NCPC_Penn Ave RFP 2_Public Space Master Plan_23_12_21.pdf

A New

PENNSYLVANIA

AVENUE PLAN

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL Phase 2 :: Public Space Master Plan

PUBLISHED DECEMBER 21, 2023

OVERVIEW OF PROJECT AND PROJECT PHASES

Overview of Project 6

• Boundary Map 8

Overview of Project Phases 9

• Phasing Diagram 10

• RFP 1 — Implementation Program 11

• RFP 2 — Public Space Master Plan and Concept Design 12

• RFP 3 — Final Design 13

• Phase 2 Project Timeline and Period of Performance 15

PHASE 2 — PUBLIC SPACE MASTER PLAN AND CONCEPT DESIGN

I. A New Pennsylvania Avenue Plan — Setting the Stage 18

II. Phase 2 — Scope of Work and Deliverables 32

• Phase 2a — Public Space Master Plan / Concept Design Studies

» Task 1 :: Project Approach and Management (Design and Technical Analysis in Coordination with IP Team) 33

» Task 2 :: Facilitation and Communications Strategy (Design and Technical Analysis in Coordination with IP Team) 33

» Task 3 :: Public Space Master Plan – Concept Design Studies and Preliminary Technical Analysis 34 » Task 3 — (MP Design Development in coordination with IP Task 3 Master Plan Program of Requirements)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

A New Pennsylvania Avenue Plan / Phase 2 :: Public Space Master Plan RFP

A New Pennsylvania Avenue Plan / Phase 2 :: Public Space Master Plan RFP 3

» Task 4 :: Updated Business Case (MP Task 3 Concept Design Studies to inform IP Task 4) 34

» Task 5 :: Implementation Program Framework (MP Task 3 Concept Design Studies to inform IP Task 5) 34

» Task 6 :: NEPA / NHPA Section 106 (not applicable in Phase 2a)

» Task 7 :: New Pennsylvania Avenue Plan (not applicable in Phase 2a)

» Phase 2a — Required Deliverables 35

• Potential Future Scope of Work — Option Phase 2b – Public Space Master Plan / Preferred Alternative

» Task 1 :: Project Approach and Management (Coordination with IP Phase 1 Team) 40

» Task 2 :: Facilitation and Communications Strategy (Coordination with IP Phase 1 Team) 41

» Task 3 :: Public Space Master Plan – Concept Design Studies and Preliminary Technical Analysis 41 » Task 3 — (Completed under Phase 2a)

» Task 4 :: Recommended Business Case 41 » Task 3 — (MP Task 6 Public Space Master Plan Preferred Alternative to inform IP Task 4)

» Task 5 :: Recommended Implementation Program 41 » Task 3 — (MP Task 6 Public Space Master Plan Preferred Alternative to inform IP Task 5)

» Task 6 :: NEPA / NHPA Section 106 – Public Space Master Plan – Preferred Alternative 42 » Task 3 — (MP Design Work to be consolidated with IP Task 6)

Task 3 – RFP 1 Team – Administrative and Communications Lead Task 3 – RFP 2 Team – Design and Technical Lead – Public Space Master Plan

» Task 7 :: New Pennsylvania Avenue Plan 43 » Task 3 — (MP Design Work to be consolidated with IP Task 7)

Task 3 – Public Space Master Plan components Task 3 – NEPA Documentation, including Transportation Management Plan and Stormwater Management Plan

A New Pennsylvania Avenue Plan / Phase 2 :: Public Space Master Plan RFP 4

• Phase 2b – Required Deliverables 44

• Preliminary Outline for NEPA / NHPA Section 106 — Phase 2a and Option Phase 2b 50

• Phase 2 — Responsibilities 60

III. Proposal Submission Requirements 5062

• Technical Proposal — Submission Document 1 64

• Fee Proposal — Submission Document 2 67

IV. Resource Lists 68

V. Selection Process 72

VI. RFP Summary Submission Information 76

VII. Terms, Conditions, and Provisions 80

APPENDIX

Terms and Definitions 94

OVERVIEW OF

PROJECT AND

PROJECT PHASES

OVERVIEW OF PROJECT

The National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC), 401 9th Street, NW, Suite 500, Washington, DC 20004, through a Full and Open Competition, is seeking a qualified consultant team, under NAICS Industry Code 5413 Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services to prepare the New Pennsylvania Avenue Plan.

Federal and District agencies have come together and agree that now is the time to update the antiquated Pennsylvania Avenue Plan 1974 (1974 Plan) to guide physical improvements and operations for the next 50 years.

Building on the vision, early concepts, and studies1 completed to date, the NCPC in collaboration with federal and District partners, seeks a qualified consultant team to prepare the New Pennsylvania Avenue Plan that considers the Pennsylvania Avenue Historic Site. The New Pennsylvania Avenue Plan will include a Public Space Master Plan and an Implementation Program for the Pennsylvania Avenue corridor.

The New Pennsylvania Avenue Plan will be developed through three (3) phases, each with a Request for Proposal (RFP). Each will be contracted separately with the first two coordinated through concurrent periods of performance. The work contracted through each RFP will inform successive phases of work. This RFP addresses the Public Space Master Plan.

The 1974 Plan focuses on an approximately 116-acre area that encompasses Pennsylvania Avenue from 3rd Street, NW to 15th Street, NW, and several blocks to the north along its length.2 Federal law and a Memorandum of Agreement established the 1974 Plan and its jurisdictional and regulatory framework that is also defined by General Guidelines and specific Square Guidelines for each block.

