RFP 10158 Nature Based Solutions Master Plan final.pdf

RFP 10158 Nature-Based Solutions Master Plan Page 1 of 60

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

10158 NATURE-BASED SOLUTIONS MASTER PLAN

RFP DUE: 3:00 PM MT (Mountain Time), July 8, 2025

The City of Fort Collins Environmental Planning Team is requesting proposals from qualified Professionals to contract with a stormwater engineer, restoration ecologist and landscape architect team to support the development of a nature-based solutions environmental master plan that focuses on integrating the FEMA/ASLA/EPA nature-based solutions (NbS) framework and the Fort Collins land use development standards for land use entitlements. The Professional will lead the creation of a master plan, and the City staff will lead the effort of collecting user stories focused on planning areas located within the North College and the East Mulberry corridor.

This project was supported by grant #23BRIC25-FTCO, issued by the Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.

Because this solicitation is federally funded, proposals must NOT include pricing.

As part of the City’s commitment to sustainability, proposals must be submitted online through the Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing System (RMEPS) at http://www.bidnetdirect.com/colorado/city-of-fort-collins. Note: please ensure adequate time to submit proposals through RMEPS. Proposals not submitted by the designated Opening Date and Time will not be accepted by RMEPS.

All questions should be submitted, in writing via email, to Ed Bonnette, CPM, CPPB, Senior Buyer at ebonnette@fcgov.com, with a copy to Kirk Longstein, Project Manager, at KLongstein@fcgov.com , no later than 3:00 PM MT on June 24, 2025. Please format your e-mail to include: RFP 10158 NATURE-BASED SOLUTIONS MASTER PLAN in the subject line.

Questions received after this deadline may not be answered. Responses to all questions submitted before the deadline will be addressed in an addendum and posted on the Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing System webpage.

Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing System hosted by BidNet A copy of the RFP may be obtained at http://www.bidnetdirect.com/colorado/city-of-fort-collins.

This RFP has been posted utilizing the following Commodity Code(s):

90656 Landscape Architecture

90700 ARCHITECTURAL AND ENGINEERING SERVICES, NON-PROFESSIONAL

90714 Architectural Services, Non-Licensed (Not Otherwise Classified) 91842 Engineering Consulting 91892 Urban Planning Consulting

92500 ENGINEERING SERVICES, PROFESSIONAL

92517 Civil Engineering 92528 Drainage Engineering 92533 Engineer Services, Professional 92535 Environmental Engineering 92536 Engineering Services (Not Otherwise Classified)

Financial Services Purchasing Division 215 N. Mason St. 2nd Floor PO Box 580 Fort Collins, CO 80522

970.221.6775 fcgov.com/purchasing http://www.bidnetdirect.com/colorado/city-of-fort-collins http://www.bidnetdirect.com/colorado/city-of-fort-collins mailto:KLongstein@fcgov.com http://www.bidnetdirect.com/colorado/city-of-fort-collins

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92558 Irrigation; Drainage; Flood Control/Engineering 92561 Land Development and Planning/Engineering

92600 ENVIRONMENTAL AND ECOLOGICAL SERVICES

92640 Ecological Services

Prohibition of Unlawful Discrimination: The City of Fort Collins, in accordance with the provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (78 Stat. 252, 42 US.C. §§ 2000d to 2000d-

4) and the Regulations, hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively ensure that any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, disadvantaged business enterprises will be afforded full and fair opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, or national origin in consideration for an award.

The City strictly prohibits unlawful discrimination based on an individual’s gender (regardless of gender identity or gender expression), race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, age 40 years or older, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, or other characteristics protected by law. For the purpose of this policy “sexual orientation” means a person’s actual or perceived orientation toward heterosexuality, homosexuality, and bisexuality.

The City also strictly prohibits unlawful harassment in the workplace, including sexual harassment. Further, the City strictly prohibits unlawful retaliation against a person who engages in protected activity. Protected activity includes an employee complaining that he or she has been discriminated against in violation of the above policy or participating in an employment discrimination proceeding.

The City requires its Professionals to comply with the City’s policy for equal employment opportunity and to prohibit unlawful discrimination, harassment and retaliation. This requirement applies to all third-party Professionals and their subcontractors/subconsultants at every tier.

Public Viewing Copy: The City is a governmental entity subject to the Colorado Open Records Act, C.R.S. §§ 24-72-200.1 et seq. (“CORA”). Any proposals submitted hereunder are subject to public disclosure by the City pursuant to CORA and City ordinances. Professionals may submit one (1) additional complete proposal clearly marked “FOR PUBLIC VIEWING.” In this version of the proposal, Professionals may redact text and/or data that it deems confidential or proprietary pursuant to CORA. All pricing will be considered public records subject to disclosure under CORA and as such pricing cannot be redacted from the “FOR PUBLIC VIEWING” version of the proposal. Failure to provide a public viewing copy will be considered a waiver of any claim of confidentiality under CORA without regard to how the applicant’s proposal or certain pages of the proposal are marked confidential, proprietary, or similar. Such statement does not necessarily exempt such documentation from public disclosure if required by CORA, by order of a court of appropriate jurisdiction, or other applicable law. Generally, under CORA, trade secrets, confidential commercial information and financial data information may not be disclosed by the City. Proposals may not be marked “Confidential” or ‘Proprietary’ in their entirety. By responding to this RFP, Professionals hereby waives any and all claims for damages against the City for the City’s good faith compliance with CORA. All provisions and pricing of any contract resulting from this request for proposal will be public information.

