Consultant to Update the St. Louis Regional Freightway Study

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REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
FOR A CONSULTANT TO UPDATE THE ST. LOUIS REGIONAL FREIGHTWAY
STUDY
Solicitation # 2026RFP3-FREIGHT
1 S. Memorial Drive, Suite 1600
St. Louis, MO 63102
July 28, 2026

Request for Proposals
for
A Consultant to Update the St. Louis Regional Freightway Study
East-West Gateway Council of Governments (the Council) is seeking proposals from a consultant or a
team of consultants to update the St. Louis Regional Freightway Study that was originally published in
2013.
Submittals are due no later than 1:00 p.m. local time on August 28, 2026 to the following address:
"Solicitation # 2026RFP3-FREIGHT"
c/o Ms. Leah Watkins
Sr. Manager of Contracts & Grants
East-West Gateway Council of Governments
1 S. Memorial Drive, Suite 1600
St. Louis, MO 63102-2451
Section III contains the formatting, content, and other requirements for a submittal. Unless otherwise
due to extenuating circumstances and approved by the Council in advance, any submittals received
after the date and time listed above will be rejected and returned unopened.
Pre-Submittal Meeting - A mandatory virtual pre-submittal meeting is scheduled for August 10, 2026.
Please refer to Section IX of this RFP for more information regarding this meeting.
2026 St. Louis Regional Freight Study Update
Solicitation # 2026RFP3-FREIGHT
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Table of Contents Page 3 of 39
Section Page
I. Introduction & Background 4
II. Scope of Work 5
III. Submittal Requirements 11
IV. Evaluation & Selection Procedures 18
V. General Items 26
VI. Nondiscrimination Requirements 29
VII. D/S/W/MBE Participation & Equal Opportunity 30
VIII. Protest Procedures 35
IX. Inquiries & Submission Information 36
Attachments*
Time Availability for Key Personnel Form
Prior Work Experience / Past Performance Form
A Price Proposal
B Firm Information
C Affirmative Action Checklist
D Contract Terms & Conditions Comments
E RFP Minimum Requirements Checklist
F D/S/W/MBE Participation Form
G Letter of Intent to Perform as a D/S/W/MBE
*Fillable / savable version of the attachments can be found on the Council's website at www.ewgateway.org/about-us/what-we-do/doing-
business-with-ewg/contracting-opportunities/
Appendices**
1 Evaluation Criteria & Factors
2 Draft Contract Terms & Conditions
3 Conflicts of Interest Policy
4 Firm Responsibility Questionnaire
5 FAQs - Submittal Requirements
**Appendices are available on the Council's website at www.ewgateway.org/about-us/what-we-do/doing-business-with-ewg/contracting-
opportunities/
2026 St. Louis Regional Freight Study Update
Solicitation # 2026RFP3-FREIGHT
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I. Introduction & Background Page 4 of 39
Purpose
The St. Louis Regional Freight Study was published in 2013 and established a clear view of freight
movement in the region with valuable data and recommendations to move forward. As part of the
recommendations from the 2013 study, The St. Louis Regional Freightway, "the Freightway" was
established. The Freightway optimizes the region's freight transportation network through public and
private partnerships, supports workforce development to build a strong talent supply chain, and raises
awareness of the St. Louis region's status as a global logistics hub. Since the 2013 study, there have
been major shifts in movement, modes, supply chain, policy, and technology in the freight industry.
The St. Louis Regional Freight Study Update, the "study", will update the 2013 effort with the goal to
move the region towards a clear, proactive planning process. This study update shall be developed in
partnership with the St. Louis Regional Freightway and its committees.
Study Area
The study area shall include the Council's bi-state region, which includes the city of St. Louis and
Franklin, Jefferson, St. Charles, and St. Louis counties in Missouri and Madison, Monroe, and St. Clair
counties in Illinois.
Project Outcomes
The main outcomes / deliverables for this study update must include:
* Updated regional freight data
* Analysis of regional freight needs and gaps
* Stronger integration of proactive freight planning into the regional transportation planning
process
* Well defined roles and responsibilities for freight related and planning agencies in the region
* Clear priorities and action steps to implement recommendations
The following Scope of Work identifies the major tasks of the study effort. All tasks and associated
deliverables listed in the Scope of Work must be included in the Project Management Plan.
