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REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ)
2027 TRANSPORTATION MASTER PLAN
CITY OF BOZEMAN
Bozeman, MT
City of Bozeman
PO Box 1230
Bozeman, MT 59771-1230
May 2026
INSTRUCTIONS
NOTICE IS HEREBY given that the City of Bozeman (City) is seeking qualifications from firms or teams of
firms to provide transportation planning services to complete the City’s 2027 Transportation Master
Plan (TMP) update. This project will update the City’s existing 2017 Transportation Master Plan to align
with current policy, planning, and prioritization of capital transportation projects. This TMP update will
serve as the compliant transportation facility plan under the Montana Land Use Planning Act (MLUPA).
Examples of the Request for Qualifications are available on the City’s website
All proposals must be provided as a single, searchable PDF document file and be submitted digitally as an
email attachment to the RFQ City email address below. All proposals must comply with level A and AA
Success Criteria and Conformance Requirements as defined by current Web Content Accessibility
Guidelines (WCAG). Respondents are advised that City’s email attachment size limit is 25MB and that only
one PDF file will be allowed per response. The subject line of the transmittal email shall clearly identify
the RFQ title, company name and due date/time. File sizes greater than 25MB in size may be uploaded to
the City Clerks’ Office upon special arrangement with the City Clerk. However, it is the Respondent’s sole
responsibility to ensure the file upload is completed, and that the City is separately notified via email of
same, prior to the given deadline.
Deliver RFQs via email to the City Clerk by May 29, 2026 at 5:00pm (MT). It is the sole responsibility of the
Respondent to ensure that proposals are received prior to closing time as late submittals will not be
considered.
The email address for submission is: procurement@bozemanmt.gov
Any administrative questions regarding proposal procedures should be directed to: Mike Maas, City Clerk
406.582.2321, procurement@bozemanmt.gov.
Questions relating to the RFQ should be directed to: Emiliano Esparza, P.E., City Engineer, 406.582.2929,
Emiliano.Esparza@bozemanmt.gov.
Respondents will be required to agree to the City’s non-discrimination and equal pay affirmation, attached
as Appendix A.
DATED at Bozeman, Montana, this 2nd day of May 2026.
Mike Maas
City Clerk
City of Bozeman
For publication on:
Saturday, May 2, 2026
Saturday, May 23, 2026
I. INTRODUCTION
The City of Bozeman, (“City”), is seeking qualifications from firms to undertake transportation
planning services to complete the City’s 2027 Transportation Master Plan (TMP) update. This
project will update the City’s existing 2017 Transportation Master Plan to align with current policy
and land use planning, and to develop a prioritization of capital transportation projects. This TMP
update will serve as the City’s compliant transportation issue plan under the Montana Land Use
Planning Act (MLUPA).
This RFQ shall not commit the City to enter into an agreement, to pay any expenses incurred in
preparation of any response to this request, or to procure or contract for any supplies, goods or
services. The City reserves the right to accept or reject all responses received as a result of this
RFQ if it is in the City’s best interest to do so.
II. SCOPE OF PROJECT - PROJECT BACKGROUND AND DESCRIPTION
This Transportation Master Plan update has been approved as Project TMP27 in the City’s 2027-
2031 Capital Improvement Plan and is anticipated to have funding appropriated for completion
in the upcoming FY27-28 Biennium Budget. The City intends to begin TMP27 in July of 2026 and
complete the plan by December 2027.
Led by the Department of Transportation & Engineering, TMP27 will integrate recently
completed efforts including the City’s updated Unified Development Code, Bozeman
Community Plan, Bicycle and Pedestrian Gap Analysis Study, and Gallatin Valley Sensitive Lands
Plan. In addition, TMP27 will be required to coordinate and integrate the City’s Safe Streets for
All (SS4A) Safety Action Plan currently in progress. The selected firm will be expected to
integrate existing plans and data sources to the greatest extent available in creation of TMP27.
The City seeks to update its existing TMP with innovative operational analysis of existing and
future transportation demand, an evaluation and prioritization of proposed projects, and an
ecological screening of sensitive lands.
