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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda 04-16-24; 8-f - Approval of Orange County Agreement – Freeway, Arterial, Street, and Tactical (FAST) 2.0 Study 1 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: April 16, 2024 Action Agenda Item No. 8-f SUBJECT: Approval of Orange County Agreement — Freeway, Arterial, Street, and Tactical (FAST) 2.0 Study DEPARTMENT: Orange County Transportation Services (OCTS) ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: 1. Draft FAST 2 Agreement Nishith Trivedi, Transportation Director, 2. FAST 2 Final Scope of Work 919-245-2007 PURPOSE: To approve the Orange County agreement with the North Carolina Department of Transportation for the Freeway, Arterial, Street, and Tactical (FAST) 2.0 study. BACKGROUND: At the February 6, 2024 Business meeting, the Board of County Commissioners approved the Fiscal Year 2024 Annual Work Program Quarter 1 Amendment to include the FAST 2.0 study. The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) completed the FAST 1 study (link) in 2019. The FAST study was included in the Regional Connections Opportunities Report as part of the 2022 Transit Plan Update. NCDOT has prepared an agreement for all funding partners (Attachment 1) and completed the Scope of work (Attachment 2). Scope of Project: The primary objectives of this study include creating a vision and brand for multimodal transportation in the Triangle Region and developing an actionable plan, including specific funding/project recommendations for the accelerated implementation of Freeway, Arterial, Street, and Tactical (FAST) transit priority infrastructure along existing roadways and/or in ongoing, upcoming, or potential roadway projects. This effort is a detail study managed by NCDOT in coordination and collaboration with local governments, regional agencies, state partners and private businesses to make existing freeways and regional roads with improved transit. The Regional Transportation Alliance, through all local, regional and state partners, has garnered over $855,000 in financial commitments towards the study. Benefit to Orange County: In addition to Freeways — 1-40 and 1-85, Arterials like US 70, NC 54, US 15/501 and other locally approved multimodal studies could be included in the FAST study and benefit from its implementation. FINANCIAL IMPACT: The Transit Tax reimburses Orange County for the $105,000 project cost as approved in the Fiscal Year 2024 Annual Work Program. No services are impacted by this 2 planning project. OCTS would pay the agreement and receive full reimbursement from the transit tax. SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following Orange County Social Justice Goals are applicable to this item: • GOAL: FOSTER A COMMUNITY CULTURE THAT REJECTS OPPRESSION AND INEQUITY The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race or color; religious or philosophical beliefs; sex, gender, or sexual orientation; national origin or ethnic background; age; military service; disability; and familial, residential, or economic status. • GOAL: ENSURE ECONOMIC SELF-SUFFICIENCY The creation and preservation of infrastructure, policies, programs, and funding necessary for residents to provide shelter, food, clothing and medical care for themselves and their dependents. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: The following Orange County Environmental Responsibility Goal impact is applicable to this item: • CLEAN OR AVOIDED TRANSPORTATION Implement programs that monitor and improve local and regional air quality by: 1) promoting public transportation options; 2) decreasing dependence on single-occupancy vehicles, and 3) otherwise minimizing the need for travel. RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends the Board approve and authorize the Manager to sign the Orange County agreement for the Freeway, Arterial, Street, and Tactical (FAST) 2.0 study. 3 Attachment 1 ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE NCDOT ADMINISTERED—FAST TRANSIT PRIORITY STUDY 1000019673 AGREEMENT OVERVIEW NORTH CAROLINA ORANGE COUNTY DATE: 2/28/2024 PARTIES TO THE AGREEMENT: PROJECT NUMBERS: NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT WBS ELEMENTS: 36230.34.2.1 OF TRANSPORTATION AND ORANGE COUNTY The purpose of this Agreement is to identify the participation in project costs, project delivery and/or maintenance, by the other party to this Agreement, as further defined in this Agreement. SCOPE OF PROJECT ("Project"): The primary objectives of this study include creating a vision and brand for multimodal transportation in the Triangle Region and developing an actionable plan, including specific funding/project recommendations for the accelerated implementation of Freeway, Arterial, Street, and Tactical (FAST) transit priority infrastructure along existing roadways and/or in ongoing, upcoming, or potential roadway projects. ESTIMATED COST OF THE PROJECT: $855,000 COSTS TO OTHER PARTY: $105,000 PAYMENT TERMS: Orange County will submit payment upon execution of agreement. MAINTENANCE: