Federal Strategic Consultant Needed

The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) seeks a highly experienced federal strategic consultant for a (2)-year term, to support its transit, rail, highway, and multimodal initiatives by providing expert guidance on federal funding, regulatory processes, and strategic positioning within the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and related agencies. SCOPE OF WORK 1. Consultant shall provide high level strategic advice and consultation to OCTA as the subject matter expert for the federal transportation development, regulatory, and funding processes at all levels in the Executive branch of government. 2. Consultant shall provide strategic consultation on a wide variety of federal transportation programs through the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), as well as the Build America Bureau’s credit assistance programs. Examples include, but are not limited to, FTA’s Capital Investment Grants (CIG) Program, FRA’s Corridor Identification and Development Program, Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Program, as well as Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) loans, and the Railroad Rehabilitation Improvement Financing (RRIF) programs. 3. Consultant shall provide strategic advice to ensure the steady flow of FTA funding through the grant process from development through execution, including the federal review process that includes certification from the US Department of Labor, and any issues that may arise from 49 U.S.C. § 5333(b) (formerly Section 13(c) of the Urban Mass Transportation Act) and the California Public Employees' Pension Reform Act (PEPRA). 4. Consultant shall provide strategic advice, arrange meetings and other support services to increase the awareness of the Department of Transportation (DOT), FTA, FRA and FHWA regarding any adverse impacts to OCTA’s transportation infrastructure as a result of natural disasters or climate related events and the need for federal funding to address the repair and resiliency of that infrastructure. 5. Consultant shall provide strategic advice for specific modes supported by Orange County’s Measure M half-cent sales tax. 6. On designated projects seeking or which received CIG funding, at either the implementation or operations phase, including the OC Streetcar (Santa Ana-Garden Grove Fixed Guideway) project, Consultant shall coordinate with OCTA to provide strategic assistance in the FTA on CIG requirements at all phases, as well as the operations and maintenance of the project, including securing a full funding grant agreement and fulfilling all related terms and conditions. A. Consultant shall advise OCTA in interactions with FTA’s capital project development and operations team and assist OCTA in monitoring, informing, and responding to FTA Headquarters and Region, as needed. B. Consultant shall advise OCTA on the best practices utilized by CIG project sponsors nationwide to ensure OCTA effectively leverages local, state, and federal funding in the safe, efficient operation and maintenance of the OC Streetcar and future transit efforts. This may include developing, in coordination with OCTA, analysis on delivery of CIG projects, and recommendations for improvement in any future projects. C. Upon OCTA Executive Office and Government Relations Staff direction, Consultant shall work with OCTA’s capital, marketing, and public communications departments, and its OC Streetcar operating contractor, to coordinate the activities necessary to successfully operate the OC Streetcar. 7. On designated projects, Consultant shall coordinate with OCTA’s internal project management team to provide strategic guidance on grant funding or credit assistance programs and funding applications, and in negotiating issues as they arise, for the purpose of maximizing the likelihood of obtaining federal funding. 8. Consultant shall advise OCTA on potential project funding impacts resulting from legislative and regulatory proposals, including the implementation of the next surface reauthorization bill, and help identify potential policy shifts with the Administration and Congress. 9. On an as-needed basis, Consultant, in conjunction with OCTA staff, shall develop a communication strategy through verbal and/or written communications to explain federal programs, processes, and timelines, as well as statutory or regulatory compliance to the OCTA Board of Directors (Board), and key OCTA staff through presentations at OCTA Board Meetings, OCTA Committee Meetings and/or Senior Staff Meetings. 10. Consultant shall advise OCTA staff and consultants on capital program strategies employed by other successful transportation agencies to include procurement approach, contract sequencing, and positioning of capital projects to maximize strategic advantages in a competitive federal funding environment. 11. With OCTA Executive Office and Government Relations staff’s direction, Consultant shall advise OCTA and the Los Angeles-San Diego-San Luis Obispo Rail Corridor Agency (LOSSAN) staff regarding federal developments affecting the funding and operation of State supported passenger rail systems nationwide and within California. 12. Consultant shall provide representation, consulting, and logistical assistance for activities conducted by the American Public Transportation Association, including legislative meetings, strategy sessions, and conferences as directed. 13. Consultant shall monitor the Federal Register and other informational sources to advise OCTA on new or changing federal regulatory requirements, provide guidance on related processes, and assist with implementation of such. 14. Consultant shall develop and submit a monthly progress report that describes the work performed and activities conducted during the invoice period, including any issues faced, accomplishments achieved and/or deliverables completed. Apply tot his job Apply To this Job