Request for Proposal. Request for Proposal for GreenLink Bellingham Technical Analysis and Community Engagement, Bellingham, WA

Transcription

1 Request for Proposal Request for Proposal for GreenLink Bellingham Technical Analysis and Community Engagement, Bellingham, WA 1

2 Table of Contents: Section A: Project Scope... 3 Section B: Background... 3 Section C: Skills Needed... 5 Section D: Scope of Work... 5 Section E: Funding... 7 Section F: Period of Performance... 7 Section G: Instructions to Proposers... 7 Section H: Proposal Format... 8 Section I: Qualification and Evaluation Criteria

3 Section A: Project Scope Futurewise is soliciting proposals to subcontract with Futurewise for assistance in conducting technical analysis and community engagement as part of GreenLink Bellingham in the greater Bellingham, WA area. The project seeks to identify environmental stressors associated with land use actions and explore achievable solutions for eliminating or reducing impacts of stressors. The objectives of GreenLink Bellingham are to set forth a vision and spatial framework, at landscape scale, for an integrated network of green spaces, identify green infrastructure strategies, and create implementable recommendations in order to improve water quality, habitat, and community assets in Bellingham. Section B: Background GreenLink Bellingham is an innovative new project to promote the protection and connection of Bellingham s green spaces -- its "green infrastructure" -- on a watershed scale. To be completed by June 2016, the project will culminate in strategies and techniques that support an integrated network of parks, open spaces, natural areas and engineered stormwater treatment projects. It will also build greater awareness of the benefits of green infrastructure. The project is being led by Futurewise, a nonprofit planning and policy organization, in partnership with the City of Bellingham, local stakeholders, and community partners. The project is intended to be a pilot project that can be replicated as a cost effective model for developing similar green infrastructure visions and implementable strategies for urban areas of the Puget Sound region. The project builds on Bellingham s long-time commitment to serve the role of an environmental steward by conducting business in a manner that: 1) increases community understanding of the natural environment and participation in protecting it through education and programs, 2) promotes sustainable land use patterns and low impact development practices and 3) leads by example in the conservation of natural resources such as energy, water and trees, and avoidance of adverse environmental impacts. This project includes a Stakeholder Advisory Committee comprised of representatives from local nonprofits, business leaders, unions, urban planners, public health representatives, the conservation district, and state agencies. A Technical Advisory Committee has also been developed to provide technical input into the project. Extensive community engagement and outreach are a critical component of the project. Phase I of the project has been underway since Fall 2014 which includes six tasks. Four tasks have been completed or are near completion and two are in the planning stages. GreenLink Bellingham has held 3 stakeholder meetings and 2 technical committee meetings completing Task 1 and a portion of Task 2 Lay of the Land. The Lay of the Land (Task 2) consists of a literature review and an existing condition 3

4 map catalogue. The literature review has been completed with the annotated map catalogue near completion (90%). Completed Maps Include: Impervious Surface Natural Vegetation (Lawns, Meadows, Forest) Listed Water Bodies Water Quality o Fecal o Conventionals Salmon Presence o Chinook o Coho o Chum o Pink o Sockeye o Steelhead o Cuthroat Fish Passage Forest Patch Size o Mammal o Avian o Amphibian Meadow Patch Size o Mammal o Avian o Amphibian Forest Canopy Community Health Benthic Index of Biological Integrity Road Integrity Population Distance to Developed Park (play structure, manicured lawn/field) (1/2 mile) Population Distance to Open Space (1/2 mile) Population Distance to Bus Stop (1/4 mile) Riparian Habitat Function (150 feet either side of stream) Significant Plant Species The successful consultant will use this information as the starting point for the scope of work in Section D below. 4

