The update to the 2022 Freight plan will be conducted by MDT staff and will meet federal requirements as well as be consistent with the policies and goals identified in TranPlanMT. TranPlanMT serves as MDT’s decision-guiding document, especially in areas related to investing Montana’s limited transportation funds. A Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) of MDT subject matter experts (SME) will help guide the Freight Plan update. SME’s may include staff from Motor Carrier Services, Traffic & Safety, Maintenance, Bridge Bureau, FHWA and more. Input from the TAC will be sought at certain stages in the Plan’s update. Under general guidance of the MDT Project Manager, the consultant will help coordinate and conduct stakeholder engagement at various stages of the Plan’s update. It is anticipated that the majority of engagement activities will occur within the first four months of the timeline. Per federal statute, outreach will be prioritized to freight stakeholders. All meetings will be conducted virtually and there will be no required travel or the need for printed materials. The Freight Plan must be finalized and submitted to FHWA by September of 2026. A proposed project timeline will be provided to the consultant at the time of contract development and negotiation. This scope of work may be modified due to the Offeror’s proposed draft Work Plan. It is anticipated that stakeholder outreach and coordination will occur within the first six months of the plan’s development. Independent of any new requirements, or emerging needs, the scope of work at a minimum must include: General Stakeholder Engagement and Coordination The consultant will facilitate stakeholder engagement, including: . Developing and compiling a listserv of stakeholders with the respective organization/agency, in Excel format. The listserv will be used to communicate with stakeholders. Each agency included in the listserv should include the contact name’s, position/title, Agency name, mailing address, and email address. The listserv must be up to date and current. Assisting MDT in responding to comments. Compose and send emails/letters to stakeholders and others. Draft and compose a press release(s) regarding the update of the State Freight Plan.
