Request for Proposals: Mooncrest Neighborhood Economic Development and Market Analysis
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)
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TO: INTERESTED CONSULTANTS
FROM: TOWNSHIP OF MOON
PROJECT: MOONCREST NEIGHBORHOOD ECONOMIC STUDY & MARKET ANALYSIS
DATE: SEPTEMBER 22, 2014
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SUMMARY
The Board of Supervisors of Moon Township, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania is seeking the services of a consultant (or team of consultants) for a one-time, fixed fee contract to perform certain professional services (consulting) work to complete an economic study and market analysis for the Mooncrest Neighborhood Historic District located in the north-central portion of the Township. The project is supported jointly by a Certified Local Government (CLG) grant from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission and Department of Interior National Park Service.
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The RFP deadline is October 22, 2014 at 4:00 PM EST.
You are invited to submit your proposal and qualifications for providing professional services as described in the Request for Proposal (RFP). Sealed proposals (eight copies) must be received by the Township Manager’s Office at the Moon Township Municipal Building, 1000 Beaver Grade Road, Moon Township, PA 15108, no later than Wednesday, October 22 at 4:00 PM EST. If mailed, the proposal should be addressed to:
Lora Dombrowski Attn: Mooncrest Neighborhood Economic Study and Market Analysis Project Township of Moon 1000 Beaver Grade Road Moon Township, PA 15108 (412) 262-1700 [email protected]
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Request for Proposals: Mooncrest Neighborhood Economic Development and Market Analysis
COMMUNITY BACKGROUND
Established in 1788, Moon Township was the first township in Allegheny County. In its early days, Moon was a rural community where settlers depended on hunting and farming for survival. The Township continued to experience economic growth into the 20th century when roadways and railroads opened up the gates. Both the Sewickley Bridge (1911), and the Pennsylvania & Lake Erie Railroad contributed significantly. During WW II, the industrial plants located in and around Moon became major suppliers of armor plates and munitions. This boom created a great housing need for workers. In 1943, Mooncrest, the Township’s first planned residential area, was constructed by the Federal Government under the Lanham Act. Many of the men and woman were employed at the Dravo Shipyards on Neville Island, engaged in the building of the Landing Ship Tanks (LST’s).
The construction of the Greater Pittsburgh Airport (now Pittsburgh International Airport) in 1952 and the construction of the Penn Lincoln Parkway (Parkway West) were perhaps the two most significant factors to the Township’s economic growth. Moon quickly grew into a business and residential community. Today it is home to a number of high profile national corporations such as FedEx Ground, GlaxoSmithKline, Eaton Electrical Group, Nova Chemicals and Michael Baker International. Moon Township also serves as the home of Robert Morris University, the 911th Airlift Wing Air Force Reserve Base, and the 99th ARCOM. The Township is a Second Class Township and is governed by a five-member Board of Supervisors.
In 2004, the Township created the Mooncrest Historic District and the Historic Architectural Review Board (HARB) was formed. Mooncrest was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in September 2013. Moon Township has a rich history as an economically strong community over the past 225 years.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Background
Mooncrest was constructed under the Landham Act to house war production workers at the Dravo shipyards in Neville Township, American Bridge, and regional steel mills, as well as military personnel assigned to the U.S. Air Force base (formerly U.S. Army Air Corps). In addition to residential structures, it was once home to the Township’s first official municipal services building, housing police and fire services and government offices. Mooncrest has since evolved as a residential neighborhood with private ownership of multi‐unit structures and is severely suffering from disinvestment.
During the Township’s efforts to prepare a draft Comprehensive Plan Update in 2012-13, the township’s planning consultant recommended that a Village District zoning designation be applied to Mooncrest, which would allow a greater mix of uses than is currently allowed. However, an economic study was not done to determine whether a mix of uses is financially viable or feasible.
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Request for Proposals: Mooncrest Neighborhood Economic Development and Market Analysis
The Township also recently completed a Township-wide Historic Preservation Plan, funded in part by a Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission (PHMC) Historic Preservation Grant. Twenty action items were identified and prioritized in the Plan. Four of these action items are assigned a “Very High Priority,” one of which is Action Item 8 and the subject of this grant request.
Action Item 8 states that the Township should commission the preparation of an economic study that addresses the preservation and use of Mooncrest, Moon Township’s only National Register Historic District.
As the Township’s sole National Register Historic District, Mooncrest is an important cornerstone in the Historic Preservation Plan and is a high priority for the Township. Mooncrest was an early example of a mixed‐use, pedestrian friendly, planned residential development and has potential to evolve into a greater community asset. It is critical for the Township and other stakeholders to understand how existing and probable future local and regional demographic and economic conditions, limitations, and opportunities can influence the improvement of Mooncrest.
Purpose and Objectives
The primary objectives of the Mooncrest Neighborhood Economic Development and Market Analysis are to review the current economic conditions in the historic district, evaluate revitalization strategies, including a village district overlay, and to formulate feasible redevelopment initiatives with specific implementation strategies. The strategies developed must respect and maintain the historic integrity of Mooncrest.
