HARRISBURG – Taking another step in modernizing Pennsylvania’s transportation funding options, the Office of Public Private Partnerships (P3) announced that it is accepting unsolicited proposals for transportation projects through May 31.
“P3 projects are another tool we have to meet or expand Pennsylvania’s transportation services, and this is an opportunity for the private sector to share innovative ways to deliver projects,” PennDOT Secretary and P3 Board Chairman Barry J. Schoch said. “More than 70 percent of PennDOT’s project spending is already contracted to the private sector, and I look forward to seeing the proposed solutions and projects that will further strengthen this partnership.”
The submission period applies to PennDOT-owned projects and infrastructure, or transportation project applications that the private sector wants to submit directly to the P3 Transportation Partnership Board. The May 31 deadline does not apply to transportation entities outside of the governor’s jurisdiction, which may establish their own timelines or accept proposals year round.
During this period, the private sector can submit proposals offering innovative ways to deliver transportation projects across a variety of modes including roads, bridges, rail, aviation and ports. Proposals can also include more efficient models to manage existing transportation-related services and programs.
Unsolicited proposals are being accepted through 11:59 p.m. May 31. Instructions on how to submit a project and information on the unsolicited proposal review process can be found on the state’s P3 website, www.P3forPA.com. The next opportunity to submit an unsolicited proposal to PennDOT and the P3 Transportation Board will be Oct. 1 – 31.
In September of 2012, Gov. Tom Corbett signed into law the Public and Private Partnerships for Transportation Act, which authorized P3 projects in Pennsylvania. This law allows PennDOT and other transportation authorities and commissions to partner with private companies to participate in delivering, maintaining and financing transportation-related projects.
As part of the P3 law, the seven-member Public Private Transportation Partnership
Board was appointed to examine and approve potential public-private transportation projects. If the board determines a state operation would be more cost-effectively administered by a private company, the company will be authorized to submit a proposal and enter into a contract to either completely or partially take over that operation for a defined period of time.
