REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL FROM: GREGORY A. BARFIELD, M.A., Director Department of Transportation BY: LINDA TAYLOR, Administrative Manager Department of Transportation SUBJECT ..Title Reject all proposals of a three-year base contract, with options for four one-year extensions, for the purchase of a mobile fare payments and Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) platform (Bid File 12401701). ..Body RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that Council reject all proposals of a three-year base contract, with options for four one-year extensions, for the purchase of a mobile fare payments and Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) platform (Bid File 12401701). EXECUTIVE SUMMARY FAX released a Request for Proposals (RFP) on February 16, 2024, seeking proposals from qualified vendors who can successfully implement MaaS and Fare Payment-as-a-Service (FPaaS) solution that would allow transit passengers in Fresno to plan, pay, travel, and communicate as quickly, conveniently, and seamlessly as possible across a variety of transportation modes. Copies of the specifications were requested and distributed to sixty-three (63) prospective proposers. On April 16, 2024, FAX received twelve (12) proposals which were reviewed and deliberated by the Selection Committee. After making great effort in examining the proposals against the criteria, the Selection Committee determined that deficiencies within the RFP created conditions that prevented the Selection Committee from forming a fair and balanced decision on award. As such, the Selection Committee has recommended that all proposals be rejected. BACKGROUND Currently, FAX does not have a mobile fare payment, or a functional white-label transit trip planning app, while there is demand for both. FAX's 2022 Passenger Satisfaction Survey found that almost 80 percent of FAX passengers would use an electronic fare payment system (EFPS) such as mobile ticketing, contactless payment, credit cards, and smart cards, if available. The same survey found that 70 percent of respondents already use mobile apps to help plan their bus trips. In light of evolving MaaS and FPaaS applications and increasing passenger demand, FAX sought to build out a unified mobility platform (app) that provides account-based fare collection, contactless open loop mobile ticketing, smart card, and EMV functions. It would also include fare capping and cash apps for the unbanked or underbanked, accompanied by a robust multi-modal, multilingual, and accessible journey planning application that would provide passengers with comprehensive trip planning functions in real time. FAX contracts for paratransit services (Handy Ride), so the app was intended for both fixed-route and paratransit passengers and would incorporate information and services for both audiences. The RFP solicitation was prepared and advertised to sixty-three (63) perspective bidders on February 16, 2024. Twelve (12) proposals were received and opened on April 16, 2024. After making great effort in examining the proposals against the criteria, the Selection Committee determined that deficiencies within the RFP created conditions that prevented the Selection Committee from forming a fair and balanced decision on award. As such, the Selection Committee has recommended that all proposals be rejected ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS By the definition provided in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15378 the approval of this item does not qualify as a project as defined by the CEQA requirements. LOCAL PREFERENCE Local preference is not applicable because this action is to reject all proposals. FISCAL IMPACT There is no fiscal impact to the General Fund from this action because a contract is not being awarded. Attachments: Proposal Evaluation Selection Committee Report