Planning and Facilitation Services Related to the LUPC Compr

The State of Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry, Land Use Planning Commission is issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP #202603056) to procure planning and facilitation services for the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) update process. The procurement seeks an objective third-party consultant to support the update of Maine's Comprehensive Land Use Plan serving unorganized and deorganized areas across five Commission regions: Western, Northern, Eastern, Moosehead, and Downeast. The primary deliverables include synthesizing existing pre-process information, developing and conducting five community workshops (one per region), preparing comprehensive workshop materials and summary reports, and creating a detailed proposal for updating the CLUP. Required qualifications include demonstrated expertise in planning facilitation, community engagement, and land use planning processes. Evaluation will be conducted on a 100-point scale with 35 points allocated to organizational qualifications and experience, 40 points to proposed services methodology, and 25 points to cost proposals, with the lowest bid receiving full points and higher bids scored proportionally. Questions must be submitted by April 29, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. local time, with proposals due May 13, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. local time via the Vendor Self Service System. The initial contract period runs from June 15, 2026, to May 14, 2027, with one optional renewal period from May 15, 2027, to May 14, 2028, contingent upon continued funding and satisfactory performance.

The RFP does not identify specific set-aside designations or restrictions limiting bidder eligibility based on disadvantaged enterprise status. No incumbent vendors or current contractors are listed in the procurement documentation, and no specific existing infrastructure or technology integration requirements are noted. Bidders must submit detailed cost proposals broken down by task for both the initial and renewal periods, including itemized costs such as estimated hours, hourly billing rates, and travel expenses; however, no specific budget range or award value is provided in the available documentation. Payment will be made on a net-30 basis upon receipt of invoices referencing the contract number and supporting documentation. The Department will not request best and final offers, and negotiations may not significantly alter the proposal's content or pricing. Standard State of Maine service contract provisions will apply, and only costs incurred after the contract effective date for service implementation and operation are reimbursable; costs for proposal preparation or contract negotiation are not allowable.