REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL FROM: GREGORY A. BARFIELD, M.A., Director Department of Transportation BY: DREW WILSON, Planning Manager Department of Transportation, Planning JEFF LONG, Senior Regional Planner Department of Transportation, Planning Division SUBJECT ..Title Approve the award of a service contract to Alta Planning & Design of Portland, Oregon, for Contractor Services for transit design guidelines and toolkit development to facilitate the efficient design and standardization of station and bus stop elements and amenities for the FAX transit network for a total not to exceed $399,931 (Bid File 12600774) ..Body RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends Council approve the award of a service contract to Alta Planning & Design of Portland, Oregon for Contractor Services for transit design guidelines and toolkit development services for a total not to exceed $399,931, and authorize the Director of Transportation/Fresno Area Express (FAX) or their designee to execute the agreement (Bid File 12600774). EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Department of Transportation, Fresno Area Express (FAX), provides transit service for the City of Fresno, utilizing over 1,500 individual stops throughout the City. The Transit Design Guidelines and Toolkit procured through this solicitation, will systematically document findings into a robust resource to facilitate the efficient design and standardization of station elements and amenities for the FAX transit network. The primary goal of the Guidelines and Toolkit is to develop a clear, illustrated guidebook supported by standard plans and computer-aided design exhibits, allowing FAX and our partners to confidently select, permit, and construct appropriate stops, while prioritizing cost-effectiveness, accessibility, equity, and climate resilience. A request for proposals (RFP) was issued January 30, 2026, via Bid File Number 12600774, which resulted in two proposal submissions. The Selection Committee evaluated the proposals based on qualifications of key personnel, firm's past performance, cost, and approach to work. After careful examination, the Selection Committee recommended Alta Planning + Design for award. BACKGROUND FAX is responsible for providing transit service in the City of Fresno. FAX last updated its Bus Stop Standards in 2005. We have since 2005 only updated the City Standards of FAX-1-4, for stop design and not the requirements, rider thresholds, and other factors to consider when establishing or updating our stops. Fresno's mobility planning framework consists of multiple local, state, and national plans and standards that are not fully aligned, leaving staff and developers to resolve variances on a case-by-case basis. The Transit Design Guide is intended to reconcile these differences and provide clear, consistent direction to support the City's broader goals of accessibility, equity, health, climate resilience, and connectivity. Fresno's unique physical conditions, such as wide arterials, extreme heat, major barriers, and limited right-of-way, further complicate implementation. The TDG will address these challenges by offering context-sensitive, multimodal guidance that improves safety, accessibility, and the overall experience for people walking, biking, and using transit. A Notice Inviting Bids was published in the Business Journal on January 30, 2026, and posted to the City's Website via PlanetBids. There were 1,625 potential bidders automatically notified by PlanetBids. Two electronic bids were received and opened at a public bid opening on February 27, 2026. Both proposers were found to be responsive and responsible. The Selection Committee evaluated both proposals based on the following criteria: Qualification of Key Personnel Description of the key personnel that will be assigned to the project, including experience conducting design guidelines for transit agencies and demonstration of collaborative approaches with clients. Copies of resumes for all key personnel were requested. Firm's Past Performance Description of the firm's overall experience and past performance in providing services of a similar size and nature. Proposers were asked to provide at least three (3) references for which similar services have been performed. Cost The scoring for costs was based on the lowest price in relation to the price offered. Approach to Work The firm's ability to demonstrate their understanding of the project scope and their proposed methodology to achieve the project objectives. The proposed methodology was to clearly demonstrate its merits by outlining the logic, advantage, and proven approach. While reviewing both written proposals, the Selection Committee found that both proposers requested changes to the standard Insurance and Indemnification clauses detailed in the original solicitation. A negotiation letter was issued to both vendors because they were both found to be within the competitive range. Both vendors responded that they would accept the Insurance and Indemnification as-is and would accept a contract award if offered. The Selection Committee recommends Alta Planning + Design for this project. Although their pricing is higher than that of WSP USA Inc., Alta's proposal demonstrated a significantly stronger overall capability. Their team brought extensive experience and subject matter expertise. Based on the totality of qualifications, professionalism, and demonstrated readiness, Alta Planning + Design is the firm best positioned to deliver successful results. FAX recommends that Alta Planning + Design be awarded the contract, in an amount not to exceed $399,931. The Purchasing Division has approved this service contract and recommends Council to approve. The City Attorney has reviewed and approved as to form. ENVIRONMENTAL FINDING By the definition provided in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15378, the award of this service contract does not qualify as a project as defined by CEQA. LOCAL PREFERENCE Local preference was not implemented because federal funding precludes the use of geographical preference for these services. FISCAL IMPACT There is no impact to the General Fund from this action. Expenses from this contract shall be funded primarily through FTA Program 5307 funds. FAX enterprise funds will make up the required local match. Sufficient appropriations were included and are available in the FAX FY2027 budget. Attachments: 12600774 Formal Procurement Evaluation RFP 12600774 Alta Planning + Design Proposal Service Contract Letter of Negotiation