effort include the development of open air spaces, improvements in the real estate market and the attraction of new businesses.

Transcription

1 REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS TO PROVIDE PLANNING CONSULTANT SERVICES FOR FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENTS (BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN OPPORTUNITIES) IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF MONROEVILLE ISSUED: SCHEDULE: Request for Proposals Issued: March 26, 2018 Deadline for "Receipt of Confirmation: April 2, 2018, 4:30 p.m. Deadline for Submitting Questions: April 23, 2018 Proposals Due: April 26, 2018, 10:00 a.m. CONTACT PERSON: Timothy J. Little, Municipal Manager 2700 Monroeville Boulevard, Monroeville, Pennsylvania , 1

2 Background The Municipality of Monroeville is soliciting proposals for consulting services to prepare an Active Transportation Plan; specifically, to enhance Bicycle and Walkway routes through the Municipality of Monroeville. The population of the Municipality of Monroeville is 28,386 people. The Municipality of Monroeville is in the Gateway School District and a member of the Turtle Creek Valley Council of Governments (TCVCOG). Through the TCVCOG, Monroeville has been able to combine with the Borough of Churchill and the Township of Wilkins to develop a Joint- Comprehensive Plan. The municipalities received a $50,000 grant from Allegheny County Economic Development (ACED) to in-part to fund the hiring of a consultant to coordinate and develop the plan. A portion of the findings from the development of the Joint-Comprehensive Plan was that each community was passionate about upgrading and sharing their respective park and recreation programs which encompassed more friendly walkability in the communities and bicycle lanes. This specific initiative is to understand how Monroeville itself can fulfill this need which was spawned from the Joint-Comprehensive Plan public meetings, and conversations with the steering committee of the Joint-Comprehensive Plan. In addition, in order to meet the request of the public for more bike and walking opportunities pursuant to the recent Comprehensive Plan, the Municipality of Monroeville applied and received an Active Transportation Grant from Allegheny County Economic Development (ACEC) for $45,000. The purpose of the grant is to seek funding to partner with a professional consultant to develop a plan that identifies the opportunities for active transportation improvements and develop recommendations for addressing those needs. The plan will be in concert with the implementation strategies addressed in Active Allegheny, including the identification of the arterial routes that connect Monroeville neighborhoods with identified major network systems. The goal of the Municipality of Monroeville Active Transportation Master Plan is to increase available opportunities for residents to safely participate in healthy activities such as walking or cycling to enhance community vitality, sustainability and livability. Also, the Municipality of Monroeville participates in Live Well Allegheny. "Live Well Allegheny" is an Allegheny County initiative which invites communities to commit to walking and biking activities as well as smoke-free buildings and parks, promote farmers markets, plans wellness events, and promote trail projects. Continuing to establishing trails in Monroeville aligns with the mission and vision of several healthy initiatives within Allegheny County communities: Live Well Allegheny, Active Allegheny, and the McKeesport Healthier Communities Partner SHIPS (State Health Initiative Partnerships). Each of these initiatives is committed to working with the Allegheny County communities to encourage education, safety and recreational improvements, and to promote simple health lifestyle changes to make residents healthier. In addition, the Municipality of Monroeville continues to individually identify opportunities to provide a broader tax base to attract a diversified population. The essential components of that 2

