RFP 2023_025 Urban Redevelopment Plan RFP.pdf

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

FOR

Urban Redevelopment Plan

The City of Douglasville 6695 Church Street

Douglasville, GA 30134

RFP 2023-025

Issue date: September 28, 2023

Due date: October 30, 2023

I. BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The City of Douglasville, located in the western region of Georgia, has a rich history that dates to the early 19th century. Nestled within the rolling hills of Douglas County, the city has grown from its humble origins into a vibrant community known for its blend of historic charm and modern amenities.

Douglasville's origins can be traced to the establishment of a settlement in the 1820s, primarily fueled by the construction of a new railroad line connecting Atlanta and Birmingham. The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw Douglasville's transformation into a thriving community. The expansion of the textile industry, along with the establishment of commercial and agricultural enterprises, contributed to the city's economic growth. Douglasville's population continues to reflect the city's status as a growing and diverse community. The city's population has shown steady growth over the years, driven by a combination of factors such as its proximity to Atlanta and its reputation as an attractive place to live. Douglasville boasts a diverse and dynamic population. Our city is home to approximately 35,400, with a healthy mix of young professionals, families, and retirees. The median household income in Douglasville stands at $61,729, reflecting the economic prosperity and purchasing power of our residents.

The purpose of the City of Douglasville's urban redevelopment plan update is to strategically assess and enhance the growth, sustainability, and overall quality of the city's urban areas. This plan aims to revitalize and rejuvenate various aspects of Douglasville, including its infrastructure, economy, community spaces, housing, transportation, and overall aesthetics.

• The plan seeks to breathe new life into aging or underutilized areas of the city, promoting economic growth, attracting new businesses, and encouraging private investments.

• The update may focus on upgrading and modernizing the city's infrastructure, including roads, utilities, public transportation, and public facilities. This can enhance the overall livability and functionality of the city.

• The redevelopment plan could address housing needs by promoting the development of diverse housing options, catering to various income levels and lifestyles. This might involve renovating existing housing units and constructing new ones.

II. SCOPE OF SERVICES

1. Project Initiation and Planning:

a. Review existing city plans, documents, and studies.

b. Conduct a kickoff meeting with city officials and stakeholders to establish goals and priorities.

c. Develop a project timeline, budget, and work plan.

2. Stakeholder Engagement:

a. Organize public workshops, focus groups, and surveys to gather input from residents, businesses, and community organizations.

b. Hold meetings with key stakeholders, such as local businesses, property owners, and civic groups, to understand their perspectives and needs.

3. Data Collection and Analysis:

a. Gather data on demographics, land use, infrastructure, transportation, and economic trends.

b. Analyze the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT analysis) of the city's current development context.

c. Based upon census data and visual observations, update the boundaries of the redevelopment area.

4. Market Analysis:

a. Conduct a thorough assessment of the local real estate market and economic conditions.

b. Identify market demand for various land uses, including commercial, residential, and mixed-use developments.

c. Examine Qualified Census Tracts and score the land and potential developments based on scoring matrix of the Georgia Department of Community Affairs Qualified Allocation Plan.

5. Land Use and Zoning Review:

a. Evaluate the existing zoning regulations and land use policies.

b. Propose potential changes to zoning codes to align with the redevelopment goals.

6. Urban Design and Aesthetics:

a. Develop urban design guidelines and principles to improve the city's visual appeal and create cohesive public spaces.

b. Recommend design standards for new developments to ensure compatibility with the city's character.

7. Infrastructure and Transportation:

a. Assess the condition of infrastructure, including roads, utilities, and public transportation.

b. Propose infrastructure upgrades and transportation improvements to support redevelopment goals.

8. Economic Development Strategies:

a. Identify target industries and sectors for economic growth and job creation.

b. Recommend incentives and strategies to attract new businesses and retain existing ones.

