REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Professional Services for Barriers to Universal Mobility Study

The City of Hastings, Nebraska is seeking proposals from qualified applicants for a Barriers to Universal Mobility Study of the existing sidewalk network. This project will include an inventory and assessment of the existing sidewalk network within the city, and development of a GIS-based compilation of existing conditions and phased improvement plans.

SCOPE OF WORK

The Universal Mobility Study project is an extension of a Walkability and Connectivity Study commissioned by the City of Hastings in 2018, and it is anticipated that the final deliverable will be compatible with the previous study. The City of Hastings intends to utilize the Walkability and Connectivity Study and the Universal Mobility Study to inform a Comprehensive Multi-modal Corridors Plan.

The following is a scope of the tasks required to accomplish the goals and objectives of this project. Consultants are encouraged to modify the scope as deemed appropriate and provide suggestions for alternative methods for attaining project goals.  Consultants should note that there is a significant level of involvement by the Hastings Complete Streets Committee, the City Planning Commission, and several city departments.

INVENTORY AND EVALUATE EXISTING SIDEWALKS:

Establish evaluation criteria and scoring system for sidewalks with the input of City Staff and members of the Complete Streets Committee. Scoring shall prioritize needed improvements to sidewalks and trails based on usage, physical condition, and ADA compliance. Using the most recent “Healthy Communities Policy Guide” of the American Planning Association, incorporate health community design concepts and tools into the prioritization methodology.

Evaluate up to 750 blocks of trail and/or sidewalks. Evaluate the existing physical conditions of sidewalks/trails for: width of surfacing, obstructions in path of sidewalk or trail, type of surfacing, and sampling of cross slope per block. Determine whether curb ramps exist and evaluate compliance with current ADA standards. Items to be evaluated and recorded include: cross slope, width of travel path, presence of detectable warning panels, direction of ramp/crossing, and presence of obstructions to path. Score each intersection for prioritization of future improvements. Compile data graphically on a GIS system. Provide coded maps identifying relative needed improvements to bring the reviewed system into compliance with ADA and walking standards.

IDENTIFY EXISTING AND/OR EXPECTED AREAS OF HIGH PEDESTRIAN MOVEMENT:

Utilizing a data-driven GIS method, identify likely high mobility-impaired pedestrian traffic generators (i.e. senior center, medical facilities, schools, etc.). Determine appropriate locations and times for pedestrian counting. Criteria to guide counts include may include: population and employment densities, roadway or intersection characteristics, schools or other key destinations. Collect data from other studies, plans, and reports for evaluating high pedestrian traffic areas. Perform video observation for counting of pedestrian and mobility-impaired pedestrian movements in various areas as identified as likely High Pedestrian Movement Areas.

PUBLIC MEETINGS:

In partnership with city staff, hold public meetings to present findings and seek input from Low to Moderate Income beneficiaries in determining priorities. Meetings to include: 1 community-wide meeting, 1 focus group (Complete Streets) meeting, and 1-3 outreach meetings with limited mobility clients at nursing homes, senior centers, etc. Additionally, public hearings to receive, review, and adopt the plan will be scheduled with the Planning Commission and City Council.

COMPILATION INTO A FINAL REPORT:

Compile all collected data from the GIS Inventory phase into graphical maps identifying areas with a lack of ADA compliance. Compile pedestrian counts, summary of public meeting and other input from the City into a summary of prioritized areas for future ADA improvements. Prepare recommendations for prioritized sidewalk and trail improvements to improve community connectivity and incorporate healthy community design concepts, so all residents have access to healthy built, social, economic, and natural environment. Provide a means to document how the built environment affects the health of the City and what unique vision the community holds for the increased quality of life if its residents. Provide a means to document healthy design achievements.

General Information:

The budget for the project will be $54,000, and is funded in part by federal Community Development Block Grant funds. Contract execution and initiation of any work related to this project is subject to receipt of a Release of Funds notice from the Nebraska Department of Economic Development.

PROJECT DELIVERABLES

The City seeks the following deliverables from the project:

• The contractor should consult with City officials, Engineering, Planning, and Parks Departments, the Complete Streets Committee, and other key local stakeholders.
• Workshops convening key neighborhood representatives and citizens to gather input and present initial ideas for recommendations for the study.
• A written report that includes:
  • Background and information on the value of an ADA-compliant, connected, and walkable community for community livability, health, economic vitality and other purposes.
  • Identification and discussion of high priority areas for sidewalk improvements or deployment and other necessary ADA-compliant improvements. This should include maps and selected photos/graphics highlighting these opportunities/needs for mobility improvements.
  • Recommendations on design templates for ADA-compliant facilities, integration into an overarching complete streets design paradigm, and compatible integration of streetscape amenities and enhancements.
  • Recommendations for signage.
  • A section describing how investments to remove architectural barriers to mobility can support and integrate with broader comprehensive plans and land use opportunities, needs and recommendations.
  • Information and recommendations on the roles and responsibilities of residents and businesses on their own sidewalks, entryways, and circulation patterns.
  • A concise prioritization plan.
  • A resource roadmap on funding opportunities.
  • Recommendations on key next steps and actions.
  • All data and maps should be submitted in original formats for editing as well as PDFs.

