Statement_of_Work.docx

Making a Visible Difference in the Las Vegas Valley:

Bruce Street Green and Complete Street Project Statement of Work

Background and Purpose The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) Administrator has made Making a Visible Difference in Communities one of her seven (7) themes to meet the challenges ahead. Environmental and public health impacts affect people most significantly where they live – at the community level. EPA is focused on providing better support to communities, especially in environmentally overburdened, underserved, and economically distressed areas where the needs are greatest. The agency is coordinating technical assistance and other resources across EPA programs, with States, tribes, and local governments, and with other federal agencies to support communities as they pursue environmental improvements that enhance economic opportunity and quality of life. As part of EPA’s Making a Visible Difference in Communities effort, the Las Vegas Valley is one (1) of 50 communities across the nation where EPA is focusing action in the next two (2) years. This work will be informed by a dialogue on the environmental and public health issues that matter most to these communities, and include environmentally responsible growth patterns, equitable development, and sustainable design strategies that can, but are not limited to:

· ‘Green and Complete Streets’ design that serves all modes of transportation safely and effectively, including automobiles, pedestrians, bikes, and public transportation, as well as being ecologically responsible.

This design assistance will help the Las Vegas Valley demonstrate how a sustainable approach to community design enhances quality of life for visitors and residents; addresses local, state, and federal regulatory requirements; implements the vision of the Southern Nevada Strong Regional Plan, and puts public investment to its best and highest use. Furthermore, sustainable design solutions, such as street and public space design, can also enhance a community's environmental conditions and help revitalize neighborhoods, spurring additional economic and social benefits.

The Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC) is actively promoting complete streets in Southern Nevada as evidenced in its Regional Complete Streets Study, Complete Streets Design Guidelines, and Complete Streets Policy. In addition, the Las Vegas region just finalized a HUD-funded Southern Nevada Strong (SNS) Regional Plan, which establishes the goals of better connecting people to their destinations, redeveloping major transit corridors, better connecting and enhancing bicycle and pedestrian facilities, and developing a safe, efficient road network that supports all transportation modes. The RTC is leading the effort to implement the regional plan and build complete streets in Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Henderson, Boulder City and unincorporated Clark County. Complete Streets is a nationally-recognized policy initiative that promotes the design of streets to better serve the mobility and access needs of all users, including vehicles, transit, bicycles, and pedestrians, as well as support community character and local economic development goals. Incorporating green infrastructure into street design can protect and enhance the environment. Green and complete streets therefore is a term that describes streets that are not only more friendly to pedestrians, cyclists and transit users, but also more friendly to the environment.

EPA will award a purchase order to the successful contractor who will be tasked to visit the Las Vegas area for an initial site visit, and again for a three (3)-day design charrette to complement the design development of five (5) key locations (listed below) where the contractor must create “before and after” illustrations (one per location). During the visit, the contractor shall conduct a charrette which will be an opportunity to develop detailed visuals and graphics for the study area. The site analysis and design options must be presented in a final report by the contractor. This study area will serve as a place-based pilot for other city-wide and region-wide actions such as changes to local codes and ordinances, identification of stable funding sources to better support sustainable growth, green and complete streets, and regional project prioritization.

Project Description The project area is a one and a half (1.5) mile segment of South and North Bruce Street (Fremont Street is the dividing line between North Bruce Street and South Bruce Street) from East Charleston Boulevard to North Maryland Parkway, in the Raphael Rivera Neighborhood just east of Downtown Las Vegas. The City of Las Vegas is currently planning to revitalize the corridor and would like it to be an example of sustainable design in the Las Vegas Valley and serve as a catalyst for the development of a healthier, more livable, and prosperous Las Vegas and southern Nevada. The corridor has a mix of uses (e.g., single family residential, multi-family residential, schools, businesses, and vacant property available for redevelopment). In addition, the corridor is interconnected with multiple transit corridors including the Boulder Highway Express (BHX), which is a bus rapid transit (BRT) service connecting Henderson to Downtown Las Vegas via Boulder Highway. However, the current state of the street and sidewalks do not necessarily support pedestrians and transit users. The road also has excessive right of way at 80-feet, and along the east side the utility poles are in the middle of the sidewalk.

