Brady PieperThe Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Office of Public-Private Partnerships (P3) is now accepting unsolicited proposals from the private sector for transportation projects through Oct. 31.
The state is seeking partners for various transportation projects and initiatives. Authorized under 2012’s Act 88, PennDOT will begin its biannual search for new P3s to help finance, engineer, construct, operate or maintain transportation infrastructure and projects throughout the Commonwealth.
This P3 submission window will pertain to projects and infrastructure owned by PennDOT and will allow for private entities to present innovative solutions for a range of transportation models, including roads, bridges, rail, aviation and ports.
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During this period, private sector applicants may make proposals on non-PennDOT-owned assets directly to the P3 Office. This round of unsolicited proposals will also support P3’s suggestions on more efficient management models for existing transportation services and programs.
Private entities looking to apply must adhere to several guidelines listed in the PennDOT’s P3 Implementation Manual. Unsolicited proposal requirements include but are not limited to applicant and project information, project details with a preliminary financial plan and a purpose and need statement, project benefits, rationale for P3 agreement and project precedent, if necessary.
Unlike solicited proposals, unsolicited project applicants will be required to provide additional project details such as the scope of work, right-of-way requirements and experience/technical competence showcasing applicant qualifications.
Unsolicited proposals for projects with a cost greater than $10 million must also place a $50,000 deposit to serve as review fee. If the proposal is not selected, the deposit will be returned to the applying entity.
For a complete list of guidelines and requirements on this round of unsolicited proposals, check the P3 Implementation Manual. All unsolicited proposals must be submitted online by Oct. 31 for P3 consideration.
PennDOT’s P3 Office will oversee all aspects of the P3 program, including identifying, screening and prioritizing unsolicited proposals. After developing an analysis for proposals in accordance with P3 Law, the office will present selected proposals to the Transportation P3 Board for review and approval.
The seven-member Transportation P3 Board—consisting of the Secretary of Transportation, Secretary of Budget, Governor’s Appointee and four legislative appointees—will examine potential P3 agreements and authorize companies to submit proposals that are deemed more cost effective than if administered by a state operation.
Looking ahead, the P3 Office’s next unsolicited proposal acceptance period will occur in April 2025. For more information on Pennsylvania’s P3 program, active P3 projects and additional resources regarding P3s, see Public-Private Partnerships webpage.