1 See Section 4: Resource Lists 2 See page 8: Boundary Map, PADC Boundary

The New Pennsylvania Avenue Plan should be a usable and comprehensive document that will guide decision making on planning, design, development, operations, and programming into the coming decades. It should include:

• An Implementation Program, including a funding strategy to administer and / or coordinate the future operations, maintenance, and programming of the Avenue.

• A new stewardship entity or partnership to implement the New Pennsylvania Avenue Plan.

• A Public Space Master Plan to guide urban form, public space, roadway, security, and infrastructure improvements.

• An updated regulatory framework to administer development reviews and approvals for implementation of the New Pennsylvania Avenue Plan, as well as general principles to guide potential future updates to the Square Guidelines, reflecting best urban development practices commensurate with the importance of Pennsylvania Avenue’s location, role, and symbolism.

This work will entail obtaining required jurisdictional approvals and potentially assisting with any future legislative actions necessary to implement the New Pennsylvania Avenue Plan.

OVERVIEW OF PROJECT (continued)

The Pennsylvania Avenue, NW corridor extends west from 3rd Street, NW at the U.S. Capitol grounds to 15th Street, NW near the east side of the White House. However, it is also important to consider the relationship of the Avenue to neighboring areas that extend south on 4th Street, NW and east of 3rd

Street, NW.

The corridor consists of the cartway (roadway), adjoining sidewalks, and a series of plazas and parks, including Pershing Park (U.S. Reservation 617), Freedom Plaza (U.S. Reservations 32 and 33), Market Square Park (U.S. Reservations 35 and 36), Indiana Plaza (U.S. Reservation 36A), Mellon Park (U.S.

Reservation 546), John Marshall Park, and Meade Plaza (U.S. Reservation 553). The corridor and surrounding blocks are historic sites.

The United States owns the roadway itself and the above-described features and structures. However, the roadway is administered by the District of Columbia Department of Transportation, and most of the sidewalks along it, and most of the adjacent parks and plazas, are administered by the National Park Service (NPS). Several federal agency headquarters managed by the General Services Administration (GSA) are located on the south side of the Avenue in the Federal Triangle Historic District. The area east of 3rd Street, NW is part of the U.S. Capitol grounds, under the jurisdiction of the Architect of the Capitol.

Boundary Map

OVERVIEW OF PROJECT PHASES

The Scope of Work (SOW) to prepare the New Pennsylvania Avenue Plan entails two primary phases that will be contracted separately through two Request for Proposals (RFPs) that must be closely coordinated. A future RFP for Phase 3 will be scoped, solicited, and procured by the new stewardship entity after the New Pennsylvania Avenue Plan is accepted by the required congressional subcommittees.

The first RFP (Phase 1) focused on the Implementation Program (IP); the second RFP (this RFP – Phase 2) focuses on a Public Space Master Plan (MP).

A diagram on page 10 illustrates the relationship among these primary phases.

• Phase 1 :: The Implementation Program (IP) RFP was released in September 2023 and involves Phase 1a and option Phases 1b, 1c, and 1d. Together this work includes defining the potential public space program of requirements; developing the business case for the New Pennsylvania Avenue Plan; determining a stewardship and implementing entity; addressing operations, maintenance, funding, activity programming and a regulatory framework; and obtaining approval of relevant components of the New Pennsylvania Avenue Plan.

• Phase 2 :: This Public Space Master Plan and Concept Design (MP) RFP will be procured and awarded as a separate contract. It will focus on the Public Space Master Plan and concept design, including tasks related to the physical design of the right-of-way, parks, building yards, and infrastructure. It will be developed in coordination with and based on findings from Phase 1, and in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), and agency approvals.

• Phase 3 :: The RFP-3, Final Design (FD) will follow completion and approval of Phases 1 and 2.

The work procured and developed through each of these RFPs will use and build upon the Executive Committee’s completed work to date, with updates and modifications as needed.3

3 See Section 4: Resource Lists

Phasing Diagram

10A New Pennsylvania Avenue Plan / Phase 2 :: Public Space Master Plan RFP

RFP 1

Implementation Program (IP)

The IP RFP was released in September 2023 for Phase 1a and Option4 Phases 1b, 1c, and 1d. A brief description of the IP RFP Scope of Work is provided here for context. A link to the full IP RFP can be found on SAM.gov. Please note the IP RFP solicitation is now closed and procurement is underway.

Phase 1a :: Public Space Master Plan Program of Requirements and Implementation Program Strategies

Develop the following:

• Event and public space program of requirements to inform concept development in Phase 2;

• Develop a baseline economic model(s) to build the initial business case for the vision;

• Develop the Implementation Program strategies that include a potential new stewardship entity with budget estimates;

• Develop strategies for regulatory review and development standards (Square Guidelines), operation and maintenance, daily and event programming, and funding.

Option Phase 1b :: Update Business Case and Implementation Program Framework

In coordination with development of concept design studies under Phase 2 — MP, refine the economic models to update the business case, and to inform the Implementation Framework.

Option Phase 1c :: New Pennsylvania Avenue Plan

In coordination with development of the Preferred Alternative for the Public Space Master Plan and NEPA / NHPA Section 106 technical analysis under Phase 2 — MP, prepare the New Pennsylvania Avenue Plan and administer the NEPA / NHPA Section 106 process and agency approvals to include:

• An Implementation Program to address operations and maintenance, daily and event programming, and funding, including a new steward to implement the Public Space Master Plan and administer the Implementation Program. It must also include an updated regulatory framework to administer development reviews and approvals for implementation of the plan, including minor and major revisions to the Pennsylvania Avenue Plan, and general principles to guide future updates to the Square Guidelines.

• The Public Space Master Plan and Concept Design to guide physical infrastructure, urban design and public space, and roadway improvements.

