RFQ 2026-05 for STA Executive Director Recruitment

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SOLANO TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY
Member Agencies:
Benicia * Dixon * Fairfield * Rio Vista * Suisun City * Vacaville * Vallejo * Solano County
Soeano 'b:anspottation Authoity
423 Main Street, Suisun City, CA 94585-2413 * Telephone (707) 424-6075 / Fax (707) 424-6074
Email: info@sta.ca.gov * Website: sta.ca.gov
June 12, 2026
RE: Request for Quotations (RFQ) #2026-05 for STA Executive Director Recruitment
Services
Dear Recruitment Firm:
The Solano Transportation Authority (STA) invites qualified recruiting firms to submit a Request
for Quotations to provide recruitment services for the hiring ofa n Executive Director for the STA.
The full Request for Quotations (RFQ) is available online to download or can be requested by
calling the STA at (707) 424-6075. Please visit https://www.sta.ca.gov/work-with
sta/ Jrocurement-o ortunities/ to download the RFQ as a PDF file.
The RFQ describes the requested services to be provided, presents the requirements of the
recruitment firm, and outlines the criteria that will be used to evaluate the RFQ.
Qualified recruitment firms are invited to submit one (1) hard copy and one (1) digital copy
(flash drive) ofy our response to the RFQ to the STA office no later than 12:00 P.M. on Friday,
June 26, 2026. Please address your response to RFQ to:
Attn: Cecilia de Leon, HR/Contract Administrator
Solano Transportation Authority
423 Main Street
Suisun City, CA 94585
Note that this deadline is firm and late submittals will not be accepted. Notification and release
ofRFQ results will be posted on the STA website in July, 2026.
If you have any questions regarding this RFQ, please contact Cecilia de Leon at
cdeleon(il),sta.ca. gov

REQUEST FOR QUOTATIONS
(RFQ # 2026-05)
For the
RECRUITMENT SERVICES
For
STA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Release Date: June 12, 2026
RESPONSES DUE:
12:00 p.m., Friday, June 26, 2026
One (1) complete hard copy and one (1) digital copy (flash drive) of each response
Solano Transportation Authority
423 Main Street
Suisun City, CA 94585

Table of Contents
DISCLOSURE .............................................................................................................................................. 1
PROTEST AND APPEALS ......................................................................................................................... 1
I. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................ 2
II. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................ 2
III. POSITION OVERVIEW ...................................................................................................................... 3
IV. SCOPE OF SERVICES ........................................................................................................................ 3
V. QUALIFICATIONS ............................................................................................................................. 3
VI. DELIVERABLES ................................................................................................................................. 3
VII. LOCAL PREFERENCE POLICY ........................................................................................................ 4
VIII. INSTRUCTIONS .................................................................................................................................. 4
IX. SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS ........................................................................................................ 5
X. SELECTION & CRITERIA ................................................................................................................. 6
XI. SELECTION SCHEDULE ................................................................................................................... 7
List of Attachments
Attachment A - STA Standard Contract
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DISCLOSURE
The master copy of each response to this Request for Quotations (RFQ) shall be retained for
official files and will become a public record after the award of a contract unless the qualifications
or specific parts of the qualifications can be shown to be exempt by law (Government Code section
7920.000 et seq.). Each responding firm may clearly label part of a submittal as
"CONFIDENTIAL" if the responding firm agrees to indemnify and defend the STA for honoring
such a designation. The failure to so label any information that is released by the STA shall
constitute a complete waiver of all claims for damages caused by any release of the information.
If a public records request for labeled information is received by the STA, the STA will notify the
responding firm of the request and delay access to the material until seven working days after
notification to the responding firm. Within that time delay, it will be the duty of the responding
firm to act in protection of its labeled information. Failure to so act shall constitute a complete
waiver.
PROTEST AND APPEALS
Any actual or prospective bidder, offeror, or contractor who is aggrieved in connection with the
Solicitations or Notice of Intent to Award a contract may protest to the Executive Committee. The
protest shall be submitted in writing to the Executive Committee within seven (7) working days
after such aggrieved person or company knows or should have known of the facts giving rise
thereto. All letters of protest shall clearly identify the reasons for the protest. The protest also
must state the law, rule, regulation, or policy upon which the protest is based. The Executive
Committee shall issue a written decision within ten (10) working days after receipt of the protest.
