SOMERSET COUNTY, MD REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS CRISFIELD (MD) HOUSING AUTHORITY RELOCATION FEASIBILITY STUDY

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1 SOMERSET COUNTY, MD REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS CRISFIELD (MD) HOUSING AUTHORITY RELOCATION FEASIBILITY STUDY The Somerset County (MD) Commissioners are seeking proposals from qualified firms to prepare a study to determine the feasibility of relocating all or a portion of the Crisfield (MD) Housing Authority from its current location to another site(s) within the County. The study will consider environmental factors, existing and future site conditions, employment and accessibility opportunities for residents, and financial considerations, among other items. Sealed bids from qualified firms will be accepted by the Somerset County Commissioners, c/o Department of Technical & Community Services, Somerset Avenue, Room 211, Princess Anne, MD 21853, until 4 p.m. on Friday, January 29, Request For Proposal documents may be obtained in person or by mail, from the Department of Technical & Community Services, Somerset Avenue, Room 211, Princess Anne, MD 21853, or by calling (410) The documents are also available at the County s Website at on the Bids/Proposals page. Funding for this activity is made available through the federally-funded Community Development Block Grant Program. Somerset County is an equal opportunity employer, and strongly encourages submissions by minority and women business enterprises and Section 3 businesses. For more information, please contact the Somerset County Department of Technical & Community Services at or at gpusey@somersetmd.us

2 REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR CRISFIELD HOUSING AUTHORITY RELOCATION PLANNING Somerset County, Maryland Request For Proposals The Board of County Commissioners for Somerset County, Maryland, hereby invites proposals from interested firms in accordance with this Request for Proposals (RFP) as set forth herein. The enclosed sections contain information related to the below Project and this information is provided to all interested parties. Somerset County invites you to submit a proposal no later than Friday, January 29, 2016, by 4:30 p.m. Proposals will be accepted at the Somerset County Department of Technical and Community Services, Somerset County Office Complex, Room #211, Somerset Avenue, Princess Anne, Maryland, A. INTRODUCTION The purpose of this Request for Proposals ( RFP ) is to solicit qualified persons and/or firms to conduct a feasibility study for the Crisfield Housing Authority (CHA) in the City of Crisfield in Somerset County, Maryland. The Study will assess the risks and benefits of keeping the CHA in its current location within the 100 year floodplain versus relocating a portion or all of the CHA to other areas within Somerset County but outside of the floodplain. Included as a part of the Study is an analysis of alternative sites while taking into account environmental factors, costs of relocation and service delivery, availability of potential sites, and availability of public services such as public water and sewer service, and fire and police services, among other necessary public services. In addition to the physical characteristics identified above, consideration shall be given to employment and mobility opportunities available to residents of the CHA at a different location. Employment opportunities have decreased within the City of Crisfield since the CHA s establishment. A possible relocation of all or a portion of the CHA should consider the availability of employment opportunities at a new location, and transportation options to places of employment. Background: The Crisfield Housing Authority (CHA) is the local administrative agency for housing assistance programs funded by the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

