RFP Sustainability Contractor-CountyComments (002).pdf

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CITY OF SALIDA AND CHAFFEE COUNTY

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS PROPOSAL FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

for

REGIONAL SUSTAINABILITY CONTRACTOR

April 3, 2025

Proposals must be received by:

5:00PM April 14, 2025

PROJECT OBJECTIVES AND PARAMETERS: The City of Salida and Chaffee County are seeking proposals from qualified organizations or consultants for the role of Regional Sustainability Contractor.

This contracted position will be responsible for coordinating, implementing, and overseeing various sustainability programs and initiatives aimed at mitigating the impacts of climate change and promoting sustainable development within the region. The position is grant-funded, meaning it is dependent on the availability of grant funds for the duration of the project. The intent is to maintain the program for as long as the project is funded, with the possibility of an extension if additional funding becomes available and the project progresses successfully. However, if the funding ends or the project concludes, at any point the position and its related contracts will also end.

The Regional Sustainability Contractor will support the City and County in the implementation of sustainability strategies outlined in Salida's Climate Action Plan and the County’s Sustainable Development Plan. The selected individual or organization will be tasked with managing regional climate-related activities and promoting county-wide sustainability efforts, including partnerships with other local municipal partners and community organizations. The vision for this role anticipated it would be filled by a host organization who could create dedicated capacity for this scope of work, however, individual consultants/contractors are also invited to respond.

Grant funding has been secured by City as grantee, and County as co-grantee, to fund this project through Q4 2026. City and County anticipate the Regional Sustainability Project Contractor will serve for at least eighteen months but recognize that period may extend longer based on the contracting performance and available budget, and/or the ability to secure additional funding beyond this initial grant-funded period. The scope of work assumes the development and continuation of the regional initiative through the entirety of that duration. Final reporting from City and County to the grant funding agencies will be due by no later than the August 31, 2027 grant close-out date.

Maximum funding for the full scope of work and duration of performance within this RFP/Q is $154,833, Page | 2 and all proposals must remain under that Not To Exceed amount. The estimated grant budget breakdown is $66,700 in Year 1 (6 months of 2025) and $88,133 in year 2 (12 months of 2026), and includes assumed wages, benefits, and organizational overhead.

RFQ/P SCHEDULE AND DELIVERY INFORMATION: Interested proposers are invited to submit a Proposal as described below to Sara Law at sara.law@cityofsalida.com with the subject line: Regional Sustainability Contractor

Questions regarding this RFP must be in writing and may be directed to: Sara Law via email -sara.law@cityofsalida.com. PROPOSERS ARE DIRECTED NOT TO CONTACT ANY OTHER

PERSON WITH INQUIRIES REGARDING THIS RFP.

ALL PROPOSALS must be received on or before April 14, 2025, no later than 5:00 MST

Interviews are planned for week of April 14th, 2025 and will be scheduled with selected candidates at discretion of City and County staff.

Contractor/Consultant selection and notice of intent to award is expected no later than May 1, 2025.

Contract negotiations and execution of agreement(s) is expected no later than May 9, 2025.

Project Overview

The Regional Sustainability Contractor will be responsible for delivering the following tasks and outcomes:

1. Coordination of Salida’s Climate Action Plan and County’s Sustainable Development Plan:

o Develop and implement a regionally-focused priorities list and action plan by aligning strategies and tactics from both Salida’s Climate Action Plan and the County’s Sustainable Development Plan.

o Work with local stakeholders, including working directly with City and County staff and elected bodies, to create and execute a coherent implementation strategy.

o Help identify and engage other local governments and community partners in opportunities for integration of existing and additional sustainability-focused efforts in support of the City and County Plans.

o Establish and maintain a framework for measuring, monitoring, tracking, and evaluating regional program impacts and benefits.

o Provide on-going, regular and coordinated communications and presentations to City and County staff and elected bodies and established committees to ensure awareness and buy-in for the initiative.

o Work directly with designated City and County staff to provide information necessary for grant deliverables reporting, as required, including monthly activities reports and quarterly impact reports.

2. County-wide GHG Baseline Assessment:

o Work with third party contractor on a GHG Baseline Assessment. Depending on timeline, likely this contractor and project will have already begun.

o Quantify carbon generation and impacts from the region and identify critical areas for local action.

3. Greenhouse Gas Baseline Inventory Assessment/Recommendations Report:

mailto:sara.law@cityofsalida.com mailto:sara.law@cityofsalida.com

Page | 3 o Provide a comprehensive GHG Baseline Inventory and Reductions Recommendations Report, from the data that the third party contractor provided, distinguishing between different sources of GHG generation and abilities to affect reductions, including distinctions between the City of Salida and the County, as well as other entities, as relevant.

o Include an assessment of opportunities for GHG reductions and recommendations for prioritizing actions and achieving emissions targets.

4. Coordination of Energy Smart Colorado Programs:

o Coordinate with the Energy Smart Colorado Programs to promote and raise awareness of energy-saving initiatives.

o Oversee community Energy Smart Colorado engagement efforts, including household energy audits, high-efficiency technology rebates, and residential energy efficiency improvements, etc.

5. Community Outreach & Education Plan:

o Develop a comprehensive Community Outreach & Education Plan to engage the public in sustainability initiatives and increase awareness of local sustainability challenges and solutions.

o Facilitate public participation and collaboration by working with residents, businesses, and institutions to identify sustainable actions and operations.

6. Creation of an Information Campaign:

o Lead the development of an information campaign that provides consistent and responsive messaging on sustainability initiatives.

o This campaign should incorporate media outreach, public school and higher education/academic outreach, and ensure diversity, equity, and inclusion within its messaging and delivery.

o Provide outreach plans for civic and community organizations and ensure the public is informed about sustainability initiatives and ways to get involved.

7. Evaluation of Sustainability Framework and Job Descriptions:

o Assess and recommend the ideal framework(s) for sustainability role(s) that will continue the work post-project.

o Create and refine job descriptions for potential positions or roles to maintain the implementation of sustainability plans and activities after the grant-funded Contractor position ends.

Successful party to the RFQ, whether an organization or an individual, must be able to fill the position(s) no later than beginning of Q3 2025 and to maintain the position through the entirety of the proposed grant-funded program duration.

Qualifications and Evaluation Criteria:

Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Demonstrated expertise in sustainability planning, climate action, community engagement, and project management.

• Experience working with local government, community organizations and nonprofits and private sector groups, local or regional sustainability initiatives, and community outreach programs.

• Proven ability to coordinate and manage multi-stakeholder efforts.

• Existing relationships and direct experience with diverse stakeholders across Chaffee County.

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• Ability to develop clear and effective communication strategies and educational programs.

• Knowledge of energy efficiency programs, including familiarity with Energy Smart Colorado or similar initiatives.

• Experience in evaluating and developing long-term sustainability frameworks and job roles.

• Proposed structure of staffing and dedication of personnel resources to the scope of work.

• Proposed budget.

Proposal Submission Requirements:

Interested parties should submit a proposal that includes the following:

1. Cover Letter:

o Brief introduction of the organization and their qualifications.

2. Qualifications & Experience:

o A summary of relevant qualifications, including experience working on sustainability and climate action projects, particularly within local government or regional settings.

3. Budget Proposal:

o A summary of how you will achieve the budget laid out in the grant, including any necessary resources or subcontractors.

4. References:

o At least three professional references with summary of similar or related work.

This RFP aims to find a qualified professional to lead sustainability efforts in Salida and Chaffee County and support the long-term sustainability of the region. We look forward to your proposal.

Qualifications and Evaluation Criteria: