Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Dockless Micromobility topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Transportation panel approves RFQ for dockless scooters and e-bikes with amendments
Summary
The Metro Transportation Licensing Commission voted to approve a procurement RFQ for dockless scooters and e-bikes, with commissioners asking for amendments to specify fleet size and outreach to local biking and equity groups. NDOT staff said the process will return for award and contract approval after evaluation.
The Metropolitan Transportation Licensing Commission on April 21 approved a request-for-qualifications (RFQ) for dockless shared urban mobile devices — scooters and electric bikes — while directing staff to add amendments on fleet size and community outreach.
NDOT/TD staff presented the RFQ and explained the procurement process will return to the commission three times: approval of the published RFQ, approval of a recommended award after evaluation, and final contract approval. TD staff said procurement required a 65/35 scoring split, a point that drew questions from commissioners about the specificity of scoring and the composition of the evaluation team.
"There are 2,000 scooters and 1,000 bikes to begin the initial phase," said the NDOT/TD presenter, describing a forthcoming amendment that will set those target fleet numbers for the initial deployment. He stressed procurement directed the scoring format and said a mix of modal and agency subject-matter experts will serve on the evaluation panel.
Several commissioners voiced concerns that the published RFQ lacked sufficient detail about scoring and outreach. One commissioner asked whether pricing and geographic placement would be weighted; TD staff said price and equity considerations would be included and that outreach to local organizations could be specified in amendments.
Commissioner (speaker 5) moved to approve the RFQ as written with the understanding that amendments — including specific outreach to Walk/Bike Nashville, Bike Fund, BPAC and Greenways — would be added. The motion carried on voice vote.
TD staff said procurement and evaluation work will continue and that the commission will next be asked to approve an attempt to award to selected firms and later to approve any resulting contract. The commission also instructed staff to seek a short-term extension on current vendor contracts if the solicitation timeline extends beyond existing contract expiration dates.
What happens next: The evaluation committee will score proposals under the procurement rules; the commission will review the recommended award and later the contract. Staff said they will return with any needed contract-extension requests at the May meeting.
