For FULL RFP visit www.cambriaplanning.org

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS: CONSULTANT SERVICES TO DEVELOP THE WEST HILLS REGION MULTI-MUNICIPAL IMPLEMENTABLE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN

RFP Issued by Cambria County Planning Commission Administration
Dates:

• RFP Issued: March 10, 2025
• Pre-Submission Meeting: March 18, 2025
• Final Questions Due: March 25, 2025
• RFP Due: April 11, 2025
• Interviews: Week of April 21-24, 2025
• Date of Award: May 15, 2025
• Anticipated Completion: July 2026

I. PURPOSE AND INTENT

The Cambria County Planning Commission (CCPC) is seeking proposals from qualified planning consultants to develop an implementable comprehensive plan for the West Hills Region in compliance with the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (MPC) and guided by principles from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED). The plan will present a vision for the region's future, identify strategies for attaining goals, and outline actionable steps, including financing strategies and building capacity for implementation. The selected consultant will provide comprehensive planning services necessary for the plan's creation.

II. PROPOSAL SUBMISSION

Proposals should include:

• Ten (10) hard copies and one (1) electronic copy (flash drive) in a sealed envelope marked: "PROPOSAL FOR WEST HILLS REGIONAL COMPREHENSIVE PLAN".
• Submit proposals to:
  Cambria County Planning Commission
  ATTN: Shanna Murphy Sosko, Community Development Planner
  401 Candlelight Drive, Suite 213
  Ebensburg, PA 15931
• Proposals must be received by 12:00 PM (EST), Friday, April 11, 2025.
• No faxed or emailed proposals will be accepted. All documents may be subject to Pennsylvania's Right to Know Law.

III. PRE-SUBMISSION Q&A

All inquiries should be addressed to:

• Shanna Murphy Sosko, Community Development Planner
• 814-471-1804 or smurphy@co.cambria.pa.us
  An optional pre-submission meeting via Microsoft TEAMS will be held on March 18, 2025, at 10:00 AM. Registration for the meeting is required by March 14, 2025. Final questions must be submitted by March 25, 2025. Answers will be posted as an addendum to the CCPC website by March 28, 2025.

IV. FORMAT OF PROPOSALS

Proposals should include:

1. Cover Sheet – Firm name, address, contact info, and project title.
2. Letter of Interest – 1-page summary of interest.
3. Executive Summary – 1-page overview of the approach.
4. Firm Profile – Overview, project organization chart, and staff capabilities.
5. Key Personnel – Experience of key staff assigned to the project, including resumes and roles.
6. Scope of Services Understanding – Narrative of the consultant's understanding of the project scope, proposed timeline, and public engagement strategy.
7. Equity Lens – Approach to addressing disparities and promoting equitable outcomes.
8. Proposed Deliverables – List of deliverables for each work step aligned with Pennsylvania MPC.
9. Innovative Solutions – Proposals for creative and impactful planning approaches.
10. Experience and References – Relevant project examples, including at least three references.
11. Technical and Price Proposal – Lump sum fee, budget, detailed hours, and rates for each project phase.
12. Certificate of Insurance – Proof of required insurance coverage.

V. WEST HILLS REGION INFORMATION

The West Hills Region includes Brownstown Borough, Southmont Borough, Westmont Borough, Lower Yoder Township, and Upper Yoder Township, covering 28.9 square miles. The region is mainly residential, with Lower Yoder Township featuring commercial hubs. The area boasts several recreational sites like Stackhouse Park and Grandview Cemetery, along with a diverse population of 15,258. The municipalities collaborate on services like EMS and police, aligning with the Alleghenies Ahead Regional Comprehensive Plan.

VI. SCOPE OF SERVICES

The selected consultant will adhere to DCED's principles for creating an implementable comprehensive plan. The consultant will:

1. Craft a Vision – For the next decade, based on community input.
2. Identify Priorities – Establish key goals and challenges.
3. Develop Action Strategies – Including programs, projects, and implementation guidance.
4. Provide Implementation Guidance – Ensure actionable steps and identify funding sources.

The plan will be tailored to each municipality while focusing on shared regional goals. It will address:

• Shared Services – Expansion of intermunicipal collaboration for public works, staff, and utilities.
• Economic Development – Revitalization of commercial areas and integration of small businesses.
• Bicycle and Pedestrian Infrastructure – Creating safe, accessible networks for walking and biking.
• Environmental Stewardship – Preserving natural resources and implementing sustainable stormwater solutions.
• Housing and Blight – Strategies for revitalizing aging housing and addressing blight.
• Land Use Regulations – Modernizing zoning codes and streamlining regulatory processes.
• Recreation – Developing regional parks and recreational programs.

VII. PROJECT COORDINATION

The consultant will:

1. Hold an initial meeting with CCPC staff and the Steering Committee to confirm the project scope and schedule.
2. Conduct public engagement through workshops and surveys to ensure broad participation.
3. Hold bi-monthly meetings with the CCPC and Steering Committee to review progress.
4. Present draft and final plans, incorporating feedback from stakeholders.

VIII. DELIVERABLES

The consultant will provide the following:

1. Eight (8) printed copies of the final plan and executive summary.
2. Three (3) electronic copies in PDF format and one (1) editable Word file.
3. All research, data, GIS shapefiles, and maps in agreed formats.
4. Community Survey Results – To identify regional priorities.

IX. INTERVIEW

The CCPC and Steering Committee will interview selected applicants. While the proposal should be comprehensive, clarifications may be requested post-submission.

X. SELECTION CRITERIA

Proposals will be evaluated based on:

• Firm Experience (20%) – Relevant municipal planning and comprehensive plan development.
• Personnel Qualifications (30%) – Expertise in developing implementable comprehensive plans.
• Project Understanding (30%) – Clear understanding of the project scope and innovative approaches.
• Cost Proposal (15%) – Detailed and cost-effective plan.
• Proximity (5%) – Location of the consultant relative to the West Hills Region.

XI. PROJECT BUDGET

The project will be funded with a $37,500 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development's Municipal Assistance Program, matched by $37,500 from local municipalities. The total project budget is $75,000.

XII. RFP DISCLOSURES

The Cambria County Planning Commission reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, waive irregularities, and request clarifications. Award of the contract is contingent upon receipt of MAP funding. Proposals are subject to Pennsylvania's Right to Know laws. Confidential records must be clearly identified.

This RFP invites qualified consultants to participate in a strategic and collaborative planning process aimed at creating a comprehensive, implementable plan for the West Hills Region.