biddoc.pdf

Request for Proposals for Professional Services

Lions Park River Access Feasibility Study for the City of Moab

RFP # 26-05

The City of Moab seeks proposals from qualified consultants to conduct a feasibility study for improved and sustainable Colorado River access from the south bank at Lions Park. This study will inform future design and implementation phases aimed at enhancing recreational opportunities while preserving the ecological integrity of the Colorado River and surrounding natural resources.

RFP ISSUE DATE April 20, 2026

DEADLINE FOR

QUESTIONS

April 27, 2026 is the deadline for questions. Questions and/or inquiries must be submitted in writing through Bonfire.

QUESTION RESPONSES

POSTED

April 29, 2026

RFP WEBSITE https://utah.bonfirehub.com/portal/?tab=openOpportunities

PROPOSAL

SUBMISSION

May 12, 2026, 2:00 PM MDT is the submission deadline for proposals.

Proposals will be accepted via Bonfire (https://utah.bonfirehub.com).

Submissions that fail to address the requirements of the RFP will be considered unresponsive.

PLANNED DECISION June 9, 2026 is the tentative planned date for consideration of the recommendation provided by the selection committee.

RFP OFFICIAL

CONTACT

Alex "Val" Veilleux, Sustainability and Grant Coordinator aveilleux@moabcity.gov, (435) 260-2086

Note: This is the City’s current schedule. The City reserves the right to modify the schedule. Notice to proceed will be issued shortly after the contract has been awarded.

Moab City reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, to accept or reject the whole or any part of the proposal; or to waive any informality or technicality in the interest of the City of Moab. For further information, please contact the Moab City Recorder’s office at: (435) 259-5121.

LATE SUBMISSIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED

mailto:aveilleux@moabcity.gov

Project Background The City of Moab is a community of just over 5,000 residents in the City limits but serves a regional area of approximately 10,000. City of Moab and Grand County, Utah are home to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, Utahraptor State Park, Dead Horse Point State Park, Colorado River, La Sal mountains, and other wild lands with renowned recreation around every red rock cliff, attracting over 3 million visits each year.

The entry to Moab from the north is at the Colorado River and the intersection of US-191 and SR-128 where Lions Park is a gateway to Moab's natural wonders. Lions Park is a heavily utilized recreation hub situated a few short miles from Arches National Park, serving residents and visitors alike. Park amenities include a pedestrian bridge, pavilion, water, bathrooms, bouldering area, and connections to a regional trail system and potential future access to the Colorado River. Utah Department of Transportation owns the majority of the northern Lions park property, which is maintained and operated by the City of Moab. Grand County owns a portion near the pedestrian bridge.

To explore this potential, the City of Moab was awarded a State of Utah, Division of Outdoor Recreation, Utah Outdoor Recreation Initiative (ORI) grant to complete the Lions Park River Access Feasibility Study. Excerpts from the proposal are in Appendix A. ORI aims to be a leading national model for effective, collaborative, and sustainable management of outdoor recreation infrastructure.

By leveraging municipal, state, federal, and private resources, ORI seeks to create a lasting legacy of well-preserved public recreation opportunities that provide a variety of recreational experiences that strengthen local communities and foster a deep connection between people and the great outdoors.

This feasibility study aims to explore viable options for improving and sustaining river access, considering existing infrastructure (covered picnic pavilion, trails, etc.) and the area's importance as a recreational and transportation hub. Additionally, it will include the design for nonmotorized boat ramps, washing stations for watercraft and people, removing invasive plants, landscaping, and installing ADA-accessible pathways with pedestrian amenities such as lighting, benches, and wayfinding. Due to the future impact of construction on the river and wildlife, an extensive NEPA process is expected and is included in this study.

Objectives

1. Assess feasibility of river access improvements at Lions Park for multiple uses, including swimming and nonmotorized watercraft.

2. Complete regulatory analyses, including NEPA, to guide future implementation and minimize impacts to the river and wildlife.

3. Evaluate vegetation and habitat modifications necessary, including invasive plant removal and native vegetation restoration.

4. Create a concept design for safe and ADA-accessible river access that connects with existing park and trail infrastructure.

5. Identify costs, phasing, and next steps for implementation.

Schedule Grant funding for this project has a deadline of April 30, 2027. Extensions to this timeline will require an application to the funding source with justification.

Scope of Work The City has grant funding for up to $200,000 for the Lions Park River Access Feasibility Study and implementation aspects outlined in this scope. The Consultant has the opportunity to suggest alternate methods of approach that meet the project goals.

The consultant in their proposal can identify which meetings they intend to be in person, virtual, or have City staff lead. This can be refined after the project award. At least one in-person visit should be included.

The consultant should include the cost of all proposed in-person meetings clearly in the budget.