No maintenance responsibilities at this time EFFECTIVE DATES OF AGREEMENT: START: Upon Full Execution of this Agreement END: When work is complete and all terms are met. This Agreement is made and entered into on the last date executed below, by and between the North Carolina Department of Transportation, an agency of the State of North Carolina, hereinafter referred to as the Department and the Orange County, hereinafter referred to as the County; and collectively referred to as the Parties. The Parties to this Agreement, listed above, intend that this Agreement, together with all attachments, schedules, exhibits, and other documents that both are referenced in this Agreement and refer to this Agreement, represents the entire understanding between the Parties with respect to its subject matter and supersedes any previous communication or agreements that may exist. 4 ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE NCDOT ADMINISTERED—FAST TRANSIT PRIORITY STUDY 1000019673 I. WHEREAS STATEMENTS WHEREAS, this Agreement is made under the authority granted to the Department by the North Carolina General Assembly including, but not limited to, the following applicable legislation: General Statutes of North Carolina (NCGS) Section 136-66.2 and 136-66.3, Section 160A-296 and 297, and Section 136-18, to participate in the planning, construction and/or implementation of the Project approved by the Board of Transportation; and, WHEREAS, the proposed Freeway And Street-based Transit (FAST) network concept has been approved to more forward to the next phase of development with funding from the FAST 2.0 partners; and WHEREAS, the Department has coordinated with participating businesses, counties, and municipalities to leverage funding; and, WHEREAS, the County has agreed to participate in the cost of the project as hereinafter set out; and, NOW, THEREFORE, the Parties hereto, each in consideration of the promises and undertakings of the other as herein provided, do hereby covenant and agree, each with the other, as follows: II. RESPONSIBILITIES A. THE DEPARTMENT WILL i. Procure a consultant to develop the study and administer the contract and associated funding. ii. Convene stakeholders to address challenges of coordination, building consensus, and forming a shared regional vision among multiple partners. B. THE COUNTY SHALL i. Actively participate in critical study decisions, help to build consensus on strategies and recommendations, and provide review of deliverables. ii. Participate in funding as shown in the COSTS AND FUNDING Provision. III. PROJECT DELIVERY REQUIREMENTS A. PROJECT DOCUMENTS / DELIVERABLES i. The Department anticipates the following Project Deliverables. Said list may be amended at the request of the Project committee: 2 5 ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE NCDOT ADMINISTERED—FAST TRANSIT PRIORITY STUDY 1000019673 1. Project Management Plan 2. Community Engagement 3. Information Gathering and Review of Existing Conditions 4. Vision and brand for multimodal transportation in the Triangle Region 5. Actionable materials for planners and other transit and transportation professionals 6. Accessible marketing materials for the public to gain understanding and support for FAST transit network, particularly along SMART freeway and arterial corridors 7. Feasibility analyses and high-level design concepts for certain corridors. 8. Technical Memo with Project List and Prioritization Comparison 9. Implementation Plan with Cost Estimates and Funding Plan ii. All documents, including digital files, will become the property of the Department. Any and all original graphics, technical drawings, photographs, maps, GIS files, and promotional items produced for the plan or for any public meetings shall be available for use by the Department in other publications, on the Department website and for display purposes. The Department shall be credited for its participation in all documents, publicity, announcements, and materials prepared for/by the County for public meetings. iii. The County shall receive digital files and hard copies of the approved Study. The County shall be responsible for the distribution of the final documents to the appropriate local agencies and interested parties. B. TIMEFRAMES It is important that the County provide necessary support and responses to the Department in a timely manner. Any delays on the part of the County may affect the ability of the Department to provide financial support for the Project. IV. COSTS AND FUNDING A. PROJECT COSTS The estimated cost of the Project is $855,000. The County shall participate in project costs up to a maximum of $105,000. The Department is responsible for all costs that exceed $855,000. If the costs are less than $855,000, the Department will return any overpayment based on the County's percentage contribution to the total project cost. 3 6 ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE NCDOT ADMINISTERED—FAST TRANSIT PRIORITY STUDY 1000019673 B. DOWNPAYMENT Based on the estimated cost of$105,000 the County shall submit a payment for$105,000 