Comprehensive Study to Identify and Evaluate Large Commercial and Industrial Sites in Nebraska

The State of Nebraska, specifically the Department of Economic Development, is seeking a contractor to conduct a comprehensive study identifying and evaluating large commercial and industrial sites through RFP 119245 O3. The project targets large sites with potential for attracting major investment and employment opportunities across targeted industries including advanced manufacturing, bioscience, agribusiness, warehousing, technology, aerospace, automotive, clean energy, and life sciences. The contractor will be required to assess approximately 40-50 industrial sites of 75 or more acres, conducting desktop reviews and planning assessments including Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessments, Geotechnical Conditions, Threatened and Endangered Species, and Wetlands Assessments. Proposals will be evaluated based on three primary criteria: Corporate Overview/Strategic and Tactical Plan (40 points), Technical Approach (40 points), and Cost Proposal (20 points), with potential additional points for oral interviews. The proposal submission deadline is August 14, 2024, at 2:00 PM Central Time, with an anticipated contract award by September 22, 2024. The final study must be completed and submitted to the Nebraska Department of Economic Development no later than December 15, 2024, with the initial contract terminating on February 15, 2025.

The RFP does not specify explicit set-aside designations or restrictions on respondent types, and appears open to qualified consulting and research firms capable of conducting comprehensive site evaluations. The state has already indicated an intent to award the contract to Burns & McDonnell, though the final selection process is still pending. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly detailed, the cost proposal will be a critical component of the evaluation, with points allocated proportionally based on submitted pricing. The study aims to support the Site and Building Development Fund established under LB644, with a focus on positioning Nebraska as a competitive location for site selection across multiple industry sectors. At least one proposed site must be located west of the 100th meridian, and the contractor will be required to provide a lump sum cost for each site evaluated and scored, as well as for due diligence reports. The state will not provide property access, and all assessments must be completed as desktop reviews.