3 effort include the development of open air spaces, improvements in the real estate market and the attraction of new businesses. The following are some examples of Monroeville efforts: The submittal to the PGHHQ2 for inclusion in the Amazon bid for the Pittsburgh area. The City of Pittsburgh alone will not be able to accommodate the needs of Amazon if it is selected as Amazon s HQ2. Monroeville has a host of sites that meet Amazon s criteria and is willing to meet any other needs. One of Amazon s criteria for selection is to have a community that encourages healthy styles of transportation like biking and walking, Monroeville believes it meets that criteria, but one of its goals is to enhance that amenity. Monroeville is the mini Oakland of the Pittsburgh area. With two (2) major hospitals: Forbes of the Allegheny Health Network and UPMC East, it has more office square footage devoted to the medical industry than any other suburb in Pittsburgh. One of the goals is to connect these two (2) destination points through biking and walking. Monroeville recently opened a nine (.9) tenths of a mile trail as part of the Westmorland County Heritage Trail network. Monroeville is currently engaged in conversations with Allegheny County officials to connect its new trail with the Greater Allegheny Passage Trail in Pittsburgh and eventually to Washington DC. Member of the Turtle Creek Valley and Steel Rivers COGs Land Bank initiative to place abandoned houses back on the tax rolls which will result in increased neighborhood property values. Currently, partnering with the Allegheny County Conservation District and the Westmoreland Conservation District utilizing a Growing Greener Plus grant to create bio swales and permeable sidewalks at the Monroeville Public Library to use as a model for best practices for natural storm water management. Scope and Nature of Project The Municipality of Monroeville will acquire a consultant or engineering firm to explore the feasibility of designing and developing bicycle and walking trails through Monroeville with the connections to neighboring communities. As mentioned above, a biking/walking trail has already opened connecting Monroeville with the Municipality of Murrysville in Westmoreland County to the east, and the Borough of Trafford to the south. It would appear to be a natural progression to connect the new trail with roads and parks in Monroeville as well as recreational amenities in adjacent communities. 3

4 Offering opportunities that encourage healthy lifestyle changes would help counteract or reduce the onset of these life threatening factors. Education and simple lifestyle changes can result in better health for all family members. One simple life style change is walking or biking for exercise. Both have great health benefits and are affordable activities that low income families can do. But there aren t enough safe designated areas for youth and/or adults to ride their bicycles and walk within the Municipality. With the recent connection of the Westmorland Heritage Trail in Monroeville, new trails and walkways are needed to connect it with roads, streets and parks to support residential needs. The recently adopted Joint-Comprehensive Plan outlines how incorporating trails and walkways into its proposed developments would enhance further economic development. In addition, with the median age increasing in Allegheny County, Monroeville has recognized in its Joint- Comprehensive Plan with Churchill and Wilkins that attracting younger families is paramount to the vitality of the eastern communities. Further, with the increase of public transportation costs and the expansion of biking accessibility in Allegheny County, many no longer ride bikes just for recreation. Biking has become a major mode of transportation to-and-from work and school. Ensuring people are able to travel safely between communities is vital. Monroeville has already taken the steps to incorporate the Westmorland Heritage Trail with other smaller trails in order to connect to parks and other municipal amenities. Its Public Works Department has begun clearing old trails cut years ago by the Monroeville Authority for installing sewers lines. These paths are already laid out, but need attention to make them safe for the general public. They are already used as ad-hoc trails connecting Heritage Park in Monroeville and to the Bel-Aire swimming pool, but Monroeville officials want to make them a permanent fixture in the community to enhance walking and to add to property values in the nearby neighborhoods. Once enhanced, these trails will spawn other trails throughout the community and also encourage sidewalks. ************************** Through the years Monroeville has recognized the need to remove barriers to improve walking and biking. Currently, the Municipality already requires sidewalls with any new development, commercial or residential. However, new policies need to improve conditions for pedestrians and bicyclists for even more development and open air activities. An outcome of this study may support how bicycle and walking trail amenities would encourage young families as well as a diverse population to seek progressive places to live, play and work, and to do so in Monroeville. The feasibility study results will highlight the increased opportunities for physical activity and the need to create a pedestrian and bicycle connection to existing bus way systems and community destinations through Monroeville and beyond. The study would also show rationale for increasing biking engagement through path related activities such as bicycle rodeos, races, and 4

