Apalachee Regional Planning Council
RFQ Hwy 98 Corridor Tourism Project
Request for Letters of Interest and Qualifications
For the Hwy 98 Corridor Project –
Old Florida Coastal Trail
In the Service Area of Gulf, Wakulla and Jefferson Counties
The Apalachee Regional Planning Council (ARPC) is seeking qualifications from entities interested providing technical assistance in the completion of the Highway 98 Corridor Project – Old Florida Coastal Trail. The selected entity will assist the ARPC in the next phase of the non-construction, tourism-based project which includes completion of tourism asset inventories for Gulf, Wakulla and Jefferson counties, preparation of recommendations for tourism-related infrastructure improvements to enhance the trail, a digital map of key landmarks within participant counties and a preliminary marketing strategy for promotion of the trail. Additionally, an overall Corridor Plan that includes strategies for implementation of the proposed recommendations will be developed.
The ARPC will award a single contract to one qualified firm to provide necessary assistance with project tasks. The total budget for the project is $45,000 and all work must be completed by May 31, 2018. The budget for this grant executed under this contract will be negotiated with the consultant.
The ARPC will review and evaluate qualifications with the following criteria in mind: expertise related to relevant project components; experience with local governments and regional tourism; and experience with grants & administration.
Interested entities are required to provide the following as proof of qualifications:
· description of organization,
· description of general and specific project related capability, including experience of all the proposed staff,
· description of experience with local governments and regional tourism,
· description of experience with grants and administration,
· a current financial statement,
· the company’s Federal Employer Identification Number, and
· a statement that the company is registered to do business in Florida.
The ARPC plans to select a consultant with Council approval by September 27, 2018. Should either party fail to execute a contract within 30 days of notification of award, the RCSC reserves the right to rescind the award and select services from another interested firm.
Interested entities should submit one (1) original and two (2) copies of their expression of interest and qualifications in a sealed envelope to the Apalachee Regional Planning Council, 2507 Callaway Road, Suite 200, Tallahassee, Florida 32303 by 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Friday, September 21, 2018. The envelope must be marked, “LETTER OF INTEREST AND QUALIFICATIONS FOR HWY 98 CORRIDOR PROJECT.” Faxed and emailed responses will NOT be accepted. Responses received after the deadline will not be considered and the interested entities will be notified.
Questions can be emailed to Chris Rietow, Executive Director, ARPC, at crietow@thearpc.com. The ARPC reserves the right to accept or reject any and all responses in the best interest of the service area and the state.