2026 St. Louis Regional Freight Study Update
Solicitation # 2026RFP3-FREIGHT
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II. Scope of Work Page 5 of 39
A. General Scope of Work
The tasks described below provide a generalized scope of work the project. A responding firm's
submittal must, at a minimum, address the tasks described below. Please note that the tasks described
below reflect the minimum number of broad elements that will be included in the assessment that is
created for the project. Each responding firm is encouraged to identify other key elements that it
expects may be an important part of the project and describe its approach to addressing those
elements.
Each firm responding to this RFP must include in its submittal a recommended project schedule that, at a
minimum, shows the estimated completion date for each of the tasks and sub-tasks and dates when the
work products will be delivered to the Council.
Innovation in your proposal is encouraged; therefore proposers may enhance, reorder, or suggest
additional tasks based on the desired outcomes so long as all tasks and deliverables are included.
Task #1 - Project Management
The Consultant must oversee all aspects of the project. The Consultant must meet regularly with the
Council and St. Louis Freightway Leadership ("Freightway") throughout the project period. At the
beginning of the project, the Consultant, Council and Freightway will hold an in-person kick-off meeting
to discuss the Consultant's approach to the project, recommendations for the project, the project
management plan (PMP), and schedule. The Consultant will develop (in coordination with Council staff)
and submit a draft PMP and then submit a revised final PMP and project schedule within 30 days of
issuance of notice to proceed. The final PMP must be based on input provided by the Council at the kick-
off meeting and include the draft review comments from the Council and Freightway.
The Consultant will hold bi-weekly conference calls or virtual meetings with Council and Freightway staff
and must conduct periodic in-person meetings with the Council and Freightway at key points throughout
the project period. The final project schedule will be approved by Council and Freightway, and the
Consultant must adhere to the approved schedule. The Consultant must also submit regular invoices and
progress reports to the Council and provide the Council with the information that it needs to complete its
reports to the funding agencies. The Consultant will need to be available to answer any follow-up
questions regarding their work or the information provided in their reports. This is firm fixed price
contract with payment made at completion of milestones. Whether or not invoicing, each month the
Consultant will need to provide a progress report.
Task 1 Deliverables:
In-person project kick-off meeting
Draft project management plan
Final project management plan
Detailed project schedule, in agreed upon format
Invoices, in approved format
2026 St. Louis Regional Freight Study Update
Solicitation # 2026RFP3-FREIGHT
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II. Scope of Work Page 6 of 39
Progress reports, in approved format
Other information, as needed
Bi-weekly progress meetings, either in person or virtually
Meeting agendas and minutes from weekly progress meetings
Task #2 - Stakeholder Engagement
In Task 2, the Consultant is expected to develop a draft and final stakeholder engagement plan which will
guide the convening of the existing study advisory committee, which includes but may not be limited to
the Freightway's Freight Development and Needs Analysis Committee.
As part of the engagement process, the Consultant will regularly convene the existing study advisory
committee for technical review, general coordination and status updates of the various project elements.
The Consultant will meet with stakeholders throughout the process, as necessary, to share analysis,
gather input, and identify gaps. This will be in the structure of small group or one-on-one meetings to
further define the problems affecting freight in the study area, familiarize members with key issues, and
refine the project's goals and objectives.
The Consultant must develop presentations on the process, goals, and results of this study and present at
up to three (3) meetings each of the Council's Board of Directors, Council's Executive Advisory
Committee, and study advisory committee as needed. These presentations should take place at key
points throughout the process.
Task 2 Deliverables:
Draft Stakeholder Engagement Plan, to be reviewed by Council and the Freightway
Final Stakeholder Engagement Plan
Meetings and related minutes
Presentation materials
Task #3 - Freight Evaluation
In Task 3, The Consultant will review the Council's St. Louis Regional Freight Study (2013), the MoDOT
(2026) and IDOT (2023) State Freight plans, the freight chapter of the Council's Connected 2050 Long
Range Transportation Plan State of the System (2023) and other related studies completed by port
authorities and airports. The Consultant will document detailed takeaways and recommendations from
these studies and integrate them into this process.
Additionally, the Consultant shall review the Resources page found on the Freightway's website. These
resources are intended to provide context and further information for the St. Louis region. The
Consultant shall document and integrate any information gathered into this process. The resources can
be found at this link: www.thefreightway.com/resources/.
