Oceano Dunes Economic Impact Report

The California Department of Parks and Recreation is seeking a contractor to develop an Economic Impact Report for the Oceano Dunes District in San Luis Obispo County through Request for Proposal (RFP) #C1553016. The primary objective is to conduct a comprehensive economic analysis of the district's impact, requiring the selected firm to collect visitor profile information and analyze data using IMPLAN or similar economic modeling techniques. Key deliverables include a final report examining direct visitor spending, direct/indirect/induced economic impacts, and documenting job and tax creation metrics. The contractor must possess a minimum of 20 years of experience in marketing research, economic analysis, and strategy development, with demonstrated completion of at least five similar economic studies. Proposal evaluation will be based on multiple criteria: experience (20 points), in-house production capability (10 points), project management (20 points), detailed project plan (30 points), and reference report samples (20 points), with a minimum score of 80 points required for responsiveness. Critical dates include an optional pre-proposal conference on April 7, 2016, written questions due by April 8, 2016, proposal submission deadline of April 13, 2016, and proposed award date of April 22, 2016. The total project term is anticipated to be 18 months from the written notice to proceed.

The RFP includes provisions for small business and disabled veteran business enterprise (DVBE) participation, offering a 5% preference for certified small businesses and maintaining a DVBE incentive program. While the DVBE participation requirement was waived through Addendum #1, the incentive program remains in place. The maximum contract amount is $50,000, providing a clear budget framework for potential bidders. No specific incumbent vendors were identified in the solicitation documents. The project is specifically focused on the Oceano Dunes District (Unit 264 OHMVR - Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation), suggesting a localized economic impact study. Potential respondents should note that the solicitation type was changed from Invitation for Bid (IFB) to Request for Proposal (RFP) through the first addendum, which may affect submission requirements and evaluation processes.