RFP CP 27-02 Strategic Planning and Visioning Services

The City of College Park, Maryland is requesting proposals for strategic planning and visioning services under RFP CP 27-02, with proposals due September 25, 2026.

The scope comprises two complementary efforts: Vision 2045, a community-driven 20-year vision developed through broad and inclusive engagement to identify shared aspirations and establish guiding themes and principles; and a Strategic Action Plan, a three-to-five-year organizational roadmap for City government translating relevant vision elements, mayoral and council priorities, organizational needs, available resources, and existing commitments into actionable priorities with defined outcomes, responsibilities, timeframes, and measures of success. The project includes six tasks: community and stakeholder engagement, data analysis and existing conditions assessment, vision development, strategic priorities briefing, final plan development, and presentation and adoption support.

The City anticipates multiple community and stakeholder engagement activities using mixed methods to reach diverse populations, including those who do not participate in traditional public meetings. The City requires English and Spanish language engagement and materials; Spanish-speaking community members must be able to participate meaningfully in engagement activities. Proposers should describe their approach to bilingual facilitation or live interpretation where appropriate, though the City does not anticipate requiring live Spanish interpretation at every activity. The City does not provide translation or interpretation services and does not have a preferred survey platform.

An Interim Strategic Priorities Briefing is due no later than February 2027 as an in-person presentation to Mayor and Council with supporting written documentation, to inform FY2028 budget development. The project budget is $65,000 as a firm amount covering both Vision 2045 and the Strategic Action Plan, including all consultant travel, translation services, engagement-related expenses, and reimbursable costs. Proposers must submit five required examples of similar project experience, which may be satisfied collectively through the relevant experience of the proposed project team, including key personnel, subcontractors, and partner firms. Submission requires original plus three hard copies mailed to the Finance Department; electronic submission is not accepted. Proposers may identify additional or enhanced services as optional, separately priced line items.