REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ)

FOR

WAYFINDING SIGNAGE PLAN

RFQ Issued: May 29, 2019

City Contact:

DAVID WICKE, CITY ENGINEER
davidw@ci.williston.nd.us
PO Box 2437
509 8^th St E
Williston, ND 58802-1306
701-577-6368

Project Purpose

The City of Williston, North Dakota is seeking proposals for a pedestrian and vehicular wayfinding signage plan for the City of Williston.

This plan should address signage at both the vehicular and pedestrian level, across the outskirts, downtown, and new development areas of the City of Williston in a cohesive manner and unique design. The goal of this project is to improve the overall wayfinding experience in the City through signage. This plan is intended to be implemented in a phased roll-out over the period of approximately five years.

This plan should address the following points:

• Guide travelers from the major entrances into the City to areas of interest, neighborhoods, and public facilities such as Williston Basin International Airport, Downtown Williston, Williston Square, parking facilities, Amtrak, trail systems, public parks and libraries. These guides should use both vehicular and pedestrian signage.
• Establish a design standard reflective of the City with elements which will complement existing signage and can be customized for individual neighborhoods or systems.
• Present a visually appealing viewpoint of the City to visitors, tourists, residents, and investors.
• Create an appealing wayfinding program that assists in placemaking by allowing identification of neighborhood and commercial districts in an approachable and accessible manner.
• Be in compliance with the standards of the FHWA Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) and any additional North Dakota Department of Transportation Guidelines.

Community Background

Williston's population history has been characterized by periods of rapid growth due to increased oil and gas exploration and subsequent downturns when the commodity price is down. Williston was recognized as the fastest growing micropolitan City (cities under 50,000 in population) four consecutive years between 2011 and 2015. Recent trends are a more stabilizing population with increases in oil and gas extraction and production technologies as well as increases of transportation infrastructure to the market. Currently the City is seeing expanded population growth and employment opportunities.

With this growth, the City has seen an increase in new residents and visitors to the area. The City is building a new airport, Williston Basin International Airport to accommodate the extreme increase in air travel to the City. The City has also expanded its commercial and residential areas and has added new parks, schools and public facilities. With this rapid growth comes a need for both placemaking and practical wayfinding.

Scope of Work

Task 1: Assess Existing Conditions and Need

1. Conduct assessment of current wayfinding signage across the City, gateways, and Williston Basin International Airport
   1. To include at least one public meeting and meetings as required with individual interest and neighborhood groups.
2. Identify neighborhoods and users, as well as specific needs to be addressed, including disabled citizens, senior citizens, new visitors, the Downtown, Williston Square, and recreation opportunities.

Task 2: Development of Wayfinding Signage Master Plan

1. Initial Draft Master Plan Document
2. Final Master Plan Document developed following review and approval of the draft plan
3. Plan is to include but is not limited to:
   1. Site Plan which indicates location of signs, scaled and broken into neighborhoods as needed.
   2. Develop a list of recommended terminology and/or design icons and branding for primary and secondary destinations
   3. Design for each type of proposed sign, including materials and digital specifications.
   4. Sign content and type for each location.
   5. Cost estimates for fabrication and installation
   6. Shop/construction drawings with all necessary information to supply to fabricator and installer
   7. Full color renderings, including line art file, color profiles, etc.
   8. Phased implementation plan
   9. Executive summary and plan documents in digital formats (PDF) for distribution

Statement of Qualifications

The consultant shall include a statement of qualifications addressing their strengths within each of the categories below:

• Knowledge of and experience with implementation of wayfinding programs in cities with a wide variety of neighborhoods from rural to urban, with a minimum of five years experience;
• Knowledge and experience hosting public engagement in neighborhoods which have active participation in order to gain community input on prospective wayfinding.
• Knowledge and experience with incorporating community branding into a wayfinding program.
• Description of firm, management, and team members
  • Should include description of firm, identity and resume of project manager, contact person, and any additional team members, as well as time each team member is expected to commit to the project
• Description of any subcontractors
  • Should include description of which portions of work would be subcontracted. Include qualifications, key personnel, contact information, and contact person for all subcontractors.
• Proposed Project methodology
  • Discuss firm's approach to preparing similar plans and specific proposal of methodology for this plan.
• Budget proposal for tasks as listed above
• Description of the consultant's experience with similar projects: Names and contact information (telephone numbers, email, etc.) of at least three client references to whom the applicant has provided services similar to the project described in this RFQ.

