Request for Proposals for a Master Plan Including Priorities for Implementation at Mississippi Gorge Regional Park

Transcription

1 Request for Proposals for a Master Plan Including Priorities for Implementation at Mississippi Gorge Regional Park Due: 3:00pm, Friday, December 29, 2017 PROJECT INFORMATION The Mississippi Gorge Regional Park includes approximately 132 acres of land area flanking both the east and west banks of the Mississippi River in Minneapolis, from just south of Bridge No. 9 to the north edge of Minnehaha Regional Park. The park sits to the east of the Cedar Riverside, Seward, Longfellow, Cooper, Howe, and Hiawatha neighborhoods and provides an ecologically rich corridor for park users to enjoy. Uniquely situated in a national recreation area (the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area), the Mississippi Gorge Regional Park boasts the only true gorge along the river and consists of a number of smaller parks and parkways on different elevations along the river including: Bohemian Flats, East River Flats Park, East River Parkway, Franklin Terrace Dog Park, Riverside Park, and West River Parkway. In 1997, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) and Longfellow Community Council cosponsored the preparation of A Concept Plan for the Mississippi River Gorge. Recognizing that the west bank of the Mississippi River Gorge is owned by the MPRB and runs adjacent to the Longfellow neighborhood, the concept plan set a vision for the Gorge that balanced protection, restoration, and maintenance of this treasured natural area with recreational demands in and around the Mississippi River, which travels through the Gorge. Fast forward twenty years and the Gorge is still at a critical point, as human use of the area has intensified, sensitive ecological areas have grown in size and scope in and around the Mississippi River, erosion impacts are ever more obvious, and the future of the river in this particular area is currently uncertain and subject to change, depending on what happens with the three locks and dams that bookend the park. The existing trails throughout this park are well used, with some dating back to the Works Progress Administration of the 1930s and 40s. Many of the retaining walls, handrails, and staircases are degraded and not up to modern standards and accessibility to the river is an issue from parkways sitting just above the Gorge. Because of these conditions, a Master Plan is needed to map management strategies befitting a river-

2 Page 2 of 11 adjacent regional park with the potential to see two very different river futures based on the future of the lock and dam structures. One future reflects the river as we know it today: with smooth flowing water owing to the lock and dam system that maintains the rate of flow. The other possibility, should the locks and dams ultimately be removed, is a dramatic change in the rate of flow that will restore historically known rapids to the river and change its interaction with the natural space and life in and around it. Both futures need to be addressed in considering how best to manage, protect, preserve, and maintain the Gorge s unique natural system, while recognizing the increasing recreational demands in the area and exploring the potential to expand, connect, and stabilize them, where appropriate. Existing uses within the park are presently more nature based, including picnicking, hiking, competitive rowing, canoeing and kayaking, bird watching, running and biking on paved trails, and running on natural surface trails. However, Riverside Park (more oriented towards neighborhood park recreation) and Bohemian Flats are both flat areas next to the river with little native landcover, offering opportunities for more active programming. FUNDING, TIMELINE, and MASTER PLAN PHASES Funding Uses Available Funds (in dollars ($)) Source of Funds Parks and Master Plan 250,000 Trails Bohemian Flats Implementation 2,108,000 44,000 Parks and Trails Funding/Use Notes expiration June 30, funds expire June 30, 2019; Could be used for Master Plan if necessary funds expire June 30, 2020 Because this project has $250,000 in state Parks and Trails Legacy Fund dollars for master planning the Mississippi Gorge Regional Park and $2,108,000 in state Parks and Trails Legacy Fund dollars that have been slated for use at Bohemian Flats/Lower Riverside, all of which will expire June 30, 2019, the master planning process will run as follows: Bohemian Flats/Lower Riverside will be the earliest focus of 2018 and following CAC identification of prioritized rehabilitation projects for this area, Phase I rehabilitation construction projects for Bohemian Flats/Lower Riverside will run concurrent with master planning for the areas of Bohemian Flats/Lower Riverside unaddressed through rehabilitation projects, as well as the rest of the Mississippi Gorge Regional Park. Per funding requirements, all master planning must be completed by June 30, It is expected that the Mississippi Gorge Master Plan will come before the board in a public hearing and for approval toward the end of After a public hearing and full MPRB Board approval of the plan and CAC recommendations, the consultant will finalize the document for submission to the

