CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY LONG BEACH
PARKING & TRANSPORTATION SERVICES - ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR
“CAMPUS CONNECTION” & “RLC” SHUTTLE TRANSPORTATION SERVICES
I. INTRODUCTION
A. PURPOSE
The purpose of this Request for Proposals (RFP) is to solicit offers from qualified fully bonded and
licensed paratransit operators who best meet the qualifications specified herein for the management,
operation and maintenance of a fixed-route all campus shuttle service and a dedicated campus – off
campus shuttle service for California State University Long Beach.
The Contractor selected shall provide one bid for all labor, facilities, equipment and services required to
provide uninterrupted shuttle services throughout CSULB campus located at 1250 Bellflower Blvd, Long
Beach CA, and a separate bid for all labor, facilities, equipment and services required to provide
uninterrupted shuttle services to and from the campus and the Residential Learning College (RLC)
located at: 4825 E. PCH, Long Beach, CA.
B. BACKGROUND
CSULB is one of the largest CSU’s in the state, spanning a one-mile area and sustaining an average
annual enrollment of 37,500 students and 3,500 faculty and staff, including part-time employees. CSULB
further has a diverse local, international, multicultural and differently-abled student body that
complements the communities comprising its primary service area. CSULB is very much a “commuter
school” due to location in east Long Beach and resulting proximity to the 405, 605 and 22 freeways as
well as numerous MTA, OCTA, and LBT transit lines. Thus, CSULB has local students and staff who walk
or bicycle, local and distant students and staff who carpool or use public transit, and local and distant
students and staff who drive solo to campus. The purpose of CSULB’s Campus Connection Shuttle
Service is to provide these commuters with an efficient yet environmentally sustainable method of
transportation around the campus and to and from the RLC. Per Southern California Air Quality
Management District Requirements, Campus Connection Shuttle Services should provide a clean,
efficient and attractive alternative to short single occupancy vehicle trips in order to reduce emissions.
C. TERMS OF CONTRACT
If a contract is awarded through this RFP, it is the intent of the University to issue a three year contract
which, subject to approval of funding, is anticipated to commence at the beginning of Fall Semester,
which is scheduled to start August 31, 2009. The Contractor shall supply:
1) Regular fixed-route Monday through Friday on-campus shuttle service for Fall and Spring
Semesters each year, which are approximately 16 weeks per semester.
2) Regular fixed route service seven days a week to and from CSULB and the RLC for Fall, Winter,
Spring and Summer Semesters.
3) Additional or reduced shuttle services, as required and reasonably scheduled, if needed.
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4) The University reserves the right to increase, reduce, or cancel the service for this contract
based on the University’s operational needs and using the unit cost agreed upon in the final
contract.
D. SPECIFICATIONS
1.1
Equipment / Vehicles
Vehicles must comply with all applicable vehicular and safety standards or the contract will be subject to
cancellation. ALL vehicles shall be inspected and approved by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) on an
annual basis, as required by law.
The University reserves the right to inspect all proposed equipment prior to entering into the contract to
insure that the vehicles meet all specifications outlined in this contract, and that they can safely traverse
campus roadways, which include drive aisles in parking lots and narrow University service vehicle
roadways. The University may inspect any additional vehicles assigned to the contract, including
temporary or replacement shuttles. If the Contractor receives an unsatisfactory rating from the CHP or
any other regulatory agency, the Contractor must immediately inform the CSULB Rideshare Coordinator
and include in writing the steps that will be taken to correct the problems identified, as well as a
statement of compliance that any and all substitute vehicles comply with all contractual specifications
and meet CHP standards.
Contractors utilizing clean fuel (CNG) vehicles which meet AQMD goals and standards are preferred and
will accordingly receive a higher score in this section of the proposal, and will be asked to provide
vehicle miles traveled data that will be used with ridership statistics to calculate emissions reductions
for AQMD reporting purposes.
There is NO PARKING OR STORAGE of Contractor shuttles on campus. It is the responsibility of the
Contractor to insure that vehicles are housed close enough to the University for quick response to
unexpected maintenance or service issues or other campus needs.
Vehicle Requirements in addition to those outlined above:
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All vehicles in service under this contract should be less than 3 years old and have been driven
fewer than 30,000 miles.
All vehicles for Campus Connection should accommodate a minimum of 20 seated passengers
with capacity for 10 standing passengers, and should be equipped with accessible handrails or
straps.
All vehicles for the RLC-Campus route be minimum 34-foot vehicles with perimeter seating to
accommodate the maximum seated and standing passengers possible, and should be equipped
with accessible handrails or straps.