Professionals Registration: The City requires new Professionals receiving awards from the City to submit IRS form W-9 and requires all Professionals to accept Direct Deposit (Electronic) payment. If needed, the W-9 form and the Vendor Direct Deposit Authorization Form can be found on the City’s Purchasing website at www.fcgov.com/purchasing under Vendor Reference Documents. Please do not submit these documents with your proposal, however, if you take exception to participating in Direct Deposit (Electronic) payments please clearly note such in your http://www.fcgov.com/purchasing

RFP 10158 Nature-Based Solutions Master Plan Page 3 of 60 proposal as an exception. The City may waive the requirement to participate in Direct Deposit (Electronic) payments at its sole discretion.

Sales Prohibited/Conflict of Interest: No officer, employee, or member of City Council, shall have a financial interest in the sale to the City of any real or personal property, equipment, material, supplies or services where such officer or employee exercises directly or indirectly any decision-making authority concerning such sale or any supervisory authority over the services to be rendered. This rule also applies to subcontracts with the City. Soliciting or accepting any gift, gratuity favor, entertainment, kickback or any items of monetary value from any person who has or is seeking to do business with the City of Fort Collins is prohibited.

Collusive or Sham Proposals: Any proposal deemed to be collusive or a sham proposal will be rejected and reported to authorities as such. Your authorized signature of this proposal assures that such proposal is genuine and is not a collusive or sham proposal.

The City of Fort Collins reserves the right to reject any and all proposals and to waive any irregularities or informalities.

Utilization of Award by Other Agencies: The City of Fort Collins reserves the right to allow other state and local governmental agencies, political subdivisions, and/or school districts to utilize the resulting award under all terms and conditions specified and upon agreement by all parties. Usage by any other entity shall not have a negative impact on the City of Fort Collins in the current term or in any future terms.

The selected Professional shall be required to sign the City’s Agreement prior to commencing services (see sample attached to this document).

Sincerely, Gerry Paul Purchasing Director

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I. BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE / OVERVIEW

A. Objective

The City of Fort Collins Environmental Planning team seeks to contract with a stormwater engineer, restoration ecologist and landscape architect team to support the development of a nature-based solutions environmental master plan that focuses on integrating the FEMA/ASLA/EPA nature-based solutions (NbS) framework and the Fort Collins land use development standards for land use entitlements. The Professional will lead the creation of a master plan, and the City staff will lead the effort of collecting user stories focused on planning areas located within the North College and the East Mulberry corridor. The proposed master plan will address the nexus between stormwater management design criteria and natural habitat protections on private property. As Fort Collins planning staff start planning for greater density, promoting innovative nature-based solutions aim to enhance stormwater retention, mitigate flood risks, and provide multiple environmental co-benefits to the community, as we grow denser. As an update to the local FEMA hazard mitigation plan, the master planning process will inform updates to the Land Use Code development standards and the Fort Collins Utilities stormwater design criteria.

The vision is to create a master plan; including a mission, vision, goal statement and design standards that integrate nature-based solutions (NbS) to enhance stormwater management at the neighborhood level within small infill parcels and enhance ecologically significant features identified by the Land Use Code and buffered from development.

Through the integration of nature-based solutions and heterogeneous habitat design standards, we envision increased resilience to future climate conditions. Specifically, through the following indicators for success:

• Ecological Health: Increased biodiversity, habitat connectivity, and vegetation health.

• Stormwater Management: Improve runoff, and improved stormwater infiltration.

• Developer Engagement: developer predictability and alignment with the City’s Housing First Policy.

• Community Engagement: Strong public support and incorporation of stakeholder feedback.

• Cost-Efficiency: Potential for lowered upfront construction and installation costs when compared to gray infrastructure. Best management practices will ensure that ongoing maintenance does not burden future owners.

• Regulatory Integration: Alignment with City codes and ecological protection goals.

• Public Health: Increased green space and improved community well-being within commercial centers.

It is the City’s intent to contract with a single Professional team capable of completing the project in its entirety.

The City is federalizing this contract as it may be used with federal funds. The Federal Terms and Conditions are attached to this RFP in Appendix B. Because this project may be completed with federal funds, proposals must NOT include any pricing information. The City will follow Brooks Act procedures and negotiate direct labor and overhead with the most qualified firm. Please submit information regarding any experience you have with federal projects.

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II. SCOPE OF PROPOSAL

A. Scope of Work

Fort Collins is facing increasing environmental challenges, including the management of stormwater on small infill sites and protection of local wildlife habitat corridors adjacent to City-owned natural areas, particularly wetland communities hosting migratory waterfowl.

