The Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Regional Council of Governments (OKI) is now accepting Statements of Qualifications (SOQ) for professional services to conduct a survey and collect data from residents of environmental justice (EJ) areas and from EJ populations to understand their transportation needs and preferences. OKI, as the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for the Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky metropolitan area, will serve as the project manager and contract directly with the selected firm resulting from this RFQ.
If the Proposer is a team, the team must be led by a firm that has the managerial and technical resources to communicate and coordinate directly with OKI and manage the work of the entire team. The team lead will function as the “Prime” and will be expected to assist and advise OKI in managing the project.
This RFQ document contains detailed submission guidelines.
Interested firms’ questions and inquiries on the specifications of this SOQ shall be submitted in writing via email to Julia Brossart. Questions will be accepted until the date identified in Section 2.1.1. The responses to all questions will be posted on www.oki.org within two (2) business days of receipt.
Submittals
All items requested as part of the RFQ must be completed in their entirety. Failure to do so can result in the submittal being declared unresponsive and will be automatically DISQUALIFIED. OKI must be in receipt of all SOQs by the date identified in Section 2.1.1 at the following address. One (1) original and six
(6) copies of the SOQ are required.
Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Regional Council of Government
Attn: Finance Department
Survey of EJ Transportation Needs & Preferences – Statement Of Qualifications
720 E. Pete Rose Way, Suite 420; Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
The SOQ should be placed in a sealed envelope and clearly marked “Survey of EJ Transportation Needs & Preferences – Statement of Qualifications”.
Submissions not marked clearly will not be opened. Submissions received after the deadline will not be evaluated. No exceptions.
Public Opening Meeting- December 11, 2024, 3 p.m.
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Questions:
1. About the Incumbent. What specific strengths or limitations of the incumbent firm’s performance does OKI hope to build upon or address through this RFQ?
There is no incumbent firm.
2. Viability of a Non-Cincinnati-Based Contractor. Considering the importance of community engagement, how does OKI evaluate the viability and effectiveness of a contractor without a local Cincinnati presence?
Evaluation criteria is on page 20 of the RFQ and includes that OKI will consider the contractor’s proposed approach to completing elements of the scope of work, experience of the firm and proposed project manager, and the capacity to perform the work tasks.
3. On Partnering with Another Firm. Are there any preferred or recommended firms or organizations within the Cincinnati region that OKI would encourage as strategic partners for this project?
No.
4. Defining Success Beyond the Scope. In addition to the deliverables outlined in the RFQ, what key outcomes or insights would OKI consider a measure of success for this project, particularly in terms of long-term benefits for Environmental Justice populations?
OKI seeks to gain insight as to whether the transportation needs and preferences of EJ populations, as identified by EJ populations, are being met.
5. Evaluation and Innovation. How important is incorporating innovative data collection methods (e.g., mobile technology, geotagging) or advanced analytics in the proposal, and does OKI have any particular technologies it prefers or prohibits?
As indicated on page 18 of the RFQ, the professional shall develop survey methodology and survey instrument in collaboration with and approved by OKI Staff. Surveys will, at minimum, require geocoded resident household location (or nearest intersection), race, age range, HH income range, disability status and number of cars available to the household. Consultant may propose other attributes. No particular technology is preferred or prohibited. It is expected that the work will involve direct interaction in the field with communities. This will not involve an on-line survey.
6. Project Budget. Can you provide guidance on the anticipated budget range for this project to ensure our proposal aligns with OKI’s financial expectations?
As noted on page 5 of the RFQ, bids for the cost of the proposed project shall not be a factor in the evaluation of firms until negotiations are begun in accordance with Ohio Revised Code Section 153.691 and KRS 45A.750. Cost proposals must not be part of the submittal. Submittals containing any costs, cost proposals, or any other cost related figures will be rejected.
7. Are there any specific milestones or critical deadlines within the project timeline that OKI prioritizes to ensure successful execution by June 30, 2025?
Evaluation criteria is on page 20 of the RFQ and includes that OKI will consider the contractor’s proposed approach to completing elements of the scope of work. This proposed approach may include proposed milestones to ensure successful execution by June 30, 2025.