Respondent must disclose whether Respondent intends to use Generative AI in the fulfillment of
the services if awarded a contract.
III. SCOPE OF SERVICES
i. Public Engagement
Conduct robust engagement in partnership with City staff. A final Public Engagement Plan
will be developed with the City as part of the final scope and fee negotiation.
This project is an “Issue Plan”, a supporting document for the City’s Land Use Plan as
described in the Montana Land Use Planning Act, 76-25-215, and is subject to the public
participation requirements of 76-25-106, MCA.
Minimum standards include:
(1) (a) A local government shall provide continuous public participation when adopting,
amending, or updating a land use plan or regulations pursuant to this chapter.
(b) Public participation in the adoption, amendment, or update of a land use plan or
implementing regulations must provide for, at a minimum:
(i) dissemination of draft documents;
(ii) an opportunity for written and verbal comments;
(iii) public meetings after effective notice;
(iv) electronic communication regarding the process, including online access
to documents, updates, and comments; and
(v) an analysis of and response to public comments.
(2) A local government shall document and retain all public outreach and participation
performed as part of the administrative record in accordance with the retention schedule
published by the secretary of state. The City has established standard tools and
procedures for receipt of written comments, archiving written comments for distribution
to decision makers and public access, social media, distribution of materials, and website
hosting. The City will consider additional or alternate tools and procedures on a case by
case basis where a superior outcome will result.
(3) (a) A local government may decide the method for providing:
(i) general public notice and participation in the adoption, amendment, or
update of a land use plan or regulation; and
(ii) notice of written comment on applications for land use permits pursuant
to this chapter.
(b) All notices must clearly specify the nature of the land use plan or regulation under
consideration, what type of comments the local government is seeking from the
public, and how the public may participate.
(c) The local government shall document what methods it used to provide continuous
participation in the development, adoption, or update of a land use plan or regulation
and shall document all comments received.
(d) The department of commerce established in 2-15-1801 and functioning pursuant
to 90-1-103 shall develop a list of public participation methods and best practices for
use by local governments in developing, adopting, or updating a land use plan or
regulations.
During all communication with the public the information must convey:
(4) Throughout the adoption, amendment, or update of the land use plan or regulation
processes, a local government shall emphasize that:
(a) the land use plan is intended to identify the opportunities for development of land
within the planning area for housing, businesses, agriculture, and the extraction of
natural resources, while acknowledging and addressing the impacts of that
development on adjacent properties, the community, the natural environment, public
services and facilities, and natural hazards;
(b) the process provides for continuous and extensive public notice, review, comment,
and participation in the development of the land use plan or regulation; and
(c) the final adopted land use plan, including amendments or updates to the final
adopted land use plan, comprises the basis for implementing land use regulations in
substantial compliance with the land use plan.
ii. Goals and Objectives
Develop a set of goals and objectives to guide the completion of TMP27. This task will
include reviewing existing plans and policies, and then engaging the Transportation
Advisory Board, City Commission, and public to understand local values and expectations
of the city’s future transportation network. The consultant will integrate this input into a
framework of goals supported by objectives to be used in evaluating and prioritizing
future projects and investments with the City’s 20-yr timeframe.
iii. Existing Conditions
Utilizing existing plans and data sources to the greatest extent available, develop a
baseline of socioeconomic, land use, and transportation system conditions. The City seeks
a firm capable of using innovative data solutions to identify travel demand patterns
internal and external to the City and expects to require limited evaluation of intersection
Level of Service. Traffic data collection may be necessary for arterial and collector street
segments where data does not currently exist.
iv. Future Conditions
In partnership with City staff, develop a future scenario over a 20-yr horizon for the
projected impacts of transportation growth on the community. Data solutions identified in
the Existing Conditions analysis should be used to project future travel demand patterns
and inform the creation and prioritization of capital improvement projects. A limited
number of Intersection Control Evaluations may be necessary to determine the need for
future capacity improvements at existing arterial and collector intersections.