2026 St. Louis Regional Freight Study Update
Solicitation # 2026RFP3-FREIGHT
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II. Scope of Work Page 7 of 39
The Consultant will work with Council and Freightway staff to coordinate efforts on current and
upcoming rail plans in the region. The Southwestern Illinois Freight Railroad Network Analysis and
Improvement Program Study is a current effort in Illinois that will be completed in 2027. The Freight Rail
Efficiency in the St. Louis Region Study will analyze the Missouri portion of the region and will advance a
coordinated, data-driven strategy to address critical freight rail capacity constraints and multimodal
system impacts within region. Work will begin in 2027 and is being led by the Freightway. This study shall
coordinate and build on these efforts and not duplicate work. The Consultant will also coordinate with
staff on efforts for IDOT's State Freight and Rail Plan that is being updated and completed in 2027.
The Consultant shall assess and determine if any freight data that is not readily available is needed for the
success of this study. The Consultant will develop and present these recommendations to staff. The cost
of procuring any data must be included in the budget of this study and cannot require additional fees.
The consultant shall gather data to create a regional freight profile. The study will build upon all
previously developed and available databases from federal, state, and local agencies. Proprietary data
will be procured by the Consultant if necessary. Data collection shall include but is not limited to:
* Inventory of regional freight owners, carriers and stakeholders
* Existing and projected volumes (highways, rail, water, air, pipeline)
* Existing and projected commodity flows (inbound/outbound/foreign/domestic)
* Population, employment, and commercial/industrial activity density
* Economic development and planning data related to freight
* Freight congestion, bottlenecks, and infrastructure deficiencies in the region
* Current and future traffic congestion levels and safety trends
Task 3 Deliverables:
Review of existing plans and resources
Coordination of efforts on current and upcoming rail plans in the region
Recommendations for data acquisition
Draft Regional Freight Profile
Final Regional Freight Profile
Task #4 - Regional Freight Assessment and Recommendations
Economic Development Assessment: In Task 4, the Consultant will perform an analysis that includes an
update to the general review of the region's economic structure and major industries. The analysis and
report shall cover freight, goods, and service sectors including trucking, shipping, railroads, third party
logistics companies, aerospace manufacturing, warehousing, and distribution centers. The analysis shall
examine the economic relationships between the Council's region and other regions. The analysis shall
identify and assess the impacts of trends in the national and international economy on the area's freight
industry. The Consultant shall also analyze and update the criteria for the previously identified Industrial
Site Areas (ISA) from the 2013 Regional Freight Study. Consultant is required to provide updated criteria
and boundaries for Industrial Site Areas, along with a map of the ISAs. The Consultant shall update the
metrics and boundaries for these areas and identify any new areas to be added. Based on the analysis
performed, Consultant will provide a technical report on Economic Development.
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Solicitation # 2026RFP3-FREIGHT
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II. Scope of Work Page 8 of 39
Infrastructure Assessment: The Consultant will conduct an analysis that includes the locations of freight
modal transfer facilities, warehouses, and distribution centers, their impact on local roads, the effects
these areas have on the surrounding neighborhoods, how much growth is expected, where new facilities
should be placed, and whether the road infrastructure can handle anticipated growth. This analysis will
also look at the regional truck parking inventory, including the current and future supply/demand of truck
parking areas. This analysis will also provide a review of truck and freight-related crashes in the region. The
analysis shall build off what the State freight plans have established. Consultant is expected to produce a
technical report based on the Infrastructure Assessment.
Public Policy Assessment: The Consultant shall analyze current freight policies and the effects they have
on the region. The Consultant shall analyze federal freight policies and make recommendations on how
the region can be more proactive and utilize the best resources to take advantage of these initiatives. In
addition, the Consultant will develop a pipeline of projects that are eligible for existing federal grant
programs for freight (i.e., clean ports programs, railroad crossing eliminations). Consultant is expected to
produce a technical report based on the Public Policy Assessment.
Resiliency and Sustainability: The Consultant shall research and analyze impacts on freight from extreme
weather and natural disasters, emergencies such as COVID-19, and national policy implications such as
rising fuel prices and tariffs. The analysis shall include matters such as how to respond to disruptions that
occur in the supply chain, river levels, and other environmental factors that affect the region. Consultant is
expected to produce a technical report on Resiliency and Sustainability.