The increasing shift from greenfield development to redevelopment within commercial corridors has placed additional strain on natural systems, increasing the urgency for climate resilient solutions. Existing wetlands, both natural and constructed, play a crucial role in mitigating these impacts by acting as natural water filters, promoting groundwater infiltration, and providing essential habitat for migratory bird concentration areas.

Additionally, as Fort Collins begins to focus on redevelopment of commercial centers and infill development, stormwater planning has become a challenge for developers preparing a development program that meets the criteria of the local Land Use Code. Nature-based solutions, such as multiuse stormwater basins and constructed wetlands, have been recognized as effective and environmentally friendly approaches for managing stormwater, improving water quality, and enhancing biodiversity.

The NbS Master Plan aims to expand on these existing conditions by achieving the following outcomes:

1. Housing First Policy alignment. Create predictable development standards that demonstrate life cycle cost benefits.

2. The NbS plan will update Appendix B of the Stormwater Design Criteria manual:

landscape design.

3. Engage and inventory feedback to define stakeholder needs.

4. Based on stakeholder feedback and user stories, define SMART goals for environmental planning within urban infill/re-development of commercial centers.

E.g., mission, vision, value.

5. Develop neighborhood-level design standard for land use planning that builds upon the FEMA/EPA NbS guidance, and the American Society of Landscape Architects for creating vertical structures and heterogeneous habitats.

6. Provide example project designs within the Fort Collins Dry Creek and Cooper Slough drainage basin plans to showcase best practices in NbS. E.g., stormwater park concept plan.

7. Recommend a framework for designing and managing City capital projects; as well as NbS design for public Rights of Way.

8. Provide land developers with concrete design examples and provide predictability within the development review process & land entitlement process.

9. Demonstrate a multi-functional land use approach that utilizes nature-based solutions to design more resilient landscapes that expand community benefit in traditionally underutilized spaces.

10. Ensure that the plan accounts for the necessary resources to implement plan recommendations

11. Provide a connection to Nature in the City and identify opportunities for funding through Capital Improvement Planning (CIP).

12. Connect the dots with Nature in the City and Our Climate Future; identify staff resourcing gaps and make recommendations for City staff resources to deliver on what the plan is promising.

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B. Deliverables/Milestones

The following key deliverables are included within the project scope and must be produced by the selected Professional. These are the tangible outcomes expected at the end of the project and as approved within the FEMA BRIC grant subrecipient award. Responses to the proposal should outline qualifications and cost estimates related to the following key deliverables:

1. Data collection and analysis:

a. Local Environmental and Ecological context

b. Incorporate stakeholder user stories (City-staff will lead data collection)

c. Infrastructure and Build Environment (e.g., Stormwater Utilities data, sub area plans)

d. Local Policy and Colorado State Regulatory Context (e.g., Colorado Water law)

e. Ecosystem Services valuation

f. Lifecycle maintenance cost comparison between NbS and traditional gray infrastructure

2. Final Master Plan: draft a Nature-Based Solutions Master Plan.

a. The Master Plan must provide clear, implementable design guidance—not just conceptual visioning. It should serve as a companion document that bridges the gap between the Strategic Forestry Plan, Nature in the City Design Guidelines, Green Infrastructure Implementation Guide, and Stormwater Landscape Design

Standards by offering:

i. Prescriptive, outcome-focused direction (e.g., planting density, species lists, buffer widths, soil amendments) to ensure predictability for designers.

ii. Visual and written standards (e.g., annotated diagrams, typical sections) that communicate the intended design outcomes and facilitate consistent interpretation.

iii. Context-specific guidance for various site typologies, scalable from corridors to larger sites.

3. Concept Plan for a Stormwater Park: develop a concept plan for a stormwater park that integrates nature-based solutions (NbS) to address urban stormwater management, enhance biodiversity, and provide community recreation and education opportunities.

the concept plan will be included on a list of future capital projects funded by the City.

The Stormwater Park concept should provide a detailed conceptual design that demonstrates how nature-based solutions, flood mitigation, habitat value, and passive recreation can be integrated on a real site. The concept must show:

a. How site constraints and opportunities are addressed through design.

b. A functional layout with clearly illustrated elements (e.g., channel form, vegetation zones, public access).

c. An example of how the design guidelines apply in practice.

The following activities are within the project’s scope and should align with the objectives and deliverables highlighted above.

Research and Analysis:

• Assess stakeholder user stories and customize NbS standards to ensure alignment with Fort Collins Housing First Policy - https://www.fcgov.com/housing/ https://www.fcgov.com/housing/

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• Assess existing stormwater management practices and infrastructure in Fort

Collins.

a. Understand habitat connectivity and wildlife corridor potential using available secondary data sources. Fort Collins Urban Zones Plan

b. Identify local soils that allow for the greatest stormwater infiltration

c. Identify high-risk flood areas and neighborhoods with poor stormwater management. Focus on East Mulberry Plan and North College Corridor Plan

Design and Planning:

• Develop neighborhood-specific stormwater management designs based on NbS principles (bioswales, trees, wetlands).