Option Phase 1d :: Legislative and Regulatory Changes

If deemed necessary by the Project Partners, assist preparing materials required for legislative changes to implement the New Pennsylvania Avenue Plan and associated jurisdictional and regulatory provisions.

4 An option phase is a “unilateral right in a contract by which, for a specified time, the Government may elect to purchase additional supplies or services called for by the contract, or may elect to extend the term of the contract“

11A New Pennsylvania Avenue Plan / Phase 2 :: Public Space Master Plan RFP https://sam.gov/opp/2997885a3331403b8130d2db629001c8/view https://www.acquisition.gov/far/17.207

RFP 2

Public Space Master Plan and Concept Design (MP)

NCPC will issue the MP RFP in the 1st quarter of FY 2024; it will be procured and awarded as a separate contract. The Phase 2 — MP RFP will focus on design and technical analysis with an emphasis on developing the Public Space Master Plan in coordination with and based on findings of Phase 1 — IP, and in compliance with NEPA / NHPA Section 106 and agency approvals.5

The Public Space Master Plan is defined as physical design of the right-of-way, parks, building yards, and infrastructure.

Phase 2a :: Public Space Master Plan / Concept Design Studies

Concept design studies developed in Phase 2a will be informed by Phase 1a and will be developed into the Preferred Alternatives to be analyzed in Phase 2b.

Option Phase 2b :: Public Space Master Plan / Preferred Alternative

In coordination with Phases 1b and 1c, develop the Preferred Alternative / concept design and prepare the technical analysis in compliance with federal regulatory and approval processes to be incorporated into the New Pennsylvania Avenue Plan.

5 See Appendix: Federal Regulatory Processes

12A New Pennsylvania Avenue Plan / Phase 2 :: Public Space Master Plan RFP

RFP 3

Final Design (FD)

The FD RFP(s) will be procured and awarded as a separate contract after Phase 1 — IP and Phase 2 — MP work is successfully completed. The Scope of Work for Phase 3 will use the New Pennsylvania Avenue Plan and the Public Space Master Plan as the basis to complete design development through final design and construction.

Phase 3 will be determined based on the IP and MP findings, including programming, phasing, funding, and stewardship.

Teams involved with Phase 1 — IP and Phase 2 — MP efforts will not be precluded from submitting proposals on Phase 3 — FD RFP(s).

13A New Pennsylvania Avenue Plan / Phase 2 :: Public Space Master Plan RFP

Project Timeline and Period of Performance

Phase 1 :: Implementation Program (IP) Please note the IP RFP solicitation is now closed and procurement is underway.

• Release of IP RFP Friday, September 15, 2023

• Phase 1a

» Submission Deadline Friday, October 20, 2023 at 12:00 PM Eastern Time

» In-Person Interviews January 2024

» Consultant Selection and Award February 2024

» Kick-Off Meeting March 2024

» Period of Performance Kick-Off + 6 Months

• Option Phase 1b Following Completion of Phase 1a, Concurrent with Phase 2a Period of Performance: About 12 Months

• Option Phase 1c Following Completion of Phase 1b, Concurrent with Phase 2b Period of Performance: About 12-15 Months

• Option Phase 1d Following Completion of Phases 1c and 2b Period of Performance: TBD

14A New Pennsylvania Avenue Plan / Phase 2 :: Public Space Master Plan RFP

Project Timeline and Period of Performance (continued)

Phase 2 :: Public Space Master Plan and Concept Design (MP)

• Release of MP RFP December 21, 2023

• Phase 2a

» Online Pre-Bid Meeting Monday, January 8, 2024 at 1:00 PM Eastern Time

» Submission of Questions Wednesday, January 10, 2024 at 4:00 PM Eastern Time

» NCPC Responses to Questions Wednesday, January 17, 2024

» Submission Deadline Friday, March 1, 2024 at 12:00 PM Eastern Time

» In-Person Interviews Anticipated Spring 2024*

» Consultant Selection and Award Anticipated Summer 2024*

» Kick-Off Meeting Anticipated Summer 2024*

» Period of Performance Kick-Off + 6 Months

• Option Phase 2b Following Completion of Phase 1a, Concurrent with Phase 2a Period of Performance: About 12 Months

*The timeframe for interviews, selection, award, and kick-off will be determined after the submission deadline.

Phase 3 :: Final Design (FD)

• Release of FD RFP(s) Following Completion of Phases 1 and 2

15A New Pennsylvania Avenue Plan / Phase 2 :: Public Space Master Plan RFP

16A New Pennsylvania Avenue Plan / Phase 2 :: Public Space Master Plan RFP

(This page intentionally left blank)

PHASE 2 ::

PUBLIC SPACE

MASTER PLAN

SECTIONS I-VII

I

A NEW PENNSYLVANIA

AVENUE PLAN

Setting the Stage

Overview

Pennsylvania Avenue, NW between the U.S.

Capitol and the White House is the nation’s most iconic ceremonial boulevard and one of the most important places in the city where the District of Columbia and federal governments share many interests. It is an important city asset, a one-of-a-kind national destination, and is instantly recognized worldwide.

The Pennsylvania Avenue corridor and several blocks around it are designated as the Pennsylvania Avenue National Historic Site.

Framed by a grand, architecturally significant building wall and distinct tree canopy, the Avenue’s urban form offers spectacular views of the U.S. Capitol and a continuous pedestrian allee’ along its corridor, linking the Executive and Legislative branches of government as envisioned by Pierre L’Enfant in his 1791 plan for the nation’s capital.

Pennsylvania Avenue is the northern border of the Federal Triangle and the southern border of the eastern portion of the city’s downtown eastern commercial core. Here, Pennsylvania Avenue serves important national and local roles. Its location and civic use have elevated the Avenue’s national symbolic role and importance.