1. Project Management Coordinate and manage all project activities necessary to complete the scope of services.

a. Schedule the project

i. The consultant shall prepare and update a project work plan with a schedule of tasks and milestones for deliverables.

b. Coordinate meetings

i. Coordinate regularly with the City of Moab project manager and relevant staff.

ii. Establish regular project meetings with City staff to review progress and coordinate work.

iii. Prepare meeting agendas and summaries documenting decisions and next steps.

iv. Present concepts to the Planning Commission and City Council.

c. Administration

i. Submit invoices on a schedule arranged with the City.

ii. Maintain documentation of project progress and deliverables.

2. Existing Conditions and Site Analysis Evaluate the existing conditions at Lion’s Park and surrounding areas to identify opportunities and constraints related to river access improvements. The analysis should include:

a. Site assessment

i. Existing access points to the Colorado River

ii. Riverbank conditions and shoreline stability

iii. Vegetation and invasive plant presence

iv. Floodplain conditions and hydrologic considerations

v. Pedestrian circulation and connections to the shared-use path

b. Environmental and physical constraints

i. River dynamics and erosion potential

ii. Wildlife habitat considerations

iii. Cultural or historic resource considerations

iv. Existing utilities and infrastructure

c. Mapping and documentation

i. Develop base maps and site documentation.

ii. Provide GIS-compatible files for all new spatial data generated during the project

3. Environmental Review and Permitting Considerations Identify environmental review requirements and permitting pathways for potential river access improvements. The analysis should include:

a. Develop a preliminary roadmap for environmental review and permitting needed for project implementation, including but not limited to requirements for:

i. Federal environmental review requirements (including NEPA)

ii. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

iii. U.S. Coast Guard

iv. Utah Division of Forestry, Fire, and State Lands

v. State Historic Preservation Office consultation

vi. Utah Department of Transportation

vii. Grand County, Utah

b. Complete NEPA process

4. Stakeholder and Community Engagement Facilitate engagement with City staff, stakeholders, and community members to evaluate needs and inform the project concepts.

a. Stakeholder coordination

i. Conduct interviews or meetings with relevant agencies and stakeholders.

ii. Coordinate with local recreation groups and river users.

b. Public engagement

i. Implementing a public data gathering tool, such as a survey

ii. Facilitate at least one community engagement opportunity (public meeting, workshop, or similar format).

c. Documentation

i. Document community input and incorporate feedback into project concepts.

ii. Provide written summaries of stakeholder and community engagement activities.

5. Concept Development and Feasibility Analysis Develop and evaluate conceptual design alternatives for improving river access at Lion’s Park.

Concept alternatives should consider:

a. River access improvements

i. Non-motorized boat launch areas or small craft ramps.

ii. Beach access areas or shoreline improvements.

b. ADA accessibility improvements

i. ADA-accessible pathways or boardwalk access to the river.

ii. Accessible viewing areas or gathering spaces.

c. Site improvements and amenities

i. Wayfinding and educational signage.

ii. Pedestrian amenities such as benches and lighting.

iii. Watercraft or swimmer washing stations.

d. Vegetation management and restoration

i. Removal of invasive plant species such as tamarisk.

ii. Restoration with native vegetation.

e. Concept feasibility

i. Evaluate alternatives on feasibility, environmental impact, cost, and recreation benefits.

ii. Identify a preferred concept.

6. Preliminary Cost Estimates and Implementation Strategy Develop planning-level cost estimates and an implementation roadmap.

a. Prepare conceptual-level cost estimates for recommended improvements.

b. Identify potential phases for project implementation.

c. Identify potential funding sources for future design and construction.

Deliverables Prepare a final feasibility and scoping report summarizing the results of the study that includes:

a. Existing conditions and site analysis

b. Environmental considerations and permitting requirements

c. Stakeholder and public engagement results

d. Concept alternatives and preferred concept

e. Planning-level cost estimates

f. Implementation strategy and next steps

The consultant shall provide:

1. Draft feasibility report for City review.

2. Final feasibility report incorporating City comments.

3. Presentation materials summarizing project findings.

Request for Clarification All requests for clarification regarding this RFP must be submitted in writing, according to the dates and person identified on the cover page. Any questions or comments directed by a respondent to persons outside of the individual listed above are inappropriate and such activity may result in that proposal being deemed non-responsive.

Method of Evaluation (100 Total Points) Proposals may be up to 20 pages total. A cover and cover letter may be included outside the page count. The selection committee will review the submitted proposals based on these criteria:

Company Overview, Statement of Qualifications, Team Description Points: 10 Provide names, educational background, and experience of each team member, including sub consultants, if applicable. The information should describe the nature of the work and the role of these individuals and/or companies as they relate to this project. Include names and qualifications of outside consultants and associates that may be employed to assist on this project.