3 Established in 1963, CHA administers federal rental assistance programs and affordable apartments to help provide decent and safe rental housing for eligible low income families, elderly residents and persons with disabilities. HUD assists the CHA by providing programs such as Low Rent Public Housing and the Housing Choice Voucher Program- Section 8. These programs are income-based and the eligibility guidelines are set by HUD. CHA has a total of 330 subsidized affordable housing units for rental assistance, and administers a total of 23 Section 8 Vouchers. CHA is located on 48 acres in Crisfield, Maryland, a small low-lying town in Somerset County that is on the southern Eastern Shore which borders the Chesapeake Bay. According to the 2010 U.S. Census, Crisfield s population totaled 2,726 residents which include the CHA residents. The Chesapeake Bay region, including Somerset County and City of Crisfield is currently experiencing a number of environmental and geologic processes including subsidence and erosion as well as short-term impacts from hurricanes, storm surge, and coastal flooding. Over the past 50 years, noticeable changes have occurred to the County s shores and coastal municipalities, including increased erosion, pooling during regular high tides, changes in marsh and woodland habitats, and an overall significant increase in water levels. These noticeable impacts are expected to increase into the future as the frequency of extreme storm events increase and subsidence causes the land to sink further. The current location of the CHA is entirely within the 100 year floodplain but its structures are not built to meet the elevation requirements of local floodplain regulations. On October 29, 2012, Hurricane Sandy made landfall along the coast of New Jersey. Although Maryland was spared the impact of a direct hit, the combined effect of the cyclonic winds and high tides in the Chesapeake Bay resulted in significant flooding to portions of Somerset County, especially in the City of Crisfield. Statewide impacts from the storm resulted in a Federal Disaster Declaration for Statewide Public Assistance on November 20, 2012, and a Federal Declaration for Individual Assistance in Somerset County on December 14, Impacts in Somerset County and the City of Crisfield included severe flood damage to the CHA property where 272 subsidized affordable housing units were uninhabitable immediately after the storm. Approximately 800 CHA residents had to evacuate their homes during Hurricane Sandy. ( According to the Washington Post, a 2013 report on sea level rise recommends that the State of Maryland should plan for a rise in sea level of as much as 2 feet by Led by the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, the report was prepared by a panel of scientific experts in response to former Governor Martin O Malley s Executive Order on Climate Change and Coast Smart Construction. The projections are based on an assessment of the latest climate change science and federal guidelines. ( rising-seas-part-1-sea-level-sinking-land-put- marylands-waterfront-communities-at-risk/) Former Gov. Martin O Malley warned that Maryland is one of the most vulnerable states in the country to rising sea levels. The Chesapeake Bay is rising at two to three times the rate of worldwide sea levels. It rose more

4 than a foot over the past 100 years and is expected to rise 2 to 5 feet within this century. Property all along Maryland s meandering shoreline is at risk, including the CHA s current location. As the CHA is located in the floodplain of Somerset County and elevating the 330 CHA housing units would be extremely difficult, Somerset County views this sequence of post- Sandy events as a timely opportunity to work with the CHA to explore future options for the CHA. Somerset County is seeking to hire a qualified consultant to undertake a Feasibility Study to include a plan that will study and assess further risks of flood damage to CHA and to determine the feasibility of relocating CHA and its residents to a better and safer location, outside the floodplain, and in proximity to employment opportunities with accessible means of transportation. B. CONSULTANT SELECTION A Selection Committee, comprised of local representatives appointed by local governing bodies within Somerset County, will be responsible for selecting the consultant for the Study. The committee s selection process will include a review of all submitted and qualifying proposals and preparation of a short list. Subsequent interviews may be held at the discretion of the Selection Committee. It is the County s desire to select a qualified consultant, complete all contract negotiations, and award a contract as follows: Jan. 3, 2016 Publish and Post Request for Proposals Jan. 29, 2016 Proposals Due Feb., 2016 Project Scope and Contract Negotiations Finalized Feb., 2016 Contract Awarded Project Begins July 31, 2016 Project End Date C. SCOPE OF SERVICES The scope of work includes developing a Feasibility Study for the possible relocation of the Crisfield Housing Authority, or a portion of thereof, from its current location to other suitable locations within Somerset County. For this Study, the County seeks the following services: 1. An assessment of the risks and benefits of keeping the CHA at its current location within the 100 year floodplain versus relocating a portion or all of the CHA to other areas within Somerset County but outside of the floodplain. This will include an analysis of alternative sites while taking into account environmental factors, costs of relocation and service delivery, availability of potential sites, and availability of public services such as public water and sewer service, and fire and police services, among other necessary public services. The impact on the City of Crisfield of a possible relocation shall be explored, along with an analysis of all impacts on the receiving jurisdiction(s) should a relocation occur. The impacts on CHA residents will be a necessary component of the Study.