All vehicles to meet ADA regulations and be ADA equipped and accessible, with wheelchair tie
downs.
All vehicles must have heating and 68K or 87K B.T.U. air conditioning systems.
All vehicles must be radio-equipped to allow communication between shuttles, the base station,
the Rideshare Coordinator, and University Police Dispatch.
All vehicles must be equipped with programmable LED destination signs on front and side of
bus. Only when vehicles are en route to/from or in employment at CSULB, each vehicle in use
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must clearly display the route it is traveling, such as “East On Campus Only” “West On Campus
Only” or “On Campus Tripper.” The dedicated Campus-RLC shuttle should display “RLC ONLY.”
Vehicles will not display these signs or affiliation with the University when not en route to/from
or in the act of providing CSULB shuttle service.
All vehicles must have interior advertising racks installed at the Contractor’s expense.
All shuttles, while providing any Campus Connection or RLC Service, shall be equipped with
Automated Vehicle Locator (AVL), Automated Passenger Counter (APC), Engine Telemetry &
Diagnostics, and Mobile Data Terminal. Prospective contractors should provide 2 bids: One
reflecting the contractor’s own purchase and ownership of said equipment, and the other
reflecting the University’s purchase and ownership of said equipment.
If purchased and installed by the University, any cost relating to damage to or loss of these
devices shall be the sole responsibility of the contractor. Upon completion or termination of
contracted shuttle service, if purchased by the University, all equipment must be returned to the
University within 5 working days and must be in good working condition or contractor will be
charged the full cost of replacement equipment.
The AVL system should have route management functionality, with the ability to create and edit
routes on demand. It should interface to provide identification, management and analysis of
cost and service effectiveness for transit management and ridership, and should disseminate
comprehensive, up-to-the-second information to transit riders in as many mediums as possible
(cell phone, desk top, etc).
AVL system, at a minimum, should include:
o Public real-time maps showing the following:
 Shuttle bus name or # and location (for shuttles actively assigned to routes)
 Heading with directional icons
 Timestamp of last GPS update
 Passenger load (i.e. vehicle is XX% full)
 Program administrator must be able to view vehicle speed and location
regardless of route assignment
o Vehicles update positions every 6 seconds so that riders can watch their bus approach
from their PDA/mobile or computer, changing traffic conditions and arrival predictions
are accurately reflected, stop arrival & departure reports are accurately time-stamped.
Contractor will use data from this system to generate and provide to the University Excel based
reporting of statistical average arrival times over an arbitrary period, including average number
of passengers boarding and exiting at each stop for each route.
The University may choose to purchase, provide and maintain solar powered Roadside LED realtime transit information signs at designated shuttle stops that interface with the Contractor’s
AVL system installed in each shuttle bus.
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1.2
Driver Qualifications and Training
Contractor must develop, implement and maintain a formal safety program for all drivers, and must
provide an outline and schedule of this program for the University. Prior to the start-up date,
Contractor shall insure that all drivers:
 Are free from felony convictions, and have had no moving violations within the last two
calendar years preceding their employment on this campus.
 Have passed a physical examination, including but not limited to drug and alcohol screening,
indicating that they are physically and mentally capable of safely and responsibly driving 20+
passenger vehicles for the duration of their daily work shift.
 Are licensed by the DMV to operate a vehicle carrying 12 or more passengers.
 Are trained in and capable of demonstrating how to use all ADA equipment.
 Are thoroughly familiar with all routes, stops and schedules.
 Are trained in providing high quality customer service.
 Are trained in what to do in the event of an emergency.
 Maintain professional appearance and demeanor, and exercise good safe judgment in
operation of the vehicle.
 Use appropriate and non-offensive gestures and language. Gestures or language that may
offend anyone on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, culture, religion, and physical or
mental ability, including but not limited to language played on the vehicle’s radio / stereo
system are strictly prohibited.
 Per California Vehicle Code 23123, drivers may not use cellular phones while the vehicle is in
motion.
 Follow CSULB Procedure for lost & found items left behind on the shuttle during their work
shift: Drop off any / all lost & found items at the University Police Office at the end of their
shift.
Contractor must provide appropriate coverage to ensure that, without a break in University service,
drivers receive their legally mandated rest period. All relief or on-call drivers are expected to meet each
of the above stated qualifications.
The University retains the right to request the removal of any driver it deems unsuitable for any reason.
1.3
Report of Breakdowns or Accidents
In the event of an accident, Contractor’s driver should:
 First assess need of self, passengers and others involved for medical attention and call 911 for
emergency medical services if needed.
