Project Information

Bid Title

Managed Lane (E-ZPass) System Planning Study

Issuing Agency

State Government of Minnesota

Location

Minnesota

Published Date

May 20, 2026

Closing Date

Jun 9, 2026

Government Level

State & Local

Status

Closed

Original Source

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Bid Documents

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Project Description

Managed Lane (E-ZPass) System Planning Study

Brief Description: State seeks a qualified Contractor to perform a comprehensive long-range planning study of its Twin Cities Metro E-ZPass managed lane system. State most recently studied this system in 2017 (MnPASS System Study 3). This study will evaluate the E-ZPass Express Lane system in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. It will evaluate and prioritize corridors with the best potential to benefit from E-ZPass lanes. It will also complete a benefit/cost analysis for implementing license plate tolling and automated occupancy verification systems on Minnesota’s E-ZPass system.

Date posted: 05/20/2026
Due date: 06/09/2026

• RFP Part A
• RPF Part B
• Scope of Work
• DBE Special Provisions

Attachment Preview

MnDOT Contract No. 1062880

Exhibit C: Specifications, Duties, and Scope of Work

Managed Lane (E-ZPass) System Planning Study

INTRODUCTION

State seeks a qualified Contractor to perform a comprehensive long-range planning study of its Twin

Cities Metro E-ZPass managed lane system. State most recently studied this system in 2017 (MnPASS

System Study 3). Since then, there have been a number of important events affecting the region’s

transportation system and State’s managed lane program. These include the rebranding and

implementation of MnPASS as E-ZPass in 2021. Also, the pandemic and subsequent increase in telework

have altered travel patterns in the region. Further, updated transportation policy plans by State and the

Metropolitan Council have been adopted that offer new direction for transit and mobility investments,

as well as heightened emphases on addressing climate change and greenhouse gas emissions. New E-

ZPass lanes went in operation on Interstate (I)-35W in the north metro in 2021 and others are now

under construction on I-494 in the south metro. Many of the corridors identified as potential managed

lane corridors in the 2017 study have since undergone additional study at the corridor scale and/or have

experienced new development. New laws have been enacted impacting priced managed lanes, and new

tolling/pricing technologies have been developed. Given all these developments, State needs to take a

fresh look at the Metro managed lane system so this key multimodal strategy can continue to meet the

region’s transportation needs for decades to come.

The study will:

1. Review relevant studies, plans, policies, regulations and laws within Minnesota and in other

states with priced managed lane facilities;

2. Collect and summarize existing conditions and operations information;

3. Engage technical stakeholders and agency partners through a technical advisory committee;

4. Assess Minnesota’s E-ZPass system goals and performance;

5. Evaluate where future managed lane investments would be most impactful, considering factors

like vehicle and transit travel time reliability, person throughput, greenhouse gas reduction and

offsets, safety and affordability, integration with future shared mobility facilities and services,

and user equity;

6. Develop an implementation framework with potential prioritized locations that coordinate with

other investments identified in State and Metropolitan Council long-range transportation policy

and investment plans; and

7. Complete a cost-effectiveness analysis and best practice synthesis for implementing new

camera-based license plate tolling and occupancy verification technologies to improve peak

period safety and performance and reduce violation rates.

The results from the study will be used to help inform and update future long range transportation

plans; identify corridors where managed lanes should be studied and implemented; and develop a

business case for updating the system’s existing tolling technology to modern industry standards.

This study is being led by State and is jointly funded by State and the Metropolitan Council. It is

anticipated to be a 16-18 month study.

Contractor will complete the following tasks:

1

MnDOT Contract No. 1062880

Exhibit C: Specifications, Duties, and Scope of Work

Task 1: Project Management

Project management includes work necessary to administer, coordinate, and communicate to complete

the project tasks as scheduled and within budget. This task focuses on effective communication of the

project work to expedite the decision-making process and maintain project schedule. It requires

Contractor to support State’s efforts to engage and involve key agency stakeholders and partners in the

study. Contractor will not reassign its project manager or their duties without notifying State’s project

manager and obtaining their written consent. Contractor staff must have the training and expertise

necessary for the tasks to which they are assigned.