The decision shall state the reason for the action taken and inform the protester that a request of
further administrative appeal of an adverse decision must be submitted in writing to the Clerk of
the STA Board of Directors within seven (7) working days after receipt of the decision by the
Executive Committee.
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I. INTRODUCTION
The Solano Transportation Authority (STA) was created in 1990 through a Joint Powers
Agreement (JPA) between the cities of Benicia, Dixon, Fairfield, Rio Vista, Suisun City,
Vacaville, and Vallejo and the County of Solano to serve as the County Transportation
Authority (CTA) for Solano. As the CTA for the Solano area, the STA partners with various
transportation and planning agencies, such as the Metropolitan Transportation Commission
(MTC) and Caltrans District 4.
The STA is responsible for countywide transportation planning, programming transportation
funds, managing and providing transportation programs and services, delivering transportation
projects, and setting transportation priorities, and services as the Consolidated Transit Service
Agency (CTSA) for Solano County.
The STA uses an open and inclusive public involvement process through various committees
made up of local elected officials, public works directors, transit operators, and interested
citizens.
The STA is committed to continually improving Solano County's transportation system so that
our residents have easy access to jobs, schools, shopping, medical appointments and essential
services. To that end, the STA - working with each of the cities and the county - plans for,
funds, manages and delivers a wide array of programs designed to keep Solano moving. While
delivering transportation projects to ensure mobility, travel safety, and economic vitality is the
STA's mission, preserving and improving the quality of life enjoyed by Solano County
residents underscores all that we do.
Solano County is located in the northeast corner of the San Francisco Bay Area and is situated
in close proximity to the Napa Valley and Sacramento region. Solano County benefits from
mild winters and warm summers and is located conveniently close to recreational areas within
and outside of Solano County. The STA's new office is located on the waterfront in Suisun
City's historic and picturesque downtown. The office is located a short walk from a Capitol
Corridor Train Station and two express bus lines with connections to the Bay Area and
Sacramento.
II. INTRODUCTION
STA is seeking quotations from executive recruitment firms to provide assistance in
identifying and hiring an Executive Director. The scope of services is generally described as
follows, and further described in this RFQ:
The selected firm will assist the STA Board of Directors, STA Legal Counsel, and STA HR
Department ("Hiring Committee") in locating, interviewing, and evaluating potential
candidates for the position of Executive Director. The selected firm will meet with the Hiring
Committee to determine the professional qualities, experience and skills desirable in an
Executive Director candidate. The selected firm will develop an effective recruitment process,
and identify potential candidates through advertising, networking and other methods. The
selected firm will assist the Hiring Committee in conducting screening and initial interviews
of potential candidates, evaluating each candidate, and providing a written assessment of each
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candidate. The selected firm will meet with and assist the Hiring Committee and present
suitable candidates for consideration.
III. POSITION OVERVIEW
The Executive Director serves under the general policy direction of the Authority's Board to
plan, organize, and direct the STA's work program for transportation projects; to provide
guidance, monitor and coordinate the activities of the project partners, sponsors, and
contractors to assure projects are completed on schedule; establishes cooperative relationships
with citizens, civic groups and other agencies on transportation matters by facilitating
consensus building and decision making.
IV. SCOPE OF SERVICES
The selected firm will be expected to provide end-to-end executive search services and will
work closely with the Hiring Committee to complete the following scope of services:
* Become familiar with STA's Executive Director job description.
* Execute a Contract for Professional Services (See Attachment "A").
* Prepare and distribute recruitment brochure.
* Actively sourcing, screening, and vetting highly qualified candidates.
* Coordinate and assist with review of applications for the Executive Director position
by the Board of Directors and the Hiring Committee.
* Assists in the facilitation of the oral interview and assessment panel process along with
the Hiring Committee.
* Prepare candidate evaluation summaries.
* Meet with the Board of Directors and the Hiring Committee regarding the selection of
a new Executive Director.
* Conduct reference checks and supporting background verification.
* Assist STA's Board of Directors and Hiring Committee throughout the process.