The purpose of the market analysis is necessary to provide an objective perspective on the real market potential for Mooncrest. The market study will generally define who lives, works, and commutes in the vicinity of Mooncrest and the type of development that might appeal to them, which ultimately influences the potential return for investors. The identification of market gaps and opportunities will be critical to target potential economic opportunities and provide the basis for attracting them. The market analysis will recommend additional or alternative redevelopment initiatives and include implementation strategies. The results of this study will guide the Township’s redevelopment/revitalizstion efforts for Mooncrest.
SCOPE OF SERVICES
Moon Township seeks assistance from a qualified firm or team to prepare the economic study and market analysis described in this RFP. The Bureau for Historic Preservation's Guidance for Historic Preservation Planning must be used as a framework in the preparation of all deliverables in the scope of work, particularly the redevelopment initiatives and implementation strategies.
The following scope of work prescribes the work program and specific deliverables. The consultant/consulting team will submit suggestions on how the scope of work can be enhanced and/or amended, plus additional details of approach, methods, etc. for carrying out the prescribed work.
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Request for Proposals: Mooncrest Neighborhood Economic Development and Market Analysis
SCOPE OF WORK AND DELIVERABLES
Scope of Work
The economic study and market analysis for the Mooncrest Neighborhood Historic District will require the following tasks by the consultant(s).
1. Coordinate with the HARB members to establish project goals, obtain feedback and guidance, and review interim deliverables. This task requires attendance at three (3) to four (4) HARB meetings. 2. Evaluate the current economic conditions of the Mooncrest Historic District. The analysis will consider the economic and demographic features of the local area and the regional market, defined primarily as the “commuting capture zone” for Mooncrest. The assessment will, at a minimum, evaluate four market sectors – residential, retail, public facilities, and commercial – to determine if Mooncrest is a feasible location for uses other than the existing multi-unit residential. 3. Analyze the existing physical features in Mooncrest Historic District. This analysis must consider, at a minimum, the current regulatory requirements such as land use and zoning, and historical design guidelines and recommend whether or not changes should be made to the current local regulatory environment based upon data developed in this project. 4. Identify specific development types well-suited for the Mooncrest market area. 5. Evaluate a broad range of redevelopment strategies and make recommendations. The strategies should capitalize on the results of the market analysis and be sensitive to the historic integrity of the community. The selected redevelopment strategies should be feasible and consider cost implications. 6. Develop a detailed implementation plan for the selected redevelopment strategies. The implementation plan must, at a minimum, prioritize the strategies within each goal and identify responsible parties for accomplishing the recommended strategies. 7. Assist in the establishment of the legal basis for implementation including applicable federal, state and local laws, 8. Prepare and submit monthly status reports for the Township project manager. 9. Hold at least two public meetings targeting the Mooncrest community, which includes one at the conclusion of the analysis report.
Deliverables
Deliverables must include the following:
Interim report and a final report prepared by the consultant for submission to PHMC by the timeframes specified below in the completion schedule. Standard reporting requirements are detailed under “Contract Award and Conditions”;
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Request for Proposals: Mooncrest Neighborhood Economic Development and Market Analysis
A public participation report; Brief status/progress reports emailed to the Moon Township Project Manager on a monthly basis; A draft of the Mooncrest Neighborhood Economic Development and Market Analysis submitted for review and comment; An executive summary suitable for publication that details the conclusion of economic study and market analysis for the Mooncrest Neighborhood Historic District - including community and Township benefits, A complete and approved economic study and market analysis that would include redevelopment Initiatives with implementation strategies for the Mooncrest Neighborhood Historic District in compliance with the PA Historic and Museum Commission The consultant will be responsible for designing and formatting the document, as well as providing the plan so that it can be preserved in paper, electronic, and web-based formats. Maps shall be in a format compatible with ArcGIS. Ten (10) hard copies and all electronic source files of the deliverables must be provided to the Township.
PROPOSAL SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
The proposal must include the following information:
A. Cover letter including: A statement identifying that the proposal is in response to the Mooncrest Neighborhood Economic Development and Market Analysis Request for Proposals; The consulting firm’s name, mailing address, and nearest office location; and Identification of the contact person for the consulting firm, including all contact information.
B. Approach to Scope of Services The consultant will prepare a proposed scope of services, detailing the work tasks and deliverables and how the consultant will approach the work outlined in the Scope of Services. Work is expected to be concluded within 12 months from the time of contract signing but no later than July 31, 2015. The scope of services provided in this RFP serves as a guide and may be improved upon by the consultant. The approach should detail how each element within the scope will be addressed and by what member of the team including that member’s expertise in that specific area, philosophy and plan, and the benefits of using that contractor’s service. The approach should also clearly note any consultant suggestions for how the scope of work can be enhanced.