In terms of urban form, the study area includes three segments. The first segment includes the southern portion of the corridor from East Charleston Boulevard to Fremont Street. It features commercial businesses with several transit stops and heavy pedestrian and bike activity. The second, central segment begins north of Fremont Street to the interchange with U.S. Highway 95/515, where the corridor narrows and transitions to a single and multi-family residential area that includes an elementary school. The third segment includes the northern portion of the corridor, which expands back to an 80-foot right of way north of East Bonanza Road through mostly single family residential and terminates at a major intersection with Maryland Parkway, which will become the gateway to the redeveloped Cashman Center.

The five (5) key locations (the viewpoints for the “before” and “after” illustrations) that the contractor must examine include (from south to north):

1) South Bruce Street between East Charleston Boulevard and Fremont Street - This stretch of South Bruce Street is a 1,200 foot long corridor with heavy pedestrian and bike activity located near several transit stops along East Charleston Boulevard and Fremont Street. The existing 80-foot right of way includes two (2) travel lanes in each direction, a center turn lane, and marked bike lanes on each side of the street. There is a wide shoulder on both sides of the street which can facilitate sidewalk expansion, landscape buffers, or innovative facilities such as a protected cycle track. There are commercial businesses at the intersections of East Charleston Boulevard and Fremont Street, with single and multifamily residential along the interior of the corridor. The city is currently in the design phase for complete street improvements to East Charleston Boulevard, which includes the intersection of East Charleston and Bruce Street.

The contractor shall develop design options that illustrate a road diet for this entire stretch of South Bruce Street (by reducing road shoulder and lane widths) that would allow for improved bicycle infrastructure as well as wide sidewalks that could accommodate streetscape improvements such as street lights, furniture, public art, benches, and landscaping that incorporate green infrastructure, provides shade, and screens adjacent parking lots. It is intended that the strategies developed could be applicable to the entire street from East Charleston to Fremont Street. These streetscape improvements must complement those developed by the city for East Charleston Boulevard. In addition, the contractor must explore green infrastructure elements and green technologies to specifically mitigate the heat island effect (i.e., shade trees and solar reflective paint for roads) and reduce energy use (i.e., light-emitting diode (LED) street lighting).

2) Intersection of Fremont Street, Bruce Street, and Sunrise Avenue – This five-point intersection is heavily used by pedestrians and cyclists traveling from East Charleston Boulevard to the Fremont Street corridor and accessing bus stops on Fremont Street on both sides of the intersection. Other considerations for the intersection include ensuring safety for both adult pedestrians and school children walking to and from Hollingsworth Elementary School. In addition, a 2.78-acre privately held vacant parcel at the southeast corner of Bruce Street and Fremont Street provides an excellent redevelopment opportunity.

The contractor shall explore options to enhance pedestrian and bicycle safety and provide safe crossings for school children and other pedestrians at the intersection. Options shall also illustrate the potential of redevelopment opportunities on the vacant parcel to activate the street and enhance quality of life and the pedestrian experience. The contractor shall also include design options that contribute to the beautification of the intersection, including landscaping, public art, and street lighting.

3) Block between Fremont Street and East Ogden Avenue - This block of Bruce Street is representative of the central segment of the corridor, with reduced pedestrian and bike activity as you move north from Fremont Street into a predominantly single and multifamily residential area. Located at the northeast corner of Fremont and Bruce Street is Hollingsworth Elementary School, and at the northwest corner there is an existing commercial business. This block has 80 feet of existing right of way, two (2) travel lanes in each direction, a center turn lane, and marked bike lanes on each side of the street.

The contractor shall develop design options that illustrate a road diet for this block of Bruce Street (by reducing road shoulder and lane widths) that would allow for improved conditions for pedestrians (with particular attention to safe school crossings) and cyclists. The contractor shall also explore green infrastructure elements and green technologies to specifically mitigate the heat island effect (i.e., shade trees and solar reflective paint for roads), and reduce energy (i.e., light-emitting diode (LED) street lighting).