9. Public Presentation and Approval:

a. Successful completion must involve adoption by the Mayor and Council after a proper public hearing.

b. Document must be prepared and adopted pursuant to the procedural and planning requirements of the Georgia Urban Redevelopment Act (O.C.G.A. 36-61-1).

10. Deliverables: Plans, narrative, land use summary, illustrative graphics, and selected base/inventory information compiled in 11x17 color hard-copy format and in digital format.

a. Legislative – This plan should declare such areas identified in this document as blighted in accordance with Georgia Redevelopment Laws.

b. Summary of Findings – This plan will provide a summary of findings as justification for the declaration of blight. These findings shall be in accord with the State of Georgia’s expectations of blight, slums, and barriers for development.

c. Update of Boundaries – This plan shall contain clear and detailed maps of areas, streets, and parcels that are contained with the new boundaries of the redevelopment plan.

d. Funding Plan—This plan should accompany the action plan and identifies potential sources, strategies, procurement responsibility for funding and/or financing. This plan may entail the creation of new management entities such as C.I.D. (Community Improvement Districts), B.I.D. (Business Improvement Districts), or P.O.A.

(Property Owner’s Association) as implementation mechanisms.

e. Regulation Plan—This plan should accompany the action plan and define the boundaries of the new zoning district(s) within which certain development patterns are to be promoted, and which codifies the location of and responsibility for (i.e.

public vs. private) proposed improvements. This plan will define the intended physical form of future development and redevelopment.

f. Implementation Plan—This plan should accompany the regulation plan and contain a new sample ordinance detailing development requirements within each district.

This plan should place priority on the areas located within the Church Street corridor and the Fairburn Road North corridor. This ordinance will be designed to be “user-friendly,” with graphic illustrations of ‘appropriate’ and ‘inappropriate’ development practices.

III. PROPOSAL SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

All bids must be submitted electronically in PDF format via BidNet: (www.bidnetdirect.com ), no later than October 30, 2023, at 4:00 PM EDT. Electronic submittals must include a reference to RFP 2023-025. Any Bid received after that time will not be considered for award.

1. It is the sole responsibility of the Proposer to ensure delivery by the specified deadlines to the correct location; the City cannot accept responsibility for incorrect or late deliveries, regardless of reason.

2. A list of firms submitting responsive Proposals will be available on the Bidnet Direct website (http://www.bidnetdirect.com) after the stated deadline.

3. Proposals may be withdrawn by written or email request, provided such withdrawals are received prior to the time and date of the bid closing.

4. The entire submittal should be submitted as one (1) file. Please do not submit individual documents or sections separately.

5. All expenses for preparing and submitting responses are the sole cost of the party submitting the response. The City is not obligated to any party to reimburse such expenses.

All submittals upon receipt become the property of the City. Labeling information provided http://www.bidnetdirect.com/ in submittals “proprietary” or “confidential” or any other designation of restricted use will not protect the information from public view.

Subject to the provisions of the Open Records Act, the details of the proposal documents will remain confidential until the opening of bids.

IV. PROCUREMENT PROCESS AND INFORMATION

a. Request for Proposal Documents All RFP documents are available in electronic format at the Bidnet Direct website (http://www.bidnetdirect.com).

b. Availability of Request for Proposal The RFP is open to all qualified candidates and is available free of charge.

c. Request for Information All requests for information and clarifications regarding this project shall be submitted on BidNet (www.bidnetdirect.com) no later than 10/09/23 at 4:00PM EDT. Questions and answers will be issued in the form of an addendum to all interested and will be available submitted on BidNet (www.bidnetdirect.com). It is the proposer’s responsibility to check the website for any addenda issued for this RFP.

d. Communication From the issue date of this (RFP) solicitation until a successful proposer is selected and announced, proposers are forbidden to communicate about this solicitation or this Project for any reason with any members of the City of Douglasville administration and government, except for submission of questions as instructed in the RFP, or during the pre-proposal conference (if applicable), or as provided by any existing work agreement(s). For violation of this provision, the Owner reserves the right to reject the proposal of the offending proposer. If additional assistance is needed, please contact Alyssa Gordon – Senior Accounting Specialist at gordona@douglasvillega.gov.

