LEGAL NOTICE: REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

RFP #2026-09: Fixed Route Transit System Evaluation & Service Planning Study
Issuing Agency: City of Watertown, New York

The City of Watertown, New York, hereafter known as the City, is seeking sealed proposals from qualified vendors to provide proposals for a Fixed Route Transit System Evaluation and Service Planning Study.

Sealed proposals for furnishing and delivery of services as
required and as set forth in these specifications prepared by the City of
Watertown will be received until 11:00 AM on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, EST in
the Purchasing Department, Suite 206, City Hall, 245 Washington Street,
Watertown, NY.

• Submission Method: RFP responses must be enclosed and sealed in a plain envelope and
  clearly marked “RFP #2026-09: Fixed Route Transit System Evaluation &
  Service Planning Study” on the front of the envelope.

• Strict Rejection Rule: Telephoned, faxed, or electronically submitted proposals
  or amendments will NOT be accepted. Any proposal not in accordance with
  these instructions or in the forms prescribed, or not containing all
  statements contained on said proposal form, may be rejected.

Copies of the specifications may be obtained by contacting Tina Bartlett-Bearup, Purchasing Manager, City of Watertown, at (315) 785-7749 or via e-mail at tbartlettbearup@watertown-ny.gov. Proposals shall be submitted only in the form hereinafter set forth on the forms furnished with all the blanks filled in.

This project is supported by financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Transit Administration (FTA) (under Grant No. NY-2022-060-01) and the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT).

• Federal Share (FTA): 80%
• New York State Share (NYSDOT): 10%
• Local Share (City of Watertown): 10%

The City of Watertown, in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 78 Stat. 252, 42 U.S.C. 2000d to 2000d-4 and Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Department of Transportation, Subtitle A, Office of the Secretary, Part 21, hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively ensure that for any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) and Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs) will be afforded full opportunity to submit proposals in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, sex, or national origin in consideration for an award.

Pursuant to New York State Finance Law §§ 139-j and 139-k,
this solicitation imposes certain restrictions on communications between the
City and a bidder during the procurement process. Bidders are cautioned that
all contacts, questions, or requests for clarification regarding this RFP must
be directed exclusively to the Designated Contact Person named below.

• Designated Contact: Tina Bartlett-Bearup, Purchasing Manager
• Phone: (315) 785-7749
• Email: tbartlettbearup@watertown-ny.gov

The City of Watertown reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, to waive any informalities or technicalities in the bidding, and to award the contract in the best interest of the City.