Washtenaw Area Transportation Study Request for Proposal for Model Update and Improvements

Transcription

1 Washtenaw Area Transportation Study Request for Proposal for Model Update and Improvements January 2017 Washtenaw Area Transportation Study (WATS) 200 N Main St, Garden Level Ann Arbor MI, (734) wats@miwats.org

2 Section I. General Conditions and Provisions A. Purpose The purpose of this Request for Proposals (RFP) is to select a Consulting Firm or team t o make improvements to, calibrate, and validate the WATS multi modal travel demand model for Washtenaw County, Michigan. The existing travel demand model herein referred to as version 1.2 is currently maintained and operated by the staff of the Washtenaw Area Transportation Study (WATS). The consulting firm will have 18 months from the date of notice to proceed to complete the work unless otherwise negotiated. Up to $250,000 may be allocated for completing the work in this RFP. B. Issuing Office The RFP is being issued by the Washtenaw Area Transportation Study herein referred to as WATS. All technical and administrative questions should be directed to: Mark Ferrall, Transportation Planner ferrallm@miwats.org WATS 200 N Main St, Garden Level Ann Arbor, MI (734) Answers to questions submitted by consultants will be posted online at: rfps C. Schedule January 13, 2017 Issuance of Request for Proposals January 25, 2017 Letter of Intent due to WATS February 10, 2017 Proposals due to WATS by 4:00 PM February 20, 2017 Notice to firms selected for interviews if interviews are used

3 February 27 March 3, 2017 Interviews if necessary After March 6, 2017 Negotiate with preferred firm and subsequent firms if necessary D. Proposals This procurement is subject to a financial assistance contract between SEMCOG, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the Federal Transportation Administration (FTA), and the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT). The consultant will be required to comply with all terms and conditions under the provisions of Federal Procurement Regulations, 48 CFR Part 31 Contract Cost Principles and Procedures. An electronic copy of the proposal shall be submitted to Mark Ferrall at ferrallm@miwats.org. The proposals should indicate the proposed scope of work, consultant qualifications and experience, a timeline, and costs. Please provide a two paragraph executive summary. The cost information requested in this section is required to support the reasonableness of your proposal and is for internal use only. The data will be held in confidence and will not be revealed or discussed with competitors. Costs should be presented in a cost plus fixed fee format. Specifically, the cost proposal should include the job titles and names of persons who will complete the work, including approximate hours and hourly rates. Cost should be presented by task at a level of detail corresponding to the Work Plan. E. Changes to RFP The Steering Committee reserves the right to revise any part of this RFP or to provide additional information. Washtenaw Area Transportation Study will addenda produced, if any, to all prospective Consulting Firms who have notified WATS in writing of their intent to submit a proposal by January 25, F. Cost Liability All costs incurred in the submission of proposals or in making necessary studies, designs or computer benchmarks of estimates for preparation of the proposals are the sole responsibility of the Consulting Firm. G. News Releases Any news releases pertaining to this RFP or the services, study, data or project to which it relates will not be made without prior written approval from WATS, and then only in accordance with the explicit written instructions from WATS.

4 All information in a Consultant s proposal and any contract resulting from this RFP are subject to disclosure under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, 1976 Public Act No. 442, as amended, MCL , et seq. H. Acceptance of Proposal Content The contents of the proposal of the successful Consultant shall become contractual obligations if a contract ensues. Failure of the successful Consultant to accept these obligations may result in cancellation of the award. I. Independent Price Determination A proposal will not be considered for award if the price in the proposal was not arrived at independently without collusion, consultation, communication, or agreement as to any matter relating to such prices with any other bidder or with any other competitor. The Consultant must include a certified statement in the proposal certifying that the price was arrived at without conflict of interest as described in the paragraph above. Should a conflict of interest be detected at any time during the contract, the contract shall be invalid and the Consultant shall assume all costs of this project until such time as a new Consultant is selected. J. Steering Committee A Steering Committee will consist, at minimum, of representatives from WATS, AAATA, MDOT, and SEMCOG. The Steering Committee will be responsible for selection of the consulting firm and will provide guidance and direction to the model update effort. Members of the Steering Committee will evaluate each proposal by the criteria stated in Section 1 Q Selection Criteria to select the firm or firms to be interviewed. K. Selection The contract may be awarded to the Consulting firm whose proposal offers WATS the greatest advantage for the project technical, economic, and other factors considered by the Steering Committee and specified in Section 1 Q Selection Criteria of this Request for Proposal. The Steering Committee reserves the right to reject any and all proposals, or parts thereof, and to negotiate the services and contract terms with the selected Consulting firm prior to contract award. This contract is not subject to the Brooks Act. Cost will be a criterion for selection; however, it is not the sole determining factor.