3 Page 3 of 11 Metropolitan Council. The consultant will also provide an accessible copy of the document to be posted on the MPRB website. Phase II construction, which could include more rehabilitation or specialized work, is expected to begin in The Master Plan will inform the activities that will be included in Phase II construction and provide priorities for future projects. The project will use the same MPRB staff, Community Advisory Committee, Project Advisory Committee, and consultant team throughout the master planning, design, and construction process. The need for regular Technical Advisory Committee meetings has yet to be determined. When needed, they will be organized around special topics such as stormwater management, erosion control, invasive species management, or historic interpretation. MASTER PLAN CONTENTS The Master Plan will contain the following elements: A brief overview of Mississippi River Gorge history that tells the story of conditions that have shaped it into what it is today and indicates what changes may be in its foreseeable future A detailed conditions assessment of the access points, trails, parkways, open spaces, shoreline, and altered areas (by either human activity or invasive plant communities) as well as a corresponding needs assessment for these areas, including recommended improvements, phasing, and costs. This assessment will be based, in part, on a trails survey furnished by MPRB. Recreational programming assessment that reflects both possible river futures (with and without locks and dams) that is sensitive to various cultural alignments with the river Programming plans for different amenities within the Gorge (trails, river, beaches, open spaces, lookouts) that reflect both possible river futures (with and without locks and dams) and considering cultural and natural resources. These plans should include recommended improvements, costs, and priorities for implementation and be mindful of ecological stewardship and protection/potential improvement of river water quality through park design. Project and strategic partnerships within the Regional Park. The Master Plan must also follow the metropolitan Council s Master Plan Requirements for the 2040 Regional Parks Policy Plan Update. The Mississippi Gorge Regional Park Master Plan will take into account existing plans pertaining to its geography and environmental sensitivity, including the South Service Area Master Plan, the Ecological System Plan, the Natural Resources Management Plan, watershed management organization plans, and other local and regional comprehensive plans, including related plans in St. Paul. SCOPE OF SERVICES

4 Page 4 of 11 The consulting team is to be comprised of a licensed professional in each of the design disciplines needed which can include, but are not limited to landscape architecture, environmental engineering, civil engineering, and ecology. In addition, the proposed team should include a cultural engagement specialist, a communication specialist with an emphasis in creative graphic design and/or signage and a natural surface trail specialist, PTBA member preferred. The consulting team will be responsible to provide comprehensive design services warranted by the project. MPRB will convene an approximately19-member Community Advisory Committee (CAC) to guide the entire project. The consultant team will meet with the CAC a minmum of six times from February to September in Proposers should identify their work tasks within the framework of these meetings. Consultant preparation for and attendance at these community meetings is required. The Consultant will provide the following for these meetings: Agenda (with MPRB staff input) and minutes of the meeting; Graphics, both printed and electronic; Meeting summaries for posting on the web Two sessions of community workshops will take place, with one open house following each session of workshops. Workshops should occur in geographically diverse locations. The information presented will be the same within each of the two sessions, regardless of location, so community members may attend either of the workshops. The first workshop session will take place in early The purpose of this session will be to get community reaction to consultant- and staff-driven assessment of the Bohemian Flats/Lower Riverside master planning, and to add community ideas and input to the discovery and assessment process. The second workshop session will take place likely in the fall of The purpose of this session will be to get community reaction to draft master plan goals, drawings, service recommendations, and other master plan elements for the remainder of the Mississippi River Gorge Regional Park. If possible, the two sessions will be hosted at different duos of locations, allowing for four different sites to host workshops. Consultant preparation for (including all printed and digital graphics) and attendance at these workshops is required. The Consultant shall collate and summarize workshop comments in both written and graphic formats. MPRB Planning staff is very interested in taking a leadership role in presenting material and facilitating discussions at the CAC meetings and in participating in the design process for the master plan. Consultant work plans shall describe MPRB planning staff involvement. The MPRB will create a Project Advisory Committee (PAC) consisting of key staff from across the organization. The work plan should identify how the PAC will be engaged through the process. The PAC will meet at least one week prior to the monthly CAC meetings so that staff can review the material to be presented to the public. The PAC will meet a minimum of four times during the community engagement process. Consultant preparation for and attendance at these PAC meetings is required. The Consultant shall prepare a summary of comments after each PAC meeting.

