CDBG - Public Infrastructure

Dane County is soliciting applications for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Public Infrastructure program, targeting municipalities within the Dane County Urban County Consortium. The procurement seeks proposals for the acquisition, construction, or rehabilitation of public facilities projects, with a focus on assisting low-and-moderate-income persons and meeting documented community needs. Eligible activities include improvements to public infrastructure that enhance accessibility, energy efficiency, and address community infrastructure requirements. The evaluation criteria for proposals will cover seven key areas: National Objective-Need and Justification (20 points), Project Approach (35 points), Experience and Qualifications (15 points), Financial Information (15 points), Partnerships (5 points), Shovel-Ready Projects (5 points), and Past Performance (5 points). The submission deadline is June 11, 2025, at 2:00 pm, with questions due by May 23, 2025. Presentations to the Application Review Team are anticipated in August 2025, with preliminary funding recommendations to the CDBG Commission in September 2025 and final County Board approval expected in December 2025.

The opportunity is restricted to municipalities participating in the Dane County Urban County Consortium, which comprises 56 municipalities, though three municipalities are not participating in 2025. Applicants must complete a comprehensive Vendor Questionnaire/RFP application and sign a Signature Power Form to be considered eligible. The total estimated CDBG funding available for 2026 is up to $1,100,000, to be disbursed among several CDBG categories, with a specific allocation for Public Infrastructure projects. While no specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises are explicitly mentioned, the program prioritizes projects that demonstrate community impact, cost-effectiveness, and measurable performance outcomes. Projects must be "shovel-ready," meaning work will begin in 2026, and must align with the Dane County Consolidated Plan. New applicants and those with consistent past performance will be given favorable consideration during the evaluation process. The program is funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and aims to support local infrastructure improvements and community development initiatives.