5 Section C: Skills Needed The consultant or consultant team should have experience interpreting spatial data and have expertise in landscape ecology, statistics, forest ecology and urban forestry, wetland and soil science, stormwater infrastructure, environmental engineering and conservation biology. In addition, the consultant or consultant team should have experience in communicating/presenting to stakeholder and technical committees and the public. Section D: Scope of Work The tasks and scopes of work for this project include: Phase I 1. Finish Phase I ( Lay of the Land ) GIS maps: a. Create or complete GIS maps, using existing City of Bellingham or other known data sources (note, most of these data have been acquired). The themes are: i. Marine Sediment Toxics ii. Flooding and floodplain capacity (minimum Squalicum Creek) iii. Access to community gathering places iv. Wetland Quality v. Stormwater Retrofit needs vi. Bike Lanes/Greenways and Trails miles of proposed projects vii. Sidewalk Expansion - miles of proposed projects (planned by City and County) viii. Street Replacement (planned by City and County) b. Incorporate Whatcom County data into existing maps, using existing county data c. Create zoomed in Squalicum Watershed maps (for each theme) d. Complete Phase I report (i.e., adding final maps to existing text document) Note: The data are being used to show color coded conditions by subwatershed. Consultant is not generating new data but will be using existing data as well as data currently being generated by Futurewise (i.e., through community engagement, etc.). Phase II 2. Overlay Phase I GIS maps to identify challenges (opportunities) including overlay with: a. City of Bellingham pedestrian plan, bike plan, habitat master plan, road maintenance schedule plan, capital facilities plan and issues identified in existing condition maps b. Community gaps maps (already gathered from community outreach gathering places, gaps in pedestrian, bike, transit routes, trails, etc.) c. Identify gaps, links and connections needed 5

6 3. Based on input from Stakeholder and Technical committee members, compile a matrix of potential solutions (including linkages, corridors, water quality, habitat, habitat connectivity, and community). Review and enhance the matrix. The list of potential projects will be conceived to improve the ability of the community to enhance or repair functions of ecosystem services and community services such as habitat connectivity, ecosystem restoration, complete street projects, stormwater retrofits, open space acquisition, park development, sustainable local economies, and other capital projects to plan for climate change and smart growth development. The objective of the projects will be to create resilient communities able to managing growth, adapt to climate change, and successfully navigate economic cycles, while providing for viable ecological communities, protecting existing habitat and enhancing degraded corridors. 4. Create preliminary project list (based on previous tasks and additional information) with 1 page write-ups for each potential project (site details, estimated typical range of costs, constraints, potential funding sources), with focus on achievable solutions. Identify on maps. 5. Identify potential constraints including code, public perception, business perception, geography, use conflicts, critical areas, regulatory (including Shoreline Master Programs), other environmental constraints, and other constraints. Phase III 6. Develop Preliminary Implementation Toolkit (to include Recommended Projects, Policies, Regulations, and Incentives) for Squalicum watershed. Develop policies (Comprehensive Plans, Shoreline Master Program, other), development regulations for improving watershed and incentives program for watershed. Make recommendations on breaking down jurisdictional and infrastructure silos to get at better solutions using dollars more effectively. 7. Create ranking system of achievability of projects and types of projects, with Stakeholder and Technical committee members input (vetted by community at Charrette (see Task 11) which will be coupled with online activity (managed by Futurewise staff)). Phase IV 8. With Stakeholder and Technical committee member input, winnow projects to identify priority projects (near-term and long-term). Prepare a more detailed description of each priority project narrative, budget range (capital and maintenance). Develop a logical sequence of phases for inclusion of projects in Comprehensive Plan (20 year), Shoreline Master Program, and Capital Facilities Plan (6 year). 9. Create final report which includes: a. Maps from each phase of work 6

7 b. Priority project descriptions c. Recommendations, including policy and incentives recommendations Other 10. Work with Stakeholder and Technical Committees at each phase of work to incorporate feedback (total of 8 meetings). Note: Consultant will attend and present at meetings only (logistics for meetings will be managed by Futurewise staff). 11. Help plan content for and present at the Squalicum Watershed Community Charrette Workshop in winter (Jan or Feb 2016) to gather community input. Note: Futurewise staff will manage the logistics and all aspects of the charrette. 12. Work with project team staff (Futurewise and City of Bellingham) as needed to move project forward. Section E: Funding GreenLink Bellingham is funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Whatcom Foundation s Sustainable Community Fund. The budget for this project shall not exceed $55,000 and includes expenses related to labor such as office supplies, telephone and travel. Expenses related to the project such as venue rental, outreach materials, etc. will be paid directly by Futurewise separately. A contract will be negotiated with the successful applicant. The consultant should be able to deliver effective and low cost methods and techniques. Section F: Period of Performance The period of performance of any contract(s) resulting from this RFP is tentatively scheduled to begin on or about 9/15/2015 and to end on or about 6/30/2016. Section G: Instructions to Proposers 1. Please submit (electronically) the following no later than midnight August 31, 2015 to: Futurewise Attn: Heather Trim 816 Second Avenue, #200 Seattle, WA Proposals received after the time for closing will not be reviewed. 7

