Submitted By: Tom Duncan
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Presentation By: Tom Duncan
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Department: Growth Management
FORMAL TITLE:
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Award of contract with HDR Engineering, Inc., for the provision of comprehensive operational analysis services for the SunTran transit system in an amount not to exceed $215,998
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OCALA’S RELEVANT STRATEGIC GOALS:
Fiscally Sustainable, Operational Excellence
PROOF OF PUBLICATION:
Bid released to public: January 20, 2026
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BACKGROUND:
A comprehensive operational analysis (COA) is a tool used in transit planning practice to assess system performance, including route productivity, financial and operational feasibility, service efficiency, and network coverage. SunTran’s last COA was completed in early 2016. Since that time, the system has experienced changes in ridership patterns, service levels, and community growth, along with increased financial demands for operations, maintenance, and service delivery. As a result, the current service structure may no longer fully align with existing demand or available resources.
Conducting a COA supports performance-based planning principles established by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) under 49 CFR Parts 613 and 450, which emphasize data-driven decision-making and the ongoing evaluation of transit services. The analysis will provide a framework for assessing current operations and developing recommendations to improve efficiency, service quality, financial planning, and long-term system performance.
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS:
On January 20, 2026, the City issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) No. SUN/260384 for the procurement of professional services from a qualified firm to perform a COA. Six proposals were received and the City’s Selection Committee convened on April 14, 2026, to review and evaluate the proposals in accordance with the established scope of work. HDR Engineering, Inc. was found to be the highest-ranked firm.
Staff recommends awarding the contract to HDR Engineering, Inc.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Funding for this project is available in Fiscal Year 2025-26 in the amount of $215,997.88 in account 494-050-450-544-54-31010.
PROCUREMENT REVIEW:
These services were procured in compliance with the City’s Procurement Policy.
LEGAL REVIEW:
This Agreement will be reviewed and approved for form and legality by City Attorney William E. Sexton.
ALTERNATIVE:
• Approve with Changes
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• Deny