Submittal Process

All submissions must be received at the address below no later than Wednesday, July 3, 2019 (5:00 P.M. CST). One (1) hard copy and one (1) electronic copy (in e-mail, CD, or flash drive format) are needed.

Submittal Cover letter:

Teams of consultants are welcome to submit joint proposals, with the designation of a lead firm with subcontractors that will report to the lead firm.

• Submit a cover letter that address the items under the "Statement of Qualifications" section of this RFQ;
• RFQ submittals are to be delivered to:

The City of Williston Engineering Department
C/O David Wicke (City Engineer)
P.O. Box 2437
Williston, ND 58802-1306

E-mail contact: davidw@ci.williston.nd.us (Subject Line: Wayfinding RFQ)

The City of Williston reserves the right to request additional information from responders following review of the information submitted.

Inquiries: Questions regarding this RFQ to be directed to David Wicke at (701) 577-6368 or by e-mail at davidw@ci.williston.nd.us

Method of Evaluation and Selection Process

The submitted RFQ's will be reviewed based on the evaluation factors noted below. Each submittal will be evaluated by a selection committee of the City of Williston. A short list of consultants may be asked to make presentations to the consultant selection committee. The selection committee will make a recommendation to the City Commission and upon approval of the selected consultant a contract of terms will be made. RFQ submittals will be evaluated and a consultant will be selected based on the following criteria:

• Interview evaluation (if required);
• Demonstrated ability to effectively and efficiently complete the project within the City's stated project purpose;
• Qualifications and technical competence;
• Demonstrated ability to engage the public in the process;
• Previous experience with other public/government agencies

Post Selection Process

Project Contract Agreement:

Upon selection of a preferred consultant, the City will work with the consultant to negotiate a contract, scope of services, and work plan with timelines. The contract will define the responsibilities of the consultant and the City of Williston.

The City shall attempt to negotiate and reach a final agreement with the consultant. If the City, for any reason, is unable to reach a final agreement with the preferred consultant; the City then reserves the right to reject the selected preferred consultant and negotiate a final agreement with another consultant who has the next most viable qualifications. The City may also elect to reject all consultant submittals and re-issue a new RFQ.

RFQ Submittals and Presentation Costs

• The City of Williston shall not be liable for any expenses incurred by the proposer in preparing responses to this solicitation or any costs associated with the selection process. Each proposer shall bear its own costs;
• Upon submission of a response to this RFQ, all materials submitted become the property of the City of Williston, which retains the right to use any concept or idea presented in any response submitted, whether or not that firm is retained.
• The City of Williston expressly reserves the right to amend or withdraw this Request for Qualifications at any time and to reject any or all submittals;
• The City of Williston assumes no responsibility for delays caused by the delivery service. Postmarking by the due date will not substitute for actual receipt by the designated due date and time;
• The City reserves the right to request any additional information at any stage of the selection process. Compliance shall be at the Proposer's expense.

General Conditions

This Request for Qualifications does not commit the City of Williston to award a contract or to pay any costs incurred as a result of preparing such a response.

The City reserves the right to accept or reject any and all responses received and interview any or all proposer's at its discretion, to negotiate with all qualified respondents and select the consultant evaluated to be the most advantageous to the City.

The City of Williston reserves the right to enter into a supplementary agreement to have the consultant selected perform any additional work not currently assigned.