ROGERS MESA FEASIBILITY STUDY. Introduction

Transcription

1 ROGERS MESA FEASIBILITY STUDY Introduction In spring of 2014, Colorado State University (CSU) placed its Rogers Mesa research site, which is located in Delta County, under review for potential development and repurposing. Rather than selling the property, CSU and Delta County opened up discussions with community members and organizations to determine opportunities in addition to research for future use of the site. Current partners involved in this discussion include: Colorado State University CSU College of Agricultural Sciences CSU Colorado Agricultural Experiment Station/ Western Colorado Research Center Delta County Delta Conservation District Delta County School District Delta-Montrose Technical College Region 10 League for Economic Assistance and Planning, Inc. Delta County Economic Development Valley Food Partnership Delta County is taking the lead as the primary fiscal agent for this feasibility study project. Background Delta County carries long and rich historical ties to agriculture. Aside from mineral extraction, agriculture has been a key economic industry for the county. Delta County is ideal for agriculture based on its climate, soil, and culture. This is why Delta County is home to a wide variety of agricultural operations, and some of the most innovative farming in our country. According to an agricultural census, 77 percent of Colorado s apples, 71 percent of Colorado s cherries, and 53 percent of Colorado s pears are grown in Delta County. Delta also presents economic opportunities for value-added agricultural products. For example, the proliferation of wineries and vineyards have not only presented opportunities for production, but also increased agriculture-based tourism. The Rogers Mesa research site is located near Hotchkiss, Colorado. The site was a part of the Colorado Agricultural Experiment Station s Western Colorado Research Center, and was closed for fiscal reasons in June When opened, this site was used for research on fruit trees, grape production, forage crops, and alternative crops. CSU operates a skeleton crew to maintain the property at approximately $50,000 per year. The goal of our study is to identify feasible options for use with the property within the year so that CSU officials can make a decision on the future of the property. Purposes and Goals Page 1 of 6

2 This potential project plays into a number of broader goals for the benefit of Delta County in mind. Specific goals include: To create a sustainable organization that compliments the agricultural heritage unique to Delta County; To promote the economic development opportunities within the agricultural industry, including the creation and expansion of value-added commodities; Enhance educational opportunities for students seeking a hands-on, experiential approach to learning, especially for those interested in a future of agriculture; Enhance research opportunities that provide objective analysis and best practices for local farmers and ag-producers in the county; Leverage existing partnerships to avoid duplication of services, and strengthen relationships amongst interested organizations within the community. Scope of Work This project will determine the market feasibility and organizational sustainability of a potential agricultural-based education program and/or farm incubator on the Rogers Mesa site. The feasibility of this project will address the following questions: 1. Project startup and planning a. What are possible enhanced and alternative uses for the Rogers Mesa property? b. What is the optimal organizational model: for-profit, nonprofit, public/private partnership, or other creative configurations? c. What would the structure of that optimal model look like? d. Who are the key partners, organizations, and individuals to lead project development, operations, and management? e. What are necessary regulatory compliances (and potential costs) to make these alternatives feasible, including accreditation, zoning, permits, licensing, and insurance? 2. Educational program a. What is the demand for agriculture-based educational program, especially one offering hands-on, experiential opportunities? b. What specific skills and expertise are in demand? c. What is the demand for certificate versus bachelor s degree programs? d. What markets should be considered? High school seniors, college-aged transfer students, or both? Local, statewide, regional? What kind of accommodations will be needed for students traveling to the site? e. What are the potential costs of maintaining short-course, semester-based, and yearround program? 3. Farm incubator a. What is the demand for land needed to support different kinds and scales of agriculture? b. What barriers exist that impede market entry by new farmers and ranchers? Page 2 of 6