SECTION I :: SETTING THE STAGE

Pennsylvania Avenue Significance https://planning.dc.gov/publication/pennsylvania-avenue-national-historic-site

Historically, it is the nation’s place to celebrate, commemorate, and recognize America’s rich social, cultural, and political moments and events. The Avenue has been the location of the presidential inaugural parade since 1805 and the site of the first protest march on Washington by Coxey’s Army in 1894. It continues to be a prominent and important place for the public to assemble to mourn, celebrate, and exercise free speech.

The use and character of Pennsylvania Avenue has evolved over time.

Once a bustling commercial corridor, today the Avenue supports a mix of public and private offices, as well as cultural and educational institutions. The corridor is unified by a consistent streetscape that mitigates an undulating building wall with diverse architecture character between the north and south sides of the street. Home to the District’s executive and legislative branches of government, this highly visible location commands some of the highest rents in the city. It also hosts many local and regional festivals and events each year.

• The Avenue spans 1.2 miles between the White House and U.S.

Capitol and features 40 acres of public space and a cohesive streetscape (e.g. paving, street furnishings, plantings) that links its parks and plazas and unifies its varied sidewalk and building conditions.

• The Avenue’s iconic urban form and character offers a spectacular vista, monumental scale, generous paved areas, and a sequence of public spaces that provide flexible space for daily use and multiple stage settings for events.

• The location and surrounding land use mix is conducive for events, given its proximity and relationship to the National Mall and low traffic volumes and great access to transit. The concentration of office use means the Avenue is least populated during typical event times.

• The Avenue hosts the quadrennial Inaugural Parade and is a nationally important place for public assembly.

• Pre-pandemic, the Avenue hosted an average of 150 mostly local and regional permitted events per year. It is a viable alternative to the National Mall for hosting large scale events and has the potential to capture local, regional, national, and international audiences.

SECTION I :: SETTING THE STAGE

Pennsylvania Avenue Significance (continued)

Background

Through the Pennsylvania Avenue Development Corporation Act of 1972, Public Law 92-578, 86 Stat. 1266, Congress created the Pennsylvania Avenue Development Corporation (PADC) and found and declared:

a) that it is in the national interest that the area adjacent to Pennsylvania Avenue between the U.S. Capitol and the White House, most of which was designated on September 30, 1965, as a national historic site under the Historic Sites Act of August 21, 1935 (54 U.S.C. §§ 320101 et seq.) “be developed, maintained, and used in a manner suitable to its ceremonial, physical, and historic relationship to the legislative and executive branches of the federal government, and to the governmental buildings, monuments, memorials, and parks in or adjacent to the area.

b) that the area adjacent to Pennsylvania Avenue between the U.S. Capitol and the White House, because of its blighted character, imposes severe public, economic, and social liabilities upon the District of Columbia as the seat of the government of the United States, thereby impeding its sound growth and development and constituting a serious and growing threat to the public health, safety, morals, and welfare of its inhabitants.

c) that to ensure suitable development, maintenance, and use of the area and the elimination of blight, it is essential that there be developed and carried out as an entirety plans for this area which will specify the uses, both public and private, to which property is to be put, the programing and financing of necessary acquisitions, construction, reconstruction, and other activities.

SECTION I :: SETTING THE STAGE

Pennsylvania Avenue Development Corporation History https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/COMPS-1731/pdf/COMPS-1731.pdf

d) that such duties and responsibilities can best be developed and carried out by vesting the requisite powers in a federal corporation which can take maximum advantage of the private as well as the public resources which will be necessary.”

Congress granted the PADC certain powers to develop and implement a plan to redevelop Pennsylvania Avenue and several surrounding blocks. PADC authority included planning, real estate development and asset management, regulatory, administration, operations, maintenance, and programming.

In 1974, the PADC completed the Pennsylvania Avenue Plan (1974 Plan).

Legislation that enabled a unique regulatory structure, including general and site-specific Square Guidelines, led to the implementation of this plan.

It focused on redevelopment of the north side of the corridor, diversifying and increasing the mix of uses, and substantially improving the public realm to elevate the Avenue’s identity and improve its economic health.

While redevelopment of the corridor was substantially completed by the mid-1990s, the 1974 Plan remained a catalyst for revitalizing the surrounding downtown as a live-work central business district through the early 2000s.

In 1996, Congress dissolved the PADC and transferred all of its rights, title, and interest in carrying out its powers and duties under the Pennsylvania Avenue Development Corporation Act6 and the Federal Triangle Development Act.7 Congress delegated real estate planning, development

6 (40 U.S.C. 871-885) 7 (40 U.S.C. 1101-1109)

SECTION I :: SETTING THE STAGE

Pennsylvania Avenue Development Corporation History (continued) https://www.nps.gov/nationalmallplan/Documents/Penn/PADC_PennAvePlan1974.pdf https://www.ncpc.gov/docs/Public_Law_104_134_Dissolved_PADC.pdf and management to the General Services Administration (GSA);

maintenance and programming of the sidewalks and parks to the National Park Service (NPS); and plan review compliance to the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC), with the District Government retaining responsibility for the roadway between the curbs.

Pennsylvania Avenue Today

The Avenue is currently guided by the outdated congressionally mandated 49-year-old 1974 Plan. Over time, changing economic, physical, and land use conditions have significantly impacted the Avenue’s function and character, reducing its utility as a street. No longer a primary thoroughfare, it is now an empty and lackluster space. Its infrastructure is aging and its physical condition is declining. It has become less economically competitive and has struggled to support retail and sustain activity, which has been compounded by the pandemic.

