CDBG - Public Infrastructure

Dane County is soliciting applications for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Public Infrastructure program, seeking proposals for the construction or rehabilitation of public facilities projects within the Dane County Urban County Consortium. The procurement targets infrastructure improvements including parks, playgrounds, recreational facilities, street repairs, drainage systems, water and sewer systems, and accessibility enhancements to public facilities like schools, firehouses, libraries, and community centers. Eligible projects must meet one of four national objectives: area benefit, limited clientele benefit, housing benefit, or spot blight elimination, with a requirement that at least 47.8% of residents in the service area meet low- to moderate-income criteria. The evaluation criteria for proposals include seven review areas totaling 105 points: National Objective-Need and Justification (30 points), Project Approach (30 points), Experience and Qualifications (15 points), Financial Information (15 points), Partnerships (5 points), Shovel-Ready Projects (5 points), and Past Performance (5 points). The proposal submission deadline is May 31, 2024, at 2:00 pm, with a non-mandatory vendor conference scheduled for April 25, 2024, at 10:00 am. Approximately $1,000,000 in CDBG funds are expected to be available for 2025 project funding.

Eligible applicants are limited to units of local government within the Dane County Urban County Consortium, excluding the City of Madison. The consortium includes 55 participating municipalities across Dane County, with applicants required to complete a comprehensive Vendor Questionnaire and Signature Power Form. While specific set-aside designations are not explicitly detailed, the program emphasizes open competition and encourages utilization of women and minority businesses. The funding is contingent upon Dane County receiving Community Development Block Grant funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), with strict requirements including environmental review, procurement standards, labor standards (Davis-Bacon Act), and compliance with HUD regulations. Projects must provide comprehensive documentation of the procurement and construction processes, with aesthetic improvements and energy-efficient design features permitted as part of the project scope. Applicants must demonstrate organizational capacity, financial stability, and ability to leverage additional funding. The program prioritizes projects that target areas of greatest need, provide language access, and can be implemented within the 2025 fiscal year.