RFP No. 256001 Aviation Planning and Research Services

The City of Salem, Oregon has issued Request for Proposals (RFP #256001) for comprehensive aviation planning and research services for the Salem-Willamette Valley Airport. The procurement seeks a qualified firm to provide multiple technical services including FAA grant applications, airport planning surveys, noise studies, Airport Layout Plan updates, Master Plan updates, and technical support for meetings with FAA and other agencies. Proposals are due March 28, 2025 at 4:00 PM local time and must be submitted electronically via Equity Hub's Bid Locker. The RFP will utilize a Qualification Based Selection (QBS) process with a 100-point evaluation scale across five criteria categories, though specific weightings are not detailed in the documents. The initial contract term is July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026, with potential for up to four additional one-year renewal options. Evaluation will likely focus on firm qualifications, project understanding, technical approach, team experience, and past performance in similar aviation planning projects.

The RFP explicitly encourages participation from disadvantaged business enterprises, including minority-owned, women-owned, veteran-owned, and emerging small businesses. No predetermined budget is specified, with work to be assigned on a project-by-project basis and no guaranteed minimum volume of work. Proposing firms must carry $2 million in general liability insurance and $2 million in errors and omissions coverage. The City intends to select up to three top-ranked firms for further consideration after the initial evaluation process. While no incumbent vendor is mentioned, the procurement suggests a desire for ongoing, flexible aviation planning support that can adapt to the Salem-Willamette Valley Airport's evolving needs. Potential respondents should have deep expertise in airport planning, FAA regulations, grant management, and comprehensive airport infrastructure development and assessment.