5 Page 5 of 11 The consultant should also assume at least three meetings with Technical Advisory Committees which will be organized around specific topics, as needed. The Consultant shall prepare a master plan document that meets the Met Council s requirements outlined in the 2040 Park Policy plan. The consultant may be asked to modify the draft two or three times to reflect public comments which will arise during the review and approval process. MPRB planning staff and the chair of the CAC will present the master plan document to the Board during the 45 day comment period for the master plan. A public hearing for the master plan will close the comment period; the consultant should plan to prepare a brief power point presentation and to attend, present, and answer questions. The Consultant should expect to revise and edit the master plan document to reflect CAC and public comments received when the community engagement meetings are complete and after the 45 day comment period. Proposers should organize their work plans and fee proposals around the three components of the project (master plan, phase 1 improvements, and phase 2 improvements), illustrating how the team will work together, with MPRB staff, and with the community to create a master plan that includes implementation priorities for different river futures. Proposals should be creative, yet realistic and identify deliverables at each phase, outlining how deliverables will be communicated and vetted by MPRB. The fee proposal shall also include a contingency for additional meetings that might be required. SELECTION TIMELINE AND REQUIREMENTS Proposal Due Date: 3:00pm, Friday, December 29, 2017 Submit to: Ellen Kennedy, Senior Planner Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board 2117 West River Road Minneapolis, MN ekennedy@minneapolisparks.org Submit one electronic copy in pdf format. Proposals should be no larger than 8½ x 11. Proposals will become public data upon selection. Proposals should include: Statement of project understanding Firm background for all firms involved Resumes of key personnel who will work on the project (resumes of firm presidents and/or principals who will not be involved in the project are not necessary) Project organizational chart with key individuals who will work on the project Project approach; what are our Regional Park s greatest opportunities? Detailed work plan & deliverables Schedule Statement of acceptance of standard contract form and insurance requirements Fee proposal, delineated into three categories: Fees to prepare the regional park master plan, likely on a hourly not-to-exceed basis

6 Page 6 of 11 Fees to prepare detailed design and construction documents for a phase 1, rehabilitationfocused construction project, likely on a percentage of construction basis Fees to prepare detailed design and construction documents for a phase 2, new amenity construction project, likely on a percentage of construction basis Relevant experience with similar projects, noting how proposed project team members were involved in those projects Proposals will be evaluated on: Proposal quality, thoroughness, and clarity Project understanding and approach Team qualifications and comparable experience Ability to meet an aggressive project schedule to accommodate funding expiration dates Fee Interview dates and times have been pre-scheduled, due to the aggressive time frame for the master plan and phase 1 improvements. All proposers should reserve the interview times listed below, in the event they are short-listed, as well as appropriate interview preparation time. Notification to firms for interview: Interviews: by 11 AM Friday, January 12, 2014 Starting at 10:00 AM-4:00PM Friday, January 19, 2017 Firms selected to interview will be asked to present their approach and describe applicable similar projects for 20 minutes. The MPRB selection committee will ask prepared and spontaneous questions for 25 minutes. Interviews will begin on the hour. MPRB reserves the right to eliminate the interview phase of the selection process and select firms based on written proposals alone. For additional information, contact Ellen Kennedy, , ekennedy@minneapolisparks.org

