RFP 49-26 Grant Writing Services

Background
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) is seeking consultant support for grant writing services to pursue discretionary grant funding, primarily from federal agencies. The goal of this contract is to assist the MBTA's Capital Program Planning Department in writing grant applications, conducting benefit-cost analyses, and supporting discretionary grant pursuits. The MBTA aims to engage a contractor with expertise in federal grants, particularly from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Work Details
The contractor will provide the following services:
1. Grant Writing, Management, and Tracking:
- Meet quarterly with the Capital Program Planning team to understand federal grant development needs.
- Review new grant opportunities and support decision-making for competitive capital projects.
- Develop 1-3 grant applications quarterly by assembling necessary information as guided by Notices of Funding Opportunity (NOFO).
- Write, revise, and edit drafts while obtaining approvals from stakeholders.
- Provide project management support for data gathering, task assignment, and deadline identification.
- Conduct quality control reviews of work products and ensure final submissions are ready at least one business day prior to deadlines.
- Prepare benefit-cost analyses as required.

2. Capital Investment Grant Support:
- Advise on key considerations related to the MBTA’s Capital Investment Grants portfolio and develop federal-program-specific strategies.

3. Capital Funding Grant Strategy Support:
- Advise on federal grant pursuit strategies and share industry information related to applicable grant programs.

Period of Performance
The contract duration is three years with two optional one-year extensions.

Place of Performance
Services will be performed at locations determined by the MBTA and may include remote work as necessary.

Bidder Requirements
Bidders must comply with all applicable laws and regulations. They should have experience in managing similar contracts and demonstrate technical proficiency in grant writing. Bidders are encouraged to include partnerships with diverse subcontractors as part of their proposal.