RFP-2026-006 Advisory Services for Conservation Easements

The Town of Bedford, Virginia is requesting proposals for advisory services related to potential conveyance of fee simple or partial interests, including conservation easements, on Town-owned properties under RFP-2026-006, with proposals due June 26, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. and questions due June 20, 2026 at 3:00 p.m.

The scope encompasses evaluation, planning, and facilitation of conveyance transactions to align with Town goals and legal requirements. Services include meetings with Town representatives, identification of experienced attorneys, appraisers, and tax advisors, preliminary valuation guidance, recipient organization identification, mapping and survey assistance, compliance with the Virginia Open Space Land Act and Virginia Conservation Easement Act, deed preparation with metes and bounds, baseline documentation, title issue resolution, deed recordation, LLC registration if required, and tax document drafting. Addendum 1 (issued June 5, 2026) clarifies that appraisals must be performed by independent third parties in conjunction with the consultant, not by the consultant directly, to avoid conflicts of interest. The Town prefers on-site visits, though frequency and location flexibility may be negotiable.

Eligible candidates include professionals with experience in conservation easements, such as appraisers with prior coordination experience with the Virginia Commissioner of Revenue, conservation easement attorneys, and land trusts. Offerors must carry professional liability insurance of $1 million per incident and $2 million aggregate, plus commercial general liability coverage of $1 million. Cost estimates are not required in proposals; offerors should be prepared to discuss costs during interviews if scheduled.

Evaluation weighting: Team Qualifications (25%), Capacity and Capability (35%), References and Area Familiarity (15%), Project Management Methodology (20%), and Experience with State and Local Codes (5%). The Town retains the right to reject any proposals and negotiate with the highest-ranked offeror, proceeding down the ranked list if necessary. Proposals may be submitted as hard copies to the Finance Department at 215 E. Main Street, Bedford, VA 24523, via email to finance@bedfordva.gov, or through the Commonwealth's eVA website. Addenda and question responses will be published by June 23, 2026. Work commences within a timeframe mutually determined by the Town and selected contractor following notice to proceed.