Request for Proposals: Community Wildfire Protection Plan

Huerfano County, Colorado is seeking proposals from experienced consultants to develop its first comprehensive Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) through a Request for Proposals (RFP) issued by the Board of County Commissioners. The project aims to create an accessible and actionable plan that provides a comprehensive analysis of wildfire hazards, offering specific mitigation measures to minimize risks to life safety, critical infrastructure, and natural resources. The CWPP must conform to the Colorado State Forest Service's Forest Action Plan and minimum standards, serving as an "umbrella plan" developed collaboratively with local governments, fire protection districts, public agencies, and community stakeholders. Proposals are due on June 24, 2025, at 4 PM Mountain Time, with an anticipated project start date of July 28, 2025, and completion target of June 30, 2027. The evaluation process will assess proposals based on five key criteria: experience and reputation (20 points), personnel qualifications (25 points), understanding and approach (25 points), fee proposal (20 points), and interview performance (10 points). Proposal submissions are limited to 15 pages, and the selected consultant will be responsible for tasks including reviewing state forest service standards, facilitating community meetings, conducting data analysis, and developing an accessible electronic plan.

The contract is funded through a grant from the US Department of Agriculture U.S. Forest Service via the Colorado State Forest Service, with a total budget not exceeding $180,000. While the RFP does not explicitly mention specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises, the document suggests the procurement is open to qualified consulting firms with expertise in wildfire protection planning. The project represents a unique opportunity as Huerfano County has never previously completed a countywide CWPP, making this the first guiding document specific to wildfire protection planning for the jurisdiction. The consultant will need to work closely with local emergency management and fire districts to ensure comprehensive coverage and integration of existing local resources and knowledge. The project's collaborative nature and focus on community engagement suggest a preference for consultants with strong communication skills and experience in developing comprehensive wildfire mitigation strategies that involve multiple stakeholders.