* Prepare a time schedule for the completion of services.
V. QUALIFICATIONS
The firms should demonstrate:
* Experience conducting executive-level searches, preferably for public agencies,
transportation authorities, or related government sectors.
* A strong understanding of public-sector leadership competencies and transportation
administration.
* A record of implementing equitable, inclusive, and transparent recruitment practices.
* Adequate capacity to complete the search within agreed-upon timelines.
* Experience assisting Hiring Committees in conducting legally compliant background
checks.
* A history of successful executive placements and positive client references.
VI. DELIVERABLES
The selected firm must provide:
* A project work plan and timeline.
* Position announcement and recruitment materials.
* Regular progress updates to Hiring Committee.
* A diverse and qualified slate of candidates.
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* Documentation of screening, assessment tools, and candidate evaluations.
* Interview coordination and preparation of interview materials.
* A final summary report at the conclusion of the recruitment process.
VII. LOCAL PREFERENCE POLICY
The STA has adopted a Local Preference Policy which encourages the hiring of local
firms. While there is no adopted goal for this recruitment services, executive recruitment firms
are still encouraged to utilize the services of local firms in the preparation of a response to this
RFQ. The STA has prepared a database of contact information for local firms for convenience
purposes only and without guarantees as to the ability of such firms to provide the services.
This database and the Local Preference Policy can be viewed at
https://sta.ca.gov/operations/rfp-rfq-local-preference/.
VIII. INSTRUCTIONS
1. Examination of Response Documents: By submitting a response, the firm represents that it has
thoroughly examined and become familiar with the work required under this RFQ, and that it
is capable of performing the work identified in Scope of Services.
2. Addenda/Clarifications: Explanations or clarifications regarding the meaning or interpretation
of the RFQ may be requested in writing. All inquiries pertaining to this RFQ should be e-
mailed to Cecilia de Leon at the following email address: cdeleon@sta.ca.gov no later than
12:00 PM (PST), June 17, 2026. Response to all questions submitted by the deadline that
may have a material impact on the RFQ will be posted on the STA website at www.sta.ca.gov
by June 19, 2026. The subject line for questions submitted in writing should include reference
to: "Questions - STA RFQ #2026-05-STA Executive Director Recruitment Services".
3. Withdrawal of Response Submittal: A firm may withdraw its response at any time before the
expiration of the time for submission of response to RFQ by delivering a written request for
withdrawal signed by, or on behalf of, the firm.
4. Rights of STA: This RFQ does not commit STA to enter into a contract, nor does it obligate
STA to pay for any costs incurred in preparation and submission of the response or in
anticipation of a contract.
STA may investigate the qualifications of any firm under consideration, require confirmation
of information furnished by the proposer, and require additional evidence or qualifications to
perform the services described in this RFQ.
STA, in its sole discretion, reserves the right to:
- Reject any or all response submittals.
- Issue one or more subsequent RFQs and/or RFPs.
- Postpone opening for its own convenience.
- Remedy technical errors in the RFQ and/or RFP process.
- Approve or disapprove the use of particular subcontractors.
- Negotiate with any, all, or none of the firms responding to this RFQ.
- Solicit best and final offers from all or some of the firms.
- Award a contract to one or more firms.
- Waive informalities and irregularities in any response to the RFQ.
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5. Method of Payment: Method of payment for this project is not to exceed contract. The
submitted cost proposal (submitted separate from the technical response to RFQ)
Firms shall be prepared to accept the terms and conditions of STA's standard form contract
included as ATTACHMENT A (STA Sample Professional Service Agreement) hereto. If a
firm desires to take exception to the agreement, the firm shall provide the following
information as a section of the response identified as "Exceptions to the Contract":
Firms shall clearly identify each proposed change to the agreement, including all relevant
exhibits and attachments.
a. Firms shall furnish the reasons therefore as well as specific recommendations for
alternative language.
b. The above factors will be taken into account in evaluating responses to the RFQ.
Substantial exceptions to the agreement may be determined by STA, at its sole
discretion, to be unacceptable and STA may proceed with negotiations with the
other proposed firms.
IX. SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS
Please prepare your responses to the RFQ in accordance with the following requirements.
