Master Planning Services

The Town of Smithfield, Virginia is requesting proposals for Master Planning Services for a 57-acre Town-owned parcel at an entrance corridor to historic downtown, with proposals due September 17, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time and questions due September 7, 2026. No set-asides or eligibility restrictions apply.

The scope encompasses assessment and data gathering through review of existing planning documents and community engagement; community engagement via planning workshops and listening sessions; master planning with conceptual site layouts and infrastructure planning; economic development opportunities analysis including feasibility studies and revenue diversification strategies; and final deliverables consisting of a comprehensive property development master plan, economic development strategic report, and implementation roadmap. The consultant must propose the community engagement structure, including the number and format of public workshops, listening sessions, and Town Council or Planning Commission touchpoints. Planning-level analysis is sufficient for utilities coordination, market and economic feasibility, site access and circulation, traffic analysis, and cost estimates. The Town will provide existing survey, GIS, utility, environmental, and site data; new field surveys or environmental delineations are not required. Housing is the primary public concern from past zoning efforts.

Minimum qualifications require at least five years of professional experience in land planning, master planning, or economic development; documented experience working with local governments; and professional licenses or certifications where applicable. Proposals must address cultural competence and understanding of tribal sovereignty, though the Town does not anticipate tribal engagement as part of the effort. The Town has issued a parallel RFP for a Phase 1 Archaeological Survey; only surface-level archaeological and cultural resources assessment studies are currently available to proposers.

The Town has not established a budget and requests a non-binding fee proposal. The Town prefers all-inclusive fixed fees but will accept a fixed base fee plus unit-priced optional services to manage scope changes. Expenses and travel costs must be included. Proposers must submit five proposed fee options with itemized other expenses.

The project is anticipated to begin near the start of the new year. The expected timeline is 10–12 months. The Town Manager serves as day-to-day project manager. Ten hard copies of the final Comprehensive Property Development Master Plan are required. Proposals are submitted electronically to mstallings@smithfieldva.gov.