Management analysis and resource recommendations

• Review staff levels to ensure successful plan implementation

• Identify potential funding sources to support the plans ongoing success

Demonstration Project - Concept Plan for a Stormwater Park

• Concept design of a park that manages stormwater through nature-based solutions, including but not limited to bioretention areas, constructed wetlands, permeable surfaces, and vegetated swales.

• Concept will demonstrate a multifunctional public space that provides recreational opportunities, educational features, and aesthetic enhancements.

• The level of detail required is less than 30% design and intended to provide a proposal for a future capital project listed under the local Hazard Mitigation Plan.

The following are out-of-scope:

• Retrofitting Existing Gray Infrastructure: The project will not focus on modifying or retrofitting traditional “gray” stormwater systems.

• NbS solutions will not replace the City’s existing Low Impact Design/Water Quality program and water quality requirements. NbS designs will complement existing stormwater water quality/green infrastructure programs and provide developers with more choices for site constrained development programs.

• Stakeholder engagement or any facilitation of stakeholder meetings, workshops, and surveys to gather input from residents and businesses.

Anticipated project timeline:

• Months 1-4: data collection and aggregation - Research and analysis of current stormwater infrastructure and NbS potential. Internal City stakeholder meetings and collection of City staff user stories

• Months 5-8: External stakeholder engagement, community workshops, and user story synthetizes.

• Months 9-12: Drafting of NbS stormwater design standards and wetland design standards.

• Months 12-16: Finalization of design standards and approval process.

C. Anticipated Schedule

The following represents the City’s target schedule for the RFP. The City reserves the right to amend the target schedule at any time.

https://www.fcgov.com/naturalareas/files/urban-zone-update-2024.pdf https://www.fcgov.com/planning/east-mulberry-plan https://www.fcgov.com/planning/pdf/nccp-doc.pdf

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• RFP issuance: June 17, 2025

• Question deadline: 3:00 PM MT on June 24, 2025

• Final Addendum Issued: June 27, 2025

• Proposal due date: 3:00 PM MT on July 8, 2025

• Interviews (tentative): Week of July 14-25, 2025

• Award of Contract (tentative): August 4, 2025

• Completion of project: December 31, 2026 or before

D. Interviews

In addition to submitting a written proposal, the top-rated Professionals may be interviewed by the RFP assessment team and asked to participate in an oral presentation to provide an overview of the company, approach to the project and to address questions.

The evaluation criteria for the oral interviews will be the same as the criteria for the written evaluations and is included in Section IV.

Instead of traditional in-person interviews for the optional interview session, the City may opt to use alternate methods including, but not limited to remote interviews through a platform such as Microsoft Teams or Zoom.

E. Subcontractors/Subconsultants

Professional will be responsible for identifying any subcontractors and/or subconsultants in their proposal. Please note that the City will contract solely with the awarded Professional; therefore, subcontractors and/or subconsultants will be the responsibility of the Professional.

F. Current standards

All work and/or materials must meet current standards in force by recognized technical and professional societies, trade and materials supply associations, institutes and organizations, bureaus and testing laboratories, and national, federal, state, county, and local laws, codes and ordinances.

G. Fees, Licenses, Permits

The successful Professional shall be responsible for obtaining any necessary licenses, fees or permits without additional expense to the City. All vehicles and equipment shall be properly licensed and insured, carry the appropriate permits and be placarded as required by law.

H. Laws and Regulations

The Professional agrees to comply fully with all applicable local, State of Colorado and Federal laws and regulations and municipal ordinances to include American Disabilities Act (ADA).

I. Price Schedule

This RFP will NOT have a Price Schedule included as this competitive process will follow the Brooks Act federal funding requirements. Meaning this will be a two-step qualifications based selection process with the selections based on each Professional’s

RFP 10158 Nature-Based Solutions Master Plan Page 9 of 60 demonstrated competence and qualifications. After the final selection is made by the City based on the Professional’s qualifications, the City will request the top ranked firm to submit a fee proposal stating direct and indirect costs. This fee proposal will be the basis for the parties to negotiate the contract pricing. In the event a fee is not agreed upon in a reasonable time, the City will conclude negotiations with the top-ranked firm and initiate negotiations with the second-ranked firm. Billings and payments will be made using this negotiated Price Schedule.

J. Invoicing and Payment

Invoices should be emailed monthly to invoices@fcgov.com with a copy to the Project Manager. The cost of the work completed shall be paid to the Professional each month following the submittal of a correct invoice by the Professional indicating the project name, Purchase Order number, task description, hours worked, personnel/work type category, hourly rate for each employee/work type category, date of the work performed specific to the task, percentage of that work that has been completed by task, 3rd party supporting documentation with the same detail and a brief progress report.

Payments will be made using the prices stated in the Agreement. In the event a service is requested which is not stated in the Agreement, the Professional and the City will negotiate an appropriate unit price for the service prior to the Professional initiating such work.

The City pays invoices on Net 30 terms.