3 c. What additional technical assistance and support do new farmers and ranchers need in addition to land? d. What opportunities exist to expand value-added agriculture products and markets? 4. Organizational sustainability a. What are the recommended financial models and potential revenue streams for this repurposed site and associated programs? Revenue streams can include, but are not limited to: tuition, grants, incubator membership fees, space rental/lease, etc. If revenue streams involve specific agencies or foundations, consultant will provide details. Financial forecasting is of the utmost importance for not only the creation, but also the sustainable maintenance and operations of this site. b. Are there any other case examples and recommendations for other organizational models or opportunities not considered in the scope of this project that can be considered for future development and implementation? The feasibility of a future use of the Rogers Mesa site will be phased into and detailed by specific tasks and deliverables as follow: Project Phases, Tasks, and Deliverables Phase One: Project Organization and Stakeholder Outreach Tasks: Consultant will review existing infrastructure, highlighting assets, and initiating conversations about multiple possible opportunities. Consultant will review and document all existing land and water rights for the property. Consultant will also facilitate kickoff meeting with appropriate stakeholders with the assistance of the current committee. The consultant will identify and determine key stakeholders who will be responsible for the ownership and management of the potential site, and adequately define parameters of feasibility for this group. Deliverable: Consultant will provide a brief draft of phase one findings, including recommendations for next steps and best practices. Phase Two: Market Analysis Tasks: Consultant will conduct research and quantify market demand and market demographics for potential project uses described in SOW. Consultant will also address all questions raised in the aforementioned SOW section. If there are other opportunities not described in the SOW, the consultant will provide details and market research as requested by the committee. Consultant will also host focus groups to provide qualitative input for potential site usage. Deliverable: Consultant will provide a draft report than combines all quantitative and qualitative analysis describing the market demand for various site recommendations. Consultant will present findings to the stakeholder committee either by in-person meeting or online teleconference. Phase Three: Draft Feasibility Page 3 of 6

4 Tasks: Based on the analysis conducted in Phase Two, the consultant will identify the following: Program recommendations Required space and use needs Conceptual site plan Site development options including costs Necessary regulations, codes, and certifications that must be addressed Organizational model recommendations, the address the following: o Nonprofit o For profit o Public-private partnership o Hybrid Potential capital expenses o Itemized expenses o Any phased development and operational strategies for the project Potential revenue opportunities, including but not limited to: o Grants o Rentals fees o Tuition o Charitable contributions Revenue projections for the first year after implementation o Revenue flows should be specific to the various organizational models discussed in this RFP (e.g., $XXX.XX of tuition dollars for the education program, $XXX.XX of rental and lease revenue for the farm incubator, etc.) Consultants may borrow from existing organizations to identify best practices. Some suggested organizations to reference: Pingree Park (CSU extension campus), Fort Lewis College Old Fort at Hesperus, and VELA farms (Seattle). Deliverable: Consultant will provide draft report documenting the aforementioned project details outlined in Phase Three. This report will include capital and operational budgets for the defined program options. The document will be reviewed by the stakeholder committee. Consultant will facilitate a conversation that presents options, solicits feedback, develops visions, and narrows the scope of the site for the most optimal project. Consultant will take feedback and incorporate back into final presentation. Phase Four: Final Draft and Presentation Tasks: Consultant will present a final draft of the feasibility study that includes the following: final conceptual site plan with recommendations for phased development, which includes but is not limited to potential expenses, codes to address, etc.), business/organizational plan (includes but not limited to organizational model, operating expenses, revenue sources, sustainability/marketing plan, etc.) Page 4 of 6

5 Deliverable: Consultant will provide digital copies of feasibility study and distribute to stakeholder committee. If deemed necessary, consultant will also facilitate and present findings in a public setting that is open to public record (e.g., county commissioners meeting, etc.). Proposal Requirements and Submittal In the proposal, the consultant will provide the following: Methodology and analytical tools utilized to determine feasibility of the potential projects/site usage Recommended timeline and specific tasks associated with the feasibility study Project budget with itemized expenses, including consultant s hourly rate Professional experience of project management staff A succinct list of recent projects similar in scope, including brief description of consultant s role and any measurable outcomes produced A minimum of three references of recent and similar projects, including contact name, title, business/organization name, phone number, and address If consultant has any specific questions regarding this project, they must communicate via to Robbie LeValley, Delta County Administrator, at rlevalley@deltacounty.com. Mrs. LeValley will distribute the written communication accordingly to the committee. All proposals must be submitted electronically to rlevalley@deltacounty.com no later than 5:00 pm (Mountain) on February 23, Selection Process To determine the quality of the proposal, the committee will consider the following: Capability of the respondent to meet or exceed requirements set forth in the Scope of Work within the available budget and timeframe, Demonstrated experience with feasibility studies, especially with projects similar in nature to the Rogers Mesa project, Demonstrated skills in project management, group facilitation, demand analysis, vision development, and organizational development, Innovative approaches to forecasting demand and making analytical recommendations, Skilled in synthesizing disparate visions within a diverse community into one unified project that meets the needs of many. The respondents determined by the committee to possess the capacity to compete for this contract will be invited for an in-person interview with the committee. Interviews will take place during the week of March 2 nd -6 th in Delta County. Following the interview, the committee will select one candidate to move into negotiation phase and enter into a contract for the services outlined in this RFP. Written Page 5 of 6

6 notification will be sent to these respondents via . Respondents not selected for the negotiation phase will also be notified. Page 6 of 6