Request for Proposals (RFP):

Comprehensive Urban Planning Consultancy Services for Addressing Abandoned, Vacant, and Deteriorated (AVD) Properties in the City of Alamogordo, New Mexico

The Sacramento Mountains Foundation (SMF), a 501(c)(4) nonprofit corporation committed to enhancing the lives and health of residents in Otero County, New Mexico, is seeking proposals from qualified urban planning consultants. The objective of this RFP is to engage a consultant who will develop a comprehensive assessment and strategic plan to address the issue of Abandoned, Vacant, and Deteriorated (AVD) properties within the City of Alamogordo, New Mexico with the goal of guiding the revitalization and sustainable development of the area.

A. Scope of Work:

1. Conduct a thorough assessment of the current situation and distribution of AVD properties in Alamogordo, identifying underlying causes and potential areas for intervention.
2. Develop a strategic plan that outlines actionable steps for the rehabilitation, repurposing, or redevelopment of AVD properties. The plan should prioritize community involvement, economic viability, and sustainability.
3. Provide recommendations for policy adjustments (including amendments to the Alamogordo Municipal Code), community engagement strategies, and potential funding mechanisms to support the implementation of the strategic plan.

B. Proposal Submission Requirements:

1. Firm Background and Experience: Proposers should provide a detailed overview of their firm, including previous experience in managing AVD properties or similar urban planning projects. Highlight any projects that demonstrate innovative approaches to urban decay and revitalization.
2. Philosophy and Approach: Describe your firm's philosophy towards urban planning and development, particularly in contexts similar to Alamogordo. Outline your intended approach for the assessment and strategic planning process, emphasizing stakeholder engagement, sustainability, and adaptability.
3. Previous Work Examples: Include examples of previous work that showcase your expertise and success in addressing AVD properties or comparable challenges in urban environments. Provide references for these projects.
4. Project Team: Present information on the project team that will be assigned to this initiative, including bios of key personnel and their relevant experience.
5. Timeline and Budget: Propose a preliminary timeline for the assessment and planning phases, along with an estimated budget that outlines expected costs and fee structure.

C. Proposal Evaluation Criteria:

Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

1. Relevance and Depth of Previous Experience with AVD Properties and Urban Revitalization: The extent to which proposers have demonstrated significant, relevant experience in addressing issues related to abandoned, vacant, and deteriorated properties, as well as broader urban revitalization projects. This includes the ability to understand and navigate the complexities associated with such projects and a proven track record of successful interventions.
2. Clarity and Innovativeness of the Proposed Approach and Methodology: The degree to which the proposal presents a clear, logical, and innovative approach to assessing and addressing the AVD properties issue in Alamogordo. This includes the proposal's ability to propose creative solutions that are both practical and sustainable, as well as its alignment with the goals of community involvement, economic viability, and sustainability.
3. Expertise and Composition of the Project Team: Evaluation of the qualifications, experience, and roles of the individuals who will be involved in the project. This criterion assesses the team's collective ability to deliver the proposed services effectively, with a particular focus on the diversity of skills and expertise relevant to the project's requirements.
4. Feasibility of the Proposed Timeline and Budget: Assessment of the realism and practicality of the proposed timeline and budget, including the appropriateness of the timeframe for the project's objectives and the clarity, completeness, and reasonableness of the budgeted costs. Proposals should demonstrate a sound understanding of the scope of work and an ability to efficiently allocate resources.
5. Alignment with the SMF's Mission: The extent to which the proposal aligns with the Sacramento Mountains Foundation's overarching mission to improve the health and lives of Otero County residents. This includes the proposal's potential to make a substantive contribution to the community's well-being through the revitalization of AVD properties.
6. Community Engagement and Participation Strategy: The quality and effectiveness of the proposed strategy for engaging and involving the community in the planning and implementation process. This criterion evaluates the proposer's approach to ensuring that the project reflects the needs, values, and aspirations of Alamogordo residents.
7. Sustainability: The incorporation of sustainability principles into the proposed plan. Proposals should demonstrate a commitment to sustainable urban development practices and show how these principles are integrated into the strategic plan for addressing AVD properties.
8. Innovative Funding and Financing Strategies: The proposal's approach to identifying and securing funding and financing for the project. This includes the ability to suggest innovative mechanisms for funding the strategic plan's implementation, as well as the proposer's experience with leveraging different types of financial resources.

Each proposal will be reviewed comprehensively against these criteria to ensure a thorough and fair evaluation process. The Sacramento Mountains Foundation seeks proposals that not only address the immediate issue of AVD properties but also offer long-term benefits to the Alamogordo community through sustainable and inclusive urban development practices.

D. Submission Instructions:

Proposals must be submitted in PDF format via email to john.wheeler@sacmtns.org by Friday, September 13, 2024 not later than 5:00 P.M. MDT. All proposals should be comprehensive yet concise, not exceeding fifty (50) pages, including appendices.

E. Format of Submissions:

All proposals in response to this RFP must be submitted in electronic format, specifically as PDF files. Proposers are not required to submit hard copies of their proposals. It is imperative that submissions adhere to the specified PDF format to ensure compatibility and efficient review. Please ensure that all components of the proposal, including appendices, are consolidated into a single PDF document before submission.

F. Reservation of Rights:

The Sacramento Mountains Foundation reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to reject any or all proposals submitted in response to this Request for Proposals (RFP). Furthermore, SMF may, after review of all received proposals, choose to proceed with negotiations with a limited number of respondents deemed most suitable according to the evaluation criteria set forth herein. Such a decision shall not be construed as an indication of acceptance or endorsement of any proposal in its entirety.

G Proposal Preparation Costs:

Proposers acknowledge and agree that they shall be fully responsible for all costs incurred in the preparation and submission of their proposals in response to this Request for Proposals (RFP). The Sacramento Mountains Foundation (SMF) will not be liable for any costs or expenses, regardless of the outcome of the selection process, including but not limited to, the cost of preparing the proposal, attending interviews or meetings, or any other expenses related to the submission of a proposal.

H. Additional Information:

The Sacramento Mountains Foundation looks forward to receiving proposals that will not only address the pressing issue of AVD properties in Alamogordo but also contribute to the broader goals of community health and sustainable development. For any inquiries regarding this RFP, please contact John Wheeler at (575) 437-5750 or john.wheeler@sacmtns.org.

Deadline: Friday, September 13, 2024 at 5:00 P.M.