C. Qualifications Responses to the RFP must demonstrate the full range of skill and experience necessary to perform the work that is outline in the Scope of Work. To best express their qualifications for the project, the consultant should provide:
A brief history of the consulting firm, no longer than 1 page; Personnel assignments and individual work experience;
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Request for Proposals: Mooncrest Neighborhood Economic Development and Market Analysis
Resumes of the personnel assigned to this project; Examples of recent work that are similar in nature; Proposed work schedule; Statement of readiness demonstrating the ability to meet project deadlines, staff availability, etc.; and At least three references with contact information for recent and relevant work.
D. Budget The proposed budget must assign a cost to each of the tasks defined in the Scope of Work. The breakdown costs submitted by the consultant for each task shall be the stand alone price for the associated scope of work. The consultant’s proposal should include the number of hours and hourly rates for each of the personnel assigned to the project. The consultant’s budget must also include travel expenses.
E. Submission Requirements Submit eight printed copies of the proposal, and one digital copy in a sealed envelope to: Lora Dombrowski Attn: Mooncrest Neighborhood Economic Development and Market Analysis Township of Moon 1000 Beaver Grade Road Moon Township, PA 15108
Completed submissions must be received by Wednesday, October 22, 2014 at 4:00 PM EST.
Any questions on the RFP should be directed to Lora Dombrowski at 412-262-1700 or [email protected].
SELECTION CRITERIA
The proposals will be evaluated and a consultant(s) will be selected based on the following criteria:
Relevant qualifications and recent experience of the consultant(s) in developing Market Analysis and Economic Studies and meeting the objectives outlined herein; Understanding the Scope of Work and the objectives of the project; Qualifications and experience of the consultant and assigned personnel, including any sub-consultants, and staff; Proposals will be competitively judged on the quality and value of the proposed work approach, products, etc., and proposed budget; Ability to carry out and manage the project, and to meet the expected project timeline/completion schedule; Creative and innovative suggestions submitted to enhance and/ or amend the scope of work to carry out the project.
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Request for Proposals: Mooncrest Neighborhood Economic Development and Market Analysis
SELECTION PROCEDURES
The HARB and Township staff will review the proposals and will determine a short list of consultants. The short-listed consultants may be asked to make a short presentation to the selection group. The HARB will take a prioritized short list with their recommendation to the Moon Township Board of Supervisors for their review and action.
It is anticipated that the consultant will begin within one month after the RFP deadline. A notice to proceed will be issued as soon as possible thereafter.
Moon Township is not liable for any costs incurred by individuals/firms in preparing proposals or participating in the selection process. These costs are the sole responsibility of the individuals/ firms submitting the proposal. Moon Township reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, to negotiate separately with competing contractors, and /or to make no award.
CONTRACT AWARD AND CONDITIONS
A. Contract The project is funded in part by a CLG grant. Moon Township must comply with grant- mandated requirements including keeping financial records and following the reporting requirements detailed below. It is the consultant’s responsibility to prepare these reports, and the Township shall review and approve before they are submitted..
PHMC funding is a reimbursable grant; therefore the consultant will be paid following the receipt of the required reports and has received proper invoices and certifications. Payment will be made on a reimbursement basis for services performed. Twenty percent (20 %) of the total contract amount will be withheld pending satisfactory completion of services.
B. Reporting Requirements The interim report must include the name of the project, project number, period of report, grantee name and address, contact person and telephone number. The Interim Reports are due on February 2, 2015 and May 1, 2015. The Final Report must be submitted no later than the grant termination date of July 31, 2015. An electronic copy and a hard copy of the reports including necessary attachments shall also be submitted to Moon Township. The final report shall include the following:
A description of the activities for which funds have been awarded, including dates, if applicable; Attendance figures of participants served by the project, if applicable; Photographs documenting the project, if applicable; Copies of all printed materials resulting from the project, if applicable; and A financial summary of expenditures relating to the activities for which funds were awarded. The report must show estimated approved budget, actual final budget and differences between them.
Final payment will be issued upon PHMC acceptance of the Final Report.
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Request for Proposals: Mooncrest Neighborhood Economic Development and Market Analysis
COMPLETION SCHEDULE/TIMELINE
It is expected the consultant will complete its tasks and present relevant reports, products and materials outlined in the Scope of Work and Reporting Requirements within 12 months of the contract being awarded. In accordance with PHMC grant requirements, the project must be finalized prior to July 31, 2015.
The following dates are benchmarks:
2014 September 22 RFP Issued October 22 Proposals Due to Moon Township November 12 HARB Meeting – Possible Consultant Presentation November 19 Supervisors Workshop Meeting December 3 Supervisors Public Meeting – Anticipated Proposal Award
2015 January 14 Project Kickoff Meeting
February Interim Report Due
January-April Begin Market Analysis, Evaluate Revitalization Strategies, Hold Public Meeting 1
May Interim Report Due
May-June Formulate Redevelopment Initiatives with Implementation Strategies
June-July Reports Due, Hold Public Meeting 2
July 31 Project End Date: All Deliverables and Final Report Due
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Request for Proposals: Mooncrest Neighborhood Economic Development and Market Analysis
Appendix A: Historic Preservation Plan Township of Moon http://www.moontwp.com/pdf/2014_preservation_plan.pdf
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