5 L. Proposal Receipt Proposals must be received by the Washtenaw Area Transportation Study no later than March 6, All proposals become the property of the Washtenaw Area Transportation Study and will not be returned. M.Type of Contract The contract will be executed on a WATS standardized contract form. The selected Consulting firm shall be expected to conform to all provisions contained thereto. The contract will be a fixed fee contract, with a not to exceed clause and costs are to be reimbursed upon the accomplishment of defined milestones based on the approval of the project manager, to begin upon award and conclude within 18 months unless otherwise negotiated. As part of the Proposal, the Consultant should include the milestones associated with the completion of each task, including a time schedule for the completion and delivery of each product. If a contract is entered into as a result of this RFP, it will include all tasks and products as required in the Scope of Work. The contract will be funded with federal funds, must comply with all federal funding requirements, and be approved by the State Planning and Research Program coordinator. N. Non Discriminatory Practices The Washtenaw Area Transportation Study in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 78 Stat. 252, 42 USC 2000d d4 and Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Department of Transportation Subtitle A, Office of the Secretary part 21, Nondiscrimination in Federally Assisted Programs of Department of Transportation, and all requirements issued pursuant to such Act, hereby notifies all bidders that minority business enterprises will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids 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. Procurement procedures encourage a minimum goal of fifteen (15) percent participation by disadvantaged business enterprises (DBE s), including Women Business Enterprises (WBE) and Minority Business Enterprises (MBE). The consulting firm is expected to carry out this policy to the fullest extent possible consistent with the efficient performance of the project. The consulting firm is encouraged to submit the names of the DBE s and the description of work to be performed by the DBE. Consulting firms who fail to demonstrate a good faith effort to meet the DBE goal of the contract will be deemed ineligible for award unless they have requested and received approval of a waiver or modification of the DBE participation goal. Compliance with the designated DBE participation goal must be met by the utilization of the DBE s to perform commercially useful functions as

6 required by 49 CFR The DBE s work on this project is to contribute using that firm s professional experience and expertise. Proposed DBE sub contractors should be present at interviews, if interviews are held. O.Subcontractors Consulting firms may elect to conduct the entire project themselves or arrange subcontracts with others. The prime contractor is, however, ultimately responsible for project deliverables, project completion and the satisfactory performance of all subcontractors. If such subcontracts arrangements are proposed, the names and addresses of subcontracting firms, technical activities and assigned staff names and description of work to be performed shall be provided. The assigned hours and dollar amount of participation of each subcontractor shall be identified in the technical proposal and in the cost proposal, respectively. Description of a subcontractor s prior experience and staff work experience shall also be provided as part of the technical proposal. All subcontracting arrangements are subject to approval by WATS and must comply with federal rules and regulations. Once the contract is approved, changes to staffing including subcontractors must receive prior written approval from WATS. If the Consultant subcontracts an amount $25,000 or more, the proposed subcontract must be submitted to WATS for subsequent MDOT Ad Board review and approval prior to execution. P. Interviews The Steering Committee will select no more than three firms for interviews. However, the Steering Committee reserves the right to select a Consulting firm without holding interviews. Interviews may be held with the selected firms in late February/early March The selected firms will be given the opportunity to discuss in more detail their qualifications, past experience and proposed work plan. The interview shall consist of a presentation by the consulting firm of not more than thirty (30) minutes, followed by not more than thirty (30) minutes of questions and answers. Audiovisual aids may be used during the oral interviews. The oral interviews may be recorded on tape by the Steering Committee. The Steering Committee will also contact references to verify material submitted by the Consulting firm. The firms will be further evaluated by the Steering Committee after the interviews. Negotiations with the selected firm will commence leading to the award of the contract by WATS. If WATS cannot reach an acceptable negotiated settlement with the tentatively selected firm, WATS may then open negotiations with the next most qualified firm as determined by the criteria and points awarded by the Steering Committee.