8 3. In keeping with Futurewise s sustainability practices, Proposals shall be submitted in one (1) electronic copy to [email protected]. We will acknowledge receipt of on the date submitted so that proposer knows that proposal was successfully delivered. 4. Proposer may withdraw Proposals at any time during this process. 5. Futurewise reserves the right to conduct discussions with Proposers, to accept revisions of Proposals, and to negotiate price changes. Futurewise shall not disclose any information derived from Proposals submitted or from discussions with other Proposers. 6. Proposals shall be submitted in the format shown in the following section ( Proposal Format ). Proposals in any other format may be considered informal and can be rejected. Conditional Proposals shall not be considered. An individual authorized to extend a formal Proposal shall sign all Proposals. Proposals that are not signed may be rejected. 7. Futurewise reserves the right to reject any or all Proposals or any part thereof, or to accept any Proposal, or any part thereof, at award and to waive or decline to waive irregularities in any Proposal when it determines that it is in its best interest to do so. Futurewise also reserves the right to hold all Proposals for a period of ninety (90) days after the opening date and to accept Proposal not withdrawn before the scheduled Proposal opening date, and to negotiate with any Proposer considered qualified or make any award without written discussion. 8. The successful Proposer shall be expected to enter into a standard form of contract approved by Futurewise. The contract will include a scope of work and project milestones and outcomes. Reimbursement will be based on achievement of project milestones and outcomes. 9. Futurewise shall not reimburse the Proposer the costs associated with responding to the Request for Proposal. Section H: Proposal Format Please follow the format shown below in submitting your Proposal. The total proposal, including cover letter, exhibits and attachments of all kinds, shall not exceed 12 single sided pages. 1. Cover letter of introduction. 2. Professional history and professional qualifications and certifications. 3. Description of all team members to be utilized in performance of this project including short form resumes. 4. Technical Proposal in detail including the Proposer s proposed method of accomplishing tasks. 5. Cost proposal, as well as an hourly rate schedule for all team members. 6. A brief summary of your recent and relevant projects. 7. References on similar projects (List names, addresses, telephone numbers, and addresses of three references for which work has been accomplished and briefly describe the type of service provided for them. The Consultant must grant permission to Futurewise to contact the references and others who may have pertinent information.) 8. Additional comments or final summary. 8

9 Section I: Qualification and Evaluation Criteria Qualifications: The Consultant must be licensed to do business in the state of Washington and have at least 4 years of experience in relevant fields. The Consultant must demonstrate an ability to work with a diverse group of non-profit organizations, governmental agencies, volunteers and coalitions. Futurewise expects that the personnel supporting this project will possess the following skills, experience, and expertise: Understanding of Puget Sound regional ecosystem and landuse issues Knowledge of related environmental issues, and previous work experience with research Proven success record in the following areas: Data analysis related to water quality, habitat condition, community assets Knowledge of green infrastructure protection, enhancement and creation (both natural and engineered) Community engagement Policy and regulations related to land use and environmental issues Demonstrated ability to deliver cost effective results Ability to deliver all project phases Past experience that demonstrates creativity and confidence that the project will be successful Evaluation Criteria: Proposals shall be evaluated on the following basis: 1. Demonstrated expertise in this particular field 2. Proposer s experience with similar/like projects 3. Client references and their recommendations 4. Qualifications and availability of principal participants 5. Overall quality of the technical proposal i. Methodology for task accomplishment 6. General quality and adequacy of response i. Completeness ii. Expressed understanding of the requirements of the RFP iii. Responsiveness to terms and conditions 7. Cost Proposal 9