7 Page 7 of 11 GENERAL INFORMATION Attachments to This RFP Aerial map of the park, including park boundary MPRB Standard Professional Services Agreement MPRB Comprehensive Plan The project supports the following elements of the MPRB 2007 Comprehensive Plan: Theme: Urban forests, natural areas, and waters that endure and captivate o Goal: Residents and visitors enjoy and understand the natural environment Strategy: Encourage people to experience the natural environment by providing and maintaining, where feasible, trails and access points that serve people of all ranges of ability Provide or support other entities in providing programming that teaches residents to reduce their individual negative impact on the natural environment o Goal: People and the environment benefit from the expansion and protection of natural resources Strategy: Within the park system, protect natural resources recognized as significant city, regional, or national resources due to historical, ecological, or aesthetic value Theme: Recreation that inspires personal growth, healthy lifestyles, and a sense of community o Goal: Residents, visitors, and workers enjoy opportunities to improve health and fitness Strategy: Ensure recreation opportunities are available for persons with disabilities. Theme: Dynamic parks that shape city character and meet diverse community needs o Goal: Parks shape an evolving city. o Goal: Park facility renewal and development respects history and focuses on sustainability, accessibility, flexibility, and beauty. o Goal: Focused land management supports current and future generations. Theme: A safe place to play o Goal: Parks are safe and welcoming by design Strategy: Design parks to meet or exceed safety standards, building codes, and CPTED principles Strategy: Work with communities and the city to provide safe pedestrian and bicycle routes to and within parks. o Goal: Communities, public and private partners, and staff cooperate to promote safety. Strategy: Work with communities to identify necessary safety improvements within parks.

8 Page 8 of 11 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION MPRB RIGHTS The MPRB may reject any or all proposals, parts of proposals, accept part or all of proposals and to create a project of lesser or greater scope than described in this Request for Proposal, or the respondent's reply based on the financial components submitted. The MPRB also reserves the right to cancel the contract without penalty, if circumstances arise which prevent the Board from completing the project. MPRB RESPONSIBILITIES The MPRB will provide the selected consultant with electronic topographic & boundary survey, and pertinent background documentation in its possession. The MPRB will be responsible for coordinating public meetings, paying fees associated with the project, contracting for construction, and processing contractor payments. RESTRICTED DISCUSSIONS/SUBMISSIONS From the date of issuance of the RFP until the Project Manager takes final action, the Proposer must not discuss the proposal or any part thereof with any employee, agent, or representative of the MPRB Board except as expressly requested by the Project Manager in writing and as stipulated in this RFP. Violation of this restriction will result in REJECTION of the Proposer s proposal. INDEPENDENT PARTIES Except as expressly provided otherwise in the contract resulting from this RFP, if any, the Board and the Proposer shall remain independent parties and neither shall be an officer, employee, agent, representative or co-partner of, or a joint venture with, the other. PERFORMANCE INVESTIGATIONS As part of its evaluation process, the Board may make investigations to determine the ability of the Proposer to perform under this RFP. The Board reserves the right to REJECT any proposal if the Proposer fails to satisfy the Board that it is properly qualified to carry out the obligations under this RFP. SEVERABILITY If any provision of the contract resulting from this RFP, if any, is contrary to, prohibited by, or deemed invalid by applicable laws or regulations of any jurisdiction in which it is sought to be enforced, then said provision shall be deemed inapplicable and omitted and shall not invalidate the remaining provisions of such contract. NOTICES All notices and other matters pertaining to the contract resulting from this RFP, if any, to a party shall be in writing, shall be hand delivered, or sent by registered or certified U.S. Mail, return receipt requested, and shall be deemed to have been duly given when actually received by the addressee at the address set forth on this RFP. INTEREST OF MEMBERS OF BOARD The Proposer agrees that no member of the governing body, officer, employee or agent of the Board shall have any interest, financial or otherwise, direct or indirect, in the contract.