7 Q. Selection Criteria The proposals will be evaluated and scored by the following criteria and points system. Technical Proposals receiving a score of 45 (out of 75 possible) or lower during the first phase may not be considered by the Steering Committee for an interview. If none of the proposals meet the 45 point threshold, the Steering Committee reserves the right to interview the consulting firm with the highest point total or select not to award the contract. Criteria Possible Points Phase 1 A. Demonstrated understanding of the problem and the ability to meet the requirements of this RFP B. How effectively the proposal addresses the proposed scope of work C. How well the proposal addresses additional and creative techniques for the WATS model improvement D. The proposed schedule and the ability to complete the work by the scheduled due date as well as the timely delivery of deliverables at Consultant defined milestones (must include dates) E. Directly related experience of the consulting team, including project manager and staff as well as any subcontractors Phase 2 F. Interview 15 Phase 3 G. Cost Considerations 10 Total Possible Points 100

8 Criteria A E represent the first phase in Consultant selection. The scoring committee will evaluate and score these proposals and request interviews with as many as three of the highest scoring consultants. If the committee chooses to hold interviews, ranking will take place following the interviews. Each committee member will award points for a Consultant s interview following all interviews. After Phase 1 and Phase 2, if used, cost proposals will be opened for the top three scoring proposals if the difference in cost between projects exceeds 10%. Points will be awarded with the lowest cost receiving ten points, the next lowest five points, and zero points to the highest cost proposal. The project manager will add up points from each of the selection phases used and produce the results to the Steering Committee. The Steering Committee will then vote to either enter negotiations with the selected firm, or to not award the contract. Section II. Background This section provides background on WATS and Washtenaw County as well as the v1.2 WATS model and how staff uses it. This section also discusses issues that have arisen in the existing WATS model or modeling process, which need to be remedied as part of the WATS model improvement. A. Regional Coordination Washtenaw County is one of seven counties in the Southeast Michigan region with the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG) as the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO). WATS is a Transportation Management Area (TMA) and oversees the travel demand model and transportation planning process for Washtenaw County in coordination with the regional planning efforts of SEMCOG, MDOT and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). As part of the SEMCOG MPO, the Ann Arbor Urbanized Area is part of both the WATS model and the SEMCOG model. Data forecasts are developed at the MPO level, and WATS collaborates with SEMCOG on development and evaluation as part of the regional process. By participating in the SEMCOG process, WATS is able to leverage the agency's considerable expertise, while having a separate model for the Ann Arbor Urbanized Area that we can more flexibly deploy for our member agency needs.

9 B. County Profile Washtenaw County is approximately 716 square miles with six cities, one village, and 20 townships. Based on 2014 ACS data, the population of Washtenaw County is 351,454 with 136,471 households. The County is home to two major public colleges; the University of Michigan and Eastern Michigan University. The County has three fixed route service providers: the Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (AAATA), the Western Washtenaw Area Value Express (WAVE), and the University of Michigan. The AAATA is the primary provider of fixed routes services in the urban area. The WAVE provides some fixed route services in the rural and small urban area. The University of Michigan provides more than 4 million rides yearly on its campus, the majority of which occur between late August and late April. Most of those trips shuttle students between the University s split North and Central Campuses. The Regional Transit Authority (RTA) is the direct recipient for federal transit funding to four county area (Wayne, Washtenaw, Oakland, and Macomb). In November 2016 a ballot initiative to fund improvements planned by the RTA was rejected by voters, however, several of the improvements identified in the agency s plans remain relevant and should be evaluated for inclusion in future year transit networks. C. Data SEMCOG develops the socio economic data for the seven county region including Washtenaw County. WATS is required to use population, household, employment, and other data that is distributed by SEMCOG in developing its travel demand model. The data is provided to WATS and allocated to the WATS zones. The following datasets are available for use in travel demand model development SEMCOG 2005 Household Travel Survey database MDOT 2005 statewide HH travel survey data (needs approval from MDOT) SEMCOG 2010 On Board transit survey database SEMCOG E7 travel demand model (currently being developed) Regional Data Forecast 2045(RDF 45) year 2010 dataset and data dictionary SEMCOG Regional Traffic Count Data WATS Traffic Count Database MDOT Statewide transportation demand passenger model files, base year 2010 Data available at later dates RDF45 year 2015 data set RDF data sets (December 2017) 2015 Regional HH travel survey database and documentation 2015 Regional Traffic Counts

