REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Transcription

1 GRANDE CACHE REGIONAL DINOSAUR TRACKS FOUNDATION REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS Grande Cache Regional Dinosaur Tracks Feasibility Study Box 300 Grande Cache, AB. T0E 0Y0

2 INTRODUCTION AND SUMMARY The ( Foundation ) is looking for a Feasibility Plan to outline and analyze methods to create their local dinosaur tracks as a successful and marketable tourism destination. The Grande Cache dinosaur tracks were designated a Provincial Heritage Site in April 2006, proving their geological and paleontological significance. The heritage value lies not only in the representation of information about dinosaur biology and behaviour, but also in the abundance or fossilized plant material preserved at the sites. Not only do these fossils tell us about the environment in which the dinosaurs lived, but also provide information on fossils from an otherwise poorly represented time in Alberta s pre-history. The tracksites are quite extensive and cover up to a few thousand square metres in some cases, with over 10,000 prints. The Grande Cache track sites are the largest situ exposures of vertebrate tracks and trackways in Canada and are one of the largest in the world. The Town of Grande Cache was created in the late 1960 s to service the coal mining in the area. In the late 1980 s it was employees of the former Smoky River Coal Mine that reported the initial finds of fossil footprints and trackways to researchers at the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Paleontology. Over the next decade, twenty track sites were found within the boundaries of the coal mine. All reported track sites occur on the surface and were exposed as a result of open pit mining. Being able to preserve our local history with coal mining, which in turn led to the identification of these amazing dinosaur tracksites and fossil finds that we want to promote and share with the world is an incredible opportunity. Diversifying the local economy has been a community effort over the past decade, and increasing tourism opportunities seems only natural due to our location in the spectacular foothills of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Completing a Feasibility Plan will help us to narrow the scope of our project to identify the best business scenario(s) so that we can move forward with a strategic operating plan in order to develop the tourism attraction. PROPORAL SUBMISSION AND GUIDELINES Proposals submitted to the Foundation must be received by 4:30 p.m. on May 21, Proposals may be submitted: In Person: Town of Grande Cache Administration Office Hoppe Ave, Grande Cache MD of Greenview Grande Cache Sub Office th Street, Grande Cache GRANDE CACHE REGIONAL DINOSAUR TRACKS FOUNDATION FEASIBILITY STUDY RFP Page 2

3 Via mail: Box 300, Grande Cache, AB. T0E 0Y0 Proposals must include: Price as detailed in this RFP; A list of proposed team members and experience; A list of related and relevant projects carried out by your firm; and, A suggested timeline of activities leading to project completion. PROJECT PURPOSE AND DESCRIPTION The Grande Cache Regional Dinosaur Track Foundation was formed with support from both the Town of Grande Cache and the Municipal District of Greenview. The Foundation s mission is to develop the Grande Cache Regional Dinosaur Tracks as an educational, economic and tourism resource, with a focus to ensure the economic benefits to the community are recognized, and to develop partnerships with local businesses to create other experiences in Grande Cache and the surrounding area. Increasing the tourism opportunities within the region will create economic growth and spinoff for additional tourism operations, educational opportunities, and more. Current businesses will flourish, new businesses and jobs will be created, and we will contribute to our community s growth, economic diversification, and leave a legacy for further generations. At the end of the project, the Foundation is looking for market analysis, financial viability, and operational issues with developing the tracksites as a tourism destination. PROJECT SCOPE As part of the scope it is expected that the study will include liaising with external agencies such as: Town of Grande Cache Municipal District of Greenview Grande Cache Coal Corporation Community Futures West Yellowhead Alberta Culture & Heritage Royal Tyrrell Museum Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum GRANDE CACHE REGIONAL DINOSAUR TRACKS FOUNDATION FEASIBILITY STUDY RFP Page 3

4 In order to achieve the desired outcomes of the report, the following details will be present: Determine if physical tours to the tracksite are practical due to the location of the tracks (located within the coal mine s provincial leased land); If tours are practical, to what extent is infrastructure built at the site to accommodate the tours? (while adhering to the Provincial Heritage Site requirements, and respecting the physical location in the middle of a coal mine). If tours are practical, what are the options for getting visitors to and from the site? What price point would the tours be set at and who would the target audience(s) be? Who should manage the tours (if feasible)? The Foundation, local tourism operator, other? What are spin-off businesses and opportunities for the region if the tracksites are developed? If physical tours are not feasible what are off-site promotional/business opportunities? o Developing a location within Grande Cache to educate and promote the findings? What are the impacts on residents and businesses on all the above options? How can we create and benefit from an educational component? To determine the capacity of the tracks related to paleontological and geological resources within the region to be developed as a marketable tourism product to promote awareness and strengthen environmental awareness. Include financial projections such as a cash flow, income statement, balance sheet, assumptions and sources of financing, for the first 3-5 years of operation, depending on feasible option(s) Include capital costs required for start-up, and recommendations for future growth A socio-economic impact assessment would be touched on to help support the development of the attraction and how it would affect the local community and region as a whole. Any other recommendations required to ensure this is a successful and marketing tourism operation The following activities are not considered to be part of the required report: Concept drawings, and Program development Existing photography of the site location will be made available by as required. A physical tour of the track sites may be available upon approval of mine management. PROJECT TIMELINES It is expected that this project will begin immediately upon a proponent being chosen by the Foundation. This is expected to occur at the end of May The successful proponent will provide the Foundation with the final report by October 31, GRANDE CACHE REGIONAL DINOSAUR TRACKS FOUNDATION FEASIBILITY STUDY RFP Page 4

5 PROJECT COSTING The Foundation has recently received grant funding for this project and has up to $35,000 to spend on the Feasibly Plan. Proponents will include the total cost of conducting the project including all disbursements and expenses, detailed on an attached rate sheet. Packages should include an itemized list of cost areas including such items as time, expenses, mileage, and disbursements. Packages will include a clear project total and include ALL project costs including expenses and disbursements. This will be an all in cost excluding GST. The Foundation reserves the right to reject all proposals if a suitable price cannot be obtained. BIDDER QUALIFICATIONS Packages will include information regarding the proponent s ability to perform the work and will include references regarding similar type work performed in the past. The proponent should demonstrate their ability to complete the work. Proponents must have suitable insurance coverage including liability insurance in the amount of at least $2,000, Proof of insurance must be included with the proposal, or the proposal will be deemed to be non-compliant. QUESTIONS: Questions should be sent to the attention of: Tara Zeller, Foundation Chair Phone: tara.zeller@mdgreenview.ab.ca PROPOSAL DEADLINE: Proposals must be received by 4:30 p.m. on May 21, GRANDE CACHE REGIONAL DINOSAUR TRACKS FOUNDATION FEASIBILITY STUDY RFP Page 5