III. PROPOSAL SUBMITTAL

Please limit the total length of your proposal to a maximum of fifty (50) 8 ½ x 11” pages (excluding cover pages, table of contents, dividers and Acknowledgement form). Font shall be a minimum of 10 Arial and margins are limited to no less than .5” for sides and top/bottom.

Extended page sizes, such as 11” x 17”, count as a single page and may be used for detailed pricing. Links to other files or websites shall not be permitted. Proposals that do not conform to these requirements may be rejected.

Professionals are required to provide detailed written responses to the following items in the order outlined below. The responses shall be considered technical offers of what Professionals propose to provide and shall be incorporated in the contract award as deemed appropriate by the City. A proposal that does not include all the information required may be deemed non-responsive and subject to rejection.

Responses must include all the items in the order listed below. It is suggested that the Professionals include each of the City’s questions with their response.

The City of Fort Collins shall not reimburse any firm for costs incurred in the preparation and presentation of their proposal.

A. Cover Letter / Executive Summary

The Executive Summary should highlight the content of the proposal and features of the program offered, including a general description of the program and any unique aspects or benefits provided by your firm.

Indicate your availability to participate in the interviews on the proposed dates as stated in the Schedule section.

mailto:invoices@fcgov.com

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B. Professional Information

1. Describe the Professional’s business and background

2. Number of years in the business

3. Details about ownership

4. An overview of services offered and qualifications

5. Size of the firm

6. Location(s) of offices. If multiple, please identify which will be the primary for our account.

7. Primary contact information for the company including contact name(s) and title(s), mailing address(s), phone number(s), and email address(s).

C. Scope of Proposal

Please provide detailed responses to the items below. Responses should align with the evaluation criteria established under the Brooks Act and the priorities outlined in the FEMA BRIC grant. Emphasis should be placed on multidisciplinary integration, regulatory relevance, nature-based infrastructure design, and cost-effective, implementable planning solutions that support long-term resilience and ecological function.

1. Proposed Services Narrative

Describe the full range of services your team proposes to deliver. Address how your proposal aligns with the FEMA BRIC-funded Scope of Work, including the development of a regulatory gap analysis, design guidance, ecological performance goals, and a concept-level stormwater park. Include any additional services or approaches that may enhance the project’s value, feasibility, or impact.

2. Project Management & Responsibility

Explain how the project will be managed and coordinated. Identify the project manager and describe their role in ensuring on-time delivery within the grant’s period of performance, integration across disciplines, and quality control. Discuss team coordination strategies to ensure cross-functional collaboration between engineering, ecology, and design.

3. Execution Strategy, Assumptions & Risks

Provide your approach to executing the scope of work, including key assumptions, work methods, phasing, and risk mitigation strategies. Address how you will ensure compliance with FEMA BRIC expectations and deliverables.

4. Communication Plan

Describe your communication strategy with the City’s Project Manager and other stakeholders. Include methods, timeline, and platforms used for coordination, data exchange, and decision-making throughout the project’s period of performance.

5. Tools and Software

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List all software, analysis platforms, and planning tools your team will use (e.g., GIS, hydrologic models, design visualization, cost-estimating tools). Indicate how these tools support FEMA BRIC deliverables and NbS planning.

6. Subconsultants & Team Structure

Identify any subcontracted services or subconsultants. Describe their role, integration into the team, and relevant experience. Ensure that all team members support the goals of ecological resilience, regulatory alignment, and multifunctional infrastructure planning.

7. Schedule Feasibility & Start Date

Confirm your ability to meet the project’s period of performance and proposed start date. Note any risks to the schedule and how they will be managed.

8. Availability of Backup Staff

Describe the availability of additional personnel or backup staff who can support the project if needed to maintain schedule continuity or supplement technical capacity.

9. Meeting Participation

Confirm that the proposed team is available to attend project meetings, including technical work sessions, internal coordination meetings, and public review discussions as outlined in the Scope of Work.

10. Task Schedule & Milestones

Provide a draft schedule outlining major project phases, deliverables, and milestones.

Align the timeline with the FEMA BRIC grant structure and note periods for City review and approval of draft materials.

D. Firm Capability and Assigned Personnel

Provide detailed and targeted information demonstrating your team’s capability to successfully deliver the Nature-Based Solutions Master Plan. Responses should clearly reflect the evaluation criteria and showcase experience in stormwater engineering, ecological planning, landscape design, regulatory integration, and public-sector master planning.

1. Proposed Project Team & Organizational Chart

a. Provide a visual organization chart showing key personnel, including:

i. Project Manager

ii. Stormwater Engineer

iii. Urban Ecologist

iv. Landscape Architect

v. Any additional technical or support staff Include roles and responsibilities specific to each task in the Scope of Work. E.g., land entitlements

vi. Identify subconsultants, their firm name, and their integration point within the team structure.

