Manchester ReUnited: State Route 65 Reconnecting Communities Planning Study

The City of Pittsburgh Office of Management & Budget, on behalf of the Department of Mobility & Infrastructure, is seeking proposals for the Manchester ReUnited: State Route 65 Reconnecting Communities Planning Study. This procurement is a planning and feasibility study focusing on a 3-mile expressway portion of PA-65 between I-279N and the McKees Rocks Bridge, with the primary goal of reuniting the Manchester and Chateau neighborhoods. The ideal consultant will possess expertise in urban highway engineering and planning, with experience in developing interventions that reverse historic community harm, create multi-modal infrastructure, and expand access and opportunity. Deliverables will include a preferred alternative, conceptual design, land use and economic policy recommendations, and potential implementation strategies. The evaluation criteria will be points-based, totaling 100 points distributed as follows: firm qualifications (15 points), project team qualifications (20 points), project approach and plan (40 points), cost proposal (15 points), and MWDBE/VOSB good faith effort (10 points). The RFP was released on October 18, 2024, with a pre-proposal meeting scheduled for November 1, 2024, questions due by November 8, 2024, and proposal responses due by November 15, 2024 at 3:00 pm.

The project emphasizes Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprise (MWDBE) and Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB) participation, with 10 points allocated for good faith efforts in these areas. The study will be funded through Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) resources, indicating potential set-aside opportunities for disadvantaged enterprises. The consultant will be required to work closely with Manchester Citizens Corporation to ensure a community-led planning process, with a focus on engaging residents and decision-makers throughout the study. While specific budget details are not explicitly stated, the comprehensive nature of the project suggests a significant investment in understanding and addressing the community's infrastructural and social needs. The final deliverables will not only provide a technical assessment of the PA-65 corridor but also develop strategies for future funding and implementation, with the ultimate goal of creating a more connected and equitable urban environment.