9 Page 9 of 11 EMPLOYEE INVOLVEMENT/ COVENANT AGAINST CONTINGENT FEES Employee Involvement: Proposer hereby certifies that, to the best of its knowledge and belief, no individual employed by the Proposer or subcontracted by the Proposer has an immediate relationship to any employee of the Board who was directly or indirectly involved in any way in the procurement of the contract, if any, resulting from this RFP or goods or services thereunder. For purposes of this provision, immediate relationship means: a current spouse, a person who currently has any interest including but limited to an equity interest in the Proposer s business, and a person who is currently a party to a contract materially related to the work outlined in the RFP, or has any interest including but limited to an equity interest in an entity who is currently a party to a contract with the Proposer materially related to the work outlined in the RFP. Contractual party interest, as outlined above, does not include an agreement with a former owner and/or employee of the Proposer that is incident to the completed buyout of ownership interest and/or the final separation of employment with Proposer. Covenant Against Contingency Fees: The Proposer also warrants that no person or selling agency has been employed, engaged or retained to solicit or secure any contract resulting from this RFP or any advantage hereunder upon an agreement or understanding for a commission, percentage, brokerage or contingent fee, or in exchange for any substantial consideration bargained for, excepting that which is provided to the Proposer's bona fide employees or to bona fide professional commercial or selling agencies or in the exercise of reasonable diligence should have been known by the Board to be maintained by the Proposer for the purpose of securing business for Proposer. In the event of the Proposer's breach or violation of this warranty, the Board shall, subject to Proposer's rights, have the right, at its option, to annul any contract resulting from this RFP without liability, to deduct from the charges otherwise payable by the Board under such contract the full amount of such commission, percentage, brokerage, or contingent fee, and to pursue any other remedy available to the Board under such contract, at law or in equity. Violation of either of the above sections by Proposer shall be grounds for cancellation of the contract. Such cancellation shall not limit other contractual remedies against the Proposer provided in the contract, or in law, or in equity. HOLD HARMLESS The Proposer agrees to defend, indemnify and hold harmless the Board, its officers and employees, from any liabilities, claims, damages, costs, judgments, and expenses, including attorney s fees, resulting directly or indirectly from an act of omission of the Proposer, its employees, agents or employees of subcontractors, in the performance of this contract of by reason of the failure of the Proposer to fully perform, in any respect, all of its obligations under this contract. The Board agrees to defend and hold harmless insofar as the law allows the Proposer, its officers and employees, from any liabilities, claims, damages, costs, judgments, and expenses, including attorney s fees, resulting directly or indirectly from an act or omission of the Board or its employees in the performance under this contract or by reason of the failure of the Board to fully perform its obligations under this contract. DATA PRACTICES The Proposer agrees to comply with the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act and all other applicable state and federal laws relating to data privacy or confidentiality. The Proposer shall

10 Page 10 of 11 immediately report to the contract monitor any requests from third parties for information relating to this agreement. The Board agrees to promptly respond to inquiries from the Proposer concerning data requests. The Proposer agrees to hold the Board, its officers, department heads and employees harmless from any claims resulting from the Proposer's unlawful disclosure or use of data protected under state and federal laws. STANDARD CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS AND OTHER INFORMATION PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT A copy of the MPRB standard Professional Service Agreement is attached. The selected Design Team will be expected to complete the requirements of the agreement and submit signed copies prior to beginning work. The agreement MAY NOT be changed in any way without MPRB Board approval. CHANGES The MPRB may, from time to time, request changes in the Scope of Services to be performed by the Design Team. Such changes, including any increase or decrease in the amount of Design Team s compensation, which are mutually agreed upon shall be incorporated in written amendments to the Professional Services Agreement and may require Board approval, which takes several weeks. Design Teams shall monitor their budgets and plan and budget time accordingly. PROPOSAL CONTENTS The contents of the proposal and any clarifications to the contents submitted by the Design Team shall become part of the contractual obligation and be incorporated by reference into the ensuing Professional Services Agreement. DRAWING AND SPECIFICATION REQUIREMENTS Selected designers will submit scanned hand-drawn plan drawings at scale. ENTIRE AGREEMENT The Proposer s written submission in response to this RFP shall be considered the Proposer s formal offer. The content of the RFP, the Proposer s submission in response to the RFP and the resulting contract, if any, shall be the entire agreement between the successful Proposer and the Board. It is understood and agreed that nothing herein or in the resulting contract is intended or should be construed as in any way creating or establishing the relationship of co-partners between the parties hereto, or in any manner whatsoever. The Proposer, if any, is, and shall remain, an independent Proposer operating in accord with the terms and conditions of the rights granted as a result of this RFP.

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