Emerging Trends and Technologies: The Consultant shall analyze emerging freight trends and
technologies such as container on vessel, artificial intelligence, EVs, e-commerce, drone manufacturing,
and other freight trends and the effects they have on the region. The Consultant shall provide guidance on
how to best prepare the region for these emerging trends with best practices and policies. Consultant is
expected to produce a technical report based on Emerging Trends and Technologies.
Task 4 Deliverables:
Technical report on Economic Development
Updated criteria and boundaries for the Industrial Site Areas (ISA)
Updated map of the Industrial Site Areas
Technical report on Infrastructure
Technical report on Public Policy
Technical report on Resiliency and Sustainability
Technical report on Emerging Trends and Technologies
2026 St. Louis Regional Freight Study Update
Solicitation # 2026RFP3-FREIGHT
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II. Scope of Work Page 9 of 39
Task #5 - Strategies & Policies
Building on the technical reports from Task 4, the Consultant shall develop short and long-range policies
and programs to prepare the region for projected growth in freight with an emphasis on a proactive
process. Examples may include, but are not limited to:
* Regional land use recommendations and policies
* Regional rail coordination (e.g., Crossing Elimination locations)
* Prioritized list/map of freight movement gaps
* Identify top high-accident locations that involve freight movements with recommendations
to improve
Freight and Transportation Planning: The Consultant shall analyze and propose tools and best practices
on how to better integrate freight into transportation planning policy. The process will integrate local,
regional, statewide, and national freight planning efforts into a comprehensive regional freight planning
framework. This shall include:
* Framework for better integrating freight planning into the regional transportation planning
process
* Freight criteria in the TIP application and the Long-Range Transportation Plan
* Recommendations on freight movement integration with safety and complete street
policies
Regional Alignment: Moving forward, it is important to highlight collaboration across agencies,
stakeholders, and industries to maximize efficiency and innovation within the freight network. The
Consultant will be required to research and recommend defined roles for the Council, the Freightway,
and any other key contributors or partners. These recommendations should provide clear guidance on
how these and other organizations will work together and independently with defined roles and
responsibilities pertaining to freight.
Priority Freight Project Criteria: Each year the Freightway updates its Priority Infrastructure Project List.
This list is used to guide freight investment and priorities. The Consultant will review the project
identification and evaluation/selection process and provide objective criteria and process
recommendations for how the Freightway and Council can identify and prioritize projects that aim to
enhance freight mobility in the region. The Consultant shall then create a clear matrix to implement
priority projects for the Freightway to update each year. This includes:
* Criteria and a system for selecting priority projects
* Implementation steps for recommended priority projects
* A framework for entities to track and report planning and implementation in the region
Task 5 Deliverables:
Regional Alignment Recommendations
Regional Priority Infrastructure Project Selection Criteria
Priority Infrastructure Project Implementation Matrix
2026 St. Louis Regional Freight Study Update
Solicitation # 2026RFP3-FREIGHT
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II. Scope of Work Page 10 of 39
Task #6 - Final Report
In Task 6, the Consultant will develop a draft final report, documenting all the tasks and recommendations
for a successful, implementable series of projects and programs. The Consultant shall present the draft
report to the study advisory committee for input and comments. After addressing and incorporating the
comments and input, Consultant shall prepare the final report as requested. The final report submittal
shall include all relevant data and GIS data associated with the final recommendations.
The Consultant shall also host a "Plan Hand-Off Workshop" of the final study and recommendations. At
this workshop the Consultant shall present the final study content and implementation recommendations
to those who will be tasked with plan implementation and long-term maintenance / stewardship.
The Consultant will be required to present the final report to the Council's Board of Directors, the
Council's Executive Advisory Committee, and the study advisory committee, as needed.
Task 6 Deliverables:
Draft Report
Plan Hand-Off Workshop
Executive Summary
Final Report (electronic copies and 11 print and bound copies, delivered to Council staff)
Presentations to Committees and Boards, as needed
B. Project Schedule
It is anticipated that the work for this project will begin late 2026 and must be completed no later
than June 30, 2028. The project period may be adjusted to accommodate the actual start date of the
project.
Each firm responding to this RFP must include in its submittal a recommended project schedule that, at
a minimum, shows the estimated completion date for each of the tasks and sub-tasks and dates when
the work products will be delivered to the Council. The project schedule must also include the optional
task. Submittals that do not contain a project schedule may be deemed non-responsive and rejected.
2026 St. Louis Regional Freight Study Update
Solicitation # 2026RFP3-FREIGHT
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