5 clinics including teaching residents how to share the roads with two (2) wheeled vehicles. The target populations for the study are: residents who live in Monroeville and other surrounding communities who could also benefit from this project; more specifically, families, youth, and individuals, who see the recreational benefits, and more importantly, the daily need for other modes of transportation. Trails and walkways would also benefit existing businesses and help drive local economic development due to increased visibility of the community. With higher traffic areas, new businesses could be drawn to other areas of Monroeville that haven t considered micro-businesses (i.e. Bike Shops). Monroeville s Joint-Comprehensive Plan goals are in conjunction with this study. It shows areas for change include the lack of available and safe bicycle lanes, bike parking facilities, and the lack of continuous sidewalks in the neighborhoods. This project will additionally ensure that the expansion of the bicycle trail will be consistent with the Active Allegheny Transportation plan. As stated previously, Monroeville is looking to integrate non-vehicular modes of transportation into its community, specifically walking and biking, to increase the status of the Municipality s "livability" -i.e., provide opportunities for people to engage in healthier lifestyles in vibrant and safe local business districts, which offer desirability and value to the neighborhoods. SCOPE OF WORK Task 1. Policy and Program Review and Recommendations The consultant will review Monroeville s codes, polices and programming related to pedestrian and bicycle accessibility and safety recommendation changes and improvements, including, but not limited to: the bicycle and skateboard, sidewalk, subdivision and land development, zoning, curb and sidewalk policy and recreation department programs. The consultant will recommend changes and improvements that are consistent with the Municipalities Planning Code, and to incorporate Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and/ or Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) initiatives. Task 2. Development of Bicycle and Pedestrian Route Network A. The consultant will develop a network of pedestrian and bicycle routes throughout the Municipality of Monroeville. 1. Identify destinations in Monroeville that are accessed on a day-to-day basis by bicyclists and pedestrians for non-recreational purposes such as houses of worship, healthcare facilities and local businesses. 5

6 2. Identify destinations in Monroeville that are accessible regularly by bicyclists for recreational purposes such as parks, retail, restaurants, historic attractions, Bel-Aire Swimming Pool, Monroeville Public Library, Monroeville Mall, Miracle Mile Shopping Center, the connection to the Westmorland Heritage Trail and other amenities adjacent to Monroeville. 3. Ensure that the network provides appropriate routes to access the destinations identified in 1 and Identify areas in the Municipality of Monroeville that have a greater likelihood or concentration of bicyclists and pedestrians' origins, including but not limited to areas with concentrations of low-income residents, children and elderly populations. 5. Propose future connections to the network in Monroeville as well as connections to bicycle routes and/or pedestrian routes in the other adjacent municipalities. i. Ensure that any proposed new trail connections can be designed and constructed according to Penn DOT and/or FHWA bicycle and pedestrian design standards. ii. iii. Provide cost estimates for each proposed bicycle trail, including but not limited to acquisition, construction, and life cycle maintenance cost. Provide other potential funding sources for the construction of the trail. 6. The consultant will produce a proposed bicycle route and/or pedestrian route in a format reproducible in print or electronic media for Monroeville. Task 3. Development of a Public Education Campaign The consultant will develop a campaign to encourage bicycling and walking in Monroeville that can be implemented in a low cost and administratively efficient way managed by the Municipality of Monroeville. Possible elements might include, but are not limited to: 1. Bicycling programs that can be administered and hosted by the Municipality of Monroeville. 2. Events that can be held in conjunction with community events. 3. Creation of bike relays, rodeos and biking events. 6