5 2. In addition to the physical characteristics identified in C.1. above, consideration shall be given to employment and mobility opportunities available to residents of the CHA at an alternative location(s). Employment opportunities have decreased within the City of Crisfield since the CHA s establishment in the early 1960s. A possible relocation of all or a portion of the CHA shall consider the availability of employment opportunities at a new location, and transportation options that will allow residents to access places of employment and other services. 3. The completion of a written report summarizing the findings of the Feasibility Study shall be provided to Somerset County upon project completion. See Section I of this RFP for additional information. 4. Project completion is required by July 31, The Consultant will draft all work for review by the County Planning staff and the Somerset County Commissioners will review and retain editorial authority over the final version of the Feasibility Study. D. CONSULTANT QUALIFICATIONS Qualified consultants will have experience in housing, real estate and economic analysis, with an understanding of public housing and federal housing regulations, and effective compilation of information from a variety of sources. Consultants shall identify the proposed key personnel to be assigned to this Project (include the employee s job classification, title, and the name of the Contract Manager), their role with respect to the Project, their qualifications, and their resumes. Include an organization chart delineating responsibilities for each task described herein. Include names of any proposed subcontractor(s) to be used for the purposes of this Project, together with supporting documents outlining education and experience requirements for key personnel. Consultants shall address the firm s experience with projects similar in nature to the one requested by Somerset County. Information obtained while conducting reference checks will be held in strict confidence. Consultants should provide documentation to support specific experience with the following key requirements/elements: The Consultant shall have good verbal and written communication skills. The Consultant shall have mapping capabilities to create any maps necessary for the project. The Consultant shall be capable of performing evaluation criteria interpretation. The Consultant shall be capable of conducting financial analyses to determine costs and benefits of alternative proposals. The Consultant shall have an understanding of real estate principles and shall have demonstrated experience with federal housing programs.

6 E. BUDGET The budget for this Relocation Feasibility Study is $75,000. F. SUBMITTAL DEADLINE, REQUIREMENTS, AND FORMAT 1. MAILING AND DEADLINE: Respondents desiring to respond to the RFP shall submit an original and five (5) copies of the response in a sealed envelope marked RFP for Crisfield Housing Authority Relocation Planning Study. The submittal shall include a company profile, no longer than one page, with the following information relative to your firm: Firm name and business address, including telephone number, facsimile number, and address. Year established (include the former firm names and year established, if applicable). Type of ownership and parent company, if any. Subsidiary companies shall also be identified. Organization chart. A brief history of the firm and summary of specialty areas. Number of employees. Normal business hours. Statement confirming the Proposal will be open for acceptance for a period of 120 days from the Proposal due date. If you are proposing to subcontract some of the proposed work to another firm, similar information must be provided for each subcontractor. In order to be considered, a proposal must be submitted to Somerset County by 4:30 p.m. (EST), Friday, January 29, 2016, to the attention of: Gary Pusey, Director Somerset County Department of Technical and Community Services Somerset County Office Complex, Room # Somerset Avenue Princess Anne, Maryland, All inquiries regarding this RFP are to be made to Mr. Gary Pusey, Director, Somerset County Department of Technical and Community Services (T) (410) or by gpusey@somersetmd.us. It is the sole responsibility of each proposer to ensure that its submittal reaches the Department of Technical and Community Services by the time and date specified. Oral, telephonic, , and facsimile proposals will not be accepted.