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2. Resumes (One Page Each)

a. For each proposed team member (including subconsultants), provide:

i. Title and role on this project

ii. Relevant qualifications, certifications, and areas of expertise

iii. Summary of experience related to:

1. Nature-based stormwater design (bioswales, wetlands, green streets)

2. Urban ecology and biodiversity-sensitive design

3. Colorado water law, land use code, and policy updates

4. Master planning or public-sector policy work

a. At least three project references per individual with contact information

3. Qualifications and Relevant Experience

a. Describe your firm’s and team’s experience in delivering projects that demonstrate:

i. Integrated, multidisciplinary delivery (engineering, ecology, design)

ii. Policy-informed planning that aligns with FEMA hazard mitigation, zoning overlays, or stormwater design criteria

iii. Master plan development that resulted in adoption, regulatory change, or capital improvement projects

iv. Nature-based solutions applied to infill or constrained urban settings

v. Public-sector work with Colorado municipalities or regional agencies

vi. Use clear examples that reflect the Scope of Work and Evaluation Matrix.

4. Project References – Similar Master Plans

a. Provide at least three public-sector projects from the last five years that are relevant in scope and scale. For each, include:

i. Project title and description

ii. Owner/client agency and primary contact (name, title, phone, email)

iii. Original and final contract amount

iv. Subconsultants used (if any)

v. Outcomes (e.g., plan adoption, funding secured, integration into local codes)

vi. Team members involved (must match proposed staff when applicable)

Emphasize projects that included:

vii. Nature-based design and stormwater integration

viii. Policy development or regulatory alignment

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ix. Urban infill or redevelopment contexts

5. Differentiators and Capacity

a. Describe any features that distinguish your firm, including:

i. Unique tools, frameworks, or methods for ecological design, lifecycle cost evaluation, or public space transformation

ii. Experience working in Fort Collins or similar ecological and regulatory environments

iii. Capacity to meet deadlines within the timelines defined by the FEMA BRIC grant period of performance, adapt to evolving needs, and support long-term implementation strategies

E. Sample Agreement

Included with this request for proposals is a sample Agreement that the City intends to use for obtaining the services of the Professional. The Professional is required to review this Agreement and indicate any objections to the terms of the contract. If revisions to the contractual terms are requested, provide suggested revisions.

F. Acknowledgement

The Acknowledgement form is attached as Section V. Complete the attached form indicating the Professional hereby acknowledges receipt of the City of Fort Collins Request for Proposal and acknowledges that the Professional has read and agrees to be fully bound by all of the terms, conditions and other provisions set forth in the RFP.

G. Certification Regarding Lobbying: Complete and submit Appendix C: Certification Regarding Lobbying with your proposal.

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IV. REVIEW AND ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

A. Proposal and Interview Criteria

Professionals will be evaluated on the following criteria. This set of criteria will be the basis for review and assessment of the written proposals and optional interview session.

At the discretion of the City, interviews of the top-rated Professionals may be conducted.

The rating scale shall be from 1 to 10, a rating of 1 doesn’t meet minimum requirements, a rating of 5 means the category fulfills the minimum requirements, and 10 exceeds minimum requirements in that category.

WEIGHTING

FACTOR

CATEGORY STANDARD QUESTIONS

5.0 Scope of Proposal

- Does the proposal thoroughly address all elements of the RFP and Scope of Work?

- Does it demonstrate a deep understanding of the project’s objectives, methodology, and intended outcomes?

- Are there any exceptions or limitations to the scope, specifications, or contract terms?

- Does the proposed timeline align with project milestones and FEMA requirements?

- Are qualified personnel available to meet schedule commitments and attend required meetings?

5.0 Firm Capability & Assigned Personnel

- Does the firm demonstrate the financial and operational capacity to deliver a complex, grant-funded public project?

- Has the firm successfully completed similar master plans that integrate stormwater and urban ecology?

- Are proposed team members appropriately qualified across required disciplines (e.g., stormwater engineering, urban ecology, landscape architecture, zoning/land entitlements)?

- Is the staffing plan sufficient to meet workload demands and ensure continuity across all phases of the project?

- Does the team have demonstrated experience integrating green infrastructure, urban ecology, and landscape design in infill or constrained sites?

- Are they familiar with Fort Collins’ Land Use Code, Stormwater Criteria Manual (Appendix B), Colorado Water Quality Control Commission regulations, and FEMA alignment?

- Have they successfully navigated complex permitting, policy updates, or regulatory frameworks in similar jurisdictions?

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V. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

This form may not be redlined and must be submitted with your proposal. Failure to adhere to these requirements may result in your proposal being rejected.

Professional hereby acknowledges receipt of the City of Fort Collins Request for Proposal and acknowledges that it has read and agrees to be fully bound by all of the terms, conditions and other provisions set forth in the RFP 10158 NATURE BASED SOLUTIONS MASTER PLAN and sample Agreement except as otherwise noted. Additionally, Professional hereby makes the following representations to City:

a. All of the statements and representations made in this proposal are true to the best of the Professional’s knowledge and belief.

b. Professional commits that it is able to meet the terms provided in this proposal.

c. This proposal is a firm and binding offer, for a period of 90 days from the date hereof.

d. Professional further agrees that the method of award is acceptable.

e. Professional also agrees to complete the proposed Agreement with the City of Fort Collins within 10 days of notice of award. If contract is not completed and signed within 10 days, City reserves the right to cancel and award to the next highest rated firm.

f. Professional acknowledges receipt of addenda.

g. Professional acknowledges no conflict of interest.

h. Professional acknowledges that the City is a governmental entity subject to the Colorado Open Records Act, C.R.S. §§ 24-72-200.1 et seq. (“CORA”). Any proposals submitted hereunder are subject to public disclosure by the City pursuant to CORA and City ordinances. Professionals may submit one (1) additional complete proposal clearly marked “FOR PUBLIC VIEWING.” In this version of the proposal, Professionals may redact text and/or data that it deems confidential or proprietary pursuant to CORA. All pricing will be considered public records subject to disclosure under CORA and as such pricing cannot be redacted from the “FOR PUBLIC VIEWING” version of the proposal.

