1. Introduction

The Oklahoma Transportation Center (OTC) requests proposals for research on topics vital to solving some of the pressing transportation problems in Oklahoma and in the nation.

The OTC is a multi-disciplinary coalition of the Oklahoma State University (OSU), the University of Oklahoma (OU), and Langston University (LU) to serve as a resource for solving critical transportation problems in the state and in the nation in a cooperative manner. Founded in 2001, the OTC has over 30 “founding partners” including Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT), Oklahoma Transportation Authority (OTA), and companies and associations representing all transportation modes.

2. Eligibility

Any full-time faculty member at OSU, OU, or LU, or a full-time staff member in any individual OSU, OU or LU Transportation Center is eligible to submit a proposal. The University with which the principal investigator is affiliated must officially process all proposals.

3. Size and Scope of Projects

Approximately $35,000 is available for this RFP with an anticipated duration of six months. Interim report will be due by September 1, 2005.

This RFP solicits research to evaluate the need for a shuttle bus service between Oklahoma City and Tulsa that takes into account forecast growth in the interurban commuter market as congestion worsens, as population and employment opportunities grow, and as interaction among and between the Oklahoma City and Tulsa urban areas increases.

In determining the viability of this type of transportation service in the Oklahoma City – Tulsa corridor, the set of local, regional, state, and federal goals, policies, and objectives need to be examined to identify some key issues: ridership and patronage forecasts, environmental issues or concerns, capital and operating costs, and a comparison of possible alternatives.

The purpose of this RFP is to solicit proposals to assess the feasibility of shuttle bus passenger service in the Oklahoma City – Tulsa corridor. This study needs to establish the potential demand, likely revenues, estimated capital costs of implementing shuttle services in the study corridor, and station locations.

4. Proposal Format

Each proposal should be limited to ten pages, with line spacing not less than 1.5 and font size Times New Roman 12 point or equivalent. One-inch margin should be maintained on all sides. The following outline must be followed: (1) Problem Statement; (2) Research Approach and Methodology; (3) Expected Results; (4) Deliverables; (5) Qualifications; (6) Facilities; (7) Itemized Budget (including indirect costs); (8) Budget Justification, and (9) Time Schedule. A phased proposal may be considered if the deliverables for the first phase are clearly delineated and an outline of other phases and anticipated budgets are presented. All proposals must have institutional approval (appropriately routed) for submission.

5. Deadline

All proposals must be submitted on or before June 28, 2005 by 5:00 p.m. An electronic (MS Word) copy (CD) and two hard copies must be submitted to:

Daniel Humphrey
Project Engineer
Oklahoma Transportation Authority
3500 Martin Luther King Ave.
P.O. Box 11357
Oklahoma City, OK 73136-0357

6. Selection Process and Criteria

The proposals will be reviewed and ranked by the OTC Executive Committee, which includes ten persons, two from each OTC university, two from ODOT, and two from OTA. Additional reviews by others may be solicited, as needed. The following criteria will be used in selecting the proposals:

(i) Research approach and scope
(ii) Qualifications of the research team

The OTC may ask the Principal Investigator of a selected proposal to revise the proposed budget and work scope, if necessary, depending upon the availability of funds and review outcome. Also, the number of proposals selected for funding will depend upon the availability of funds, quality of proposals and other factors.

7. Consultation Prior to Submitting Proposal

OTC strongly suggests proposal writers to consult with appropriate technical and operations personnel at ODOT and OTA prior to preparing and submitting proposals. Also, OTC encourages partnerships with industry (in kind and/or cash match), OTC institutions (OSU, OU, and LU), and with public agencies apart from ODOT and OTA. Collaborations are encouraged.

For questions regarding the submission and review of proposals, please contact: Daniel Humphrey, Oklahoma Transportation Authority, Phone: (405) 425-3600, E-Mail: dhumphrey@ota.state.ok.us For additional information on OTC please visit http://www.oktc.org.