4) North Bruce Street between Marlin Avenue and East Poplar Avenue – In this central segment, North Bruce Street travels under US highway 95/515 and provides a connection from the downtown core to the neighborhoods north of the highway. The road in this area narrows from 80 feet to 65 feet. There is a dedicated center turn lane and marked bike lanes at this location. Currently the area under the underpass (owned by the Nevada Department of Transportation) is poorly lit and the perception is that it is unsafe. This underpass is typical of many in the city that the city would like to improve. There is a bike/pedestrian trail (the U.S. 95 Trail) along the north side of the highway frontage that leads into downtown.

In this section of North Bruce Street, the contractor shall explore design options that continue the streetscape character explored in the southern section while also exploring possible new recreation uses, public art, and improved lighting in order to make the area look and feel more inviting. Design options, including signage and consistent street amenities, must also highlight the connection to the existing bike and pedestrian trail along the highway frontage.

5) Intersection of North Bruce Street and Maryland Parkway – This intersection in the northern segment of the project area will serve as a gateway to the Cashman Center area and a connection to any transit or other facilities that may be located on Maryland Parkway. The Cashman Center, which sits just northwest of the intersection, is the site of a minor league baseball stadium and large surface parking lots, but will likely be redeveloped in the future.

The contractor shall create design options that establish a visual connection to the Cashman Center, including consistent streetscape elements like lighting, signs, and green infrastructure strategies. The contractor shall explore opportunities for aesthetic and safety improvements that would result in a more pedestrian-friendly environment for residents, visitors, and transit users, including clearly marked crossings at this complicated intersection.

Tasks and Deliverables Task 1 – Conduct pre-charrette assessment and develop initial schematics Purpose: The purpose of this task is to conduct a site visit, establish baseline conditions for the project area, and develop initial design alternatives that address the needs of the community and are appropriate for the specific site conditions. The discussions between the contractor, RTC, city of Las Vegas community representatives, and EPA staff regarding the initial design alternatives will form the basis for an on-site charrette.

The contractor shall participate in one (1) kick-off call with EPA, RTC, city staff, and stakeholders to determine the precise physical areas of focus and sustainability challenges to address.

The contractor shall conduct a one (1)-day assessment tour of the study area within six (6) weeks of the initial kick-off call. On the tour, the contractor shall meet with the RTC, city of Las Vegas, EPA staff (if available), and other community stakeholders identified by city staff.

The contractor shall develop appropriate base maps for the project area illustrating both the larger site context at a smaller scale (e.g., connections to adjacent neighborhoods), and maps at a larger scale illustrating the specific study areas. Base information for these maps including aerials, geographical information system (GIS) data, and site plans will be provided by city staff. Upon completion of the base map and approval by EPA and RTC and city staff, the contractor shall develop existing conditions maps that effectively illustrate pertinent site conditions, including but not limited to vegetation cover, and location of confirmed or suspected brownfield contamination, transit lines, and existing bike/pedestrian connections.

Based on the project area assessment and discussions with the RTC, city staff, and stakeholders, the contractor shall develop two (2) initial design schematics for each of the five (5) locations listed in the Project Description section that illustrate preliminary design ideas. The purpose of these schematics is to provide EPA, the RTC, and city staff the contractor’s design intent prior to the charrette. EPA, the RTC, and the city will comment on the initial schematics, and decide if all or some should be further explored during the charrette.

The contractor shall also create a Microsoft PowerPoint (MSPP) presentation no longer than 20 minutes that defines the goals of the design improvements, existing conditions in the project area such as the current inhospitable pedestrian environment and the negative environmental impacts such as excessive heat. The presentation is intended to be used at the charrette to frame the issues, present the project area analysis and introduce preliminary schematic designs. All examples used must be regionally relevant and reflect similar environmental conditions to those of the community.

The contractor shall participate in up to three (3) additional conference calls up to one (1) hour in length during the duration of Task 1 and 2.

Task 1 Deliverables and Timeline:

1a. Participate in one (1) project kick-off call and up to three (3) additional conference calls, as needed, with the RTC, city staff, EPA, and stakeholders prior to the charrette.

1b. Conduct a one (1)-day site visit and meet with the RTC, city staff, EPA, and other stakeholders.

1c. The project area assessment consisting of base maps and existing conditions maps for review by EPA, the RTC, and city staff four (4) weeks prior to charrette.

1d. If necessary, respond to EPA comments within one (1) week of receiving comments on base maps and existing conditions maps.

