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Sandy issues intent to award transit operations contract to RTW; background checks and protest period remain
Summary
Following an RFP evaluation, staff reported an intent to award the transit operations contract to RTW. The selection is subject to reference checks, a protest period and council approval expected in April.
The Sandy Transit Advisory Board was informed that staff issued an intent to award the transit operations contract to RTW after scoring three proposals.
Why it matters: a change in operations contractor would affect drivers, dispatch and daily operations; staff said the RFP required bidders to meet or improve current driver wages and benefits as a condition of responsiveness.
Staff described the procurement timeline: the request for proposals was issued Jan. 9 and returned Feb. 19. The evaluation committee had six members, including transit staff, board representation and outside operators. Committee members named during the meeting included Chris Alexander (board member and operator experience), Brian Wood (public works), and Heidi Miller (Cambie Area Transit). Staff said they also included a provider representative to add operational expertise to the committee.
Three bidders were evaluated: MV (the incumbent contractor), MTR Western (a regional operator that currently runs some county shuttles), and RTW (a newer bidder that scored highest in the committee evaluation). Staff said an intent to award to RTW was issued on the prior Friday; that intent does not constitute a signed contract. The procurement timeline includes a 10‑business‑day protest period, reference and background checks, and negotiations with the selected vendor before a final contract is executed.
Staff said they plan to bring a recommendation to city council for contract approval; staff presently expect the council presentation will need to be scheduled April 21 rather than the earlier April 7 date to complete vetting and negotiations.
Drivers and staff raised operational concerns about any change in operator, including continuity of management and insurance details. Staff said the RFP included wage and benefits minimums and that the city seeks continuity where possible; they said they had asked the incumbent general manager to remain if a new company is selected.
Ending: staff will complete reference checks, respond to any protest, and return to the board and council with a final recommendation in April.
