The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) is seeking the services of a consultant team to establish a new, innovative, and efficient model for developing the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP), incorporating best practices and innovative solutions to enhance GDOT’s methodology, technologies, data, and procedures. The consultant team will also assist GDOT Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Planners in streamlining and enhancing the MPO planning process, ensuring alignment with state and federal regulations, promoting efficient transportation systems, and addressing regional transportation needs. STIP development should address and adhere to all state and federal requirements, as outlined in the federal code, by FHWA, and applicable state law. The approved STIP will produce a comprehensive, fiscally constrained four (4) year plan that includes a compliant and practicable STIP document, an established process and timeline for the Statewide Interagency Committee (IAC), and a four-year investment plan aligned with the Statewide Strategic Transportation Plan/Statewide Transportation Plan (SSTP/SWTP). The SSTP/SWTP outlines Georgia’s overall strategy for statewide investment programmatically, while the STIP provides the project-level detail for the four (4) year investment, prioritizing foundational, catalytic, and innovative projects. Public involvement is a critical component of STIP development, as required by 23 CFR 450.210 (a) and (b). While public feedback is welcomed throughout the STIP development cycle, GDOT designates a formal 30- day public input period, during which a dedicated website is created to host the draft STIP, interactive maps, meeting invitations, and feedback forms. The consultant, experienced in engaging rural communities, local officials, stakeholders, and the public, assists in outreach efforts across the six (6) GDOT Districts that cover areas outside of an MPO. Before the public involvement process begins, the consultant will prepare an Environmental Justice Identification and Proposed Outreach Report and an STIP Public Involvement and Communications Plan. Once the public involvement process is complete, the consultant will be responsible for developing an overall Public Involvement Report for FHWA review.
