Subject: Request for Information (RFI) for SEPTA Key 2.0 SEPTA Is
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June 28,2021 To Whom It May Concern: Subject: Request for Information (RFI) for SEPTA Key 2.0 SEPTA is conducting an industry review to gain market insight with the goal of finalizing its Request for Proposal (“RFP”) solicitation documents. SEPTA is seeking an upgrade and or replacement for the existing operating system technology for the Key Program with the goal of assembling the procurement documents for this project. SEPTA is seeking input from experienced vendors. SEPTA requests that interested parties submit an RFI response document containing responses to the Authority’s questions no later than 3 pm. (Prevailing Eastern Time) Monday August 9, 2021. SEPTA does not intend to hold discussions at this time; however, SEPTA may contact interested parties to schedule individual meetings with SEPTA’s staff either at our headquarters in Philadelphia or virtually via video conference. When the review is completed and SEPTA has determined what systems are beneficial, SEPTA intends to solicit and then award a multi-year contract for SEPTA Key 2.0. SEPTA is seeking responses from entities with a proven operating fare collection system. Interested parties’ submissions will be in the form of responses to SEPTA’s questions regarding the features of the system. The questions and background information are provided in (Exhibit A), which is attached for your consideration. This is not a vendor selection process. If your organization is interested in this project, please contact me at the address shown below. Please send an "RFI" letter, to the attention of: James Coombs – Director, Contract Administration SEPTA’s Procurement, Supply Chain, & DBE Division 1234 Market Street, 11th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19107-3780 E-Mail: [email protected] All questions pertaining to this RFI must be submitted in writing to James Coombs, via e-mail, no later than 3 pm (Prevailing Eastern Time) Friday July 16, 2021. The answers to all technical questions submitted will be forwarded to all prospective respondents. By participating in this RFI the Proposer is unconditionally agreeing to the following: (i) SEPTA will be authorized to use any information submitted, referenced, or presented during this RFI including, but not limited to a potential Scope of Services; (ii) SEPTA shall be authorized to reproduce, distribute, display, and create derivative works from any information received during this RFI; and (iii) SEPTA shall not be obligated to engage or otherwise compensate Proposer in any manner or for any reason for SEPTA’s use of any information and/or material submitted by Proposer during this RFI or information contained therein, or any other right granted hereunder. This letter must not be interpreted as an award of a contract or as a commitment to reimburse for any costs incurred in the preparation or participation of this RFI. Thank you for your interest in the Authority. Sincerely, James Coombs Director, Contract Administration Procurement, Supply Chain & DBE EXHIBIT A: SEPTA Key 2.0 Request For Information (RFI) Page 0 of 14 The EXHIBIT A SEPTA KEY 2.O REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) Version 1.3 June 24, 2021 Contents 1. Introduction and Purpose .................................................................................................................... 1 1.1 SEPTA Forward: A Vision for a Stronger Future ................................................................................... 2 2. RFI Questions for Respondents .......................................................................................................... 3 2.1 Questions ...................................................................................................................................... 3 General .......................................................................................................................................... 3 Program Management ..................................................................................................................... 3 Data Center .................................................................................................................................... 3 Field Equipment .............................................................................................................................. 4 Sales & Banking ............................................................................................................................... 4 Fare Media, Products and Policy ....................................................................................................... 4 Deployment Approach ..................................................................................................................... 4 Customer Service ............................................................................................................................ 5 New Functionality ........................................................................................................................... 5 Funding & Approach ........................................................................................................................ 5 3. RFI Schedule ......................................................................................................................................... 6 Page i Version 1.3 June 24, 2021 SEPTA Key 2.0 - Request for Information (RFI) 1. Introduction and Purpose SEPTA Key has been implemented across all of SEPTA’s modes and has processed over 500 million transactions since it opened to the public in 2016. It launched as the “future of fare payment,” propelling SEPTA from an era of tokens to a reloadable, contactless chip card that offers a host of options for seamless travel and self-service flexibility. However, the current SEPTA Key backend data- processing system was designed more than 10-years ago and requires a system upgrade to meet the expectations of today – and tomorrow. As SEPTA continues its focus on implementing SEPTA Forward, our new strategic plan, we are interested to hear from vendors across the industry who can provide valuable insights into the future of fare collection. The purpose of this Request for Information (RFI) is to gather the latest information, market intelligence, and recommendations from vendors’ recently deployed, operational, and future innovations in Automated Fare Collection (AFC) systems. In addition, SEPTA is looking at potential innovative approaches to system migrations, operational management, and third-party integrations as a view to develop the future SEPTA Key system. SEPTA will take the insights gained during this RFI process and develop a Request for Proposal (RFP) to support SEPTA in developing the next generation of SEPTA Key, known as Key 2.0. SEPTA may utilize a combination of Federal, state and local funding for procurement and operation of the system and has an interest in receiving suggestions for ways in which the Authority may reduce capital or operating costs of elements of the Key System as well as Public Private Partnerships. Page 1 Version 1.3 June 24, 2021 1.1 SEPTA Forward: A Vision for a Stronger Future Earlier this year, SEPTA leadership released a new strategic plan called SEPTA Forward - A Vision for a Stronger Future1. The purpose of SEPTA Forward is to assess our impact as an agency; identify the challenges that are disrupting our industry; set the vision for where we need to be headed; and identify the goals and strategies that will get us there. It sets a clear vision for the future with transit at the core of a resilient, prosperous, and equitable community for everyone where SEPTA is more than transit; it is the way we connect to each other. The Plan is organized around three goals to achieve our vision: While SEPTA Forward marks an important step to establish a clear direction and priorities, it is only the beginning. A number of exciting initiatives are underway at SEPTA to unify our system, revolutionize our bus network, expand our rail transit network, and strengthen accessibility. With Trolley Modernization, we’re embarking on a once-in-a-generation opportunity to re-imagine one of the nation’s largest light rail networks to dramatically improve transit accessibility, capacity, and reliability. Key 2.0 is a critical investment to transform our system for the 21st century, catalyzing the regional economy. It is an essential opportunity to directly implement SEPTA’s vision for a stronger future. To guide this effort and ensure coordination with SEPTA’s vision for the future, SEPTA has identified three Key 2.0 Program Goals that directly correlate to the organizational goals in SEPTA Forward: Examples of additional functionalities that may help SEPTA achieve these goals include: expanded use of mobile devices; enhanced mobile ticketing & mobile payments; integration with other mobility providers; and expanded open payment functionalities. 1 https://planning.septa.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/SEPTA-Forward_StrategicPlan2021-2026.pdf Page 2 Version 1.3 June 24, 2021 2. RFI Questions for Respondents SEPTA is requesting feedback from industry vendors as to existing deployments successfully fielded to peer transit agencies across the world, as well as new approaches to achieve SEPTA’s goals. This information will be used by SEPTA to formulate the core functionality for SEPTA Key 2.0. Please answer all questions applicable to your firm, and where possible, include references and contact information for each deployed system. 2.1 Questions General Question 1. Describe an automatic fare collection