The Town of Bluffton invites qualified consultants to submit statements of qualifications to prepare an UPDATE OF THE TOWN OF BLUFFTON COMPREHENSIVE PLAN and to PROVIDE ONGOING PLANNING SERVICES.

Proposals will be accepted from individuals, firms, or groups of firms who can demonstrate they have the resources, experience, and qualifications to provide the services requested herein. Proposals may be submitted for any or all requested services, including individual elements of the Comprehensive Plan. There is no incentive for the Town to select the same consultant to provide both updates to the Comprehensive Plan as well as future planning services. If a Respondent wishes to bid on just one service, the Town encourages application. An updated Comprehensive Plan will provide a fresh long-range vision for the Town of Bluffton (Town).

Initially adopted by the Town in 2007, the Comprehensive Plan was last amended in 2014. The Comprehensive Plan shall comply with the South Carolina Local Government Comprehensive Plan Enabling Act of 1994, as amended, and will serve as the overarching policy document that directs the Town in the implementation of consensus-based goals and strategies for implementation over the ten (10) year period following its adoption. The vision and policies of the Comprehensive Plan will involve many aspects of Town administration and community life, providing a common point of reference for those involved in shaping the Town's future, including elected and appointed officials, Town staff, citizens, businesses, and civic organizations.

Adoption of an updated Comprehensive Plan should occur no later than June 2022. The approved budget for the Comprehensive Plan Update and Planning Services is $150,000 for FY 2020-2021. It is anticipated that work on the Comprehensive Plan will continue into FY 2021-2022, for which a budget has not yet been approved.

Planning Services are also sought on an as-needed basis to assist Town Staff with development-related reviews, studies and historic preservation matters, which may include surveys, grants and tax incentives. Proposals to provide only Planning Services without Comprehensive Plan assistance are acceptable.