OFFICE OF CITY ENGINEER CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS March 1, 2017 To: Prospective Professional Firms From: Office of the City Engineer City of Grand Rapids, Michigan RE: Request for Statement of Qualifications: Grand River Corridor Implementation Plan and River Trail Design Guidelines Your firm is invited to submit your Statement of Qualifications to become eligible for a possible interview for professional services related to the development of design guidelines for trails, parks, and open space along a seven and a half mile segment of the Grand River, and to prepare schematic designs for new public open spaces along the riverbanks for the City of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Attached to this memo are: 1) A general scope of work. 2) A list of materials and information that should be included with your Statement of Qualifications. 3) A schedule of activities, registration, questions period, and method of submission. Firms that are micro-local and small business enterprises are encouraged to partner or lead a consultant team for this request. For firms that are selected for an interview, a tour of the site will be arranged. A Qualification Based Selection (QBS) will be used. Your letter and Statement of Qualifications shall be received no later than 4 p.m. EST on Friday, March 24, 2017 as indicated in the attachment. Sincerely, Mark A. De Clercq, PE City Engineer 1
Grand River Grand Rapids, Michigan GRAND RIVER CORRIDOR IMPLEMENTATION PLAN AND RIVER TRAIL DESIGN GUIDELINES MARCH 2017 CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS OFFICE OF THE CITY ENGINEER 2
Grand River Corridor Implementation Plan and River Trail Design Guidelines March, 2017 Background City planning processes have, for decades, recognized the value of the Grand River as an important natural asset. As early as 1923, the City s master plan envisioned the river with a network of green spaces along the riverbank and the Grand River Edges Plan and Central Area River Land Policy recommendations reinforced this concept in the 1980s. The 2002 City of Grand Rapids Master Plan and the 2011 Green Grand Rapids Plan (an amendment to the 2002 Master Plan) expanded upon these ideas. Imbedded in the Green Grand Rapids Plan was a recommendation to pursue river and stream restoration and capitalize on the Grand River as an asset for economic development and quality of life. More recently, the GR Forward Downtown and Grand River Plan of Action (completed in 2015) listed restore the river as the draw and create an equitable and connected river corridor as one of its main goals. GR Forward also identified 27 opportunity sites spaces for the development of parks and trails along the river. Currently in the final stages of development and review, the new Parks and Recreation Strategic Master Plan also envisions new park spaces along the river and emphasizes opportunities for new and enhanced river recreation. Following the completion of Green Grand Rapids in 2011, the Grand Rapids Whitewater (GRWW) organization emerged as a grassroots effort to restore and revitalize the Grand River. GRWW has championed this initiative and developed plans for removing dams and restoring the City s namesake rapids. Their efforts and plans have been incorporated into GR Forward and the Parks and Recreation Strategic Master Plan. Through these years of citywide, citizen-driven planning initiatives, the community has developed a clear and broadly supported vision for the future of the Grand River corridor. Transforming the Grand River from a dramatically underutilized asset into a distinct civic amenity is a game-changing initiative that will deliver far-reaching regional economic, environmental, and social benefits. The forwardthinking strategy for the river corridor will make the waterway safer, protect vulnerable homes and businesses from flooding, leverage substantial private investment in new development, and transform the river from a divider of east and west into a central gathering place for the entire community to enjoy. 3
General Scope of Work The following describes the general scope of work that is the basis for a firm s Statement of Qualifications: Review and Analysis of Sites and Existing Features This work will include an inventory and analysis of existing riverfront parks and trails including documentation of the existing conditions and recommendations as to which features and elements should be kept, modified, and removed in future projects in order to keep consistent with the design guidelines. An analysis of future sites, such as those identified as opportunity sites in GR Forward is also expected in order to understand the distinct characteristics of each site and how they might interface with the river, contribute to the circulation through the corridor, and serve the public for both passive and active recreation. Grand River Corridor Design Guidelines Manual Development of a graphic-intensive Grand River Corridor Design Guidelines Manual that will act as a menu list to guide City staff, private developers, and consultants in creating a cohesive river corridor. This manual should include the following: A design philosophy which describes the values to be considered when designing and developing river front sides, including the core tenants of safety, connectivity, accessibility, the diversity of users, and responsiveness to the location and how the site interacts with the river. A range of design elements that can be used to develop the public spaces along the Grand River corridor with flexibility while maintaining the continuity and identity of the system. This includes, but is not limited to pathway widths, landscape features, site furnishings, art, green infrastructure, structures, buildings, and architectural elements. o Consider and detail the interface with the river, accommodate for flooding and provide flood protection while providing for public interaction and access to the river. o Consider the unique characteristics of all potential sites and provide design recommendations for each of the three site types (urban, transitional, and anchor sites) as identified in the new Parks and Recreation