GDOT Issues Request for Proposals for MMPT Master Developer

December 2,2010

ATLANTA – The Georgia Department of Transportation today released a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a master developer for the Multi-Modal Passenger Terminal (MMPT) in downtown Atlanta. The Department seeks to secure a private sector partner that will assist in planning, development, design, construction, financing and property management of the MMPT.

The Atlanta MMPT will serve as the hub for existing and proposed transportation networks serving metro-Atlanta and beyond, including MARTA rail and bus systems, regional express bus systems and the Georgia railroad network. It may also accommodate future transportation, including high speed rail, light rail and streetcar services. In addition to its transportation functions, the MMPT will serve as a catalyst for one of the largest Transit Oriented Development (TOD) projects in the US.

“A tremendous amount of work has gone into preparing for the issuance of this RFP,” said Georgia DOT Commissioner Vance Smith, Jr. “We’ve spent the last year working closely with key partners, and have prepared a great deal of information that will help ensure this project’s success.”

Earlier this year, the Department signed a Memorandum of Agreement with a group of partners actively engaged in moving the project forward. That group includes the City of Atlanta, Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC), Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA), the Georgia Regional Transportation Authority (GRTA) A Memorandum of Understanding was signed with Atlanta Downtown Improvement District (ADID), as well.

The work conducted over the past year has yielded extensive documentation designed to help prospective bidders understand the project and deliver proposals that effectively meet Georgia’s needs. Further, the Department recently spent three days conducting one-on-one meetings with prospective bidders during which technical, financial and legal issues were openly discussed.

Commissioner Smith added, “This project will be delivered through Georgia DOT’s Public Private Partnership program, and we’ve taken a very deliberate approach in understanding and engaging the private sector. That includes examinations of comparable projects around the country and active engagement with prospective companies that can help make the Atlanta MMPT a reality.”

The procurement schedule for the MMPT calls for a pre-proposal Workshop which will be held on January 5 at GDOT offices. Initial RFP responses are to be received by the Department on January 10, 2011 and shortlisted proposers will be notified January 21, 2011.

The RFP and all supporting documentation are available on the Georgia procurement registry at Georgia procurement registry at http://ssl.doas.state.ga.us/PRSapp/PR_index.jsp and at www.georgiap3.com/mmpt, which also includes information on Georgia’s Public Private Partnership program.

The Georgia Department of Transportation is committed to providing a safe, seamless and sustainable transportation system that supports Georgia’s economy and is sensitive to both its citizens and its environment. Additional transportation revenues are imperative to grow and sustain Georgia's economic vitality and quality of life through the 21st Century. Georgia is the 3rd fastest-growing state in the nation, yet 49th in per capita spending on transportation. For general information on the Georgia DOT, please visit (www.dot.ga.gov).