to the Department's Fiscal Section upon full execution of this Agreement, per the guidance in the attached cover page. V. STANDARD PROVISIONS A. AGREEMENT MODIFICATIONS Any modification to scope, funding, responsibilities, or time frame will be agreed upon by all Parties by means of a written Supplemental Agreement. B. ASSIGNMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES The Department must approve any assignment or transfer of the responsibilities of the County set forth in this Agreement to other parties or entities. C. AGREEMENT FOR IDENTIFIED PARTIES ONLY This Agreement is solely for the benefit of the identified Parties to the Agreement and is not intended to give any rights, claims, or benefits to third parties or to the public at large. D. OTHER AGREEMENTS The County is solely responsible for all agreements, contracts, and work orders entered into or issued by the County to meet the terms of this Agreement. The Department is not responsible for any expenses or obligations incurred for the terms of this Agreement except those specifically eligible for the funds and obligations as approved by the Department under the terms of this Agreement. E. TITLE VI The other party to this Agreement shall comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title 49 CFR, Subtitle A, Part 21) and related nondiscrimination authorities. Title VI and related authorities prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, gender, and age in all programs or activities of any recipient of Federal assistance. F. FACSIMILE A copy or facsimile copy of the signature of any party shall be deemed an original with each fully executed copy of the Agreement as binding as an original, and the Parties agree that this Agreement can be executed in counterparts, as duplicate originals, with facsimile signatures sufficient to evidence an agreement to be bound by the terms of the Agreement. G. AUTHORIZATION TO EXECUTE 4 7 ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE NCDOT ADMINISTERED—FAST TRANSIT PRIORITY STUDY 1000019673 The Parties hereby acknowledge that the individual executing this Agreement has read this Agreement, conferred with legal counsel, fully understands its contents, and is authorized to execute this Agreement and to bind the respective Parties to the terms contained herein. H. DEBARMENT POLICY It is the policy of the Department not to enter into any agreement with parties that have been debarred by any government agency (Federal or State). By execution of this agreement, the County certifies that neither it nor its agents or contractors are presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, declared ineligible or voluntarily excluded from participation in this transaction by any Federal or State Agency or Department and that it will not enter into agreements with any entity that is debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, declared ineligible or voluntarily excluded from participation in this transaction. I. INDEMNIFICATION To the extent authorized by state and federal claims statutes, the County shall be responsible for its actions under the terms of this agreement and save harmless the FHWA (if applicable), the Department, and the State of North Carolina, their respective officers, directors, principals, employees, agents, successors, and assigns from and against any and all claim for payment, damages and/or liabilities of any nature, asserted against the Department in connection with this Agreement. The Department shall not be liable and shall be held harmless from any and all third-party claims that might arise on account of the County's negligence and/or responsibilities under the terms of this agreement. J. AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS All terms and conditions of this Agreement are dependent upon, and, subject to the allocation of funds for the purpose set forth in the Agreement and the Agreement shall automatically terminate if funds cease to be available. K. DOCUSIGN The Department and the County acknowledge and agree that the electronic signature application DocuSign may be used, at the sole election of the Department or the County, to execute this Agreement. By selecting "I Agree", "I Accept", or other similar item, button, or icon via use of a keypad, mouse, or other device, as part of the DocuSign application, the Department and the County consent to be legally bound by the terms and conditions of Agreement and that such act constitutes the Department's signature as if actually signed by the Department in writing or the County's signature as if actually signed by the County in writing. The Department and the County also agree that no certification authority or other third-party verification is necessary to validate its electronic signature and that the lack of such certification or third-party verification will not in any way affect the enforceability of its electronic signature. The Department and the County acknowledge and agree that delivery of a copy of this Agreement or any other document contemplated hereby through the 5 8 ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE NCDOT ADMINISTERED—FAST TRANSIT PRIORITY STUDY 1000019673 DocuSign application, will have the same effect as physical delivery of the paper document bearing an original written signature. L. GIFT BAN By Executive Order 24, issued by Governor Perdue, and NCGS 133-32, it is unlawful for any vendor or contractor (i.e. architect, bidder, contractor, construction manager, design professional, engineer, landlord, offeror, seller, subcontractor, supplier, or vendor), to make gifts or to give favors to any State employee of the Governor's Cabinet Agencies (i.e. Administration, Adult Corrections, Commerce, Environmental Quality, Health and Human Services, Information Technology, Military and Veterans Affairs, Natural and Cultural Resources, Public Safety, Revenue, Transportation, and the Office of the Governor). s 6 9 ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE NCDOT ADMINISTERED—FAST TRANSIT PRIORITY STUDY 1000019673 SIGNATURE PAGE IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been executed the day and year heretofore set out, on the part of the Department and the County by authority duly given. (DOCUSIGN ONLY) Authorized Signer: Print Name: Title: Date Signed: If applicable, this Agreement has been pre-audited in the manner required by the Local Government Budget and Fiscal Control Act: ORANGE COUNTY FED TAX ID NO: Finance Officer: REMITTANCE ADDRESS: Print Name: Date Signed: DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION BY: TITLE: Deputy Secretary for Multimodal Transportation DATE: APPROVED BY BOARD OF TRANSPORTATION ITEM O: (DATE) 7 10 ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE NCDOT ADMINISTERED—FAST TRANSIT PRIORITY STUDY 1000019673 SIGNATURE PAGE IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been executed the day and year heretofore set out, on the part of the Department and the County by authority duly given. (INK SIGNATURES ONLY) ATTEST: Authorized Signer: BY: Print Name: TITLE: Title: Date Signed: If applicable, this Agreement has been pre-audited in the manner required by the Local Government Budget and Fiscal Control Act: ORANGE COUNTY FED TAX ID NO: Finance Officer: REMITTANCE ADDRESS: Print Name: Date Signed: DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (DocuSign) BY: TITLE: DATE: APPROVED BY BOARD OF TRANSPORTATION ITEM O: (DATE) 8 11 Attachment 2 FINAL SCOPE OF SERVICES As requested by North Carolina Department of Transportation ("Client"),WSP USA Inc. ("Consultant") proposes the scope of services listed in subsequent sections below and includes professional services for the Freeway, Arterial, Street,and Tactical (FAST)2.0 Study("Project"). SCOPE ASSUMPTIONS The work tasks described in this scope assume the following: 1. The Client will provide the Consultant with all supporting segment traffic counts,turning movement counts, bicycle and pedestrian counts,travel demand,transit ridership,travel time data,etc.The availability of data will be discussed during the initial conference call with the Client Project Manager. 2. The Client will provide the Consultant with all available plans and studies within and adjacent to the study area,including but not limited to land use plans,transportation plans,design standards,special studies,and recent traffic impact analysis studies. 3. The Client will provide all supporting GIS data files. 4. The Consultant will not collect any new traffic,environmental,survey or other data for this project. 5. The Consultant will provide opportunities for meetings with project stakeholders to provide "over the shoulder review"of interim work products,without having to wait for formal review periods. 6. Deliverables will be actionable in nature and will primarily include executive summary-style memos with maps and graphics supported by technical reports. Some materials will be global in nature,and others will be tailored to individual agencies—municipalities,regional planning agencies,different NCDOT departments and divisions - and include a specific roadmap for implementation, funding, and further planning/design projects. The actionable materials should be presented so that they may be modified by the ongoing implementation group as future conditions change. 7. The Client will be responsible for the translation of materials and making materials 508-compliant, as needed. 8. This scope of work assumes a twelve (12) month Project schedule that will begin upon receipt of a signed contract or Notice to Proceed letter. 