10 D. Current Model Uses, Issues, and Needs Since the last update of the model, WATS primary uses for the model have been: Traffic Growth Forecasts Network Additions High capacity transit modeling Actively managed lanes on US 23 North of Ann Arbor Limited Scenario Planning In general, the model has performed well and been adequate for this work, however, there remain needs for update outside of calibration. Of note, WATS would like to use the model outside of just the Long Range Planning and Alternatives Analysis process to sketch plan broad scenarios, including Deploying the model in sketch planning to evaluate the impacts of high capacity transit on major corridors Using the model to evaluate the impact of managed lanes and HOV lanes on congestion and VMT WATS most frequently uses the model for transit analysis, and improvements to the transit modeling capacities of the model are generally a priority given the limited geographic scope of the WATS model and the high level of transit service in the county. Staff would like tools to be considered that would improve transit modeling capacity and simplify updates to the transit network. The widespread use of the General Transit Feed Specification (GTFS) has the potential to simplify the network coding, however, the GTFS specification includes real stops rather than a simplified representation of transit stops. It seems that updating the model may be simpler if it were calibrated to real stops rather than the simplified version it currently uses. Staff would like the consultant to consider this while updating the transit networks and make recommendations. Additionally, big data has improved the resources available for model calibration. In particular, the data improves the ability to calibrate travel speeds in the network at both peak periods and non peak periods. Staff would like the consultant to consider and recommend calibration improvements using either traditional or emerging data sources as appropriate.

11 Section III. Introduction and Scope of Services A. General Information The 2007 model update included extensive documentation of the development and methodology of tasks and milestones so the model could be understood and utilized by WATS staff. Similarly, this model update should include documentation structured around the tasks and milestones. WATS will use the model for alternatives analysis as part of long range transportation planning. Because of this, the Consultant will need to produce model runs for 2015 and 2045 to demonstrate the sensitivity to changes in model inputs. Proposals should at a minimum address and cost individually the tasks listed in this scope of services. In addition, the Consultant should make recommendations, which they feel would improve beyond what is requested in this RFP and cost each recommendation in the same manner as the tasks already listed. B. TransCad WATS runs the v1.2 model in TransCad version 6. All components of the model related to this Scope of Services must be fully functional and operational in the most recent version of TransCAD, currently TransCAD 7. C. Documentation All deliverables must be submitted as PDF and Microsoft Word files, and can be ed to the WATS project manager. D. Base and Forecast Years The model should use 2015 as its base year and 2045 as its forecast year. The SEMCOG Regional Data Forecast will be available in 5 year increments between 2015 and 2045.

12 D. Project Tasks Task Model Development Network Background The 2005 model network was developed during the 2007 model update using the Michigan Geographic Framework, Version 6. The model network is out of date and must be updated to the most recent version of MGF. Since MDOT will be adding managed lanes to the US 23 freeway corridor, the model should include the ability to model managed lanes. Additionally, the model should be able to HOV lanes on both freeways and non freeways. Task A. Review existing network structure and recommend best practices for improvement, including a review of modeling practices for managed lanes and HOV lanes. B. Construct a new base year model network using the most recent Michigan Geographic Framework version including all federal aid eligible roads. The model network must also include all rural minor collectors, routes that support transit services, and appropriate drive and walk access links. C. Construct future year networks to include projects upcoming in the Long Range Plan. D. Evaluate SEMCOG and MDOT seasonal and daily adjustment factors to determine the most appropriate method for calculating 2015 Average Annual Weekday Traffic. Adjust the traffic counts to estimate 2015 AWDTs. E. Evaluate available datasets for network speed and travel time. Calibrate travel speeds using actual free flow and congested travel speed data from these datasets as applicable. F. Evaluate and make recommendations on using data sets for calibrating roadway speeds in the model network. Functioning base year and future year model networks with appropriate traffic count, speed, and capacity data. Functioning base year networks with appropriate traffic count, speed, and capacity data. Functioning future year model networks with appropriate speed and capacity data Documentation outlining the methodology for checking the road network, determining adjustment factors, placing centroids, and other decisions made in this task. Task 2. Transit Network Development Background WATS base model transit network was developed during the 2007 model update using the Michigan Geographic Framework, Version 6. There have been major transit planning efforts

