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RFP – Consultant Services for Pedestrian Wayfinding Strategy and Plan

Travel Portland, in partnership with the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT), is seeking a qualified consultant to develop a comprehensive pedestrian wayfinding strategy and plan. The purpose of this project is to develop and implement a strategy for creating a cohesive and user-friendly wayfinding system that helps pedestrians navigate the city, enhances the pedestrian experience, and promotes a sense of place. The submission deadline is Dec. 4, 2023.

Download full rfp pdf here

Questions from Applicants

Do the client team and stakeholders broadly buy into the two parts of the scoping study cited in the RFP?

The client team (Travel Portland and PBOT) expects the following elements from the two parts of the scoping study to guide this next phase of work:  
 
-Stakeholder list   
-Study area   
-Insights from surveys/engagement + observations   
-Core objectives   
-Wayfinding family   
-Partnership model   
-Hub and orientation sign density   
-Maintenance, operations, other capital costs   
-Funding options   
-Project plan/next steps  
 
While the scoping study may be used for foundational elements of this work, applicants should feel free to use their creativity and technical expertise to build upon these.

Are there specific elements or recommendations we need to be aware of that could guide our response, i.e., your appetite for integrating digital as part of the Wayfinding solution? 

Please see above for specific elements of the scoping study that should guide the next phase. Recommendations may include, but are not limited to, static, digital, temporal and other wayfinding strategies.

What is the extent of the branding required in year 1? Is this just a visual identity – system identifier, colours, typography, design principles? Or are you expecting this to include more detailed aspects, such as sign layouts and industrial product design for the physical signage?

In year 1, branding should serve as a means of broadly articulating wayfinding strategy, principles and visual identity to tangibly engage stakeholders and the public in the process. More detailed aspects are expected in year 2.   

Is the visual identity planned to be used for communications or marketing purposes in the initial stages of the project? Or is it being developed in year 1 to start the process and communicate the intended approach? 

The branding developed in year 1 should be used both to inform the client team of the intended approach and to communicate with and engage the public. 

Are there existing brand standards for the city or other organization to be used as a reference or a starting point when developing the Wayfinding system brand? 

No, there are no existing brand standards that need to be used as a starting point. 

Are the strategy and design of the system anticipated to be developed in year 2? This would include the development of placement plans, sign content and naming, the detailed design of signage, mapping and the interim/temporary elements.

Yes, the design of the future wayfinding system will be the focus in year 2. However, there is interest in demonstration/temporary wayfinding elements being deployed in the summer of 2024 in high pedestrian traffic areas during the peak tourist season. If included in the proposal, this could be part of the engagement for the branding and visual identity of this project.    

Will there be interviews for the top candidates? If so, when will those interviews take place? 

At this time, interviews are not a part of the selection process. However, if the project team decides to have interviews, these would be held virtually the week of Dec. 11.   

Is there a sample contract that can be provided for initial review? 

This request is pending administrative approval. If approved, a sample contract will be shared with all potential applicants who have expressed interest in the project.