Asset based community economic development strategic planning

Grand County, Utah's Economic Development Department is seeking a consultant to develop a comprehensive, holistic asset-based community economic development strategic plan for 2024-2029. The procurement focuses on creating a strategic roadmap that incorporates sustainable tourism and economic diversification strategies for the Moab area. Key deliverables include an initial economic assessment, community stakeholder engagement, and a strategic implementation plan that prioritizes local expertise, natural resource preservation, and equitable economic outcomes. The Request for Proposals (RFP) requires consultant firms with demonstrated expertise in strategic planning, community engagement, sustainable tourism strategy, and economic development. Evaluation criteria will assess proposals across five categories: understanding of scope of work, project approach, prior experience, consultant qualifications, and pricing, with a total of 100 possible points. Proposals are due by 5:00 PM MDT on May 12, 2023, with the project expected to span 8 months from July 2023 to February 2024.

The procurement does not specify explicit set-aside designations or restrictions on responding organizations. Funding for the project will likely be derived from the Transient Room Tax (TRT) and Rural County Grant program, with additional support from local advisory boards. The total project budget is not to exceed $150,000, indicating a moderate-scale economic development planning initiative. The county is particularly interested in consultants who can develop strategies that balance tourism growth with economic resilience and improve quality of life for local residents. No incumbent vendors or existing technology integration requirements are specified in the available documentation. The procurement is open to qualified consulting firms with demonstrated capabilities in community economic development planning, with a strong emphasis on creating sustainable and diversified economic strategies for rural Utah communities.