13 and expansions of transit services since the previous model was developed. Additions to the transit network have been made for some planning efforts, but not all the changes have migrated to the model. Those routes should be included. Additionally, the model does not reflect real stops, rather approximations of stops for the purposes of the model. Tasks A. Make a recommendation for the type of transit stops to be used in the transit network. Evaluate the use of real stops provided by AAATA, UM, and WAVE in the model, rather than approximations of those stops. B. Evaluate the potential of using TransCAD s General Transit Feed Specification (GTFS) conversion tools to develop the transit network route system in the model. Consult with project manager to identify network development method, and if chosen, document the process for converting GTFS files to local transit networks. C. Using the agreed method from Task 2B, create a new transit network route system and stops for all fixed route AAATA, University of Michigan, and Western Washtenaw Area Value Express (WAVE) Bus service and associate the transit network with the 2015 model network in a manner that allows for multi modal assignment of trips from the mode split portion of the model so that the transit network uses the attributes of the road network. D. Review planned transit expansions in Washtenaw County and include in future year networks. Functioning base and 2045 transit networks. Documentation of the process of developing the transit network, and all other processes and decisions involved in the completion of this task. Task 3. TAZ Development Background WATS works with SEMCOG to develop and reaffirm TAZ zones for transportation planning. The most recent review updated the TAZs to reflect the 2010 Census. WATS TAZ nest within SEMCOG s TAZ since they use the same data. Tasks A. Review existing TAZ layer and make recommendations for any improvements. B. Based on the review and recommendations, create a 2015 TAZ layer using zones provided by WATS that nest within the SEMCOG zone structure in TransCad. TAZ layer geographic file in TransCad with all SE data necessary for fully functional base and future year model runs

14 Documentation of the process and reasoning for the decisions involved with the completion of this task. Task 4. External Trips Background The WATS Model v1.2 base year external trip table was estimated using traffic counts, the Household Travel Survey (2005), and external trip survey data, which was collected by SEMCOG during 1995 and External Trips in the model are grouped as External External (EE), Internal External (IE), or External Internal, and split as truck or auto trips. The model includes 53 external stations. Tasks A. Review existing external trip structure and available data sources and make recommendations improvements to external trips in the model. B. Update and validate the WATS model external external matrix for new 2015 base external external trips based on acceptable industry standards. C. Develop, document and implement a process to develop future EE/EI/IE matrices. Use process to create future year external trip matrices and check against corresponding external stations in the SEMCOG model. Perform a reasonableness check on the 2045 EE/EI/IE matrices. D. The Consultant will project external internal and internal external trips based on the number of households for the internal external trips and employment for the externalinternal trips and validate using the household travel surveys. The Consultant will also need to produce external internal and internal external trips for the 2045 model run and sensitivity test. E. Compare 2015 base year external external trips at the external stations using available traffic count data, cellular data, or if traffic count data is unavailable, using the corresponding internal internal flows of the SEMCOG regional model, or other method approved by WATS. Validated 2015 external trip matrices external trip matrices checked against the SEMCOG model and checked for reasonableness. Validated external internal/internal external trips for each purpose Future external trip table development process and use of that process to create 2020, 2025, 2030, 2035, 2040, and 2045 matrices. Documentation describing the process and reasoning for the decisions involved with this task.

15 Task 5. Trip Generation Background The v1.2 model has six trip purposes, see below, these were developed based on the 2005 household travel survey. Since then a 2015 household travel survey was conducted. This new data should be used to develop the trip generation model. Home Based Work (HBW) Home Based University (HBU) Home Based Shop (HBS) Home Based Other (HBO) Work Based Other (WBO) University Based University (UBU) Other Based Other (OBO) Production rates were developed using a cross classification approach. The cross classification variables are household size, number of workers, and auto ownership. The model also includes income stratification, but it is only used in the mode choice model. The work and non work cross classification groupings are highlighted below. Work Trip Classifications Non Work Trip Classifications

16 The model currently includes special generators for the University of Michigan, University of Michigan Hospital, and Eastern Michigan University. Tasks A. Analyze 2015 HH travel survey data for use in model development. B. Review trip generation in the existing model and make a recommendation either to continue use of the existing cross classification or to change to another method. The consultant should include a review of using income stratification in the trip generation model. C. Recommend and jointly establish calibration targets for the trip generation model D. Provide recommendations for updating special generators by adding and or deleting existing special generators. E. Upon approval, create trip generation model based on recommendations. F. The Consultant will validate and demonstrate the reasonableness of trip generation for each of the trip purposes and run sensitivity test for 2045 model data. Updated trip generation methodology for all trip purposes Jointly established and approved calibration targets Balanced and validated trip table A calibrated and validated trip generation model Documentation of the updates to trip generation model and the assumptions, methodology, findings, and products of the trip generation tasks Task 6. Trip Distribution Background The WATS model uses a standard gravity model equation and applies friction factors to represent the effects of impedance between zones. WATS is interested in comparing the benefits of a destination choice model versus a gravity model, and what method is appropriate for the size of the urban area. Tasks A. Review and document industry standard practices in Trip Distribution modeling for similar sized study areas and recommend a structure for WATS model. B. Recommend and jointly establish calibration targets for the Trip Distribution model C. Upon approval, implement the trip distribution model recommendations and calibrate according to recommendation for all trip purposes. Trip distribution review and improvement recommendations Jointly established and approved calibration recommendations

