When is the submission deadline?

Submissions are due November 9, 2026. Questions must be submitted by October 23, 2026.

What is the budget for this RFP?

Settle estimates the budget at $350,000 – $750,000. The issuer has not published an official figure.

It was issued by Central Ohio Transit Authority. The work is located in Columbus, Ohio, United States.

Passenger Shelter and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Cleaning and Maintenance Services (Due November 9, 2026)

SUMMARY

The Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) is seeking a qualified contractor to provide routine cleaning and maintenance services for approximately 670 passenger amenities, including shelters, pylons, and benches, throughout its service area.

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DESCRIPTION

The Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) requires a qualified contractor to provide routine cleaning, litter and debris removal, graffiti removal, snow and ice treatment, inspections, and minor signage support for approximately 670 passenger amenities, including standard shelters, BRT shelters, BRT pylons, Simme seats, and stand-alone benches. Services include scheduled cleaning, hot-water pressure washing, and maintenance of no-smoking signs. The contractor must also provide a real-time electronic tracking system for service verification and reporting. The contract term is five years. COTA reserves the right to add or remove service locations based on operational needs.

KEY REQUIREMENTS

Must provide a real-time electronic tracking system for monitoring and verifying shelter cleaning services
Must maintain a 24-hour emergency contact and respond to emergency cleaning requests within four hours
Must provide proof of financial stability
Must provide at least three references from organizations other than COTA for services provided over the past three years
Must comply with all applicable EPA, Ohio EPA, and City of Columbus stormwater regulations
Must maintain minimum insurance coverage including $1,000,000 Commercial General Liability and $2,000,000 Cybersecurity Insurance
Must be certified as an SBE or document adequate good faith efforts to meet SBE participation goals
Must provide a written statement signed by each proposed subcontractor verifying commitment to the contract

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TIMELINE

Posting Date: October 9th, 2026

Question Submission Deadline: October 23rd, 2026, 5:00pm

Question Response Deadline: October 30th, 2026, 5:00pm

Proposal Response Submission Deadline: November 9th, 2026, 2:00pm

Recommended Vendor Selection (Tentative): November 13th, 2026

Presentations or Interviews: The Week of November 9th, 2026

Issuing Agency

Central Ohio Transit Authority

Organization overview and procurement intelligence available on paid plans.

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CONTACTS

Primary procurement contact — name, title, email, and phone

Additional decision-makers and their departments

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Passenger Shelter and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Cleaning and Maintenance Services