For more than 25 years each agency has fulfilled its responsibilities — in accordance with a Memorandum of Agreement (1996 MOA). However, no one entity is in charge, nor is there an established body to adequately coordinate and make decisions for Avenue’s greater good.

SECTION I :: SETTING THE STAGE

Pennsylvania Avenue Development Corporation History (continued)

Credit: Washington Post https://www.gsa.gov/ https://www.nps.gov/index.htm https://www.nps.gov/index.htm https://www.ncpc.gov/ https://www.ncpc.gov/ https://dc.gov/ https://www.ncpc.gov/docs/PADC_MOA_1996.pdf

Overview of Planning to Date

To address the lack of a single stewarding entity for the Avenue, NCPC, GSA, NPS, and the District Government’s Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) and Department of Transportation (DDOT), in collaboration with the District Office of Planning (DCOP) and the U.S.

Commission of Fine Arts (CFA), formed an Executive Committee to focus agency coordination on the Pennsylvania Avenue Initiative (Initiative).

The Executive Committee focused on the public space and how to address the Avenue’s declining physical conditions, its aging infrastructure, its complex regulatory and operational structures, and loss of economic competitiveness.

Between 2016 and 2018, several expert technical studies were completed, including the Pedestrian Life Study, Cultural Landscape Report, Economic and Real Estate Market Analysis, Urban Design Analysis, Transportation Study, and Programming Report.8 In response, the Executive Committee released a Findings and Strategies Summary of near-, mid-, and long-term actions to improve the Avenue. After obtaining input from subject matter experts, the Executive Committee concluded:

• The Avenue is well-connected to transit but designed for cars. It is no longer a vehicular thoroughfare and should prioritize people first.

• The Avenue no longer possesses the characteristics of a successful retail street, and its primary role is that of a unifying destination.

• Improvements should capitalize on the Avenue’s strengths: elevate the experience of the Capitol vista and enhance the public realm and programming with flexible infrastructure to become a dedicated venue, a location for preeminent activities.

8 See Section 4: Resource Lists

SECTION I :: SETTING THE STAGE

The Pennsylvania Avenue Initiative https://dmped.dc.gov/ https://ddot.dc.gov/ https://ddot.dc.gov/ https://planning.dc.gov/ https://www.cfa.gov/ https://www.cfa.gov/ https://www.ncpc.gov/initiatives/pennave/ https://www.ncpc.gov/docs/A_Penn_Ave_Ped_Life_Study_April2016.pdf https://www.ncpc.gov/docs/A_Penn_Ave_Ped_Life_Study_April2016.pdf https://parkplanning.nps.gov/document.cfm?parkID=427&projectID=58434&documentID=75152 https://www.ncpc.gov/docs/Pennsylvania_Ave_Market_Analysis_March2016.pdf https://www.ncpc.gov/docs/Pennsylvania_Ave_Urban_Design_Analysis_September2017.pdf https://www.ncpc.gov/docs/Pennsylvania_Ave_Urban_Design_Analysis_September2017.pdf https://www.ncpc.gov/docs/C_PennAve_Transportation_Study_DDOT.pdf https://www.ncpc.gov/docs/Pennsylvania_Avenue_Action_Plan_Summary_May2018.pdf

In 2019, NCPC collaborated with Events DC and consultants to examine public space and programming to explore the potential for increasing the scale of events hosted on the Avenue.

During Covid, a 2020 ULI report examined how the District could recover from pandemic impacts on the economy. The report found that the pandemic revealed the demand for civic infrastructure and high-quality, accessible outdoor public space, focusing on the importance of using public space, placemaking, design, and civic infrastructure to revitalize downtown — which is consistent with the Initiative’s goals.

Between 2020 and 2022, the Executive Committee developed a new vision and three early concepts and sought stakeholder and public input. The vision and early concepts explore how to transform the public space to address the Avenue’s declining physical condition and outdated infrastructure, and how the Avenue can become an inspiring destination and contribute to downtown’s economic health. This vision aligns with the District’s efforts to revive its economy by attracting people back downtown.

SECTION I :: SETTING THE STAGE

The Pennsylvania Avenue Initiative (continued) https://www.eventsdc.com/ https://www.ncpc.gov/docs/B_ULI-ASP_WashingtonDC_2020.pdf https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/e9729ec86bef49ef96164d1253ae472e

A New Pennsylvania Avenue Plan / Phase 2 :: Public Space Master Plan RFP 27

The Pennsylvania Avenue Initiative (continued)

The Vision — The Avenue as a Venue

The Project Partners envision the Avenue as:

• A signature venue for hosting significant regional, national, and international events that generate tourism and street life. A destination that engages, entertains, and inspires participants to expand their imagination and create enduring collective memories.

• A street that prioritizes people, accommodates and provides access to multiple transportation modes, and offers modernized infrastructure. A welcoming destination with an inspiring public realm for downtown residents, workers, and visitors.

• A ceremonial corridor that honors its historic, symbolic, and physical relationships to the nation’s adjoining governing and cultural institutions and commemorative spaces.

• An inclusive civic space, reflecting America’s democratic values, where everyone is welcome to gather, meet up, relax, celebrate, mourn, and exercise free speech.

Revitalizing Pennsylvania Avenue as an everyday street for people and as a one-of-a-kind venue to host major national and international events will benefit both downtown and the District. It will:

• Provide the infrastructure and public space to attract national and international events.

• Provide high quality public spaces and amenities for visitors, workers returning to their offices, and current and future residents that live downtown, in the city, and around the region.

• Stimulate tourism to generate direct and indirect visitor spending on hotels, restaurants, and retail citywide.

• Inspire redevelopment / economic activities that elevate Washington as a world-class capital city.

