The Town of Wakefield, acting through its Planning Department (hereinafter PD), seeks to secure consulting services to complete a Housing Production Plan (hereinafter "Plan") and Housing Needs Assessment (hereinafter "Assessment") required for approval through the Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) in accordance with the Guidelines found in 760 CMR 56.00. The previous Housing Production Plan and Housing Needs Assessment expired in 2020. The Town is seeking to continue its efforts in increasing affordable housing and meeting the housing needs of the residents through an updated plan as referenced in this RFP.

The ideal candidate will provide a separate proposal for each task: one, the Housing Needs Assessment, and two, the Housing Production Plan. The work shall be completed in two phases, rather than simultaneously, to allow the Assessment to guide the Plan. The proposal shall include a public engagement plan, regular progress meetings with staff, measurable milestones, a draft review process, and a final Plan that includes a presentation to the public. The Plan shall be equitable across all income levels, equally support all areas of Town, include a digestible and actionable Executive Summary, and marry the needs and desires of the residents with Best Practices for a Wakefield-specific approach. A detailed list is included in the SCOPE section of this RFP. The Town expects the Consultant to collaborate with PD, an advisory committee, and the public as community outreach and engagement is a crucial part of the housing plan process.

All quotes must be submitted on the quotation form accompanying this RFP and alterations of this form are not allowed. Contractor's attention is directed to the Project Timeline in this RFP.

Bid documents and the full RFP are available via mail, email or online - Planning Department, 1 Lafayette Street, Wakefield, MA 01880, selliott@wakefield.ma.us, or www.wakefield.ma.us on or after May 1, 2024. Sealed proposals will be received at the above office on or before June 21, 2024 at noon.

One contract will be awarded to the firm that submits the most advantageous deliverable combined with price if in the best interest of the Town and not necessarily the lowest quoted price.

The Town of Wakefield reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, cancel this solicitation, and waive minor informalities.