 Call University Police Dispatch to report the incident and follow their instructions.
 Once the immediate health and safety needs of those involved have been addressed, the
Contractor should notify the Rideshare Coordinator to make arrangements for any necessary
service adjustments, vehicle/driver replacement plans and campus communications.
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In the event of an unexpected vehicle breakdown or malfunction, Contractor must report immediately
to the Rideshare Coordinator the nature of the malfunction, vehicle replacement strategy and time
expected for replacement. Contractor must further address impact on service, plan to address service
needs, as well as written follow-up communication on cause of malfunction and date of vehicle’s return
to service.
1.4
Planned Campus Connection Service Routes & Schedules*
1) ON CAMPUS TRIPPER
 Shuttles make 16 stops for a continuous circle around the campus
 2 Shuttles Monday through Thursday 7 am – 7 pm
 1 Shuttle Fridays 7 am – 5 pm
2) WEST ON CAMPUS ONLY
 Shuttles make 8 stops up & down the west side of campus
 2 Shuttles Monday through Thursday 7 am – 12 midnight
 1 Shuttle Fridays 7 am – 5 pm
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EAST ON CAMPUS ONLY
 Shuttles make 7 stops up & down the east side of campus
 2 Shuttles Monday through Thursday 7 am – 12 midnight
 1 Shuttle Fridays 7 am – 5 pm
*Campus Connection Route stops, days & hours may be adjusted according to demand for
services.
1.5 RLC Service Route and Schedule ONLY
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Shuttle stop – RLC
1 stop
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Shuttle stop – CSULB
2 stops
1...1 University Library – East bus stop
1...2 Brotman Hall
North side
Shuttles proposed by the contractor for RLC service route should be quoted separately from
Campus Connection Service Routes, and vehicles should be sized and scheduled to
accommodate the following service needs:
 General continuous transportation services between CSULB and RLC from 7 am to 1
am, seven (7) days per week.
 Additional shuttle(s) as required to move approximately 150 students per hour from
RLC to CSULB and from CSULB to RLC. This service will be required from 8:00 am
to 8:00 PM, Monday through Thursday during Fall and Spring semesters.
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PROPOSAL FORMAT AND CONTENT
A. COVER LETTER
The letter of transmittal shall, at a minimum, contain the following:
1. Identification of the Proposer, including business name, address and telephone number.
2. Name, title, address, telephone number, fax number, and e-mail address of a contact person
during the period of proposal evaluation.
3. Acknowledgement of RFP received.
4. A statement that the proposal shall remain valid for a period of not fewer than ninety (90) days
from the due date for proposals.
5. Identification of any information contained in the proposal which the Proposer deems to be, and
establishes as, confidential or proprietary and wishes to be withheld from disclosure to others
under the California Public Records Act or US Freedom of Information Act (a blanket statement
that all contents of the proposal are confidential or proprietary will not be honored by the
University).
6. Signature of a person authorized to bind the offering firm to the terms of the proposal.
B. TABLE OF CONTENTS
Immediately following the introduction and cover letter, insert a complete table of contents for material
included in the proposal, including page numbers.
C. QUALIFICATIONS, RELATED EXPERIENCE AND REFERENCES
1. Overview: This section should establish the ability of the Proposer (and its subcontractors, if any) to
satisfactorily perform the required work by reasons of: demonstrated competence in the services to be
provided; the nature and relevance of similar work currently being performed or recently completed;
record of meeting schedules and deadlines of other clients; competitive advantages over other firms in
the same industry; strength and stability as a business concern; and supportive client references.
Information should be furnished for both the Proposer and any subcontractors included in the offer.
2. Furnish background information about your firm, including date of founding, legal form (i.e., sole
proprietorship, partnership, LLC, corporation/state of incorporation), number and location of offices,
principal lines of business, number of employees, days/hours of operation and other pertinent data.
Disclose any conditions (e.g., bankruptcy or other financial problems, pending litigation, planned office
closures, impending merger) that may affect the Proposer’s ability to perform contractually. Certify that
the firm is not debarred, suspended or otherwise declared ineligible to contact by any federal, state or
local public agency.
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3. Describe your firm’s most noteworthy qualifications for providing the required services to the
University. Specifically highlight those qualifications that distinguish you from your competitors.
4. List all Colleges, Universities and other large public or private agencies for which your firm has
provided shuttle services.
5. Identify at least three (3) current and three (3) former shuttle clients CSULB may contact as
references. Describe the work performed and include the name, job title, address and telephone
number of a contact person for each reference.