12 Task A—Project Management The Consultant Project Manager will lead, coordinate and monitor planning and design of the Project for general conformance with standards and policies established at the beginning of the projects. The Project Manager will provide the management, coordination and direction to its team to complete the scope of work. The Project Manager will coordinate with the various subconsultants and task leads to provide timely delivery of qualified products.The Consultant will notify the Client of any subconsultant or task lead changes. Project Management efforts will include the following: • Project control and administration • Resource allocation to facilitate simultaneous production of different tasks • Day to day communication among task leaders • Coordination in development of change orders and modifications • Coordination to comply with contract provisions • Meeting facilitation, participation,and documentation • Monthly progress reports and invoices per Client formats and criteria • Management,coordination and direction to subconsultants • Maintain current records of Disadvantaged Business Enterprise(DBE) utilization • Processing invoices,subconsultant contract management • Documenting scope,objectives, and deliverables • Project coordination meetings(including consultant, NCDOT,and/or contributing partners) The Consultant will participate in up to twenty-four(24) project coordination meetings, including preparing agenda and meeting minutes for each meeting,as needed. The Consultant will prepare and submit one(1)Project Management Plan(PMP)with a detailed description of project tasks to be undertaken, a labor and cost budget for each task, a project schedule, and project administrative procedures such a project communications protocol. Task A Deliverables: • Up to twelve(12)monthly progress reports and invoices • Up to twenty-four(24)project coordination meetings(agendas and minutes, as needed) • One(1)project management plan with schedule o One(1)draft o One(1)final Task B—Vision & Branding The Consultant will work with the Client and Stakeholders to develop a regional vision for multimodal mobility in the Triangle Region that will be inclusive, data-driven, and responsive to the community's needs. Based on client input and data analysis, including collecting existing regional/local vision statements in the region, a clear and inspiring regional vision for multimodal mobility will be formulated.The vision will articulate long-term goals and aspirations, emphasizing the importance of promoting equitable,efficient,and sustainable transportation options for all users. The Consultant will use the Delphi method to collect feedback from stakeholders on the regional vision, a process used to arrive at a group opinion or decision by surveying a panel of regional transportation experts.The experts will respond to several rounds of questionnaires,and the responses will be aggregated and shared with the group after each round. This process is regularly used to build consensus among a large audience. The vision will serve as a guiding star, driving decision-making throughout the planning process.The Consultant will prepare and submit one (1) high-level memorandum to summarize the vision and goals. 2 13 The Consultant will work with the Client and stakeholders to update the previous FAST Study branding to maintain the existing FAST identity, while indicating this is additional work. The branding will be used on all deliverables, including outreach and engagement materials, and project documentation to provide a consistent look for project materials that is recognizable to the public. The Consultant will provide one round of updated branding to the Client for review, and the Client will coordinate internal review of the draft concepts to ensure all necessary departments provide feedback, which will be consolidated and provided to the Consultant. Following the approval of the brand by the Client,the Consultant will prepare and submit one(1)memorandum of the brand standards to the Client,which will include a branding guidance document and Word and PowerPoint templates. Task B Deliverables • One(1)vision and goals memorandum o One(1)draft o One(1)final • One(1)brand standards memorandum o One(1)draft o One(1)final • One(1)Delphi Method memorandum o One(1)draft o One(1)final • Branding files Task C—Public and Stakeholder Engagement Public Engagement and Outreach Plan(PEOP) The Consultant will prepare and submit one (1) Public Engagement and Outreach Plan to detail public engagement efforts throughout the project. The Consultant will work with both the NCDOT Public Involvement, Community Studies & Visualization Group and the NCDOT Communication Group to develop the PEOP, in order to outline Department standard procedures and integrate national best practices.The PEOP will detail: • the goals for engagement and outreach, • target audiences and stakeholders based on a demographic analysis of the study area with a focus on equitable engagement, • an approach to stakeholder and elected official engagement, • an outline for steering committee/technical coordinating committees • the potential stakeholders and committee members invitation list, • an outline for public engagement/outreach methods, and • milestones for feedback at various phases of study development. Public Outreach Public outreach will focus on promoting an understanding of the Project and garnering public support for the Project. At up to three (3) milestones, the consultant will provide materials for public promotion. It is envisioned that the milestones may include: • Development of the vision • Selection of priority corridors • Final study outcomes(i.e. implementation