Transit Innovation Evaluation Program (TIEP)

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Office of Acquisition Management issued this Sources Sought notice, solicitation number TIEP2026, to identify vendors for the Transit Innovation Evaluation Program (TIEP). This program is designed to enhance the timeliness, quality, and efficiency of evaluation and rapid-response research throughout the transit sector. The initiative fulfills the federal statutory requirement under 49 U.S.C. § 5312(e)(4) for the independent evaluation of demonstration projects under the Public Transportation Innovation Program.

The program supports evidence-based decision-making by conducting ad hoc research on emerging transit challenges. To meet these objectives, the FTA requires evaluation experts with specific public transportation industry experience to conduct evaluations and address evolving research priorities. This requirement is designated as an SBA (Small Business Administration) set-aside, and the primary place of performance is Washington, DC.

Responses to this notice are due by March 27, 2026, directed to the point of contact, Tennile Palmer. The solicitation includes two attachments posted on March 13, 2026: a Statement of Objectives and a Request for Information/Sources Sought document. These materials further detail the evaluation and research services necessary to assist the FTA with the TIEP.