex locations, such as stops without any current concrete conditions, may require full survey, grading plans, and site plans.
○ Drafting of PennDOT Highway Occupancy Permits (HOPs) for the state-route stops. Includes submitting PennDOT Highway Occupancy Permits (HOPs) in E-permitting (PennDOT EPS) and ongoing support until HOP is issued.
■ 16 stops need state HOP. The 16 stops on state roadways are expected to be submitted into PennDOT’s E-permitting system (EPS) on behalf of LCTA. LCTA has an active EPS account. LCTA does not assume any costs to submit HOPs—we are a municipal authority.
○ Task I Deliverable: 100% bid-ready design packages for the 27 bus stops.
● Task 2: Environmentals: Complete the Section 106 letter and categorical exclusion (CE) worksheet and all supporting information (in Appendix C) to achieve full compliance with FTA’s environmental regulation (23 CFR § 771.118).
○ Deliverable: Completed Section 106 letter and CE worksheet submitted to FTA Region 3 (completed and submitted after the Data Gathering and Site Surveys.)
Progress Meetings
Five (5) project meetings (virtual is acceptable) are to occur at the completion of milestone design phases to update LCTA on the progress of the project.
Procurement Method and Basis of Award:
In accordance with the Brooks Act (40 U.S.C. 1101-1104) and FTA Circular 4220.1F, Architectural and Engineering (A&E) services for Phase I of this project will be procured utilizing Qualification-Based Selection (QBS) procedures. Proposals will be evaluated and ranked solely on the technical qualifications and criteria.
Proposers must submit technical qualifications and cost proposals in separate documents. Price will not be a factor in the initial evaluation or ranking of proposals. LCTA (the “Agency”) will open the cost proposal and enter into contract negotiations strictly with the highest-ranked, qualified firm. If a mutually satisfactory contract cannot be negotiated at a price determined by the Agency to be fair and reasonable, negotiations with that firm will be formally terminated, and negotiations will begin with the next highest-ranked firm.
Technical Scoring
Project Approach & Sequencing Strategy (30 Points)
PennDOT & Local Municipality Experience (25 Points)
Qualifications & Technical Competence of Key Personnel (25 Points)
Past Performance on Similar Transit Projects (20 Points)