Title
Request to Issue a Request for Proposals for Bus Operations Control Center and Data Collection Services - Citywide
Description
This report requests the Transportation, Infrastructure, and Planning Subcommittee recommend City Council authorize the Public Transit Department to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) for Bus Operations Control Center and Data Collection Services.
THIS ITEM IS FOR CONSENT ACTION.
Report
Summary
The Public Transit Department's Bus Operations Control Center (OCC) manages Phoenix's fixed-route bus fleet and services using the regional computer aided dispatch/automatic vehicle locator (CAD/AVL) system. The OCC performs several regional functions, including: transit data collection, transit system monitoring and reporting, creation of public service and bus stop announcements, fare box collection and malfunction reporting, CAD/AVL system training for other agencies, and development of operational reports.
The OCC’s data collection function collects operational data for route planning and for the Federal Transit Administration's National Transit Database (NTD) program reporting. Ridership data gathered as a result of the OCC’s data collection function is provided to the NTD and is used in apportioning federal transit funds to the City of Phoenix. Other functions performed by the OCC include notifying transit stakeholders of real-time incidents, serving as the primary contact for requests from public safety departments, and investigating incidents for City staff, local police departments, Valley Metro customer service, and transit operations contractor personnel. The OCC also coordinates bus bridging for the light rail system during service outages.
The existing contract for Bus Operations Control Center and Data Collection Services is currently in its final two-year extension and will expire on June 30, 2027. This request is to issue an RFP for a new contract.
Procurement Information
The Public Transit Department will issue an RFP for a fixed-price contract conducted in compliance with City Code. Respondents deemed responsive and responsible will be evaluated based on the following proposed evaluation criteria, with a maximum of 1,000 possible points:
- Qualifications, expertise, and experience: 250
- Proposed organizational structure: 200
- Understanding the Scope of Work and Transition Plan: 250
- Total Price: 300
The Public Transit Department intends to issue the RFP in early summer of 2026, with an award recommendation slated for early 2027. The City's Transparency Policy will be in effect upon release of the RFP and throughout the solicitation process.
Contract Term
The term of the Bus OCC and Data Collection Services contract will be five years beginning on or about July 1, 2027, with one additional two-year option to extend at the City’s discretion.
The total seven-year contract term provides known costs as Phoenix continues implementing the T2050 plan, and allows the contractor to spread fixed and capital costs over a longer period, resulting in lower cost proposals to the City. The two-year extension option will be exercised only if it is in the City’s best interest to do so and the contractor has performed satisfactorily during the five-year base period.
Financial Impact
Funds are available in the Public Transit Department's budget.
Concurrence/Previous Council Action
On March 26, 2026 the Citizens Transportation Commission recommended approval of this item by a vote of 8-0.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Amber Williamson and the Public Transit Department.