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R -- PREPARE FOR AND CONDUCT AN INTERMODAL FORUM DUE 112697 POC Jeff Gaber, NEC/I-95CC, (301) 816-1831, FAX No. (301) 816-1884 The I-95 Northeast Consultants (NEC), serving as Support Consultant to the I-95 Corridor Coalition, an organization representing the major surface transportation agencies from Maine through Virginia, wishes to engage a Consultant to assist the Coalition in organizing and conducting an Intermodal Forum. The impetus for this activity is that the Coalition and its member agencies wish to expand its future programs to include an increased emphasis on Intermodal applications of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) in the Corridor. As an initial element of this emphasis, the Coalition intends to organize and conduct a forum through which several goals can be achieved, including: sharing of background information on opportunities to apply ITS for improved efficiency in passenger and freight intermodal operations; An exchange of views between public and private sectors; An identification of specific opportunities within the Corridor where ITS intermodal project opportunities would be offered; and, Astart towards the preparation of a Coalition Intermodal Program. An essential element of this forum will be to include significant involvement among both public and private intermodal interests. This will serve to help attendees gain an increased appreciation for the needs and opportunities of working together to plan and implement ITS. Another essential element will be to include discussion of both passenger and freight intermodal ITS needs and opportunities in the Forum. While the Coalition's program may, in the near-term, emphasize one of these to a greater degree than the other, the long-term goals of the organization and its members clearly include both passenger and freight intermodal improvements equally. The Coalition wishes to begin work in both of these areas immediately. The Forum is envisioned as a two-day event at a location within the Corridor, that is easily accessible by the Coalition membership at large via rail, air, and highway. The anticipated date of the Forum is March 19-20, 1998. Consultant's Responsibilities The Consultant will take all steps necessary to plan, develop, and implement, a two-day forum which will include: Developing and recommending the overall Forum themes, format, and content of the specific program; Recommending speakers and arranging for their participation; Logistical arrangements at the forum site, including conference center and hotel liaison; Preparation and implementation of the invitation list; Providing a Forum Moderator; Preparation of the Forum program; Preparing the Forum proceedings; Recommending and arranging for panels and break-out groups, per the approved program; Recommending and arranging for Forum-sponsored meals and break refreshments; and, Other similar duties as required. The selected Consultant will be expected to take a proactive leadership role in planning and executing the Forum. The Consultant's recommendations must reflect a detailed understanding of how best to conduct effective meetings, as well as a comprehensive understanding of the technical and business considerations of intermodal ITS. The NEC will administer the Consultant's contract and directly oversee its performance. However, the Coalition will establish an Intermodal Forum Committee to provide senior technical direction to its Intermodal Program, and to review the Consultant's deliverables and the conduct of the Forum. Conduct of the Forum A budget of $100,000 has been established for the Forum. This budget is anticipated to cover all expenses funded by the Coalition, including: The Consultant's fee; Printing and production; Conference center expenses, including meals; and, Other miscellaneous fees. Attendance at the Forum, including attendee room charges, travel, and out-of-pocket expenses, will be paid by the attendees or their sponsoring agencies. It is anticipated that approximately 50-75 individuals will attend the Forum each day, although participation for each day may vary. Submission Requirements Interested Consultants should prepare and submit a proposal, of no more than fifteen (15) pages, to the NEC with the following information: Consultant name, address, telephone and FAX number; Prior experience in such relevant areas as freight intermodal planning, and conference planning and participation; A brief narrative explaining how the Consultant proposes to make the Forum a success; and Resumes of key personnel, including the Project Manager and support staff. This submission must be received by the NEC at the address shown below, no later than 4:00 PM on November 26, 1997. No late submissions will be considered. The proposal must be submitted in original form and must be accompanied by three complete copies. No cost information should be submitted. The Consultant should assume that the total cost for the services outlined above will be $100,000. Proposal Evaluation The proposals will be reviewed by a panel of three (3) NEC senior personnel, who will decide, based on the criteria identified above, which submitting Consultant best suits the needs of the I-95 Corridor Coalition. Upon reaching a decision, the NEC will notify the Executive Director of the I-95 Corridor Coalition to have the decision confirmed, and will then so notify the Consultant. The NEC will then schedule negotiations with the selected Consultant. Administrative Information Questions pertaining to this RFP should be submitted in writing to Jeff Gaber, NEC Program Manager for the I-95 Corridor Coalition by FAX at (301) 816-1884. Proposals should be submitted to the NEC at the following address: I-95 Northeast Consultants (NEC) I-95 Corridor Coaliton (I-95 CC) 1900 North Beauregard Street, Suite 300 Alexandria, VA 22311 (0308)

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