[sustran] Writing an Effective RFP for Public Transport System Design

[Jonathan Richmond]

I would appreciate some input on approaches to writing an effective RFP 
for the conduct of major planning works.

We will soon be launching an advertisement for expressions of interest for 
our Bus Modernization Programme and are preparing the related Requests for 
Proposals.

The programme is to include the design of major new express bus facilities 
(Busway and bus only lanes) and BRT services to run thereon, an 
operational plan for the new facilities, a national bus route redesign, a 
plan for bus regulatory reform, and related tasks. This is a big project!

Looking through RFPs elsewhere, I see a number of approaches. In some 
cases, a high degree of detail is specified. Consultants are instructed in 
every detail of the analysis they are to perform. For example, for demand 
analysis, they are advised of which surveys they are to conduct, where 
they are to be conducted, the models they are to use and so on.

Other RFPs are much briefer, leaving it to the consultant to develop and 
submit a detailed plan with their response.

I would much appreciate some feedback on what you see as the advantages 
and disadvantages of these different approaches, and any other ideas on 
effective RFP writing would also be much welcomed!

Thanks!

                 --Jonathan

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Jonathan Richmond
Transport Adviser to the Government of Mauritius
Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Land Transport and Shipping
New Government Centre, Level 4
Port Louis
Mauritius

+230 707-1134 (Mauritius mobile: most reliable way to reach me)

+1 (617) 395-4360 (US phone number rings at home -- call me in
Mauritius for the price of a call to the US).

+1 (425) 998-1554 (US phone number, connects to mobile phone when in
wifi zone, or goes to voice mail)

+44 (0)7978 807532 (UK mobile number, connects to mobile phone when in
wifi zone, or goes to voice mail). This is also a SIP number. If you
have a SIP phone you can reach me by dialing: sip:447978807532 at truphone.com

e-mail: richmond at alum.mit.edu
http://the-tech.mit.edu/~richmond/