7 Task 4. Planning Process and Public Participation The consultant will provide a planning process that includes: 1. Formation of an Advisory Committee that will work with the consultant throughout the planning process. The consultant and the Municipality of Monroeville will identify a rationale and criteria for the number of committee members and how members should be selected. 2. A strategy for public and stakeholder input to include, but not limited to, meetings, key person interviews and interactive/social media. A creative strategy incorporating nontraditional public input methods is preferred. Stakeholders may include: Monroeville Mayor, Council members, Staff and Boards Police Department Gateway School District Officials Monroeville Municipal Authority Monroeville Public Library Officials Monroeville Convention Visitors Bureau Active Allegheny Penn DOT FHWA Mike Doyle, US Congressman James Brewster, PA Senator Joseph Markosek, PA House of Representatives Monroeville Ministerium Monroeville Chamber of Commerce UPMC East Board Community College of Allegheny County, Boyce Campus Allegheny Health Systems, Forbes Hospital Board Monroeville Foundation Allegheny County Redevelopment Authority Jewish Community Center Board Gateway Foundation Board 3. A schedule-to-complete by 360 days or less indicating the number of Advisory Committee meetings, stakeholder sessions and other public participation methods necessary to complete the project. 7

8 Proposal Submission The Proposer must prepare a proposal (5-10 pages maximum) that will include the task and products defined in the RFP. Proposals should be thorough enough to give the Monroeville Staff the opportunity to know that the proposer fully understands the scope of work. Submission Information A complete proposal shall include the following information. 1. Transmittal letter that includes: Proposer name and mailing address Federal Tax ID Number Contact person s name, title, phone numbers and address Signature of authorized officer of the proposer 2. Qualifications of the Firm: Proposers shall provide a brief description of the Proposers firm, size, organizational structure, number of full-time and part-time employees, areas of expertise, and number of years the firm has been in the business of conducting the services described in the RFP. Proposers shall include a list of similar plans completed by the firm; preferably in Pennsylvania and completed according to Penn Dot and/or FHWA bicycle and pedestrian design standards. The firm shall show that within the last five (5) years it has been engaged in similar pedestrian and bicycle planning projects and their related public process. The list of similar plans should include agency names, contact persons, phone numbers of the contact persons and with details of deliverables and final plan. Proposer shall demonstrate an understanding of the project scope and demonstrate that they can work with many community and municipal organizations. Public meetings, advisory committee meetings and communications with Municipal Staff and other public agencies are important components of the proposer's work. Additionally, proposers should demonstrate that they can incorporate regional planning initiatives. The selected consultant will be required to follow applicable Federal, State and local regulations. In addition, proposer shall include any current project commitments and the availability of the proposed key personnel. 8

9 3. Key Personnel: This section shall include a list of the key personnel in the firm and describe their experience as related to transportation and analysis and transportation planning. Also, include a statement regarding the firm's intention to subcontract any portion of the work to any firm, description of that work and experience of the subcontracted personnel. Proposer should include any registrations, certifications, and professional licenses or similar qualifications maintained by the proposer and/or other individuals that are part of the project team. 4. Proposed Schedule: Proposer shall submit a proposed schedule of services and deliverables, and the key personnel to complete the work within the proposed time schedule. 5. Copy: The proposer shall provide a not-to-exceed $45, lump sum fee for services required to complete the project. The proposer shall provide a detailed budget breakdown of the lump sum cost. The detailed budget breakdown shall include an hourly rate schedule and anticipated number of hours for each of the project personnel assigned to each task; a cost allocation between the prime proposer and any subcontractor(s); cost for each documentation component; and a summary of non-labor costs and reimbursable expenses. 6. Financial Information: The proposer shall include the following financial information with their proposal. i. The proposer shall list any litigation or arbitration, whether it be past, present, pending, involving the proposer or any member of the proposers firm relating to any projects that the proposer or any member of the proposer's firm has been involved in during the last five (5) years shall be identified. ii. iii. Has the proposer failed to complete any contract or has any contract been terminated due to alleged poor performance or default, or has the proposer been found in violation of any provisions of federal, state or local regulations. If so, please provide an explanation. Has the proposer been convicted of any criminal conduct or been found in violation of any federal, state or local statue concerning antitrust, public contracting, employment discrimination, or prevailing wages? If so, please provide the circumstances. 9

