The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Office of Public-Private Partnerships (P3) recently opened the submission period for unsolicited proposals from the private sector for transportation projects.
Submissions are for PennDOT-owned projects and infrastructure.
Proposals should offer innovative ways to deliver transportation projects across a variety of modes including aviation, bridges, ports, rail, and roads. They also can include more efficient models to manage existing transportation-related services and programs.
The deadline is Oct. 31. The next submission period will be in April.
Under Pennsylvania law, PennDOT and other transportation authorities and commissions are permitted to partner with private companies regarding the delivery, maintenance, and finance of transportation-related projects.
The law also established the seven-member Public Private Transportation Partnership Board to examine and approve potential public-private transportation projects if it determines a state project would be administered more cost-effectively by a private company.
Selected companies are authorized to submit proposals and enter into contracts to either completely or partially take over a project for a specific timeframe.
Private sector companies also may submit applications for non-PennDOT-owned assets directly to the P3 board.
Transit authorities and other transportation entities outside of the governor’s jurisdiction are permitted to establish their own timelines or accept proposals year-round.