1.1 Administration

Contractor will perform all administrative tasks necessary to successfully carry out the study and

complete its deliverables, including but not limited to:

a) A study kick-off meeting within 21 days of notice to proceed for State functional staff and others

identified by State.

b) Regular virtual small group or one-on-one project manager coordination meetings with State project

manager on at least a biweekly interval, and more frequently if deemed necessary by State.

c) Contractor will work with State to assemble a Project Management Team (PMT) to manage the study,

and schedule virtual monthly meetings of the team on a staggered schedule with the Technical Advisory

Committee (TAC) meetings referenced below.

d) Notes, minutes and/or a project log that documents key information, decisions, and discussions.

e) Monthly invoices accompanied by a cover letter explaining project status, percent of work complete,

remaining effort, any schedule changes, and direct expense receipts/documentation.

f) Storing of all deliverables in an electronic document management system (e.g., SharePoint) that

makes deliverables and working drafts available to State’s project manager at all times. Final

deliverables to be submitted by email, ProjectWise (facilitated by state), and/or SharePoint.

g) All other work to ensure the study tasks are completed within budget and schedule.

1.3 Technical Advisory Committee

Contractor will work with State to assemble a TAC consisting of technical staff representing, but not

limited to, the following stakeholders:

1. State

2. Metropolitan Council

3. Anoka County

4. Carver County

5. Dakota County

6. Hennepin County

7. Ramsey County

8. Scott County

9. Washington County

10. 3-5 Cities to be determined

11. Metro Transit

12. Suburban Transit Association

13. Federal Highway Administration

2

MnDOT Contract No. 1062880

Exhibit C: Specifications, Duties, and Scope of Work

The TAC will provide technical expertise and direction for the study. To involve the TAC, Contractor will

schedule virtual meetings (suggested 1 every 3 months) for the duration of the project. Additional

working group meetings and/or subgroup meetings may also be scheduled as needed.

1.4 Development of informational materials

Contractor will prepare materials that can be used at PMT, TAC and other meetings such as handouts,

PowerPoint presentations and other informational materials and displays as needed. Contractor will also

provide State with content to place on its project website. Contractor is responsible for the quality of

deliverables to achieve project excellence and participant satisfaction. Contractor will perform quality

control of deliverables prior to submission.

1.5 Coordination with other State studies, projects and groups

Contractor will be required to coordinate with other studies and projects such as ongoing corridor and

environmental studies involving priced managed lane alternatives, as well as the E-ZPass Systems

Engineering Study. Contractor will also be required to coordinate with State functional groups and attend

State meetings as needed.

1.6 Additional Stakeholder Outreach

Contractor will be required to prepare presentation material and assist State in additional stakeholder

outreach and meetings throughout the study including, but not limited to, presentations to and gathering

feedback from the Transit Working Group, Met Council, Transportation Advisory Board, Capital

Improvements Committee, Department of Public Safety/Minnesota State Patrol, and other interested

groups and organizations.

1.7 Project Management Plan (PMP)

Contractor will develop and submit within 30 days of notice to proceed a PMP that will include the study

description, the project team, project communications, task assignments, study schedule and key

milestones, deliverables, budget and fee, and identified risk.

1.8 Quality Management Plan (QMP)

Contractor will develop and submit within 30 days of notice to proceed its QMP. The QMP will specify

how Contractor will perform Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC) activities throughout the

duration of the project to ensure delivery of a quality project in a timely manner that conforms to

contract requirements.

1.9 Items Provided by State

State, after authorizing the start of work, will furnish any data or material in its possession relating to the

study that may be of use to Contractor in the execution of work. This will include studies, Geographic

Information System (GIS) maps/data, traffic model data, relevant plans and other materials that may be

identified. Data furnished to Contractor, by State, will remain the property of State and will be returned

to State at the conclusion of the project, or earlier if requested.

1.10 Web-based Teleconferencing

Contractor will provide means for the project team to meet via internet-based teleconferencing

(Microsoft Teams is preferred) that allows participants to view the desktop of the meeting organizer. The

approach will allow for participants to “take control” of the virtual desktop to point to information on the

file displayed. The approach will allow for voice communication via computer or phone.

1.11 Deliverables Standards

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MnDOT Contract No. 1062880

Exhibit C: Specifications, Duties, and Scope of Work

1. Software

a. Adobe Acrobat XI or newer

b. Microsoft Excel 2013 or newer

c. Microsoft Word 2013 or newer

d. Microsoft PowerPoint 2013 or newer

2. Paper copies

a. Paper copies of documents will be printed two-sided to conserve paper.

b. Paper copies of graphics will be printed single-sided on 11×17-inch paper as possible.

3. Electronic copies

Electronic documents will be submitted in both Portable Document Format (PDF) and in the original file

format. The purpose for requesting the original file format in addition to PDF is to enable State to make

corrections in future printings. Electronic documents will be submitted and exchanged via e-mail or an

agreed upon file sharing service that is convenient for the study team.

