DawsonCounty_EconDevPlan_RFP_April_2026.pdf

Development Authority of Dawson County Request for Proposal (RFP)

Economic Development Plan Update

The Development Authority of Dawson County is issuing this Request for Proposal (RFP) to select a qualified consultant or firm to develop a comprehensive Economic Development Plan. This plan will provide both a 3-year actionable roadmap and a 5-year strategic vision to guide the county’s economic growth, industry attraction, and infrastructure priorities. Key objectives include diversifying the local economy through the recruitment of clean tech, biotechnology, biomanufacturing, advanced manufacturing, and R&D sectors. The plan must also address the activation of a new 77-acre Business & Innovation Park and integrate robust public and stakeholder engagement. The final deliverables will align with the strategic goals of the State of Georgia and the Appalachian Regional Commission. They must include clear action steps, a target industry list, infrastructure recommendations, and measurable success metrics. The total project budget ranges from

$30,000 to $60,000.

Economic Development Plan Update (RFP)

Solicitation No: EDP-

0001-2026

Submission Deadline:

June 01, 2026

Pa ge

Contents

1. Executive Summary

2. Background & Community Context

3. Project Purpose & Scope

Purpose

Scope

4. Strategic Priorities & Deliverables

Strategic Goal 1: Attract Clean Tech Industries

Strategic Goal 2: Expand Biotechnology, Biomanufacturing, and R&D

Strategic Goal 3: Grow Advanced Manufacturing

Strategic Goal 4: Develop the Business & Innovation Park

Strategic Goal 5: Ensure Community-Aligned Growth

5. Stakeholder Engagement Requirements

6. Proposal Submission Requirements

7. Evaluation Criteria

Legal / Procurement Notes

1. Executive Summary

The Development Authority of Dawson County is issuing a public Request for Proposal (RFP) to select a qualified consultant or firm to lead the creation of a new Economic Development Plan.

This plan will serve as both a 3-year actionable roadmap and a 5-year strategic vision to guide

Dawson County’s economic future. Its primary focus is on attracting targeted industries (clean tech, biotech, advanced manufacturing, R&D), supporting sustainable growth, and enhancing quality of life.

The project must include robust public engagement, align with the State of Georgia's strategic priorities, and reflect the objectives of the Appalachian Regional Commission. A total budget of $30,000–$60,000 has been allocated.

2. Background & Community Context

Dawson County, located in North Georgia, has experienced significant growth in recent years.

While the county continues to be a desirable residential and business location, new economic development challenges and opportunities have emerged, including:

• Managing residential growth pressure

• Developing a 77-acre Business & Innovation Park

• Aligning workforce development with industry needs

• Balancing economic expansion with infrastructure capacity

The current plan is due for an update, and this proposal aims to establish a clear and actionable path forward.

3. Project Purpose & Scope

Purpose

The purpose of this plan is to update the county’s current economic strategy, attract targeted high-growth industries, and position Dawson County for long-term resilience and prosperity.

Scope

• Geography: Entirety of Dawson County

• Timeline: Dual-horizon (3-year roadmap and 5-year strategy)

• Budget: $30,000–$60,000

• Deliverables must include:

o Strategic recommendations o Target industry list o Infrastructure priorities o Development area identification o Action steps for implementation

• Required public input: Stakeholder interviews, surveys, and community feedback

• Alignment: State of Georgia Economic Development Strategy and Appalachian

Regional Commission goals

4. Strategic Priorities & Deliverables

Strategic Goal 1: Attract Clean Tech Industries

• 2–3 new companies

• 100+ jobs

• Site-readiness and marketing plan

Strategic Goal 2: Expand Biotechnology, Biomanufacturing, and R&D

• University/tech partnerships

• Infrastructure feasibility for lab-based facilities

• ARC innovation program alignment

Strategic Goal 3: Grow Advanced Manufacturing

• Retain and expand manufacturers

• Workforce pipeline with local tech college

• Wage and tax base growth

Strategic Goal 4: Develop the Business & Innovation Park

• Master plan and infrastructure layout

• Branding and web presence

• First tenant recruitment

Strategic Goal 5: Ensure Community-Aligned Growth

• Countywide surveys and stakeholder focus groups

• Integration of public feedback into zoning and planning

5. Stakeholder Engagement Requirements

Stakeholders to be engaged include:

• Development Authority

• County Commissioners

• City Officials

• Existing business leaders

• Technical college & school officials

• General public (via surveys)

Special care should be taken to include community voices and manage sensitivity around:

• Rapid residential growth

• The 77-acre Business & Innovation Park

6. Proposal Submission Requirements

• Deadline: June 01, 2026, by 5:00 PM EST

• Submission Method:

o Hard copy in a sealed envelope, signed and labeled, delivered to Kevin L. Herrit, MBA, AICP, EDFP at 44 Commerce Drive, Dawsonville, GA 30534 o Or Email to Kevin L. Herrit, MBA, AICP, EDFP, Director of Economic

Development at k.herrit@dawson.org

• Required Content:

o Narrative proposal o Cost breakdown o Timeline o Team bios and relevant project examples o Public engagement methodology o Legal compliance documentation (E-Verify, conflicts, etc.)

• Questions:

o Questions may be directed to Kevin L. Herrit, Director of Economic Development. Email-k.herrit@dawson.org. Questions will be answered via addendum only. The deadline for submitting questions is May15, 2026 (5-15- 2026). The Owner reserves the right to reject any and all statements of qualifications, as well as to waive technicalities and informalities.

7. Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on:

Criteria Weight

Relevant Experience 20%

Methodology & Approach 20%

Innovation 20%

Public Engagement Plan 20%

Cost and Value 20%

Legal / Procurement Notes

• Statement of Agreement:

o With submission of a statement of proposal, the Proposer agrees that he/she has carefully examined the solicitation, and the Proposer agrees that it is the

Proposer’s responsibility to request clarification on any issues in any section of mailto:Email-k.herrit@dawson.org the solicitation with which the Proposer disagrees or needs clarified. The Proposer also understands that failure to mention these items in the proposal will be interpreted to mean that the Proposer is in full agreement with the terms, conditions, specifications and requirements in the therein. With submission of a proposal, the Proposer hereby certifies: (a) that this proposal is genuine and is not made in the interest or on behalf of any undisclosed person, firm, or corporation;

(b) that Proposer has not directly or indirectly included or solicited any other

Proposer to put in a false or insincere proposal; (c) that Proposer has not solicited or induced any person, firm, or corporation to refrain from sending a proposal.