V. RFP TIMELINE

RFP ESTIMATED TIMELINE

Public advertisement of RFP issued 09/28//23 Deadline for written questions/requests for clarification 10/09//23 at 4:00 PM EDT Deadline for submission of proposals 10/30//23 at 4:00 PM EDT

VI. EVALUATION OF PROPOSAL

The evaluation by the Selection Committee will be based on the Selection Criteria listed below.

The City will appoint a committee of key staff members (Selection Committee) to review each response to this RFP and provide a rank list of all the proposers.

http://www.bidnetdirect.com/ mailto:gordona@douglasvillega.gov

1. Dedicated Personnel for the Project: (20 points) Provide a list of names, titles and specific project responsibilities for people working on this project. Provide the qualifications and experience of the individual and their sub-consultants, as needed, regarding this type of project.

2. Firm’s Related Previous Experience: (20 points) Provide a list of projects your firm has completed that most specifically relate to this assignment. Provide the names, references and project descriptions of a minimum of three similar projects completed within the last five years.

3. Project Approach: (20 points) Describe your firm’s approach to this project. Identify opportunities and challenges that are apparent. Based on your experience, what do you feel are the three most critical challenges for this project? Do not simply restate the sections of the scope of work contained in the original RFP, but rather present the benefits of your experience with projects of this specific type.

The consultant may propose changes provided the overall scope of services is not reduced, minimized or otherwise limited. The consultant may recommend various phases if necessary to complete the entire project.

4. Timeframe: (20 points) Provide an estimated schedule and project timeline to complete the work.

5. Cost Estimate: (20 points)

A staff committee will judge the request for proposals in cost area, qualifications of the firm and individuals who will be working on the project, timeframe and project approach.

There are five selection criteria, having a total number of points associated with each. Each proposal may receive a maximum of 100 points.

VII. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS.

The City of Douglasville reserves the right to cancel this RFP and reject all bids. The City of Douglasville reserves the right to waive any and all technicalities, formalities, or irregularities in bids. The City may reject the Bid of any vendor that has previously failed to perform properly or complete on time contracts of a similar nature with the City of Douglasville, or if the proposer has within the last 5 years:

a. Failed to complete on time a similar contract due to delays caused by the proposer or non−conforming work performed by the proposer; or

b. Incurred criminal sanctions against company or any current proposer officer.

BIDDER hereby submits this Bid as set forth above:

Bidder:

(typed or printed name of organization)

By:

(individual’s signature) Name:

(typed or printed) Title:

(typed or printed)

Date:

(typed or printed)

If Bidder is a corporation, a partnership, or a joint venture, attach evidence of authority to sign.

Attest:

(individual’s signature)

Name:

(typed or printed)

Title:

(typed or printed)

Date:

(typed or printed)

Address for giving notices:

Bidder’s Contact:

Name:

(typed or printed)

Title:

(typed or printed)

Phone:

Email:

Address:

BIDDERS’ DISCLOSURE STATEMENT

All bidders should be aware that the Project is a public project, and the city is a public agency.

Pursuant to the laws, rules and Executive Orders of the State of Georgia, the City of Douglasville shall make every effort to avoid even the appearance of a conflict of interest or any impropriety in both the selection process for this project and the negotiation and performance of any resulting contract. As part of any submittal, you intend to make for this project, you must include a Disclosure Statement with your submittal which answers the following specific questions:

1. Describe any business transactions occurring within the prior two years between your firm and the City of Douglasville. <Insert Response Here>

2. Describe any gift, hospitality, or benefit of any sort that your firm has provided to the

City of Douglasville within the prior one-year period.