Develop a set of updated Typical Sections for each Functional Classification of street.
v. Transportation Project Identification
Update, refine, and expand the list of transportation improvement projects identified in
the City’s existing TMP including scope revisions and conceptual project cost estimates as
necessary. Integrate multimodal and safety improvements to the City’s existing
transportation system identified in the concurrent development of the SS4A Safety Action
Plan.
vi. Road Ecology
In service of our shared environmental goals within the community, the City seeks to
integrate Road Ecology in the development of TMP27. Utilizing ecological experts and the
Gallatin Valley Sensitive Lands Plan, develop a policy framework to shape the identification
and development of proposed transportation improvements that aims to avoid and
minimize environmental impact while providing for the safe and efficient movement of
people and goods.
vii. Implementation and Funding Plan
Develop and apply a customized screening tool modeled after the Goals and Objectives
identified in this plan to provide a prioritization of projects for future construction. In
coordination with City Commission and staff, develop a funding plan for future
transportation investments.
IV. TIMELINES, DELIVERY DEADLINE, AND INSTRUCTIONS
Deliver RFQs via email to the City Clerk (procurement@bozemanmt.gov) by May 29, 2026 at 5:00pm
(MT). It is the sole responsibility of the Respondent to ensure that RFQs are received prior to the
closing time as late submittals will not be considered. All proposals must be provided as a single,
searchable PDF document file and be submitted digitally as an email attachment to the City email
address procurement@bozemanmt.gov. Respondents are advised that City’s email attachment size
limit is 25MB and that only one PDF file will be allowed per response. The subject line of the email shall
clearly identify the RFQ title, company name and due date/time. File sizes greater than 25MB in size
may be uploaded to the City Clerks’ Office upon special arrangement with the City Clerk. However, it is
the Respondent’s sole responsibility to ensure the file upload is completed, and that the City is
separately notified via email of same, prior to the given deadline.
i. CONTACT INFORMATION: All Questions and Contacts regarding this RFQ must be
submitted in writing to:
Emiliano Esparza, P.E. – City Engineer and TMP27 Project Manager
P.O. Box 1230
Bozeman, MT 59771-1230
406.582.2929
emiliano.esparza@bozemanmt.gov
ii. AMENDMENTS TO SOLICITATION
Any interpretation or correction of this request will be published on the City’s webpage. The
deadline for questions related to this document is 5:00 pm MST on May 22, 2026.
iii. SELECTION TIMELINE
Advertising dates: May 2, 2026 and May 23, 2026
Receipt of RFQs: 5:00 pm MST on May 29, 2026
RFQ Review Complete by Committee: June 5, 2026
Interviews: June 9, 2026 and June 11, 2026, if necessary
Selection: June 15, 2026
With the exception of the advertising dates and advertised due date, the City reserves the right to
modify the above timeline.
V. SELECTION PROCEDURE
i. STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS
Respondents must comply with the mandatory requirements provided in this solicitation.
The selection process shall be conducted pursuant to all applicable Montana laws
including those criteria set forth in §18-8-204, MCA and applicable City policy.
1. Evaluation of RFQs. The selection committee shall consist of no less than
three persons representing the City. The selection committee will review
conforming RFQ responses using the criteria listed above. RFQ responses that do
not contain the required documentation will be deemed nonresponsive to this
RFQ and will be rejected.
2. Revisions. Responses will be accorded fair and equal treatment with
respect to opportunity for discussion and revision of responses, and such
revisions may be permitted, after submissions and prior to award for the purpose
of obtaining best and final responses.
3. Evaluation & Elimination. After evaluating all conforming responses based
on the criteria herein the selection committee may eliminate one or more or all
Respondents from further review if they do not meet the qualification criteria
specified herein. Any Respondents eliminated by the selection committee, at any
time, or for any reason, will not have the opportunity to make revisions or
participate further in the selection process.
4. Interviews. After reviewing conforming RFQ responses, the selection
committee may decide to schedule interviews with qualified respondents.
Interviews will be held on June 9, 2026 and June 11, 2026, if necessary. Each firm
selected for interview will be notified of the specific time for their interview. The
format of the interview will be left up to the proposing firm; however, interviews
will be 45 minutes inclusive of questions from the selection committee, with 15
minutes between interviews for transitions and set up between Respondents.