4. Plain Language

Except for designs, plans, layouts, maps and similar documents, Contractor must provide all deliverables

in “Plain Language.” Executive Order 14-07 requires the Office of the Governor and all Executive Branch

agencies to communicate with Minnesotans using Plain Language. As defined in Executive Order 14-07,

Plain Language is a communication which an audience can understand the first time they read or hear it.

To achieve that, Contractor will take the following steps in the deliverables:

a. Use language commonly understood by the public;

b. Write in short, complete sentences;

c. Present information in ways that are easy to find and understand; and

d. Clearly state directions and deadlines.

References: MnDOT Consultant Service Plan Language Resources; Plainlanguage.gov 

5. Accessibility Standards

Comply with the State of Minnesota’s Accessibility Standard

(http://mn.gov/oet/images/Stnd_State_Accessibility.pdf ) for all documents or exhibits specifically

designed to be used by the public. Technical documents, presentations, spreadsheets, and drawings

used by technical staff do not need to be in plain language. The State of Minnesota’s Accessibility

Standards entail, in part, the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 (Level AA) and Section

508 of the Rehabilitation Act, as amended. Additional requirements can be found at this website:

http://www.dot.state.mn.us/ada/accommodation.html and include:

a. Providing interpreters, translators or other special accommodations[1] . Request for

translation and interpreting services must be made through the Office of Equity and

Diversity. To request these services, please complete the appropriate form available on the

Equity & Diversity Language Services webpage.

b. Providing documents in an alternative format

c. Following the PDF accessibility guidance.

Compliance with the State of Minnesota’s Accessibility Standard includes, but is not limited to, the

specific requirements as follows:

a. All videos must include closed captions, audio descriptions and a link to a complete

transcript;

b. All documents, presentations, spreadsheets, drawings, and other material must be

provided in an accessible format. In addition, provide native files in an editable format.

Acceptable formats include InDesign, Word and Excel; and

c. All materials intended for downloading and printing such as promotional brochures,

must be labeled as such and the content must additionally be provided in an accessible

format.

4

MnDOT Contract No. 1062880

Exhibit C: Specifications, Duties, and Scope of Work

All content (print, digital) Contractor will adhere to State of Minnesota Brand Style Guide and Minnseota

Department of Transportation (MnDOT) Style Standards Guide. No project logos or wordmarks are to be

created. 

Contractor must provide translated materials for virtual engagement. 

Contractor will provide the following deliverables:

Task 1: Deliverables

1. PMP—draft within 30 days of notice to proceed: seven days for State review

2. QMP—draft within 30 days of notice to proceed: seven days for State review

3. Study schedule summary – updated monthly throughout the study

4. Bi-weekly check-in meetings with State

5. Monthly PMT meetings

6. Stakeholder engagement plan identifying planned engagement outcomes, participants,

meetings, and activities

7. Technical Advisory Team meetings approximately every three months

8. Additional Stakeholder outreach meetings as needed

9. Meeting agenda, PowerPoint presentations and other meeting materials – provided to State

project manager no later than three days prior to scheduled meetings

10. Meeting Minutes – within one week after each meeting

11. Attendance at meetings

12. Submit monthly invoices

Task 2: Review Available Information; Assess the E-ZPass System’s Vision, Goals and Performance;

and Develop Study Goals/Objectives, Analytical Methods, Screening Process and Evaluation

Criteria

Contractor will review and assess available information and data related to successful completion of the

study including existing conditions and performance. Following that review, Contractor will work with

the PMT and TAC to assess the E-ZPass system’s vision, goals and performance, and make

recommendations for refining the vision/goals and improving the system’s performance. Contractor will

also work with the PMT and TAC to develop the study’s goals/objectives, analytical methods, screening

process and evaluation criteria.

2.1 Review and Assess Available Information and Data

Contractor will review and assess the following information and data:

1. Current State and Met Council long range transportation and investment plans;

2. Current Twin Cities transit provider plans, such as Metro Transit’s Network Now;

3. Past system studies and past/current corridor/environmental studies involving managed

lane alternatives;

4. Managed lane studies and plans from other states/regions currently underway or

completed within the past 10 years that could provide useful information to this study;

5. State Managed Lane Equity Study completed in 2023;

6. State programmed and planned projects in the State Transportation Improvement

Program (STIP) and Capital Highway Investment Plan (CHIP);

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Commodity Codes

• NAICS 541330Engineering Services
• NAICS 541512Computer Systems Design Services

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