Failure to provide a public viewing copy will be considered a waiver of any claim of confidentiality under CORA without regard to how the applicant’s proposal or certain pages of the proposal are marked confidential, proprietary, or similar. Such statement does not necessarily exempt such documentation from public disclosure if required by CORA, by order of a court of appropriate jurisdiction, or other applicable law. Generally, under CORA, trade secrets, confidential commercial information and financial data information may not be disclosed by the City. Proposals may not be marked “Confidential” or ‘Proprietary’ in their entirety. By responding to this RFP, Professionals hereby waives any and all claims for damages against the City for the City’s good faith compliance with CORA. All provisions and pricing of any contract resulting from this request for proposal will be public information.

i. This project was supported by grant #23BRIC25-FTCO, issued by the Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.

Legal Firm Name:

Physical Address:

RFP 10158 Nature-Based Solutions Master Plan Page 16 of 60

Remit to Address:

Phone:

Name of Authorized Agent of Firm:

Signature of Authorized Agent:

Primary Contact for Project:

Title: Email Address:

Phone: Cell Phone:

NOTE: ACKNOWLEDGMENT IS TO BE SIGNED & RETURNED WITH YOUR PROPOSAL.

RFP 10158 Nature-Based Solutions Master Plan Page 17 of 60

ATTACHMENTS

Appendix A: Research Materials

Appendix B: Contract Provisions Under Federal Awards Appendix II to Part 200

Appendix C: Certification Regarding Lobbying (TO BE SUBMITTED WITH PROPOSAL)

Appendix D: FEMA GO Application

Official Purchasing Document Last updated 4/2025

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VI. SAMPLE AGREEMENT (FOR REFERENCE ONLY – DO NOT SIGN )

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT

This Professional Services Agreement (Agreement) made and entered into the day and year set forth in the Agreement Period section below by and between the CITY OF FORT

COLLINS, COLORADO, a Colorado Municipal Corporation (City) and , a(n) [enter state]

[business type] (Professional).

WITNESSETH:

In consideration of the mutual covenants and obligations herein expressed, it is agreed by and between the parties hereto as follows:

1. Scope of Service. The Professional agrees to provide Services in accordance with the

Scope of Services (Services) attached as Exhibit A, consisting of [# of Pages] and incorporated herein. Irrespective of references in to named third parties in this Agreement and its Exhibits, the Professional shall be solely responsible for performance of all duties hereunder.

2. Project Schedule. The Services to be performed pursuant to this Agreement shall be performed in accordance with the Project Schedule attached hereto as Exhibit [choose one], consisting of [# of Pages], and incorporated herein.

3. Changes. The City may, at any time during the term of the Agreement, make changes to the Agreement. Such changes shall be agreed upon in writing by the parties.

4. Agreement Period. Agreement shall commence , 20(Year) (the Effective Date) and shall continue in full force and effect until , 20(Year), unless sooner terminated as herein provided. In addition, at the option of the City, the Agreement may be extended for additional one-year periods not to exceed [choose one] additional one-year period(s).

Renewals and pricing changes shall be negotiated by and agreed to by both parties only at the time of renewal. [Any price changes shall not exceed percent (%) per annual renewal]. Written notice of renewal shall be provided to the Professional no later than thirty

(30) days prior to Agreement end.

5. Early Termination by City. Notwithstanding the time periods contained herein, the City may terminate this Agreement at any time without cause or penalty by providing at least ten (10) calendar days written notice of termination to the Professional.

In the event of early termination by the City, the Professional shall be paid for Services rendered up to the date of termination, subject to the satisfactory performance of the

Professional 's obligations under this Agreement. Professional shall submit a final invoice within ten (10) calendar days of the effective date of termination. Payment shall be the

Professional's sole right and remedy for termination.

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6. Notices. All notices provided under this Agreement shall be effective immediately when emailed or three (3) business days from the date of the notice when mailed to the following addresses:

Professional: City: Copy to:

Attn:

Email Address

City of Fort Collins

Attn:

PO Box 580

Fort Collins, CO 80522

Email Address

City of Fort Collins

Attn: Purchasing Dept.

PO Box 580

Fort Collins, CO 80522 purchasing@fcgov.com

All notices under this Agreement shall be written.