5. Selection and Final Recommendation. The selection committee will tally
the scores for the RFQ. At that time contract negotiations will take place between
the City and successful Respondent. The City may negotiate a contract with the
next highest ranked Respondent if a contract cannot be made.
ii. RFQ – FORM AND CONTENTS
Deliver one (1) digital copy prepared as follows:
1. General Instructions:
a. RFQ responses must be signed by an officer or principal of your firm.
b. RFQ responses must be contained in a single searchable PDF document
not to exceed 20 pages total including whatever pictures, charts,
graphs, tables, and text the firm deems appropriate to be part of the
review of the firm's qualifications. A separate transmittal letter, cover
page, cover sheets, and dividers are exempted from the page limit.
c. Schedules may be submitted in addition to the page limit.
2. Firm Information:
a. Experience. Respondent must demonstrate successful experience and
capacity to act as a contractor on projects of similar size, type and
complexity, including their proposed approach to this project. Provide
the name and location of each project, the client, and the contact person
and phone number. Describe experience and qualifications of the
professional personnel to be assigned to this project. Describe your
recent and current work for the City of Bozeman, if any.
b. Firm Background. Provide information about the firm, including
location. Describe the firm’s history. Include information identifying the
firm’s annual volume of business, financial/bonding capacities, and
speak to the firm’s stability in the marketplace. Information identifying
the firm’s strengths and weaknesses along with special capabilities that
may be appropriate to the Project will assist in the evaluation.
c. Firm Workload. Provide the status of current and anticipated work
within the firm in terms of time and magnitude for the anticipated
Project schedule as it relates to availability of key personnel and your
firm. Describe the firm’s capability to meet time and project budget
requirements.
d. Claims. At any time in the last ten (10) years has your firm been assessed
and paid liquidated damages after completion of a project under a
contract with a public owner?
e. References. Provide detailed contact information to the City for at least
three (3) projects undertaken by your firm within the past five years.
iii. EVALUATION CRITERIA
Qualifications will be evaluated by the selection committee, which will individually score
qualifications out of a total of 100 possible points based on the criteria below. The scoring
criteria and possible point values are:
1. Respondent’s experience with projects of similar size and design:
Possible Points: 40
2. Firm’s Qualifications and Project Approach:
Possible Points: 30
3. Capabilities to meet time schedule and project budget requirements:
Possible Points: 10
4. Present and projected workloads:
Possible Points: 10
5. Past projects/experience working with the City of Bozeman:
Possible Points: 5
6. Office location(s):
Possible Points: 5
VI. FORM OF AGREEMENT
The final form of the contract documents will be substantially similar to the Professional Services
Agreement (PSA) found in Appendix B and will be finalized during contract negotiations. The City
anticipates utilizing a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract structure for this agreement. Respondents must
include any requested alterations to the PSA in their RFQ response.
VII. CITY RESERVATION OF RIGHTS
All proposals submitted in response to this RFQ become the property of the City and public records
and, as such, are subject to public disclosure.
A submission in response to this request for qualifications confers no rights upon any Respondents
and shall not obligate the City in any manner whatsoever. The City reserves the right to make no
award and to solicit additional request for qualifications at a later date.
i. This RFQ may be canceled or any or all responses may be rejected in whole or in part, as
specified herein, when it is in the best interests of the City. If the City cancels or revises
this RFQ, all Respondents who submitted will be notified using email.
ii. The City reserves the right to accept or reject any and all submissions; to add or delete
items and/or quantities; to amend the RFQ; to waive any minor irregularities,
informalities, or failure to conform to the RFQ; to extend the deadline for submitting
proposals; to postpone award for up to 60 days; to award one or more contracts, by item
or task, or groups of items or tasks, if so provided in the RFQ and if multiple awards are
determined by the City to be in the public interest.
iii. The City reserves the right to reject the submission of any person/firm who previously
failed to perform properly to the satisfaction of the City, or complete on time agreements
of similar nature, or to reject the submission of any person/firm who is not in a position
to perform such an agreement satisfactorily as determined by the City.