• Support tenant attraction and retention efforts downtown, enhance property values for owners, create more attractive assets for investors, and increase the local tax base.

Three Vision Concepts

The overarching vision and three early concepts (vision concepts) propose ideas to right-size and reconfigure the street and the public spaces in different ways. The purpose is to enhance the Avenue’s iconic setting and increase its usability and flexibility to reach its potential as a world-class event venue and a more welcoming and enjoyable place for everyday use.

Each concept proposes ideas to uniquely prioritize pedestrians, bicycles, transit, and cars; enhance daily use; achieve sustainability goals; address gaps in equity and access; and support a range of programming opportunities:

• Urban Capital: Establishes a “complete street” with comfort amenities and services that create a go-to place and respite for locals and visitors.

• Linear Green: Prioritizes transit, people, and bikes and creates a unique destination for outdoor gatherings and connection to nature.

• Civic Stage: Centers pedestrians within a large median promenade with flexible spaces and infrastructure for a range of special events.

Urban Capital Concept

Linear Green Concept

Civic Stage Concept

The Pennsylvania Avenue Initiative (continued)

Urban Capital Concept Linear Green Concept Civic Stage Concept

2022 Public Engagement

On March 16, 2022, NCPC released the vision and three early concepts for a 136-day public comment period that closed on July 29, 2022. NCPC held three online public meetings, conducted more than 70 briefings, and attended events to listen and learn from stakeholders, including federal partners, District agencies, property owners, business leaders, mission-driven organizations, neighborhood groups, those that work and live on or near the Avenue, and frequent visitors.

NCPC received more than 450 thought-provoking written comments, expressing staunch support and specific concerns shaped by the diversity of personal and professional experiences, cultures, and points of view. Ideas ranged from minute streetscape details to grand aspirations for a majestic boulevard in a modern capital city. Some people even shared precedents from across the country and abroad.

SECTION I :: SETTING THE STAGE

The Pennsylvania Avenue Initiative (continued) https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/e9729ec86bef49ef96164d1253ae472e https://www.ncpc.gov/videos/597/ https://www.ncpc.gov/docs/Penn_Ave_Comments_July_29_2022.pdf

The Opportunity

Federal and District agencies agree on the need to rethink how to use Pennsylvania Avenue; how to improve the stewardship of, and ensure equitable access to, this high-profile public space; and how to reposition it as a local and national asset and elevate its role as a place for civic activities in the United States of America’s capital city.

Pennsylvania Avenue can become a spectacular regional and national destination by leveraging on its one-of-a-kind location, setting, scale, character, and symbolic role. These attributes are the foundation to create great public spaces that everyone can enjoy and make the Avenue a signature outdoor venue. As a key component of the city’s civic infrastructure, the Avenue can become an enduring public space and an extraordinary special event destination.

Improving its public spaces and scaling up programming can elevate and spotlight Washington on the national and international stage while providing an alternative venue to the National Mall, thus lessening the demand to over program it. This work is timely because by making the Avenue a more desirable and accessible destination to live, work, and visit, it can fulfill a critical role in the District’s post-pandemic recovery goals and aligns with the Mayor’s 5-year economic development strategy (DC Comeback Plan) and the Downtown Action Plan to generate tourism, revive the local economy, and bring people back downtown.

There is no better time than now to leverage the Avenue’s assets to benefit the entire city and reclaim its important role in the city and the nation. Tourists, workers, and residents from all 8 Wards will get to enjoy a new public space amenity worthy of its history. A place where Americans can celebrate our diversity and culture, tell our stories, honor our past, and aspire to our future. The Avenue can be a beacon for the nation’s capital — a place that all Americans can be proud of.

A New Pennsylvania Avenue Plan / Phase 2 :: Public Space Master Plan RFP 31

SECTION I :: SETTING THE STAGE

The Pennsylvania Avenue Initiative (continued)

“The Avenue should be a place for ambitious ephemeral events that live in people’s memory, transforming lives by the way we see the world.”

— Helen Marriage https://www.obviouslydc.com/dcs-comeback-plan/home

PHASE 2

Scope of WorkII

A New Pennsylvania Avenue Plan / Phase 2 :: Public Space Master Plan RFP 33

SECTION II :: SCOPE OF WORK

Phase 2a

Phase 2a – Public Space Master Plan / Concept Design Studies

Task 1 :: Project Approach and Management

1.1 Project Management

• Propose the approach, schedule, milestones, and refine in collaboration with NCPC for design and technical development of the concept design studies. This work is to be done in coordination with the work of the IP Team.

1.2 Anticipated Project Meetings (in coordination with IP

Team)

• Project Partners – two group meetings

• Project Team – minimum bi-weekly meetings

» NCPC and IP consultant team lead, with Project Partner representatives and MP sub-consultants as needed. In person or online meetings will be determined based on meeting agendas.

• Potential Technical Committees / Focus Groups – minimum bi-weekly meetings

» May include, but are not limited to, property owners, security, infrastructure, emergency management, event production, and Project Partners technical staff (as detailed in Appendix:

Stakeholders and Focus Groups).

• NCPC, with Project Partners support, will set up meetings.

Task 2 :: Facilitation and Communication Strategy

• The IP Team will lead the facilitation and communication strategy for the New Pennsylvania Avenue Plan work. Stakeholder engagement will commence with the start of Phase 2a, and the public outreach will commence with the initiation of NEPA / NHPA Section 106 at the start of Option Phase 2b. Organization and facilitation of public meetings will be led by the IP Team.

• The MP Team will collaborate with and provide support to the IP Team with design exhibits, meeting materials, and presentations.