Strategic Master Plan. o Sufficiently meet green infrastructure and low impact design initiatives administered through current City policies and practices as well as sustainable management practices and policies of the Parks and Recreation Department. o Sufficiently be fully developed into project specific technical details and specifications that will be quantifiable and biddable by contractors, as well as permittable by regulatory agencies. A matrix of the range of materials, including types, styles, landscape species, manufacturers, probable cost, etc. for all proposed design elements. Proposed materials should be able to endure the environment for which they are proposed, including but not limited to local climate, the Grand River and flooding, ice jams and intense public use. Cross sections and details of: o Proposed design elements in park and trail spaces. o Flood protection that meets the 100 Year Base Flood Elevation and FEMA certification requirements while allowing for public access and green infrastructure. 4
o River access points. Narrative to sufficiently describe and facilitate an understanding of the intent and purpose of the design should also be included. An asset management plan that includes maintenance regimes, including type, frequency, and cost, for proposed design elements and existing trail and riverfront park conditions. Durability, life-cycles, and replacement cost information should also be included. Design and material recommendations should consider various levels of use that may be anticipated. Circulation plan/map for trail and park users and river recreation users, including a portion of a much larger state water trail system. Suggested protocols or processes for reviewing proposed riverbank development for consistency with the Design Guidelines Manual. Schematic Design and Cost Opinion Develop schematic design and opinion of probable cost for the Leonard to Ann Trail, the current Water Department Storage Yard site, 201 Market, Canal Street Boat Launch and the recently acquired North Monroe property. These designs will be used to demonstrate the elements included in the Manual and will be used to draft a final design and construction documents for development of those spaces. These sites will be used for construction access during the river restoration project and will need to be restored/reconstructed into accessible public spaces in their final state. Community Engagement Develop and utilize a robust public participation program to engage the community which may include but is not limited to a combination of forums, workshops, charrettes, tours, meetings with key stakeholders, and online/digital methods. It is expected that this process will include opportunities for the public to share ideas and provide feedback on potential materials and designs. Reporting and Meetings Conduct and lead monthly project meetings/conference call with the City. Additionally, the project will include the following minimum meetings. The consultant will be responsible for developing an agenda, in consultation with the City, developing presentation materials, and compiling meeting notes. One (1) Planning Commission Two (2) City Commission briefing sessions One (1) Historical Preservation Commission Two (2) Downtown Development Authority Two (2) other authority presentations within the DDA district Two (2) Parks and Recreation Advisory Board presentations One (1) presentation with Grand Rapids Whitewater and river revitalization project partners One (1) City Design Team Project Management Provide strong project management leadership with a focus on the following: Integrated project schedule and budget control. Project Management Plan, including identification of key roles, contacts, and responsibilities. Identify data information needs, including GIS, needed to complete the work. Communication 5
Customer service driven to actively engage the community in a diverse and inclusive practice. Administrative Develop administrative components and certain deliverables to support the general scope of work: A summary report of the public engagement process. A record of all meetings with the project team. All maps, manuals, schematic designs, cost opinions, studies, evaluations, reports, and other documents in an editable format with full rights which shall become the property of the City of Grand Rapids upon receipt. Inclusiveness of River Corridor technical partners already in progress Firms will need to develop an understanding of improvement projects already underway in the river corridor, including flood protection improvements in order to meet Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) certification requirements and design and permitting work for the GRWW rapids restoration. Firms will need to demonstrate level of integration of the City s technical partners into their qualification statement. The City expects significant coordination with the technical partners working on river related projects in order to ensure that all corridor improvements (river restoration, flood protection, and trail and park development) are cohesive and constructible. Technical partners currently involved include: Fishbeck, Thompson, Carr, and Huber (FTC&H) - the lead engineering consultant for the City for the Grand River Flood Protection System and improvements; Grand River Corridor Conceptual Design, and various Grand River Edge Trails planning and cost opinions. River Restoration Org. - the river design and engineering firm hired by GRWW and working in collaboration with the City. River Restoration has developed plans for the revitalization of the river and has also proposed access points and a circulation plan. Diversity and Inclusion Look through an equity lens to ensure that the Grand River Corridor and these new and renovated public spaces are designed for and inclusive of everyone. The Manual should also consider accessibility and connectivity to the river corridor from the City s neighborhoods. These are essential considerations to ensure that the river corridor is a universally welcoming space that can truly become the City s central gathering place. 6