10 iv. Has the proposer ever filed for bankruptcy? If so, when, and describe the impact it would have on the ability to honor contractual commitments. v. Please note that audited financial reports for the last three (3) years are not required to be included with the proposal; however, Monroeville reserves the right to request this information prior to awarding of this contract. 7. Additional Information: Include any additional information that is relevant for the Municipality of Monroeville to consider in reviewing and comparing the firm's proposal. Proposer may propose an alternate task that will meet the plan objectives identified in this RFP. Proposal Submission Requirements One (1) original and four (4) copies of the proposal, plus any supporting documentation, must be submitted in a sealed envelope marked "Request for Proposal for Feasibility Study for Active Transportation, no later than 10:00 a.m., April 26, 2018, to: Timothy J. Little, Municipal Manager 2700 Monroeville Boulevard Monroeville, PA Proposers may choose to provide additional copies if and when invited to do so for presentation purposes. Submission will not be returned. Proposals must have information submitted in the same order of criteria as listed in the RFP to be deemed complete and responsive. The information requested through this RFP is necessary for the Municipality to responsibly evaluate all proposals. Failure to supply the requested information may result in rejection of a proposal. Proposals that are incomplete and/or nonresponsive may not be considered. The Municipality is not responsible for the cost incurred by proposers in connection with this RFP process. Proposal pages shall be numbered and must have a table of contents listing the page numbers and providing documentation that demonstrates they have met each of the criteria listed. Neither faxed nor ed proposals will be accepted. Proposals may include any materials and information that the proposer feels is necessary to satisfy as many of the recommended features of the requested services described as is practical. All proposals shall remain firm for one hundred twenty (120) calendar days after the proposal opening, which may be extended in writing by the Municipality and preferred proposer. 10

11 Questions and Addenda Proposers are encouraged to contact Timothy J. Little, Municipal Manager, with any and all proposal questions at , Questions involving procedural or technical matters shall be in writing, inquiries are acceptable to the above named person no later than April 23, Questions received after that date may not be answered. The Municipality reserves the right to include an addendum from time-to-time prior to the submission deadline. The Municipality will notify all proposers of any addendums prior to final submission. Only questions answered by addendums will be binding. Oral statements, interpretations or clarifications will not be legally binding. All prospective proposers who obtain the RFP electronically must fax or a "Receipt of Confirmation" form which is included in this RFP, no later than April 2, 2018, at 4:30 p.m. to Dara Brown (Secretary) at (fax) or BrownD@Monroeville.pa.us Project Evaluation The Municipal Manager will recommend to the Municipal Council the most qualified Proposer of those who have submitted an RFP using the following criteria: The evaluation factors are: Firm's qualifications and experience; qualifications of the project team; project approach; plan and deliverables. All proposals shall anticipate a response within 90 days from the date the proposals are submitted. All proposals will be evaluated based on the technical and professional expertise and the experience of the firm, as well as experience with similar projects will be an important factor in the selection of the consultant. The Municipal Manager with Municipal Council will make the final decision of the preferred proposer. The preferred proposer shall then enter into a Professional Services Agreement with the Municipality for the work contemplated in this RFP. The relationship between the Municipality and the consultant is that of an independent contractor and a contracting entity. As an independent contractor, the consultant is not an employee of the Municipality. The consultant hereby waives any and all claims from the Municipality to any form of workers compensation insurance coverage or compensation provided through federal, state, or local laws, regulations or ordinances which effect employees and employers. The consultant agrees to carry and provide their own insurance for injury. 11

12 Receipt of Confirmation of Document for Municipal Manager REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS TO PROVIDE PLANNING CONSULTANT SERVICES FOR FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENTS (BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN OPPORTUNITIES) IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF MONROEVILLE All prospective proposers who obtain the request for proposal (RFP) document electronically must fax or this "Confirmation" form no later than April 2, 2018, 4:30 p.m. to Dara Brownfax or The undersigned confirms receipt of all twelve (12) pages of the RFP document dated March 26, 2018, for the project referenced above. Name of Proposer: Name of Recipient: Signature of Recipient: Title: Phone No: Fax No: 12