Task 3 :: Public Space Master Plan - Concept Design Studies and Preliminary Technical Analysis

The goal for Phase 2a is to develop potential concepts with initial technical studies that may be carried forward into Phase 2b. The development of concepts will be informed by IP Phase 1a findings and preliminary data collection as defined in the Deliverables section.

Development of concepts shall address a range of changes / improvements for programming opportunities, events and daily use, physical configuration, and function of the corridor and the three main public spaces (Urban Rooms) including identity, character, placemaking, sustainability, infrastructure, and multi-modal network analysis and strategy.

3.1 Concept Design Studies:

• Develop test fits of the three vision concepts based on IP Phase 1a, Task 3 – Program of Requirements, addressing event space, operations, and daily use.

• Refine the vision concepts into concept(s) to be carried into Phase 2b as Preferred Alternative(s) in consultation with NCPC and the Project Partners.

• Concepts should consider preliminary impacts such as multimodal transportation; cultural resources; stormwater requirements; air quality; noise; visual, historic, environmental, and natural resources;

landscape including tree canopy; and utilities.

Note: the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is developing a preliminary construction cost estimate of the vision concepts which will be provided to the IP and MP Teams. The MP Team will refine this preliminary construction cost estimate developed by FHWA to prepare an estimate for the Phase 2a concepts.

Task 4 :: Updated Business Case (coordination with IP Team required)

Review Phase 2a, Task 3 findings with IP Team to inform the IP Team’s business case in Phase 1b, Task 4.

Task 5 :: Implementation Program Framework (coordination with IP Team required)

Review Phase 2a, Task 3 findings with IP Team to inform the IP Team’s Implementation Program framework in Phase 1b, Task 5.

A New Pennsylvania Avenue Plan / Phase 2 :: Public Space Master Plan RFP 34

Phase 2a (continued)

Task 1 :: Project Approach and Management

Develop a project work plan that addresses the project approach and management for Tasks 2-5. Draft to be developed prior to the kick-off meeting. Final to be submitted within the first 30 days of the Notice to Proceed.

• The project work plan should identify all key milestones and support an interactive development process with NCPC.

• Meetings with NCPC and the Project Partners should include defined agendas, action item approaches, and summaries.

Task 2 :: Facilitation and Communication Strategy

A Facilitation and Communication Plan coordinated with the IP Team, NCPC, and the Project Partners for stakeholder engagement for Phase

2a concept design studies.

Task 3 :: Public Space Master Plan - Concept Design Studies and Preliminary Technical Analysis

3.1 Concept Design Studies:

Preliminary environmental data collection to inform development and analysis of concept design studies, including multimodal transportation;

cultural resources; stormwater requirements; air quality; noise; visual, historic, environmental, and natural resources; landscape including tree canopy; and utilities.

3.2 Concept Design Studies Development:

Framework concept plans – develop concept designs to convey the intent, quality, and character of the corridor, three Urban Rooms, and adjacent related improvements, for daily activities and events, considering visual, environmental, and cultural resources:

• Landscape / Urban Design – including softscape and hardscape layout and materials, stormwater, tree rhythm, lighting, conceptual acoustical considerations, public art.

• Incorporate the IP Team’s cultural programming framework including geo-located areas of cultural significance.

• Activity zones – definition for small and large events, gathering, play, respite, reflection, etc.

• Activation approach for the public realm / building development interface including: the first thirty vertical and horizontal feet of adjacent buildings and sidewalks, streetscape zones, including public realm frontage zone, pedestrian through zone, furnishing zone and curbside management.

• Infrastructure and utility upgrade approach – for physical improvements, activation, and event programming

• Operations – curbside use and building and site access, building entrances, exits, emergency egress, delivery zones, security checkpoints, event staging.

• Multimodal circulation – for pedestrian, transit, bicycle, vehicle, and other micro-mobility. Pre- and post-pandemic conditions for all modes encompassing the Pennsylvania Avenue corridor and adjacent multi-modal network. Analysis for typical daily use and special events should evaluate safety, travel time impacts, temporary road closures, and potential traffic control and detour routes.

SECTION II :: SCOPE OF WORK

Phase 2a — Required Deliverables

A New Pennsylvania Avenue Plan / Phase 2 :: Public Space Master Plan RFP 35

3.2 Concept Design Studies Development (continued):

• Security approach – for building and public space and event programming. The intent is to establish the building perimeter security line and general approach for federal buildings, not to design the perimeter security.

• Phasing strategies – for potential funding, construction, and event programming including physical and operational requirements, and management.

3.3 Design and Technical Documentation:

Development of illustrations shall be an iterative process with NCPC and the Project Partners, and include preliminary, draft, revised draft submissions for review and comment, and final submission.

• Illustrations shall address public realm opportunities for the corridor and the Urban Rooms, including right-of-way, curb-to-curb, building face-building face, parks, plazas, and adjacent related improvements.

• Rendering quantity, type, style, approach, scale, scope, and views shall be determined in collaboration with NCPC and the Project Partners.

• Illustrations shall include, but are not limited to:

» Scaled layout concept plans (including ground plane and vertical elements) – plan illustrations should consider the relationship to the National Mall and downtown.

» Scaled Sections – perspective sections are preferred.

» Programming Illustrations – for daily activities and events of varying scales and types.

» Precedent examples that identify relevant and comparable metrics such as scale, use, intensity, sustainability, etc.

» Comprehensive design intent for potential public realm use and character in collaboration with adjacent institutions.

» Elements depicting circulation should consider Pennsylvania Avenue and the adjacent street network.

» Rendering – aerial and eye-level views for the corridor and the Urban Rooms.