17 A calibrated and validated trip distribution model Documentation of the assumptions, methodology, findings and products of this task. Task 7. Mode Choice Background The WATS v1.2 model uses the following travel modes: single auto occupancy, carpool, transit walk access, transit drive access and walk trips and bike trips. Multinomial equations are used to forecast the mode split. The model also includes an option for additional types of transit, termed signature transit, for enhanced transit service types such as Bus Rapid Transit and Light Rail. However, staff has not utilized this function given the challenge of calibrating such a service within the model. Tasks A. Review and document industry standard practices in mode choice and multi type transit modeling for similar sized study areas and recommend a structure for the WATS mode choice model. The Consultant will implement the mode choice model recommendation following approval by the WATS project manager. B. Recommend and jointly establish calibration targets for the Mode Choice model C. The Consultant will review the existing and recommend improvements to sketch planning tools for additional modes of transit. D. Upon approval, develop and produce the recommended improvements for existing modes in the model, including any additional modes identified in the recommendations. E. Use industry best practices to test and evaluate the model choice model. Document industry standards for mode choice model for similar sized areas and recommend a methodology. Jointly established and approved calibration targets for the Mode Choice model Calibrated mode choice model for existing and recommended modes. Documentation discussing the state of the practice of multi type transit mode and assignment and identifying additional data or information needed to perform multi mode transit assignment. Documentation of the methodology for determining impedance functions, reasonableness of auto occupancy factors, and the assumptions, methodology, findings and products of the mode choice task. Task 8. Vehicle and Transit Assignment Background The WATS model includes AM (7:00 9:00am) and PM (3:00 6:00pm), peak and off peak periods. In the model output files, peak hour vehicle assignment is available as a full period or

18 in 1 hour blocks. The off peak assignment is available for the six individual hours with the most traffic and as a full off peak period. Auto trips are available by type for peak and off peak periods. For transit, all HBW and HBU trips are considered peak period trips in the mode choice and assignment models; remaining transit trip types are considered to be off peak trips. The transit assignment incorporates trips from external stations to accommodate out of county trips to park and ride lots. Tasks A. The consultant will review assignment in the existing model, and make recommendations for improvements that represent best practices for similar sized urban areas, including the utility of a Dynamic Traffic Assignment model. B. Recommend and jointly approve calibration targets for the assignment model. C. Upon approval, the consulting firm will develop an assignment model to assign all trips to the base year and future model networks for vehicle and transit trips. D. The Consultant should determine and document the methodology for determining the appropriate peak period. The analysis should include a review of, but not necessarily replicate the peak periods in the SEMCOG model. Following WATS approval, the Consultant shall use the approved method to create a peak period assignment. E. The consulting firm will assign all trips to the base year and 2045 model networks and perform a peak period assignment for both vehicle and transit trips. F. The Consultant shall review and, if necessary, update the existing road and transit impedance components. Best practice recommendation for assignment methodology for similar sized urban areas. Jointly established and approved calibration targets for the assignment model. Base year and hour and peak traffic assignments for vehicles and transit. Documentation of the assumptions, methodologies, findings and products of this task. Task 9. Model Calibration and Validation A. Assemble the new travel model with implemented improvements as documented in the previous tasks, execute mode runs, and summarize results. B. The Consultant will ensure that the model meets calibration targets for all models steps at peak and 24 hour assignments. C. Calibrate base year VMT and volume distribution and adjust generation and distribution models as necessary. D. Perform and document transit reasonableness check to ensure proper distribution of boardings by route and provider.