roadmap) 3 14 Materials for public promotion may include: Education Campaign This multi-faceted educational campaign will be a coordinated and strategic effort,with close participation from the NCDOT Communications Unit,to disseminate information,raise awareness,and promote understanding and support for a FAST transit network, particularly along Systematic Management of Adaptable Roadways through Technology (SMART) freeway and arterial corridors. Campaign materials will be designed to achieve specific educational objectives,convey important messages,and drive behavioral change among the target population as necessary.The campaign plan will outline clear objectives, the target audiences, messaging and creative content to be used, and measurement and evaluation of the campaign.Specific tools that can be used include: • NCDOT webpage content • Short educational videos • Fact sheets • Email campaigns • Social media • Press releases • Posters and printed ads for use at transit centers, DMVs,community centers,etc. • Study business cards "Meeting in a Box"Kits A"Meeting in a Box" concept is meant for stakeholders and agency or institution leaders (such as municipal, MPO, RPO, or COG staff) who want to encourage participation of their members in FAST 2.0 outreach activities. The "Meeting in a Box" includes a set of PowerPoint slides, briefing materials, and sample outreach content that stakeholders throughout the region can use to provide updates and share information about the FAST 2.0 process and outcomes.The Consultant will develop a set "Meeting in a Box" materials for up to three study milestones and will provide training as necessary to agencies who receive the"Meetings in a Box." The Consultant may also provide staff to support these meetings or other stakeholder facilitated events in the community to provide the public with an in-person opportunity to engage with the study team, learn about the recommendations, and will use "Meeting in a Box" materials. The Consultant will provide one staff member to participate in up to ten (10) pop-up events which will be organized and attended by stakeholder members. Stakeholder Engagement The Client has established two committees that will participate in guiding the FAST 2.0 project: • Steering Committee—Comprised of leadership from study partners,who will be responsible for adopting any project recommendations and deliverables, along with championing the project throughout the life of the project. • Technical Committee — Comprised of technical staff from study partners, who will be responsible to provide technical input. The Consultant will participate in,and document project-specific information,for • up to four(4)Steering committee meetings, • up to four(4)technical committee meetings,and The Consultant will be responsible for issuing invitations to participating committee members and providing meeting accommodations or web meeting platform.The Consultant will prepare committee meeting agendas, presentation materials,and develop meeting minutes,as needed. 4 15 In addition to the established project committees,the project process and outcomes are expected to be presented at up to three (3) milestones to key regional transportation agencies, local governments, and community leaders. Municipalities, regional agencies, and NCDOT will receive individual implementation plans to facilitate the appropriate levels of endorsement, support, or adoption.The Consultant will prepare up to three (3) presentations (one for each milestone)and will participate in up to fifteen (15) presentations. Governance Framework The Consultant will work with the Client to develop a governance framework for the project. It will include the structure, function, and responsibilities of the partner agencies. The most important part of the governance framework will be defining a quick decision-making process to maintain the tight schedule.An ongoing working group will be established to monitor,evaluate,and alter, if needed,the implementation of FAST and SMART projects. Task C Deliverables: • One(1)Public engagement/outreach plan o One(1)draft o One(1)final • Public engagement materials at up to three(3)milestones o One(1)draft package of materials for each round o One(1)final package of materials for each round • Participation in up to ten(10)pop-up events • Participation in up to four(4)Steering Committee meetings(agendas, materials and minutes, as needed) • Participation in up to four(4)technical committee meetings(agendas, materials and minutes, as needed) • Participation in up to 15 presentations to other/regional stakeholders • Preparation of up to 3 presentations(one for each milestone)for other/regional stakeholders o One(1)draft o One(1)final • One(1)Governance plan/framework o One(1)draft o One(1)final Task D—Needs Assessment/Analysis& Primary Corridor Identification In order to identify new (since Phase I FAST Study) transportation challenges, opportunities, and gaps in current system,the Consultant will: • Review existing transportation data, planning documents, and relevant policies, including, but not limited to: o Phase I FAST Study, NCDOT Complete Streets & Roadway Design Manual, CAMPO BOSS Study, CAMPO RED lanes study,Wake Transit Plan and updates,City of Raleigh &Town of Chapel Hill BRT studies, CAMPO BRT studies, Durham BRT studies, Durham Transit Plan and updates, Orange Transit Plan and updates, Triangle Bikeway Study, Central Pines COG Connected Region, and the current NCDOT TIP. • Gather existing quantitative and qualitative data related to transportation infrastructure, existing transit services, population demographics,traffic patterns,transit services,and land use patterns. • Review existing/planned projects in the region,with the goal to ensure regional network coordination and to identify where project investments may be leveraged. 