Project Relevant Experience Points: 20 Describe and provide links to or documentation for a minimum of three (3) current projects or projects completed within the last five years. Include links to the plans or client contact information.

Preference will be given to respondents who have developed related plans for the Moab area or similar municipalities.

References Pass/Fail Provide a minimum of three (3) business references, including names, addresses, phone numbers, and a description of the work you performed, with a preference for similar projects. If these references are included in project experience, additional ones are allowed but not required.

Project Approach Points: 50 Describe your understanding of the project and an approach for completing the project. Provide task details. The proposal should demonstrate a clear understanding of the requirements and the work to be performed. The consultant may propose services that differ from the Scope of Work if the changes more efficiently or effectively achieve the project’s objectives.

Anticipated Timeline Points: 10 Include a timeline for the Scope of Services to fit in within grant funding constraints. This may include an extension from the grantor.

Price Points: 10 Provide the pricing for the Scope of Work including—

1. Fees by task in the Scope of Services

2. Billing rate for all proposed staff

3. Additional expenses associated with the project, including subconsultants and travel.

Optional Interviews The selection committee reserves the right to select a short list of the highest scoring respondents for interviews. Interviews will be scored with the same method of evaluation. See the Terms & Conditions section for more information on Negotiations with Consultants.

Notice of Award and Appeal Process The City intends to select a single Consultant. The selected Consultant will be recommended by the selection committee, and the City Council will make a final decision. A notification letter will be sent to all respondents. Any respondent wishing to appeal the selection must do so in writing and within 7 business days of the notice being sent.

General Terms & Conditions Failure to Read. Failure to read the Request for Proposals for Professional Services and these instructions will be at a Consultant’s own risk.

Cost of Developing Qualifications/Proposals. All costs related to the preparation of the Proposals and any related activities are the sole responsibility of the Consultant. Moab assumes no liability for any costs incurred by Consultant(s) throughout the entire selection process, including prior to selection and issuance of a contract.

Negotiations with Consultants. Moab reserves the right to enter into negotiations with the Consultant(s) determined to be reasonably susceptible of being selected for award, or to enter into exclusive discussions with a Consultant whose Proposal is deemed most advantageous, whichever is in Moab’s best interest, for the purpose of negotiation. If exclusive negotiations are conducted and an agreement is not reached, Moab reserves the right to enter into negotiations with the next highest ranked Consultant without the need to repeat the formal solicitation process.

Equal Opportunity. Moab will make every effort to ensure that all Consultants are treated fairly and equally throughout the entire advertisement, review, and selection process. The procedures established herein are designed to give all parties reasonable access to the same basic information.

Moab’s policy, subject to federal, State, and local procurement laws, is to provide reasonable attempts to support each Consultant’s business by purchasing goods and services through local consultants and service providers.

Proposal Ownership. All Proposals, including attachments, supplementary materials, addenda, etc., shall become the property of Moab and will not be returned to each Consultant.

Final Authorization. The final award will be subject to the execution of the contract. Moab intends to eventually contract with the Consultant(s) whose Proposal is deemed most advantageous in experience, qualifications, price, and other factors considered in accordance with the weighted decision matrix described above. Moab does not necessarily intend to award a contract solely on the basis of any response made to this request or otherwise pay for any information solicited or obtained during the RFP process. Final authorization of an accepted bid will be provided by the Moab City

Council after they have had an opportunity to review the recommendations. It is expected that the winning bidder will be selected on or before the date listed above.

Rejection of Proposals. Moab reserves the right to reject any or all Proposals received and disqualify incomplete or late proposals. Proposals lacking required information will not be considered. Furthermore, Moab shall have the right to waive any informality or technicality in proposals received when in the best interest of Moab. No Proposal shall be accepted from, or contract awarded to, any person, firm or corporation that is in arrears to Moab for any obligation.

Consultant(s) may be required to submit satisfactory evidence that they have the necessary financial resources to perform and complete the work outlined in this RFP.

Moab’s Best Interest. Moab reserves the right to take any steps deemed necessary to act in Moab’s best interest.

Proposal Term. Proposals shall be good for one hundred and twenty (120) days from the Closing Date.

Reservation of Rights. Moab reserves the right to cancel or modify the terms of this RFP and/or the project at any time and for any reason preceding the contract award and reserves the right to accept or reject any or all Proposals submitted pursuant to this request for proposals. The City further reserves its right to incorporate additional steps in the evaluation process in the interests of having a thorough and comprehensive body of information to make a recommendation to the City Council. Moab will provide each Consultant with written notice of any cancellation and/or modification.

Appendix A: Excerpts from Moab’s ORI Lion's Park River Access Feasibility Study Proposal