1. Qualifications: The qualifications (excluding resumes and the transmittal letter) shall not
exceed a total of ten (10) single-sided, 8.5" x 11" pages. Include in the appendix similar
examples of past recruitments.
2. Transmittal Letter: The qualifications shall be transmitted with a cover letter describing the
firm's interest and commitment to the proposed project. The letter shall state that the
qualifications shall be valid for a 90-day period and should include the name, title, address and
telephone number of the individual to whom correspondence and other contacts should be
directed during the selection process. The person authorized by the firm to negotiate a contract
with STA shall sign the cover letter.
Address the cover letter as follows:
Hiring Committee
Attn: Cecilia de Leon, HR/Contract Administrator
Solano Transportation Authority
423 Main Street,
Suisun City, California 94585
3. Qualifications and Experience: The qualifications submittal shall provide the qualifications
and experience of the recruitment firm for such services. Please emphasize the specific
qualifications and experience from previous recruitments similar to this recruitment for the
Key Team Members. Key Team Members are expected to be committed for the duration of
the recruitment. Replacement of Key Team Members will not be permitted without prior
consultation with and approval of the STA.
4. Staffing Plan: The qualifications shall provide a staffing plan required to complete the time
for the recruitment services. Discuss the workload, both current and anticipated, for all Key
Team Members, and their capacity to perform the requested services according to your
proposed schedule. Discuss the firm's approach for completing the requested services for this
project within budget.
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5. Work Plan and Schedule: This section shall include a description and schedule of how each
task deliverable of the project will be completed. The Work Plan should be in sufficient detail
to demonstrate a clear understanding of the project. The schedule should show the expected
sequence of tasks and include durations for the performance of each task, milestones, submittal
dates and review periods for each submittal. Discuss the firm's approach for completing the
requested services on schedule. The recruitment is expected to commence no later than
July, 2026.
6. Cost Control: Provide information on how the firm will control costs to ensure all work is
completed within the negotiated budget for the recruitment services. Include the name and
title of the individual responsible for cost control.
7. Additional Relevant Information: Provide additional relevant information that may be helpful
in the selection process (not to exceed the equivalent of 2 single-sided pages).
8. References: For each Key Team Member, provide at least three references (names and current
phone numbers) from recent work (previous three years). Include a brief description of each
project associated with the reference, and the role of the respective team member.
9. Submittal of Response: One (1) hard copy and one (1) digital copy (flash drive) of your
response are due at the STA office no later than 12:00 p.m., June 26, 2026. Envelopes or
packages containing the response should be clearly marked, "RFQ 2026-05-STA Executive
Director Recruitment Services".
10. Cost Proposal: A cost proposal should be submitted in a separate sealed envelope titled
BUDGET. The budget should indicate the number of anticipated hours by the Project
Manager and Key Team Members. The estimated level of hours for other staff can be
summarized in general categories.
The maximum budget (including all incidental expenses and all deliverables) has been set at
$30,000 for this project. The envelope will not be opened until all responses to the RFQ have
been received and ranked based upon firm qualifications. The STA will select a firm based
upon their ability to provide the requested services, but may reject any response that does not
fall within the established budget.
X. SELECTION & CRITERIA
The overall process will be to evaluate the technical components of all the qualifications
completely and independently from the cost component.
The Hiring Committee f will select the most qualified recruitment firm based primarily on
experience, ability to contain costs, and conducting similar recruitments. Recent experience
in Solano County is desirable.
Once the top recruitment firm has been selected, STA staff will negotiate a services contract
with the selected recruitment firm.
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XI. SELECTION SCHEDULE
June 12, 2026 RFQ Issued.
Deadline for written questions concerning RFQ e-mailed to
June 17, 2026
cdeleon@sta.ca.gov no later than 12:00 p.m.
June 19, 2026 All questions and answers will be posted on the STA website.
Response to RFQ are due no later than 12:00 PM at the
offices of the Solano Transportation Authority, 423 Main
June 26, 2026 Street,, Suisun City, CA 94585. Late submittals will not be
accepted.
June 30, 2026
STA selects recommended firm.
July, 2026 upon selection
Recruitment commences.
of recruitment firm
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