<Insert Response Here>

3. A conflict of interest or potential conflict of interest is defined as any action, decision, or recommendation by a person acting in a capacity as a public official, the effect of which is or could be to the private monetary or financial benefit or detriment of the person, the person’s relative, or any business with which the person or a relative of the person is associated. The potential conflict of interest is viewed from the perspective of a reasonable person who has knowledge of the relevant facts. Based upon this definition, describe any conflict of interest or potential conflict of interest that your firm has with the City of Douglasville. <Insert Response Here>

This Disclosure Statement should be dated and signed by an authorized signer for the bidder and submitted with the Bidder’s submittal.

Name of Firm

Authorized Signature Date

Printed Name and Title of Authorized Agent

Georgia Security and Immigration Compliance.

Compliance with the requirements of O.C.G.A. 13-10-91 and Georgia Department of Labor Rule 300-10-1- .02 are conditions of this contract. Contractor certifies that it has the following number of employees (check one appropriate box):

_____500 or more employees, or

_____100 or more employees, or

_____fewer than 100 employees, as identified in O.C.G.A. 13-10-91. In the event the Contractor employs or contracts with any subcontractor(s) in connection with this contract, the Contractor will secure from the subcontractor(s) such subcontractor(s’) indication of the employee-number category applicable to the subcontractor. The contractor’s compliance with the requirements of O.C.G.A. 13-10-91 and Rule 300-10-1-.02 is attested by the execution of the contractor affidavit as shown in Rule 300-10-1-.07, or a substantially similar contractor affidavit, which document is attached to this Contract, and is a part of this Contract.

In the event the Contractor employs or contracts with any subcontractor(s) in connection with this contract, the Contractor will secure from such subcontractor(s) attestation of the subcontractor’s compliance with O.C.G.A. 13-10-91 and Rule 300-10-1-.02 by the subcontractor’s execution of the subcontractor affidavit shown in Rule 300-10-1-.08 or a substantially similar subcontractor affidavit and maintain records of such attestation for inspection by the City at any time. Such subcontractor affidavit shall become a part of any contractor/subcontractor agreement.

CONTRACTOR AFFIDAVIT AND AGREEMENT REGARDING GEORGIA SECURITY

AND IMMIGRATION COMPLIANCE.

By executing this affidavit, the undersigned contractor verifies its compliance with O.C.G.A. 13-10-91, stating affirmatively that the individual, firm, or corporation which is contracting with the City of Douglasville has registered with and is participating in a federal work authorization program* [any of the electronic verification of work authorization programs operated by the United States Department of Homeland Security or any equivalent federal work authorization program operated by the United States Department of Homeland Security to verify information of newly hired employees, pursuant to the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (IRCA), P.L. 99-603], in accordance with the applicability provisions and deadlines established in O.C.G.A. 13-10-91.

The undersigned further agrees that, should it employ or contract with any subcontractor(s) in connection with the physical performance of services pursuant to this contract with the City of Douglasville, contractor will secure from such subcontractor(s) similar verification of compliance with O.C.G.A. 13-10-91 on the Subcontractor Affidavit provided in Rule 300-10-01-.08 or a substantially similar form. Contractor further agrees to maintain records of such compliance and provide a copy of each such verification to the City of Douglasville at the time the subcontractor(s) is retained to perform such service.

Company ID Number: EEV/Basic Pilot Program* Authorization Date

Name of Contractor Name of Project

Name of Public Employer

Signature by Authorized Officer or Agent Date

Printed Name of Authorized Officer/Agent of Contractor

Title of Authorized Officer/Agent of Contractor

SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN BEFORE ME ON THIS

THE ___ DAY OF ______________________, 20____

Notary Public My Commission Expires: ________________

* As of the effective date of O.C.G.A. 13-10-91, the applicable federal work authorization program is the “EEV / Basic Pilot Program” operated by the U. S. Citizenship and Immigration

SUBCONTRACTOR AFFIDAVIT FOR GEORGIA SECURITY AND IMMIGRATION

COMPLIANCE.