19 E. The Consultant will calibrate/validate traffic speeds in the model using industry best practices. F. The Consultant will assemble 2045 model and demonstrate reasonableness. Make changes based on the outcomes of those checks. Calibrated base year model including model files. Working calibrated components for daily and peak period 2015 model sensitivity test and supporting methodology demonstrating the changes in modeled trips based on varying the data in model inputs. Documentation of the assumptions, methods, findings and products of the model calibration tasks. Updated documentation to reflect changes made to any previous deliverable during calibration. Task 10. Model Interface Development Background The WATS v1.2 model uses a model interface developed during the 2007 update. WATS is generally happy with the interface, but was also impressed by the flexibility of TranCAD s new flowchart based interface. Staff would like the consultant to consider the merits of upgrading the existing interface or adopting the new interface and make a recommendation. The v1.2 model also includes a statistics tool used to summarize model runs. The reporting tool is useful for comparing model runs, and it should be reviewed for any potential improvements. Tasks A. The consultant shall review existing and make recommendations for improvements to the existing WATS model interface and statistics reports. The review should include an evaluation of the flow chart graphical interface recently introduced to TransCAD. B. Upon approval of recommendations, update the existing or create a new model interface and statistic reports that successfully runs on the WATS computers using the most recent version of TransCAD. C. The Consultant will provide instructions as well as documentation on the model statistics tool including how it was created or improved, how to read the report and how to understand the report. New or updated model interface and statistics reports. Model GISDK Code Documentation on how to use and interpret the statistics reporting tool. Documentation of the assumptions, methodologies, findings and products of this task. The documentation must include a description of the model running process in TransCad

20 including the names of all input and output files as well as a description of the contents of the file. Task 11. Required Documentation Background The existing WATS model documentation is a valuable resource for training staff and understanding the concepts that underpin the model. Documentation for this update should mirror the general structure of the existing documentation, with improvements outlined below. Tasks All reports produced by the Consultant must be provided as both Microsoft Word and PDF documents. A. The Consultant will prepare monthly progress reports. Additional technical reports and documentation must be submitted and approved by the project manager at the completion of defined milestones prior to payment. B. The Consultant will prepare a final model calibration report based on the scope of work and the necessary documentation. The model calibration report will detail changes and updates made to the WATS model. This report will also explain the new processes developed as part of this project. C. The Consultant will produce a complete set of all data and text files to run the model that must be used for the training described in task 12. D. Document travel model file structure and provide a flow chart illustrating the model process E. After completing the model, conduct a holistic review of the model and recommend additional short and long term improvements. Monthly progress reports Recommendations for short and long term improvements to the model beyond the scope of this contract. A compiled complete set of documentation outlined in this scope of services and additional documents identified above Model Calibration report Complete set of all data and text files required to run the model Task 12. Training A. Provide in person step by step instructions to WATS staff as WATS staff runs the model. At this training, the Consultant will answer any questions from WATS staff and provide further written documentation of anything identified as part of the scope of work that is not included in the documentation.

21 B. As part of training, the Consultant shall validate the assignment of the model at the WATS office by demonstrating that assigned values are within the thresholds identified by the consultant. C. The Consultant will provide WATS staff with a document describing step by step instructions on how to run the model using the model interface and manually, using the input files. This document will include a diagram showing all of the necessary model inputs and outputs and will include narrative on how the model works at each step. Successful model run using the input files for a 2015 base year run and 2045 model year run. Demonstration of vehicle assignment validation. Demonstration of the model statistics reporting function. Written answers to questions from WATS staff as needed A separate Instruction Manual with step by step instructions to run the model using the interface as well as running each procedure manually. This document must also include detailed discussion on how the model statistics tool was created, how to read the model statistics report and how to understand its outputs. Task 13 Performance Measures Background FHWA is currently developing and publishing performance measures and planning requirements. The measures for system performance are related though not derived from the Regional Transportation Model. WATS is interested in leveraging TransCAD in simplifying the process of developing these measures. Tasks A. Review FHWA s performance measures for System Performance/Freight Movement and make recommendation for automating or simplifying the process of processing available data to develop these measures. B. Upon approval, implement recommendations. Recommendations for automating or simplifying the analysis of large datasets for monitoring system performance in TransCAD. Upon approval, a tool to simplify performance measure monitoring. Documentation of the reasoning behind the tool and procedures for operation, including a description of all inputs and outputs.

