The FY27 Unified Work Program notes that FTA has awarded TACC 1,500,000 in Congressionally Directed Spending for startup capital to expand countywide transit service under the Ride Calhoun brand. Planned uses include 200,000 for intelligent transportation systems software (licensing, rebranding, rezoning), 50,000 for ITS hardware, 150,000 for countywide radio communications, 75,000 for dispatch computer equipment, 250,000 for third-party planning/design/professional services (route design, stop inventory, realignment, brochure development), 150,000 for marketing and branding services, 175,000 for vehicle wraps, and 450,000 to purchase up to six expansion vehicles. BCATS expects to interact with TACC on the planning portion and lists the CDS project in the TIP over time, with TACC also becoming a financial participant in BCATS from FY2026.No vendors are yet named for the planning, ITS, communications, marketing, or fleet procurements, so TACC will need outside support to design routes, select and implement systems, rebrand, and procure vehicles and equipment. This creates several parallel opportunities for transit technology providers, planning/engineering firms, marketing agencies, and vehicle OEMs or dealers.

Planning/design/professional services are budgeted at 250,000 (312,500 with match), distinct from ITS, marketing, and vehicle purchases, indicating a substantial consultant scope.