Statement of Qualifications Proposals submitted shall include the following: 1. Corporate Identification a. Firm profile, including the name, office location, including any subsidiary and parent company. 2. Firm s ability and capacity to perform the work a. A description of your proposed staffing including resumes of employees assigned to this project. Provide resumes for the responsible Principal, Project Manager, Public Engagement person, and key support staff. b. Project Management c. Backlog forecast of key personnel committed. 3. Grasp of Project Requirements a. Understanding of the project b. Studies, master plans, included in this request and other source documentation upon discovery, including reference to those documents in your firm s submittal. c. Knowledge of the community d. Knowledge of the Grand River; history, ecology, connectivity, accessibility, past, present and proposed future state. e. Recent designs and construction f. State of Michigan s quest for a water trail system through the Grand River Corridor. 4. Related project experience (5 pages) a. Five (5) project profiles, in the last 10 years, highlighting your firm s experience in completing work of this type including project references and contact information. 5. Method to be used to fulfill the required services, meet objectives and the intended outcomes 6. Management approach for the technical requirements 7. Public Engagement and Consensus Building Approach 8. Use of consultants that may work on the project a. Discuss in-house resources b. Outside Resources c. Diversity and Inclusion of resources d. Use of local community professional resources e. Resource hierarchy 9. Time schedule planned for this project 10. Insurance carrier and applicable coverages for General Liability and Professional Liability insurance. Coverage and Limits are listed in Exhibit A of this request. 7
Anticipated Schedule of Activities March 1, 2017: Request for Statement of Qualifications released March 24, 2017: Statement of Qualifications package due March 27 - April 7, 2017: Review of proposals and develop shortlist of 3-5 firms selected for interviews April 10-14: Tour of site and interview firms April 17-21: Conduct negotiations with top-ranked firm relative to actual scope, services, fee payment, schedule and contract May 9, 2017: Recommend consultant contract to City Commission for approval May 10, 2017: Recommend consultant contract to DDA board for approval May 2017: Execution of a professional services agreement, project kickoff meeting and commencement of work December 31, 2017: Conclusion of work *if negotiations fail with top-ranked firm, then the recommendation dates to the DDA Board and City Commission will be revised. Registration Interested firms shall submit a Letter of Interest by Friday March 10, 2017 via email to Brandy Moeller, Administrative Services Officer (bmoeller@grcity.us) registering their intent to respond to this Statement of Qualifications. All firms expressing interest will be added to an email distribution list and will be notified if additional information becomes available. Firms failing to register in this manner may not receive all information relevant to the preparation of their proposals. Question Period All questions regarding the proposal may be submitted by email to Brandy Moeller, Administrative Services Officer (bmoeller@grcity.us). Questions must be submitted by Friday, March 10, 2017. Responses will be sent out to all registered firms no later than Friday, March 17, 2017. Method of Submission The electronic proposal is due, in PDF format, by 4:00 p.m. EST on March 24, 2017 to Brandy Moeller, Administrative Services Officer, Engineering Department (bmoeller@grcity.us). The proposal shall not exceed 20 pages (10 double sided pages). Additional Materials Links to referenced materials and resources can be found in Exhibit B of this request. 8
EXHIBIT A INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS The Engineer shall acquire, continuously maintain during the period in which the Engineer is performing services and provide the City with acceptable proof of the following types and amounts of insurance coverage: Statutory Workers Compensation Insurance as required by Michigan statute. Comprehensive General Liability Insurance on an Occurrence Basis with limits of liability not less than $1,000,000 per occurrence and/or aggregate combined single limit, Personal Injury, Bodily Injury, and Property Damage. Comprehensive Owned and Non-Owned Automobile Liability Insurance with limits of liability not less than $1,000,000 per occurrence combined single limit, Bodily Injury and Property Damage. Coverage shall include all owned vehicles, all non-owned vehicles, and all hired vehicles. Professional Liability Insurance with limits of not less than $1,000,000 per occurrence/$2,000,000 annual aggregate, and maintain this coverage during the entire life of each project and for a period of two (2) years thereafter. The City of Grand Rapids shall be named as additional insured by endorsement to the Comprehensive General Liability policy. Certificates of insurance evidencing that the Engineer has secured all of the foregoing insurance must be provided to the City. A minimum of thirty (30) days notice to the City prior to the cancellation of, or change in, any such insurance shall be endorsed on each policy and noted on each certificate. NOTE: The City may, on a project by project basis, require additional types of coverage and/or different amounts of coverage, and/or require subconsultants of the Engineer to provide and maintain these insurances during the period in which the Engineer is performing services, and to provide the City with acceptable proof of specific types and amounts of insurance coverage. ALL REFERENCES TO THE TERM ENGINEER SHALL BE DEEMED TO APPLY TO CONSULTANTS, ARCHITECTS, OR WHATEVER PROFESSIONAL TITLE OF THE FIRM SUBMITTING THE QUALIFICATION. 9
EXHIBIT B ADDITIONAL MATERIALS 2002 City of Grand Rapids Master Plan 2011 Green Grand Rapids Plan GR Forward Downtown Grand River Plan of Action Parks and Recreation Strategic Master Plan Grand Rapids Whitewater (GRWW) Vital Streets Design Guide Grand Rapids Vital Streets Maps Grand Rapids Designation Asset Study