Active SLED Opportunity · MICHIGAN · MACATAWA AREA EXPRESS TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY
AI Summary
Macatawa Area Express seeks proposals for a feasibility study and implementation plan to evaluate and expand public transportation services countywide in Ottawa County, Michigan.
The Macatawa Area Express (MAX) seeks proposals from qualified consultants to conduct a comprehensive feasibility study and implementation plan for the potential expansion of public transportation services throughout Ottawa County. The study shall evaluate the viability of countywide transit service and provide a strategic roadmap for implementation. **Solicitation Type**: RFP - Request for Proposal (Formal) **Source ID**: PU.AG.USA.2360682.C14973701 **Piggyback Contract**: No **Question Acceptance Deadline**: 07/27/2026 02:00 PM EDT **Questions are submitted online**: Yes **Bid Submission Type**: Electronic Bid Submission **Owner Organization**: Macatawa Area Express Transportation Authority **Solicitation Number**: RFP_F-MAX-0000000016-KR **Reference Number**: 0000430466 **Pricing**: In attached document **Bid Documents List**: | Item Name | Description | Mandatory | Limited to 1 file | |---|---|---|---| | Bid Documents | Documents defining the proposal | Yes | No | **Questions and Answers**: | Question | Answer | |---|---| | What is the anticipated budget for this effort? | Answered in Addendum 1 | | What is MAX’s preferred schedule for completion of this effort? | Answered in Addendum 1 | | Is there an expectation on the level of in-person outreach and community engagement that will be needed for the study, and that can be considered when proposing the project cost and itemized budget? | Answered in Addendum 3 | | Is it anticipated that various presentations throughout the study to the MAX Board of Directors and other advisory committees can be conducted through online meetings, or is there an expectation that they be conducted in-person? | Answered in Addendum 3 | | 1) The RFP notes “sealed” proposals, but just to confirm no hard copies are needed, and proposals should be submitted electronically through BidNet Direct? 2) Is there a page limit to the proposal? | Answered in Addendum 3 | | Are any meeting materials or documents expected to be translated to other languages and/or available in accessible formats? | Answered in Addendum 3 | | Is the selected consultant expected to build on the work of previous studies in examining regional transit connections, such as the Coast-to-Coast Passenger Rail Study or the West Michigan Transit Linkages Study, or is the consultant expected to build the analysis without consideration of previous work? | Answered in Addendum 3 | | What software is MAX Transit currently using to create driver and vehicle scheduling? | Answered in Addendum 3 | | Is the agency willing to provide a copy of the standard agency contract for outside services for legal review ahead of a project award, or does the solicitation contain all of the contractual provisions? This could help shorten the timeline between an award and contract signatures. | Answered in Addendum 3 | | What is the source(s) of funding for the work identified in this solicitation? | Answered in Addendum 3 | | Does MAX expect any tribal engagement as part of the Stakeholder Engagement? | Answered in Addendum 3 | | The RFP indicates a Proposal Pricing Sheet is expected to be signed and included in the submittal; however, there is no standard form in the RFP. Do we need to submit a specific form and if so, can you provide it? | Answered in Addendum 3 | | Can we submit exceptions to the Indemnification language from the RFP, Section 4? Our interpretation of this language is that we are required to indemnify MAX for their own performance and does not appear to be limited to a firm’s own negligence. Reference: INDEMNIFICATION: The firm agrees to indemnify and hold MAX, its officers, agents, employees and /or trustees, harmless from and against any and all claims or causes of action brought against MAX and from any and all damages, losses, expenses, attorney fees, costs and liabilities sustained by the MAX arising out of any claimed defect in the goods and services provided by the firm. The firms’ obligation under this paragraph shall include the obligation to indemnify and hold the MAX harmless for negligence, whether active, passive or concurrent, in the performance of MAX’s duties and obligations pursuant to this project and agreement. | Answered in Addendum 3 | | Is there an anticipated project schedule or duration, including any desired milestones for kickoff, draft deliverables, stakeholder/public engagement, Board presentation, and final completion. (maybe just the first part of the question for duration, I see that one of the evaluation criteria is schedule – or maybe skip this one entirely). | Answered in Addendum 3 | | Please clarify MAX’s expectations regarding the evaluation of service alternatives. Should the consultant assess multiple transit service scenarios and carry them through comparative analysis, cost estimation, and implementation planning? If so, is there an expected number or range of alternatives to be evaluated? | Answered in Addendum 3 | | Please identify the background materials and datasets that will be made available to the selected consultant, such as prior studies, service or ridership data, GIS files, demographic data, planning documents, and stakeholder contact lists. | Answered in Addendum 3 | | Please clarify the intended level of detail for the regional transit connection plan involving MAX, MATS, Harbor Transit, and the Fillmore County Court Complex. Should this element of the study remain conceptual, or should it include recommended service concepts, transfer opportunities, coordination steps, and preliminary operating/capital cost considerations? | Answered in Addendum 3 | | The scope references coordination with three MPOs. Please clarify the expected level of coordination, including whether specific meetings, presentations, or review milestones are anticipated | Answered in Addendum 3 | | Based on our review of MAX’s Title VI Program, we understand that public engagement is expected to occur early in the study process and continue through development of alternatives, including targeted outreach to EJ, minority, low-income, and LEP populations where service changes are under consideration. Can MAX clarify the consultant’s expected role and level of effort for public engagement under this contract, including whether the consultant should plan for engagement during alternatives development? In addition, are there any preferred outreach methods, required engagement activities, or minimum expectations for the number/type of engagement events MAX would like proposers to include in their scope and fee? | Answered in Addendum 3 | | Please clarify whether MAX will assist with introductions and scheduling for municipalities, regional partners, employers, and other stakeholders, or whether the consultant should assume responsibility for initiating and coordinating those meetings. | Answered in Addendum 3 | | Please confirm the expected deliverables and formats for the study. | Answered in Addendum 3 | | Proposal Pricing Format - Please confirm the preferred pricing format for the cost proposal (for example, lump sum by task, labor hours by task, or both). Interviews - Please advise whether MAX anticipates interviews or presentations as part of the consultant selection process and, if so, the anticipated timeframe. Implementation Horizon - Please clarify whether MAX has a preferred planning horizon or phasing framework for the implementation plan (for example, near-term, mid-term, and long-term recommendations). | Answered in Addendum 3 | **Addendums**: | Addendum | Date | Note | |---|---|---| | Addendum No. 1 | 07/21/2026 03:26 PM EDT | | | Addendum No. 2 | 07/28/2026 09:41 AM EDT | | | Addendum No. 3 | 07/28/2026 09:58 AM EDT | |
SLED stands for State, Local, and Education. These are solicitations issued by state governments, counties, cities, school districts, utilities, and higher education institutions — as opposed to federal agencies.
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