CPW Comprehensive State Park Strategy

The Colorado Department of Natural Resources on behalf of Colorado Parks and Wildlife is requesting proposals for developing a Comprehensive State Parks Strategy covering Colorado's 43 state parks through 2040, with proposals due November 3, 2026 at 12:00 PM MST. Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses registered with the U.S. Small Business Administration may receive a 5% bid preference, and resident bidders may receive applicable preferences.

The scope encompasses a system-level strategic framework addressing resource sustainability, resilient ecosystems, accessible outdoor experiences, deferred maintenance, visitation patterns, and financial resilience. Deliverables center on a strategic communications framework and approach rather than tangible marketing products; CPW's internal communications staff will develop specific outputs such as graphics and web content based on the consultant's framework. The engagement plan must include broad public involvement through existing feedback structures and listening sessions, tribal engagement with indigenous communities on land stewardship priorities, and internal engagement with CPW staff, state park personnel, and the Parks and Wildlife Commission. CPW will provide consultants access to current and historical financial data for each state park, including visitation metrics, retail sales, capital expenditures, staffing, and operational expenses.

No budget ceiling is disclosed; offerors must propose their own budgets and value propositions for evaluation. Contract awards of $350,000 or less are issued as purchase orders; awards exceeding $350,000 require formal contracts. All work must be completed by June 30, 2028, with an estimated project start of January 4, 2027. Contractors must carry comprehensive insurance including Workers' Compensation, General Liability ($1,000,000 each occurrence), and Automobile Liability ($1,000,000 combined single limit). Price proposals must remain firm for 180 days following submission. Evaluation criteria include submission compliance, page-limit adherence (pass/fail), project personnel qualifications, qualifications and experience with emphasis on statewide plan development, project approach detail and feasibility, schedule feasibility, and best-value pricing. Top candidate interviews are estimated for December 2–4, 2026, with notice of award anticipated December 9, 2026. Proposals require Submission Form, Project Personnel (5-page limit), Qualifications and Experience (10-page limit with 3–5 project examples), Project Approach (10-page limit), Schedule (5-page limit), and Price (3-page limit with phase breakdown and hourly rates). Submit via Colorado Vendor Self Service or Google Forms.