3.5 Phase 2a Report, Technical Documentation, and

Infrastructure / Public Realm Capital Cost Estimate

• A comprehensive and clear consolidation of all studies, design exhibits, narratives, and fact sheets, including summaries of pre- NEPA data analysis, such as multimodal transportation, stormwater management, and cultural resources. To be coordinated with IP Team, as required.

• Conceptual infrastructure and public realm capital cost estimate – a conceptual estimate for the Phase 2a concept(s) is to be developed based on the preliminary FHWA estimates.

SECTION II :: SCOPE OF WORK

Phase 2a — Required Deliverables (continued)

A New Pennsylvania Avenue Plan / Phase 2 :: Public Space Master Plan RFP 36

3.6 Summary Presentations:

• To include digital presentations (PowerPoint and / or Storymap) and images. All digital images to be provided in JPG and / or PDF format.

• Presentation narrative and subject matter talking points.

• Reference fact sheets for use when briefing decision makers, stakeholders, the public, and media.

3.7 Concept Designs:

• The MP Team will collaborate with NCPC and the Project Partners to identify the concepts to move forward to NEPA Phase 2b as the Preferred Alternative(s).

• With technical support from the IP and MP Teams, the final determination of the NEPA process will be identified by NCPC and the Project Partners at the conclusion of Phase 2a. At this time, assume an EA will be required.

Task 4 :: Updated Business Case (coordination with IP Team as required)

Review MP, Task 3 findings with IP Team to inform the IP Team’s business case in Phase 1b, Task 4.

Task 5 :: Implementation Program Framework (coordination with IP Team as required)

Review MP, Task 3 findings with IP Team to inform the IP Team’s Implementation Program framework in Phase 1b, Task 5.

SECTION II :: SCOPE OF WORK

A New Pennsylvania Avenue Plan / Phase 2 :: Public Space Master Plan RFP 37

The Deliverables for each Task should include:

• Summary report(s) with meeting summaries and documentation of all assumptions for findings, strategies, and recommendations.

• An Executive Summary, including a set of talking points and relevant fact sheets.

• Summary presentations with all images and text in digital format for use in stakeholder and public presentations, on websites, and printed documents.

• Development of Deliverables for each phase will be digital with select hard copies and four submissions, including an outline, draft, pre-final, and final document. Each submission shall include a minimum two-week review period for a consolidated Project Partner review and comment. NCPC will be responsible for consolidating comments from the Project Partners. Completion of each deliverable submission requires approval from NCPC.

SECTION II :: SCOPE OF WORK

A New Pennsylvania Avenue Plan / Phase 2 :: Public Space Master Plan RFP 38

A New Pennsylvania Avenue Plan / Phase 2 :: Public Space Master Plan RFP 40

Option Phase 2b

Option Phase 2b – Public Space Master Plan / Preferred Alternative

NCPC will serve as the lead agency for purposes of compliance with NEPA / NHPA Section 106.

GSA and NPS will participate as cooperating and consulting agencies in the NEPA and NHPA compliance process for the New Pennsylvania Avenue Plan. The District of Columbia will review all regulatory applications regarding requirements for the new plan to satisfy applicable District laws including NEPA.

The NEPA / NHPA Section 106 Summary included on pages 50-58 provides an overview of the NEPA / NHPA Section 106 process and requirements.

• The IP Team will be the administrative and communications lead for the NEPA / NHPA Section 106 effort required for the Public Space Master Plan and New Pennsylvania Avenue Plan.

• The MP Team will be the design and technical lead developing the Public Space Master Plan design and technical content, exhibits, and capital cost estimates and contributing to preparation of the New Pennsylvania Avenue Plan.

Task 1 :: Project Approach and Management

1.1 Project Management

• Propose the approach, schedule, and milestones for Phase 2b NEPA / NHPA Section 106 Technical Analysis and Public Space Master Plan and refine it in collaboration with NCPC and the Project Partners.

This work is to be done in coordination with the work of the IP Team.

1.2 Anticipated Project Meetings (in coordination with IP

Team)

• Project Partners – two group meetings

• Project Team – minimum bi-weekly meetings

» NCPC and IP consultant team lead, with Project Partner representatives and MP sub-consultants as needed. In person or online meeting will be determined based on meeting agenda.

• Potential Technical Committees / Focus Groups – minimum bi-weekly meetings

» May include, but are not limited to, property owners, security, infrastructure, emergency management, event production, and Project Partners technical staff (as detailed in Appendix:

Stakeholders and Focus Groups).

• NCPC, with the Project Partners support, will be responsible for setting up meetings.

A New Pennsylvania Avenue Plan / Phase 2 :: Public Space Master Plan RFP 41

Option Phase 2b (continued)

• NEPA / NHPA Section 106

» NEPA – assume three meetings (one public scoping meeting and two other public meetings).

» NHPA Section 106 Consultation Meetings – assume a minimum of four meetings for project overview, historic property identification, adverse effect evaluation, and resolution document development, including a Memorandum of Agreement or Programmatic Agreement, as needed.

» CFA / NCPC / DC SHPO agency Work Sessions – assume four meetings.

» CFA / NCPC Commission Meetings – assume four meetings for each Commission.

» City Representation Meetings – assume two meetings with key representatives.

Task 2 :: Facilitation and Communication Strategy

• The IP Team will lead the facilitation and communication strategy for the New Pennsylvania Avenue Plan work. Stakeholder engagement will commence with the start of Phase 2a, and the public outreach will commence with the initiation of NEPA / NHPA Section 106 at the start of Option Phase 2b. Organization and facilitation of public meetings will be led by the IP Team.

• The MP Team will collaborate with and provide support to the IP Team with design exhibits, meeting materials, and presentations.

Task 3 :: Public Space Master Plan - Concept Design…