5 16 The Consultant will prepare and submit one (1) memorandum summarizing the existing plans that were reviewed, and will prepare and submit one (1) high-level needs assessment memorandum summarizing the challenges, opportunities,and gaps in current system. The Consultant will prepare and submit one(1)high-level project equity plan that will evaluate and recommend how equity considerations can be incorporated into the priority corridor identification and overall regional network recommendations. After identifying the needs that exist in the current system, the Consultant will work to identify primary corridors within the regional network. As part of that identification process, the Consultant will conduct, up to twenty (20), one-on-one interviews with study partners'senior leadership,or senior technical staff. Incorporating feedback from stakeholder one-on-one interviews, along with the needs data analysis and plan review,the Consultant will use the Delphi technique to identify primary corridors. The Consultant will prepare and submit one (1) high-level memorandum identifying the regional network and primary corridors. Task D Deliverables: • One(1)high-level needs assessment memorandum o One(1)draft o One(1)final • One(1)existing plans memorandum o One(1)draft o One(1)final • One(1)high-level regional network and primary corridor identification memorandum o One(1)draft o One(1)final • One(1)high-level project equity plan o One(1)draft o One(1)final Task E—Project/Improvement Evaluation & Recommendations The Consultant will evaluate a suite of options which may be appropriate for implementation along primary corridors and the network overall.This may include: o Coordination with sponsors of existing plans and projects within the study area o Mobility Hubs, complete streets, TOD opportunities and micromobility solutions as a part of a robust regional multimodal transportation network especially in relation to already planned BRT corridors and proposed GoTriangle site in RTP o Explore opportunities for improved transit rider experience for existing and expanded Bus On Shoulder System(BOSS),selected operational or other low-cost improvements that may improve travel for transit and/or all users o Dynamic transit priority shoulders adjacent to freeway medians, including potential toll opportunities. o Express lanes with transit priority o Direct access ramps for enhanced freeway transit o Queue jump lanes or RED transit lanes o Transit facilities on the outside or in the median of arterials with alternative designs like reduced conflict intersections or median u-turns o BRT or FAST transit linkage between 1-40 and relocated regional transit center o On-ramp signals and freeway connector ramp signals for area freeways o Variable speed limits along area freeways o Transit signal priority standardization 6 17 o Example bus stop/station designs or layouts for various transit priority shoulder or lane options o Example bicycle and pedestrian access improvements to complement bus stop/station designs o Mobility-as-a-service and single digital ticketing solutions. o Through/regional lane separation options for existing freeways o Selected tactical transit opportunities for freeways and arterials; e.g., short busway segments or linkages As part of the evaluation,the Consultant will analyze traffic at the corridor level.The Consultant will use commercial probe data to identify bottlenecks and reliability within a given corridor.Volume capacity ratio(v/c)output from the adopted Triangle Regional Model (TRM) horizon years, supplemented by critical lane analysis at key intersections where more refined turning movement data are available, will be reviewed to identify projected roadway network capacity constraints. The Consultant will perform a high-level screening of up to four(4) direct BRT linkages to RDU International Airport from Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Cary (with the understanding that sections of Chapel Hill and Durham would potentially run on concurrent routes as would certain sections of Cary and Raleigh), which will link multiple downtowns to the interconnected transit priority network of dynamic transit priority shoulders and/or express lanes. This level of analysis will consider all aspects of BRT infrastructure,operations planning,and vehicle needs along with a transfer