7 2. RFP FORMAT: To be considered for selection, submit the following information: A. Letter of Interest (1 page maximum): Indicate interest, capability, and availability to address scope of work for the project. B. Project Approach and Scope of Work (5 pages maximum): Include a brief description of the consultant s philosophy, approach to the project, and describe the proposed methodology to accomplish the Relocation Feasibility Study. The consultant is encouraged to include suggestions or supplemental tasks which may enhance the project or streamline the scope of work and improve cost effectiveness. C. Schedule (1 page maximum): Include a project timeline showing the specific tasks to be accomplished, the estimated length of time required for the completion of each task, and examples of deliverables required for each task or description/summary of proposed work product. D. Cost Summary (2 page maximum): Provide a proposed cost summary for the work to be completed, itemizing the hours and costs for all anticipated activities necessary to complete the project. The proposal shall include incidental costs as well, including, but not limited to, travel, postage, binding, photocopying, photographs, and supplies/materials as needed to complete the project requirements. All hourly rates and lump sum costs provided are to remain fixed for the life of the contract. Also include a proposed billing schedule in the cost summary. E. Project Team (2 pages maximum See Section D above): Identify the proposed project team, including sub-consultants, and the general qualifications and experience of each team member. Identify the project manager and principal contact who will be permanently assigned to the project. F. Relevant Experience (3 pages maximum See Section D above): Describe education and relevant experience related to the scope of this project. Include at least three projects the Firm/Consultant has completed that are similar to the project described in this RFP. For each project, provide name and location, year completed, contact information for client, and elements of the project that are common to the project described in this request. G. Project Team Resumes (1 page resume per team member): Include a paragraph for each team member, years of experience, education, certifications, company affiliation, workplace location, and a brief list of individual project experience. G. SELECTION CRITERIA

8 1. All Proposals will be reviewed and evaluated by the Selection Committee and ranked based on the quality of the response to each of the following criteria: (The maximum number of points is 100): A. Project Methodology and Approach (20 points) The clarity and thoroughness of the methodology and approach, and the ability of the consultant to clearly articulate and respond to the objectives and scope of work. B. Project Timeline/Schedule (10 points) Ability to meet project timeline while meeting project goals. C. Expertise (25 points) Qualifications of the members of the proposed team, including responsibilities and skills of each team member. D. Experience (25 points) Experience and demonstrated success in performing work similar to that described in this request. E. Project Cost Summary (20 points) Thoroughness and clarity of the estimate. Failure of the consultant to provide in the proposal any information requested in this RFP may result in disqualification of the Proposal. Somerset County reserves the right to reject any and all proposals submitted, and to accept or reject any or all parts of the proposals as submitted. H. SELECTION PROCESS Somerset County may request oral presentations and may include a question and answer period. If interviews are held, consultants are advised that, following the interviews, an award may be made without discussion. Therefore, the initial proposal shall provide Somerset County with sufficient information to recommend award without discussion. If the County does not successfully negotiate a contract with its first selection, it will negotiate with its 2nd selection and so forth. The County reserves the right to modify, or cancel in part, or its entirety, this RFP. Somerset County will not pay any costs incurred by the consultant resulting from the preparation or submittal of a proposal in response to this RFP. The selection will be made without regard to race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin or political affiliation. Somerset County is an equal opportunity employer, and strongly encourages submissions by minority and women business enterprises and Section 3 businesses. I. SPECIAL CONDITIONS A. Ownership of Documents and Materials: The consultant shall vest title to all documents produced under or as a direct result of this contract. All documents, reports, GIS maps, drawings, sketches, notes, calculations, correspondence, electronic files, computer discs, and any other materials prepared by the consultant under this contract shall be and remain the property of Somerset County.

9 B. The consultant shall provide Somerset County with twenty (20) copies of the final approved document, in addition to a digital copy of the completed final document in.pdf and.doc formats. C. Invoicing and Payment: This project is being funded by a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) through the Federal Disaster Relief Appropriations Act of The State of Maryland has assumed the responsibility for the administration of the State CDBG program from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and is the responsible entity for ensuring that the program is managed in compliance with regulations and requirements of HUD, the State and the CDBG program. The Maryland CDBG Program is administered by the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). Somerset County has an approved Grant Agreement with DHCD for this project. As such, the selected consultant will be required to adhere to all of the invoicing, procedural, and reporting requirements outlined in the grant contract and to provide any required grant information to the County in both hard copy and digital formats. D. Provisions of this RFP and the contents of the successful proposal will be used to establish final contractual obligations. Somerset County retains the option of canceling the award if the successful consultant fails to accept such obligations. Somerset County and the successful consultant shall enter into a written contract for the work to be performed. It is expressly understood that this RFP and the consultant s proposal shall be attached and included by reference in an agreement signed by Somerset County and the successful Consultant.