By executing this affidavit, the undersigned subcontractor verifies its compliance with O.C.G.A. 13-10-91, stating affirmatively that the individual, firm or corporation which is engaged in the physical performance of services under a contract with (name of contractor)| on behalf of the City of Douglasville has registered with and is participating in a federal work authorization program* [any of the electronic verification of work authorization programs operated by the United States Department of Homeland Security or any equivalent federal work authorization program operated by the United States Department of Homeland Security to verify information of newly hired employees, pursuant to the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (IRCA), P.L. 99-603], in accordance with the applicability provisions and deadlines established in O.C.G.A. 13-10-91.

Company ID Number: EEV/Basic Pilot Program* Authorization Date

Name of Subcontractor Name of Project

Name of Public Employer

Signature by Authorized Officer or Agent Date

Printed Name of Authorized Officer/Agent of Subcontractor

Title of Authorized Officer/Agent of Subcontractor

SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN BEFORE ME ON THIS

THE ___ DAY OF ______________________, 20____

Notary Public My Commission Expires: ________________

* As of the effective date of O.C.G.A. 13-10-91, the applicable federal work authorization program is the “EEV / Basic Pilot Program” operated by the U. S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Bureau of the U.S.

Department of Homeland Security, in conjunction with the Social Security Administration (SSA).

CERTIFICATION FORM

I, , being duly sworn, state that I am (title) of (firm) and hereby duly certify that I have read and understand the information presented in the attached bid and any enclosure and exhibits thereto.

I further certify that to the best of my knowledge the information given in response to the request for bids is full, complete and truthful.

I further certify that the bidder and any principal employee of the bidder have not, in the immediately preceding five years, been convicted of any crime of moral turpitude or any felony offense, nor has had their professional license suspended, revoked or been subjected to disciplinary proceedings.

I further certify that the bidder has not, in the immediately preceding five years, been suspended or debarred from contracting with any federal, state or local government agency, and further, that the bidder is not now under consideration for suspension or debarment from any such agency.

I further certify that the bidder has not in the immediately preceding five years been defaulted in any federal, state or local government agency contract, and further, that the bidder is not now under any notice of intent to default on any such contract.

I acknowledge, agree and authorize, and certify that the bidder acknowledges, agrees and authorizes, that the City of Douglasville may, by means that the City of Douglasville deems appropriate, determine the accuracy and truth of the information provided by the bidder and that the City of Douglasville or their agents may contact any individual or entity named in the RFP for the purpose of verifying the information supplied therein.

I acknowledge and agree that all the information contained in the RFP is submitted for the express purpose of inducing the City to award a contract.

A materially false statement or omission made in conjunction with this bid is sufficient cause for suspension or debarment from further contracts, or denial of rescission of any contract entered into based upon this bid thereby precluding the firm from doing business with, or performing work for, the State of Georgia. In addition, such false statement or omission may subject the person and entity making the bid to criminal prosecution under the laws of the State of Georgia of the United States, including but not limited to O.C.G.A. §16-10-20, 18 U.S.C. §§1001 or 1341.

Signature

SWORN AND SUSCRIBED BEFORE ME

This (day) of (month), 20 (year)

NOTARY PUBLIC SIGNATURE

My Commission Expires:

NOTARY SEAL

List of Similar Projects:

1. Project Name: _________________________________________________ Project Location: __________________________________________________ Project Owner: ___________________________________________________ Owner Contact (Name and Phone): ___________________________________ Project Contract Amount: ___________________________________________ Description of Project: ______________________________________________

2. Project Name: _________________________________________________

Project Owner: ___________________________________________________ Owner Contact (Name and Phone): ___________________________________ Project Contract Amount: ___________________________________________ Description of Project: ______________________________________________

3. Project Name: _________________________________________________

Project Owner: ___________________________________________________ Owner Contact (Name and Phone): ___________________________________ Project Contract Amount: ___________________________________________ Description of Project: ______________________________________________

<Insert Response Here>