22 Section IV. Information Required from the Consultant Consulting firm proposals must be submitted in the format outlined below and shall include similar information for all subcontractors. A. Business Organization State the full name and address of the organization and, if applicable, the parent company, branch office or another subordinate element(s) that will perform or assist in performing the work. Indicate whether operating as an individual, partnership or corporation; if as a corporation, include the state in which incorporated. If appropriate, state whether members of the team are licensed to operate in the State of Michigan and whether the consulting firm team includes a State of Michigan certified DBE. B. Statement of the Problem State, in precise terms, your understanding of the problem presented in the RFP and how you propose to satisfy both the technical and administrative requirements contained therein. C. Management Summary Include a narrative description of the proposed effort and how it will be managed and the products that will be delivered, showing timetable products and milestones. Cost proposal should show dollar amount on milestone dates. There should be a one page summary of the Work Plan and deliverables as described below. D. Consultant Qualifications and Prior Experience Include as part of your proposal a brief statement concerning the recent experience of the persons from your firm who will be actively engaged in the proposed effort. Do not include corporate experience unless persons who will work on this project participated in that experience. In addition to specific technical capabilities required of the Consultant to perform this project, it is desired that the Consultant project manager has detailed knowledge and experience of the state and federal financing and highway program delivery procedures and the ability to coordinate with WATS, MDOT and other appropriate agencies and individuals.

23 E. Work Plan Describe in narrative form your technical approach for accomplishing the work. Include a description of issues involved in the RFP to indicate your understanding of the problem and the proper emphasis to be placed on each area. Provide a work breakdown of tasks and subtasks with timeline and products. Show the staff assignment of hours to those tasks and itemize the person hours allocated for each task by level using a Gantt chart or similar display. Include each person s name and title (e.g., project manager, senior engineer, etc.) and estimate hours for the prime and all subcontractors staff. Indicate the proposed implementation schedule, designating decision points and the total time necessary to accomplish the study based on the RFP. Also, itemize all efforts that will result in direct or indirect cost to the project (i.e., supplies and materials, transportation, travel, meals and lodging, specialized services, subcontractors, reproduction and distribution of documents or any other direct cost item). A timeline must be included that shows the beginning and ending times of products, work elements, and sub elements by task. F. Key Personnel Specific background information on key individuals who will be assigned to the project team must be included. The background information on these individuals should emphasize their experience relative to project requirements. The proposed key personnel must be the personnel assigned to the project. Key people are defined as those people whose qualifications and experience are essential to providing quality services. The project team means the personnel assigned by the Consultant and the Subconsultant(s) who are responsible for the services. Include the resumes of all key project personnel, including subcontractors. Substituting of staff by the Consultant or Subconsultant will not be allowed without prior written approval. The contract for this project will contain a provision that the Consultant may not replace key people without prior written approval from WATS and MDOT. A violation of this provision will be considered a breach of contract, and WATS may terminate the contract. G. Project Management The Consultant Project Manager must be readily accessible to WATS. Response to this RFP should include a proposal to address and clarify all aspects of project administration, quality assurance, variation and change control, contract deliverables, budget and cost control, schedule control, and internal/external coordination. The WATS Project Manager shall be the official WATS contact person for the Consultant. The Consultant must either address or send a copy of all project correspondence to the WATS

24 project manager. This includes all verbal contact records. The WATS Project Manager shall be made aware of all communications regarding this project. The Consultant will update the WATS Project Manager on a monthly basis in addition to updates/documentation of deliverables at the milestones identified by the Consultant in the proposal based on the RFP. The Consultant will maintain a project record, which includes a history of significant events that influenced the development of the products and receipt of information. The Consultant shall notify the WATS Project Manager whenever discoveries or new information has the potential to require changes in the scope, limits, quantities, or cost of the project. H. Project Schedule and Staff Allocation Provide a detailed plan that shows the milestones and deliverables. Include the number of hours allocated for each staff person for each task for the duration of the contract. I. Authorized Negotiators Include the names and telephone numbers of your organization s personnel authorized to negotiate the proposed contract with WATS. In the event that this proposal and the subsequent negotiations lead to a contract you will be asked to provide a written verification that the person signing the contract is authorized to do so. If this will require a meeting of the Board of Directors or the Partners of your firm, you should begin arrangements so that the contract will not be delayed. J. Subconsultants All subconsultants must be identified and are subject to approval by WATS and MDOT. Qualifications and background information is required as specified in the Key Personnel section of this RFP. The contract for this project will contain a provision requiring prior written approval to subcontract any of the services. If the amount to be subcontracted is $25,000 or more, the proposed subcontract must be submitted to WATS for MDOT s review and approval prior to execution.