1e. Ten (10) initial design schematics to be reviewed by RTC, city, and EPA staff three (3) weeks prior to charrette.

1f. If necessary, respond to EPA comments within one (1) week of receiving comments on design schematics.

1g. Create MSPP presentation no longer than 20 minutes that defines the goals of the design improvements, existing conditions, and initial design schematics three (3) weeks prior to the on-site charrette.

1h. If necessary, respond to EPA comments within one (1) week of receiving comments on MSPP show.

Task 2 – Charrette preparation:

Purpose: The purpose of this task is to develop a detailed charrette schedule for a three (3) day on-site charrette to occur within six (6) to eight (8) weeks of the site visit.

Concurrent with the project area assessment task (Task 1), the contractor shall identify the necessary mix of stakeholders for participation in the charrette. RTC and city staff will assist in identifying specific individuals and will be responsible for sending invitations. In addition, the contractor shall develop a charrette schedule that details the activities proposed for the multi-day on-site charrette (Task 3). The charrette shall include, but is not limited to:

· Stakeholder meetings no longer than ninety (90) minutes in length with topics dependent upon project needs such as implementing green and complete streets, road dieting, urban forestry, etc.

· Agenda for each stakeholder meeting that includes identifying facilitator and topics that will be covered.

· Design team sketch sessions.

· Kick-off and wrap-up sessions.

· Up to two (2) public involvement meetings or open houses no longer than two (2) hours.

· Discussion of implementation strategies.

EPA staff will provide the contractor with past charrette schedules as examples. RTC and city staff will be responsible for charrette logistics including securing a venue, advertisement, invitations to stakeholder and public meetings, and catering, if pertinent. The charrette schedule shall be discussed during conference calls identified in Task 1.

Task 2 Deliverables and Timeline:

2a. A draft charrette schedule five (5) weeks prior to the charrette with stakeholder meeting topics and stakeholder groups identified.

2b. If necessary, respond to EPA comments within one (1) week of receiving comments.

2c. A final schedule two (2) weeks prior to the charrette.

Task 3– Conduct on-site design charrette:

Purpose: The purpose of this task is for the contractor to lead a three (3)-day charrette and all associated activities with the exception of one (1) stakeholder meeting to discuss implementation, which will be facilitated by EPA staff.

During the charrette, the contractor shall create design illustrations with a focus on in-situ, ground-level sketches of key locations in the project area that effectively communicate to the viewer what it would be like to be in the space.

Throughout the three (3)-day on-site charrette, the contractor shall further develop five (5) designs based on schematics developed in Task 1 - one (1) for each of the locations previously determined.

The contractor shall facilitate stakeholder meetings determined in Task 2 (EPA staff will facilitate a stakeholder meeting discussing policy implications and implementation strategies, but the contractor shall participate). The contractor shall also organize and facilitate up to two (2) public open house events that educate participants on the topics of pedestrian design improvements, complete streets, and green infrastructure and also allow for community input on the goals of the project and the design options prepared. At these events the contractor shall also present the designs created and be able to answer any questions or comments from the public. At the introductory open house, the contractor shall present the MSPP show created in Task 1.

Task 3 Deliverables and Timeline:

All deliverables in Task 3 will be delivered and completed on-site during the approximately three (3) day design charrette in Las Vegas.

3a. Present MSPP show created in Task 1 to the RTC, city staff, selected stakeholders, and the general public during an introductory open house event.

3b. Develop design options that examine neighborhood connectivity and improvements to the pedestrian and bicycling environment along Bruce Street as well as increasing shade and improving intersection crossings. Design options will be presented in plans, sections, and ground-level in-situ perspectives.

3c. Participate in an interactive meeting no longer than ninety (90) minutes with the RTC, city, EPA staff, and selected stakeholder to discuss implementation strategies and policy implications of proposed design strategies. Selected stakeholders will be identified by the RTC and city staff.

3d. Present design options at final public open house event and gather public comment.

Task 4 – Final Design Options Purpose: The purpose of this task is to create a set of design concepts to be used in the Final Report (Task 5). The design concepts may also be used by the city of Las Vegas and the RTC for fundraising activities (e.g., grant applications, etc.), and for additional community education and outreach to advance the goals of the Southern Nevada Strong Regional Plan.