7. Compensation. In consideration of the Services to be performed pursuant to this

Agreement, the City agrees to pay the Professional [on a time and reimbursable direct cost basis] [a fixed fee in the amount of ???? ($????)] [a fixed fee in the amount of ???? ($????)

plus reimbursable direct costs. All such fees and costs shall not exceed ???? ($????)] in accordance with Exhibit [choose one], consisting of [# of Pages], attached and incorporated herein. Monthly partial payments based upon the Professional's billings and itemized statements are permissible. The amounts of all such partial payments shall be based upon the Professional's City-verified progress in completing the Services to be performed pursuant hereto and upon the City's approval of the Professional's actual reimbursable expenses. Final payment shall be made following acceptance of the Services by the City.

Invoices shall be emailed to invoices@fcgov.com with a copy to the City Project Manager.

The cost of the work completed shall be paid to the Professional following the submittal of a correct itemized invoice by the Professional. The City is exempt from sales and use tax. The City’s Certificate of Exemption license number is 09804502. A copy of the license is available upon written request.

The City pays undisputed invoices on Net 30 days from the date of the invoice submittal to the City or, for disputed invoices, Net 30 days from the date of City Project Manager’s approval.

8. Design and Service Standards. The Professional warrants and shall be responsible for the professional quality, technical accuracy, accessibility requirements under ADA and Public

Accommodations and Technology Accessibility sections below, timely completion and the coordination of all Services rendered by the Professional, and the Project Instruments as defined in the Project Instruments and License section below. The Professional shall, without additional compensation, promptly remedy and correct any errors, omissions, or other deficiencies from such standards.

9. Indemnification. The Professional shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the City and its officers and employees, to the maximum extent permitted under Colorado law, against and from any and all actions, suits, claims, demands, or liability of any character whatsoever claimed by the Professional or third parties against the City arising out of or related to this

Agreement (including but not limited to contract, tort, intellectual property, accessibility, or mailto:purchasing@fcgov.com mailto:invoices@fcgov.com

RFP 10158 Nature-Based Solutions Master Plan Page 20 of 60 otherwise). This obligation extends to reimbursement of the City's defense costs and reasonable attorney’s fees.

10. Insurance. The Professional shall maintain insurance in accordance with Exhibit [choose one], consisting of [# of Pages], attached and incorporated herein.

11. Appropriation. To the extent this Agreement or any provision in it. requires payment of any nature in fiscal years subsequent to the current fiscal year and constitutes a multiple fiscal year debt or financial obligation of the City, it shall be subject to annual appropriation by Fort

Collins City Council as required in Article V, Section 8(b) of the City Charter, City Code

Section 8-186, and Article X, Section 20 of the Colorado Constitution. The City shall have no obligation to continue this Agreement in any fiscal year for which there are no pledged cash reserves or supporting appropriations pledged irrevocably for purposes of payment obligations herein. Non-appropriation by the City shall not be construed as a breach of this

Agreement.

12. Project Instruments and License.

a. Upon execution of this Agreement, the Professional grants to the City an irrevocable, unlimited and royalty free license to use any and all sketches, drawings, as-builts, specifications, designs, blueprints, data files, calculations, studies, analysis, renderings, models, plans, reports, and other deliverables (Project Instruments), in any form whatsoever and in any medium expressed, for purposes of constructing, using, maintaining, altering and adding to the project, provided that the City substantially performs its obligations under the Agreement. The license granted hereunder permits the City and third parties reasonably authorized by the City to reproduce applicable portions of the Project Instruments for use in performing the Services or construction for the project. In addition, the license granted hereunder shall permit the City and third parties reasonably authorized by the City to reproduce and use the Project Instruments for similar projects, provided however, in such event the Professional shall not be held responsible for the design to the extent the City deviates from the Project

Instruments. This license shall survive termination of the Agreement by default or otherwise.

b. Upon payment of each invoice, associated Project Instruments rendered by the

Professional shall become the City’s property. The Professional shall provide the City with the Project Instruments in electronic format in a mutually agreed upon file type.

13. City Project Manager. The City will designate, before commencement of the Services, the

City Project Manager who shall make, within the scope of their authority, all necessary and proper decisions with reference to the Services provided under this Agreement. All requests for contract interpretations, change order, and other clarification or instruction shall be directed to the City Project Manager.

The initial City Project Manager for this Agreement is [Enter Name] and can be reached at [Enter Email] or [Enter Phone]. The City Project Manager is subject to change by the

City.

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14. Project Status Report. Project status reports may be required by Exhibit A – Scope of

Services and shall be submitted to the City Project Manager. Failure to provide any required status report may result in the suspension of the processing of any invoice.

15. Independent Contractor. The Services to be performed by the Professional are those of an independent contractor and not of an employee of the City. The City shall not be responsible for withholding or remitting any portion of the Professional 's compensation hereunder or any other amounts on behalf of Professional for the payment of FICA, Workers'

Compensation, unemployment insurance, other taxes or benefits or for any other purpose.

16. Personal Services. It is understood that the City enters into this Agreement based on the special abilities of the Professional and that this Agreement shall be considered as an

Agreement for personal services. Accordingly, the Professional shall neither assign any…