Planning Consultant

The City of Rochester Hills, Michigan is soliciting proposals for on-going, as-needed planning consultant services, with proposals due November 17, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. local time through the Michigan Intergovernmental Trade Network (MITN). Services must be provided by an individual firm that will serve as a resource for the Planning and Economic Development (PED) Department and supplement staff.

Scope includes development project compliance reviews within the City's Bluebeam review software; drafting compliance staff reports for the Planning Commission and City Council as necessary; drafting proposed ordinance amendments and providing ordinance examples or research on requested topics or emerging trends; master plan update assistance; topical research; special studies as defined by the City; and attendance at daytime administrative meetings and nighttime Planning Commission or City Council meetings. The consultant must maintain all required Michigan state licenses and professional certifications, carry $1 million Commercial General Liability and $2 million Professional Liability (Errors and Omissions) coverage, and provide a single point of contact for the contract duration.

Compensation for ongoing services is budgeted at $25,000 annually, plus additional funding for specific initiatives such as Master Land Use Plan updates or targeted studies as approved. The contract term is three years from execution, with a City option to renew for two additional years. Billing is monthly on a time-and-materials basis with net 30-day payment terms. Proposals must include hourly rates for all personnel classifications and detailed descriptions of out-of-pocket and reimbursable expenses. Work begins following award and contract execution.

Evaluation emphasizes municipal government experience, capacity to perform the scope, comparable past projects, responsiveness to requirements, and cost. The proposal opening occurs by Zoom teleconference on November 17, 2026. The City may reject any or all proposals and terminate with 30 days' written notice, and it reserves non-negotiable terms on limitation of liability, indemnification, arbitration, and Michigan governing law.