location on the RDU property. The Consultant will explore multiple solutions that may include a transfer between BRT operating on 1-40 and BRT operating on Airport Boulevard or Aviation Parkway or other two seat ride concepts.The Consultant will prepare a feasibility study for the BRT transfer location at RDU, which could be used for a reginal transit hub, in addition to serving the airport. This work would include space programing, test fits on preferred site,workshop to select a concept and NEPA red flag analysis. The Consultant will prepare and submit one(1)technical memorandum and plans summarizing the feasibility of the suite of options and potential treatments. After evaluating the suite of options, the Consultant will recommend infrastructure improvements for the priority corridors, including the high-level design concepts on up to six (6) selected project corridors, envisioned to include one (1) interstate segment (i.e. Interstate 40 from NC 54 to Wade Avenue) and five (5) arterial segments, geographically distributed across the study area. The Client may identify more priority corridors during the project and will work the Consultant will negotiate a contract modification, as needed. The Consultant will prepare and submit one(1)memorandum that summarize the recommended infrastructure improvements and include the high- level design concepts. The Consultant will advance one high-level concept for each of the six (6) selected project corridors through the NCDOT Express Design and applicable regional planning organization processes.The Consultant will coordinate with NCDOT and the MPOs for any active or upcoming express designs or other projects that could accelerate the development of multimodal solutions. The limits, complexity, and deliverables of the express design work will be through discussions between the Client and Consultant. The Consultant will have a set budget for express design work;the Client may increase funding for the express design work, as determined necessary. In addition to the infrastructure improvements for the priority corridors, the Consultant will provide recommendations for the overall regional network. As part of the overall recommendations, the Consultant will identify infrastructure improvements that can potentially be integrated with planned/programmed/anticipated projects (STIP projects, etc.). The Consultant will prepare and submit one (1) memorandum outlining the recommendations infrastructure improvements for the overall regional network. Task E Deliverables: • One(1)technical memorandum and plans summarizing the feasibility of potential treatments o One(1)draft o One(1)final 7 18 • One (1) memorandum summarizing recommended infrastructure improvements for selected corridors, including/high-level design concepts for up to three(3)selected project corridors o One(1)set of draft high-level design concepts o One(1)draft memorandum of recommended infrastructure improvements o One(1)set of final set of draft high-level design concepts o One(1)final memorandum of recommended infrastructure improvements • One(1)express design package for up to three(3)selected project corridors o One(1)set of draft express design materials o One(1)set of final express design materials • One(1)memorandum summarizing the recommendations for the overall regional network o One(1)draft o One(1)final Task F—Implementation Plan& Prioritized Recommendations The Consultant will use the collected study data and vision to develop an actionable plan for implementing the FAST transit priority infrastructure and SMART freeway corridor activation. The action plan will consider a phased approach to prioritizing projects based on feasibility, impact, timeframe and equity considerations. The plan will identify potential funding mechanisms and opportunities to leverage funds and resources.The implementation plan will include agency-specific steps to ensure it aligns with local, regional, and state requirements to adopt,fund, and include projects in CIPs, MTPs,TIP'S,etc. The plan will also consider how the recommendations align with NCDOT's strategic prioritization process and evaluation criteria and IMD's goals. The plan will also make recommendations on how NCDOT's Complete Streets Policy could further institutionalize (a) the prioritization of transit within the highway project planning and design process and (b)the prioritization of transit within operations and maintenance activities. The Consultant will prepare and submit one(1)implementation plan,that will include funding resources aligned with infrastructure recommendations and a prioritized list of recommended projects. Task F Deliverables: • One(1)implementation plan o One(1)draft o One(1)final Task G—Final Report The Consultant will prepare and submit one (1) final report that consolidates the previous task deliverables into a final report. The Consultant will prepare and submit one (1) package of project files from the course of the project, including memorandums, plans, slide decks,and branding materials. Task G Deliverables: • One(1)final report o One(1)draft o One(1)final 8