6. How many accounts terminated or lost your firm’s services within the past three (3) years? For each
account, state the reasons for the end of your working relationship.
7. In what other lines of business is your firm engaged?
8. Describe in detail any significant developments in your organization, such as changes in ownership,
key personnel, structural organization, business emphasis, etc., within the past five (5) years. Note any
similar significant developments expected within your organization within the next 24 months.
9. Furnish certificates of insurance showing the types and amounts of insurance carried by your firm.
D. STAFFING AND PROJECT ORGANIZATION
1. Overview: This section should discuss the staff of the proposed Contractor who would be assigned to
provide services the University and their reporting relationships.
2. Identify the key personnel from your firm who would be assigned to this project. Include a brief
description of their qualifications, professional certifications, job functions and office location(s).
Designate an Account Manager who would be ultimately responsible for the relationship between the
Contractor and the CSULB Rideshare Coordinator and who would provide day-to-day direction of the
required work.
3. If more than two people will be assigned to CSULB’s project, include a simple organization chart that
clearly delineates communication and reporting relationships among the project staff.
E. WORK PLAN / TECHNICAL APPROACH
1. Overview: This section should establish the Proposer understands the University’s shuttle service
requirements, demonstrate the Proposer’s ability to meet those requirements and outline clearly and
concisely the plan for accomplishing the specified work.
2. Describe succinctly how your firm would accomplish the work and satisfy the University’s
comprehensive transportation service and clean fuel objectives and requirements described in this RFP.
If appropriate, divide the work into segments or tasks to represent milestones for measuring progress.
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F. FEE
1. Overview: This section should disclose all charges to be assessed the University for the Scope of Work.
2. Quote a total fixed flat fee per shuttle vehicle per service hour for standard weekday service
(Vehicles, drivers, project manager, maintenance and all costs of operation including fuel, office,
overhead and profit), for Campus Connection Shuttle service on the CSULB campus.
3. Quote a separate total fixed flat fee per shuttle vehicle per service hour for standard weekday and
weekend service (Vehicles, drivers, project manager, maintenance and all costs of operation including
fuel, office, overhead and profit), for RLC Shuttle service between the Off Campus Residential Learning
Center and the CSULB Campus.
4. Payment for services contracted though this RFP will be issued within 30 days upon receipt of invoice.
G. APPENDICES
1. Furnish as appendices those supporting documents (e.g., staff resumes) requested in the preceding
instructions.
2. Include any additional information you deem essential to a proper evaluation of your proposal and
which is not solicited in any of the preceding sections.
PROPOSAL EVALUATION AND CONTRACT AWARD
A. GENERAL
All proposals received in accordance with these RFP instructions will be evaluated to determine if they
are complete and meet the requirements specified in this RFP. An award will be made to the Proposer
whose offer is judged to be the most advantageous to the University. The University expressly reserves
the right to reject all proposals and make no award under this RFP.
B. EVALUATION PROCEDURES
1. Process
University staff, will review, analyze and evaluate all proposals and score them in accordance with the
criteria described below. If needed, additional information may be requested from one or more
Proposers. Interviews and contract negotiations may be conducted with one or more Proposers. The
evaluators will then select a Proposer for award. Any selection and contract award is subject to review
by the University’s Chancellor and ratification by the CSU’s Board of Trustees.
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2. Request for Additional Information
During the evaluation the University may require supplemental information in order to fairly evaluate a
Proposer’s offer. For this purpose, the University may request such information, including a best and
final offer, from the Proposer after the initial submittal. If such information is required, the Proposer will
be notified and permitted a reasonable period of time to submit the information.
C. EVALUATION CRITERIA
By use of numerical and narrative scoring techniques, proposals will be evaluated by CSULB against the
factors specified below. The relative weights of the criteria—based on a 100-point scale—are shown in
parentheses.
Qualifications, experience, references & ability to carry out the Scope of Work (25 points);
Staffing, Project Organization (10 points)
Work Plan/Technical Approach (20 points)
Fee (45 points)
The University reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, to waive any irregularities or informalities
in the offers received and to change the evaluation process described above if circumstances dictate this
or it is otherwise in the best interest of the University to do so. In the event a proposal(s) is rejected or
otherwise does not result in a contract award, the University shall not be liable for any costs incurred by
the Proposer in connection with the preparation and submittal of the proposal.
D. CONTRACT AWARD
It is the intent of CSULB to award a single contract as the result of this RFP. However, the University
reserves the right to apportion the requirements of this RFP among multiple contractors if this is
determined to be in its best interests.
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