The primary purposes of the final written report would be to:

1. Educate the general public and key stakeholder organizations on the opportunities for, and priorities regarding an upgrade of, ADA-compliant pedestrian facilities in Hastings.
2. Provide material to guide and support decision making by City of Hastings elected officials and staff on how to proceed with priority transition projects.
3. 3.     Serve as a document that can support efforts to attract and secure funding for the future implementation of these projects.
4. 4.     A final verbal presentation to the City on the final report, which could be in person to City officials, staff and key stakeholders, or via conference call or webcast.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS OF APPLICANT

The City of Hastings seeks an experienced multi-disciplinary firm or team of firms for the conduct of the Universal Mobility project as outlined in the Scope of Work.  Key qualifications and evaluation criteria include:

• Experience with similar ADA Standards Community Assessment projects: Please demonstrate your firm and staff abilities based on successful leadership of and/or involvement in similar studies and projects.  It is strongly suggested that reference to specific projects, along with sample materials or web links to those projects, are provided.
• Experience with Community Planning: Please demonstrate your firm and staff abilities with respect to community and land use planning, sustainability, community health, signage, bike and walking trails, complete streets, ADA accessibility, or similar community revitalization issues as they relate to how walkability and connectivity should be integrated into these broader contexts. 
• Specific staff assigned: Clearly describe which specific staff will be allocated to this project, and their roles. Provide background on their relevant skills and experience.
• Ability to integrate into City of Hastings comprehensive land use planning, urban revitalization initiatives, and community context: Demonstrate that your firm understands the City of Hastings Comprehensive Plan (2009), and Complete Streets Policy (2013) in a way that will enable your firm to integrate walkability and connectivity into these broader contexts.

PROPOSAL CONTENTS

Proposals should include the following information:

1.     Scope of Work

This section should establish the applicant’s understanding of the City’s goals, the purpose of the Complete Streets Policy, project work requirements and the applicant’s ability to satisfy those goals and requirements.

Proposed Consulting Team

This section should outline designated staff for the project including name, title, specific responsibilities and estimated person hours of participation.  Additionally, the section should describe relevant experience of specific staff and identify any sub-consultants.

3.     Estimated Cost

This section should include the applicant’s overall cost for performing the services including a breakdown of cost by task, allocation of hours, and cost per hour to complete tasks per designated staff member.

4.     Firm Qualifications

This section should include a discussion of the firm’s experience in researching, designing, developing and implementing comprehensive plans of a similar nature.

5.     References and Completed Project Samples

This section should include references (including contact name and phone number) from customers who have used the firm’s services for projects of a similar nature.

EVALUATION CRITERIA

Submittals will be evaluated according to the following criteria:

1.      Project Understanding (25 Points)

How well the response translates the project’s requirements into a viable work plan that will accomplish the City’s needs for plan development, mapping, and environmental review.

2.      Project Proposal (25 Points)

Whether the firm’s proposal addresses all the City’s needs for this project, and does the selection and assignment of personnel and other resources adequately meet the needs of this project?

3.      Qualifications of firm (20 Points)

Experience in performing work of a similar nature, experience working with other local public agencies and advisory committees, record of completing work on schedule, strength and stability of firm and any proposed subcontractors, assessment by client references, and overall strength of the consultant’s team.

4.      Previous projects (15 Points)

Experience in successfully completing projects of a similar nature.

5.      Scope of Services (15 Points)

Reasonableness of the proposed budget, adequacy of data in support of figures quoted, reasonableness of individual task budgets, and ability to meet the desired schedule and outcomes.

Finalists under consideration for this project may be invited to an in-person, teleconference, or video conference interview prior to final selection.

SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

Three paper copies (at least one copy must remain unbound) and one digital copy (either on CD or Flash drive) of the proposal must be received by 5:00 p.m., March 29, 2019.  Submissions shall be delivered in a sealed envelope and clearly marked:

Request for Proposal – Universal Mobility Study

Proposals should be addressed to:

Kim Jacobitz, CMC
City Clerk
220 N. Hastings Avenue
Hastings, NE 68901

(402) 461-2312

Questions regarding this matter should be addressed to:

Donald Threewitt, AICP
Development Services Director
220 N. Hastings Avenue
Hastings, NE 68901

(402) 461-2368

dthreewitt@cityofhastings.org

This RFP is not guarantee that the City of Hastings will hire any of the applicants for the Universal Mobility Study. The decision of whether or not to hire a consultant from the pool of applicants will be determined by what is in the best interest of the City.