iv. The City reserves the right to determine the best qualified Respondents and negotiate
a final scope of service and cost, negotiate a contract with another Respondents if an
agreement cannot be reached with the first selected Respondents, or reject all
proposals.
v. The successful Respondents will be required to enter into a contract with the City,
which will incorporate the Respondents' scope of service and work schedule as part of
the agreement.
vi. This RFQ does not commit the City to award a contract. The City assumes no liability or
responsibility for costs incurred by Respondents in responding to this request for
qualifications or request for interviews, additional data, or other information with
respect to the selection process, prior to the issuance of an agreement, contract or
purchase order. The Respondents, by submitting a response to this RFQ, waive all right
to protest or seek any legal remedies whatsoever regarding any aspect of this RFQ.
vii. This project is subject to the availability of funds.
VIII. NONDISCRIMINATION AND EQUAL PAY POLICY
The City of Bozeman requires each entity submitting under this notice affirm, on a separate form
provided, that it will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, age, marital status,
national origin, or because of actual or perceived sexual orientation, sexual preference, gender
identity, or disability in fulfillment of a contract entered into for the services identified herein and that
this prohibition on discrimination shall apply to the hiring and treatment of the submitting entity’s
employees and to all subcontracts it enters into in the fulfillment of the services identified herein.
Failure to comply with this requirement shall be cause for the submittal to be deemed nonresponsive.
In addition, pursuant to City Commission Resolution 5169, the entity awarded a contract under this
RFQ and any subcontractors must abide by the Equal Pay Act of 1963 and Section 39-3-104, MCA (the
Montana Equal Pay Act), and affirm it will abide by the above.
IX. MISCELLANEOUS
A. No Oral Agreements. No conversations or oral agreements with any officer, employee, or agent of
the City shall affect or modify any term of this solicitation. Oral communications or any
written/email communication between any person and City officer, employee or agent shall not be
considered binding.
B. No Partnership/Business Organization. Nothing in this solicitation or in any subsequent
agreement, or any other contract entered into as a result of this solicitation, shall constitute, create,
give rise to or otherwise be recognized as a partnership or formal business organization of any kind
between or among the respondent and the City.
C. Employment Restriction and Indemnity. No person who is an owner, officer, employee,
contractor, or consultant of a respondent shall be an officer or employee of the City. No rights
of the City’s retirement or personnel rules accrue to a respondent, its officers, employees,
contractors, or consultants. Respondents shall have the responsibility of all salaries, wages,
bonuses, retirement, withholdings, worker’s compensation and occupational disease
compensation, insurance, unemployment compensation other benefits and taxes and
premiums appurtenant thereto concerning its officers, employees, contractors, and consultants.
Each Respondent shall save and hold the City harmless with respect to any and all claims for
payment, compensation, salary, wages, bonuses, retirement, withholdings, worker’s
compensation and occupational disease compensation, insurance, unemployment
compensation other benefits and taxes and premiums in any way related to each respondent’s
officers, employees, contractors and consultants.
D. Accessibility. Upon reasonable notice, the City will provide assistance for those persons with
sensory impairments. For further information please contact the ADA Coordinator at
406.582.3232.
E. Procurement. When discrepancies occur between words and figures in this solicitation, the
words shall govern. No responsibility shall attach to a City employee for the premature opening
of an SOQ not properly addressed and identified in accordance with these documents.
F. Governing Law. This solicitation and any disputes arising hereunder or under any future
agreement shall be governed and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State
of Montana, and venue for all legal proceedings shall be in the 18th Judicial District Court, Gallatin
County. By offering to perform services under this RFQ, all Submitters agree to be bound by the
laws of the State of Montana and of the City, including, but not limited to, applicable wage rates,
payments, gross receipts taxes, building codes, equal opportunity employment practices, safety,
non-discrimination, etc.
X. ATTACHMENTS
The following exhibits are incorporated in this RFQ:
Appendix A: Non-Discrimination Affirmation
Appendix B: Professional Services Agreement
END OF RFQ