DEM State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan Update

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is seeking qualified firms to update the State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP), a critical five-year strategic document for outdoor recreation planning. The primary objective is to develop a comprehensive plan that assesses current recreational resources, identifies future needs, and provides strategic guidance for outdoor recreation investments across Rhode Island. Key deliverables include a draft SCORP due by March 1, 2024, and a final plan to be completed within three months of National Park Service approval. The project has an initial contract period of approximately 18 months, beginning around June 1, 2023, with potential for a one-year renewal contingent on vendor performance and funding availability. Proposals must be submitted electronically through the Ocean State Procures system by July 14, 2023 at 11:00 AM EDT, with a vendor Q&A period running from May 31 to June 13, 2023. Evaluation criteria will include technical merit, cost proposals, and the vendor's proposed ISBE (Minority/Women/Disability Business Enterprise) participation rate.

The procurement encourages participation from Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs), Women Business Enterprises (WBEs), and Disability Business Enterprises (DisBEs), with vendors receiving evaluation points based on their proposed ISBE utilization rates. Insurance requirements are specific, including $1,000,000 general liability, $100,000 workers compensation, $1,000,000 automobile liability, and $2,000,000 professional liability coverage. While no specific incumbent vendor is mentioned, the project is funded by the US National Park Service, and the total contract value is not explicitly stated in the documentation. Vendors must be registered in the Ocean State Procures system and will be required to complete various compliance documents, including a Supplemental Bidder Attestation Form and an ISBE Participation Plan. The state reserves the right to cancel the procurement at any time and to award the contract to the vendor deemed most qualified to provide the requested services, with the final award contingent on the availability of appropriated funds and National Park Service approval.