Council narrows TA grant next steps; grant-administrator RFQs under review

City staff updated the council on an early-stage process to implement the city’s TxDOT Transportation Alternatives grant. The city is reviewing RFQs from five grant-administration firms and plans to negotiate fees with the highest-rated firm before returning to council with a resolution to appoint the administrator.

Stephanie told council the RFQ review team includes staff and two council members, and that the grant administrator would manage tasks including coordinating with TxDOT, drafting the advanced funding agreement and ensuring procurement and reporting compliance. She said the grant award is just under $2.4 million and that administrative fees could be up to 10% of the award. “The fee that we can expect for this particular grant can be up to 10% of the amount that we were awarded,” she said.

Staff emphasized the need for Local Government Project (LGP) certification on at least one staff member and noted the multi-year timeline for the work; the council will consider a resolution to appoint the administrator at a future meeting after fee negotiation and ranking are complete.