Request for Proposal Target Sector Study & Marketing Plan Date Issued: February 23, 2015 Due Date: 4:00 pm, March 16, 2015 Submission Contact: Brenda Otto Economic Development Officer Town of Stony Plain 4905 51 Avenue Stony Plain, AB T7Z 1Y1 b.otto @stonyplain.com Phone: (780) 963 8653 www.stonyplain.com
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL Target Sector Study & Marketing Plan 1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Town of Stony Plain is seeking the services of a consultant to perform a target sector study including: an analysis, opportunity assessment and strategy development components of this project. Following the target sector study the consultant will develop a marketing plan to provide direction for the Town to effectively implement the recommendations of the target sector study, and meet the Town s economic development goals. 2.0 ABOUT THE TOWN OF STONY PLAIN The Town of Stony Plain is an urban municipality located in the Greater Edmonton Capital Region and is approximately 17 km west of the City of Edmonton. Incorporated in 1908, the 106-year-old community has an official population of 15,051 and encompasses about 37 square kilometers of land. Stony Plain boasts an average annual residential growth rate of 2.5%, currently licences over 900 businesses, and can accommodate new business opportunities with over 120 acres of serviced industrial land. In 2012 Council approved the Economic Development Strategy & Action Plan. One of the core objectives of the strategy is to improve investment readiness through strategic marketing of Stony Plain to targeted business sectors. For more information visit the Stony Plain Economic Development website. 3.0 REQUIREMENTS & EXPECTATIONS A target sector study and marketing plan will provide strategic direction for the Town in its efforts to attract new business and investment to the municipality. The study will need to consider local factors such as: new industrial land developments, inventory of commercial property, recently updated Municipal Development Plan and Cultural Master Plan, changing profile of the community, existing business community, labour force data, etc. As well, changing provincial, national and international trends need to be considered including: growth of the regional economy and supply chain linkages, increased global competition, currency exchange rate fluctuations, regulatory burden, energy costs, technological advances, etc. The study will ensure that the Town focuses its efforts on the sectors that have the best opportunity for attraction and provide the greatest impact on the community. In addition, the marketing plan will provide guidance with specific recommendations and activities to ensure that the Town resources are being directed towards the most effective business promotion and support activities resulting in the retention and attraction of investment and jobs.
Page 3 of 5 Project Deliverables Conduct a local economy and sector analysis including: Profile of the local economy Identify Stony Plain s competitive advantages Identify and profile key sectors of the economy Identify sector gaps in the local economy Research trends affecting key sectors Conduct an in-depth analysis of the Stony Plain s investment attraction opportunities including: Identify sector niches Identify business line opportunities Identify supply-chain opportunities Prepare a marketing plan that includes: Prioritized short and medium term opportunities for key sectors and target specific firms Identify specific strategies for sector niches and/or groups of firms including: o Regional competitive advantages for the sector o Value proposition for identified sectors/ sub-sectors o Key messaging o Target geographies o Sector development strategies o Communication plan Performance measures Budget Submission Requirements Proposals should address the following in their submission: General qualifications on similar studies by respondent, including a sample product Reiteration of the proponent s understanding of the project objectives and scope of requirements Identification of any clarifications and assumptions upon which the proposal is based, with regard to scope, deliverables, and activities Execution plan for the project, including detailed listing of activities, milestone schedule, meetings and deliverables for each of the major study areas
Page 4 of 5 Company Background and Experience, including: o Organization name, mailing address, telephone, fax, website o Type of organization (i.e. include a brief description of the services your company offers) o Key contact person and contact information o Number of full-time employees, size of entire team o Provide three client references for work completed within the last five years Proposed Project Resourcing o Provide a summary of the project team including: Size of team, brief bios of each person and the role they would assume on this project o A summary of your approach to project management and client engagement o Hours, daily and/or per project rate for the services to be rendered Project Work Plan o The plan should include key tasks, dates, key responsibilities and timetable. o A description regarding your approach or method for completing the project displaying an understanding of the project, project task, and project deliverables. o Describe the methodology used in determining the project options Project Budget Proposals must clearly detail a summary of project costs. In addition to outlining the assessment approach to be used, the proposal should include a proposed payment schedule, cost breakdown by item or activities that are required to complete the project, and the billing rates and hours for key personnel involved in the assignment. The maximum budget for the target sector study and marketing plan will not exceed $49,500 CAD including expenses and excluding taxes. 4.0 ESTIMATED TIMELINE March 16 April 6 April 20 June 1 September 1 October 26 Deadline for Proposal Submissions Proposal Decision Project Initiation Present Target Sector Study Present Marketing Plan Final Presentation to Council
Page 5 of 5 5.0 SUBMISSION PARAMETERS Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria: Quality of work plan comprehensiveness, effectiveness and technical approach to overall project Cost and value Demonstrated ability to complete the work on an efficient schedule Quality, expertise and accessibility of personnel Knowledge, experience and understanding of project requirements and deliverables Recommendations from references Proposals must be submitted by 4:00 pm on Monday, March 16, 2015 via email (preferred method), fax, post or in person (3 copies) to: Brenda Otto Economic Development Officer Town of Stony Plain 4905 51 Avenue Stony Plain, AB T7Z 1Y1 Email: b.otto@stonyplain.com Phone: 780.963.8653 Fax: 780.963.2197 Questions may be directed to Brenda Otto, Economic Development Officer.