The RFP is posted on the Vermont Bid System at https://www.vermontbusinessregistry.com/BidPreview.aspx?BidID=58682

Proposal Content

BDCC and BCRC employ personnel familiar with CEDS development and data analysis. Consultant services are desired for public meeting facilitation, economic analysis, strategy development, outside perspective, communication and CEDS design and timeline management and coordination in the CEDS development. Responses to this RFP should:

• Include a detailed work plan that addresses the overall timeline and milestones necessary to complete the CEDS development work identified in the RFP;
• Identify specific activities that will be accomplished;
• Identify staffing that will be devoted to each activity; and
• Describe the work product that will be produced.

It should also include the following:

1. A process for communicating with BDCC and BCRC staff;
2. A public involvement plan including facilitation of seven weeks of public meetings, as well as attendance at Draft Plan public meeting and Southern Vermont Economic Development Summit (See schedule);
3. A budget outline;
4. A timeline for status reports, draft report, and hard copy and electronic delivery of draft CEDS document;
5. A minimum of two similar projects completed by consultant; and
6. Reference contact information.

BDCC and BCRC may elect to offer different aspects of the work to different respondents based on the experiences, qualifications and references submitted with the responses.

Evaluation Criteria

Responses to this proposal will be evaluated on the following criteria:

• Qualification/experience of prime consultant with studies of similar scope and size.
• Qualification/experience of sub consultants with studies of similar scope and size.
• Demonstrated knowledge of economic development principals and trends, especially in rural communities and New England markets.
• Sufficient staff for all work required in the study.
• Past record of performance on similar projects.
• Proposed cost of the study and demonstration of commitment for meeting the project schedule.
• Completeness and quality of the project submission.

Proposed Schedule

Timeline

• RFP issue date (30 days): January 2, 2024
• Deadline for proposals: February 1, 2024
• Review by RFP Committee (7 days before meeting): February 5, 2024
• Consultant Interviews: Week of February 12, 2024
• Consultant recommendation determined: February 19, 2024
• Consultant Selection approval (CEDS committee/BDCC): February 26, 2024
• Start Date for consultant: March 1, 2024
• Strategy Development and Design: March 15 – May 15, 2024
• Consultant Attend SoVermont Economy Summit: May 21, 2024
• Public Process: June 1 – July 30, 2024
• Public Comment Period: August 1 – September 2, 2024
• Submit to EDA: September 9, 2024
• End Date: January 1, 2025

Contract

The execution of this contract is contingent on funding availability from EDA to BDCC. No contract for services will be executed prior to an EDA Grant award is fully executed. BDCC was notified on November 30, 2023, by EDA that its application for assistance has been selected through EDA's competitive application review process for further consideration for funding. Subject to availability of funds, the project will be considered for EDA funding under EDA's FY 2021 – FY 2023 Short Term Planning and Technical Assistance Program Notice of Funding Opportunity.