The contractor shall develop a set of comprehensive design concepts for each of the five (5) locations selected that refines and builds on those designs created during the on-site charrette in Task 3. Deliverables shall include a descriptive text and high-quality graphics, including but not limited to:

· Introduction text no longer than one (1) page;

· Five (5) sets of before and after in-situ visuals (street-level perspectives)—one (1) at each of the five (5) locations selected, with text annotation;

· Schematic site plans with text annotations;

· Sections, where necessary, with text annotations; and

· Two (2) to three (3) pertinent examples from other communities (in text box) that help to better illustrate Design Options.

Task 4 Deliverables and Timeline:

4a. Design options for each of the five (5) locations selected to EPA staff for approval within four (4) weeks of the conclusion of the charrette.

4b. Develop final design options within two (2) weeks following receipt of comments from EPA.

Task 5 – Final Report Purpose: The purpose of this task is to provide the RTC and city of Las Vegas a set of design options that staff can use in future public events and for fundraising activities (grant applications, etc.), further community education and outreach for the Southern Nevada Strong Plan, and serve as a roadmap for implementation. A short summary report will also be posted on the EPA website as an example of sustainable community design that could be replicated elsewhere.

The contractor shall create a final report for the RTC and city of Las Vegas that features the design options that emerged from the charrette, next steps, and relevant case studies. The final report shall include the following sections:

1. Table of Contents

2. Executive Summary – a one (1)-page summary of the report’s contents.

3. Project Area Assessment – maps and diagrams describing the site area with brief description of primary findings in terms of opportunities and constraints, especially in terms of environmental benefits and community value, and how the Design Options address each.

4. Design Options – developed in Task 4.

5. Next Steps (Implementation Strategies) – This section shall include suggested next steps for implementing the design and policy strategies discussed during the charrette. In addition, the section should also include policy options suggested to support broader citywide and region-wide implementation. Next steps options shall describe funding opportunities, RTC resources, and key partners including federal and state agencies, as well as local partners, and a public outreach process moving forward. Supporting text should introduce the RTC and city staff to a design vocabulary that can then be used with the public and other stakeholders to describe place-based sustainability concepts and their environmental, safety, and economic benefits. This section should be no more than five (5) pages in length.

6. Appendix – This section shall include a description of the charrette proceedings and other pertinent information.

Following approval of the design options in Task 4, the contractor shall produce a first draft of the Final Report that shall include all drawings, images, text, and formatting that is expected to be included in the final report. With each draft the contractor shall submit an accompanying text-only version in Microsoft Word for editing by EPA.

In addition, the contractor shall create a short summary report for the EPA website. EPA will provide the contractor with the Office of Sustainable Communities Style Guide to assist the contractor with developing the summary report, which shall be no more than 10 pages in length and shall include:

1. Executive Summary – a one (1) page summary of the report’s contents.

2. Design Options - Final before and after images.

3. Summary of Next Steps – this section should be no more than one (1) page and should summarize the fuller Next Steps section from the report given to the RTC and the city.

The short summary report will be posted to the EPA website and must be compliant with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, which requires that Federal agencies' electronic and information technology be accessible to people with disabilities ( http://www.section508.gov/ ). The contractor must be familiar and in compliance with these requirements when the contract is awarded and before performance of work.

The contractor shall create a draft MSPP illustrating the design options and implementation strategies. The show is intended to be used by EPA, the RTC, and city staff to describe the projects.

Task 5 Deliverables and Timeline:

5a. Develop First Draft of the Final Report within one (1) week of EPA approval of Final Design Options (Task 4).

5b. Develop Final Version of the Final Report and First Draft of the Short Summary Report within two (2) weeks following receipt of EPA comments on First Draft.

5c. Develop Final Version of the Short Summary Report in a thoroughly proofread, 508 compliant pdf format within two (2) weeks following receipt of comments from EPA on the First Draft.

5d. Draft and submit MSPP to EPA within six (6) weeks of the conclusion of the charrette.

5e. Deliver Final MSPP within four (4) weeks of receipt of EPA comments.

5f. Deliver high resolution JPG or TIF image files for all final illustrations on CD (can be the native files used in the production of the Final Report).