Request for Proposals - Central Avenue Streetscape Master Plan Copyrighted
May 21 , 2018
City of Dubuque Action Items # 5.
ITEM TITLE: Request for Proposals - Central Avenue Streetscape
Master Plan
SUMMARY: City Manager recommending approval of the Request for
Proposals for the Central Avenue Corridor Streetscape
Master Plan.
SUGGESTED DISPOSITION: Suggested Disposition: Receive and File; Approve
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Type
Central Avenue Corridor Streetscape Master Plan RFP- City Manager Memo
NNM Memo
Staff memo Staff Memo
RFP Supporting Documentation
THE CITY OF Dubuque
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Masterpiece on the Mississippi Z°°'�w'2
7A13 2017
TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
SUBJECT: Request for Proposals — Central Avenue Corridor Streetscape Master
Plan
DATE: May 16, 2018
Economic Development Director Maurice Jones and Planning Services Manager Laura
Carstens recommend City Council approval of the Request for Proposals for the Central
Avenue Corridor Streetscape Master Plan.
I concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council
approval.
�� �� ���
Mic ael C. Van Milligen �� �
MCVM:jh
Attachment
cc: Crenna Brumwell, City Attorney
Teri Goodmann, Assistant City Manager
Cori Burbach, Assistant City Manager
Maurice Jones, Economic Development Director
Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager
THE CTTY OF Dubuque
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uh�wneo�in
DUB E 'il��i;�
Masterpiece on the Mississippi Z°°' Z°'Z
2013 2017
TO: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
FROM: Maurice Jones, Economic Development Director
Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager
SUBJECT: Request for Proposals— Central Avenue Corridor Streetscape Master Plan
DATE: May 16, 2018
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this memo is to transmit for City Council approval, the Request for Proposals
(RFP)for the Central Avenue Corridor Streetscape Master Plan. This project will help to
implement a Top Priority of the City Council's 2017-2019 Policy Agenda -- Central Avenue
Revitalization: Streetscape and Business Development.
DISCUSSION
The creation of the Central Avenue Corridor Streetscape Master Plan between 11th and 22nd
Streets in the Washington Neighborhood is being directed by the Economic Development
Department in partnership with other organizations working in the corridor, with assistance from
the Planning Services Department. The City's budget for this project is$19,447. Project
Objectives for the Central Avenue Corridor Streetscape Master Plan are:
1. Be clearly written, concise, and highly illustrative, and include conceptual renderings of
streetscape improvements.
2. Address the Corridors current state of aesthetics as well as provide guidelines for future
improvements, and redevelopment of public infrastructure elements within the Corridor.
3. Provide design guidelines for linking complimentary uses, preserving the history and
identity of the neighborhood, and improving walkability.
4. Recommend streetscape furnishings such as pedestrian scale lighting, way-finding
systems, greenspace creation and public art.
5. Promote creative, innovative, and sustainable opportunities to beautify and bring a
cohesive sense of identity and place to the corridor, including installation of sustainable
sidewalk systems and other sustainable streetscape amenities that complement the
historic urban character of the Corridor.
6. Consider both hardscape and landscape strategies that will create an inviting, walkable
pedestrian scaled environment and be complimentary to the area's historic character.
Landscaping opportunities might include street trees, decorative planters, planting beds,
as well as any other creative and innovative means of beautifying the corridor.
1
7. Recommend landscaping opportunities might include street trees, decorative planters,
planting beds, as well as any other creative and innovative means of beautifying the
corridor.
8. Address conditions and opportunities for the Corridor's future transition from its current
status as a one-way State highway to a pedestrian-friendly two-way city street.
9. Consideration must be made to traffic calming and Complete Street strategies.
10. Outline simple, cost-effective strategies that can be reasonably be achieved in a short
period of time as well as more complex, long term strategies that will require greater
coordination and expense.
All elements of the Streetscape Master Plan need to consider the following City documents:
• 2009 CommunityAssessment and Revitalization Strategies Plan for the Washington
Neighborhood
• 2013 Market Analysis update for the Washington Neighborhood.
• 2014 City of Dubuque Architectural Guidelines
• 2016 Central Avenue Corridor Building Inventory Report
• 2017 Seeing, Making, Doing:Art and Social Capital Report.
• 2017 /magine Dubuque:A Call to Action Comprehensive Plan
It is anticipated that the timeframe for development of the Streetscape Master Plan will be
approximately six (6) months following the signing of a professional services contract. The
selected Consultant will be expected to complete the contracted scope of work within the
specified timeframe, under the general direction and coordination of the City's Economic
Development Department as authorized by the City Council.
Once a consultant is selected, we plan work closely with representatives from key City
Departments, key community partners, and Central Avenue Corridor stakeholders including:
business owners, employees, patrons, residents, landlords, social service agencies, community
leaders, and other agencies.
BUDGETIMPACT
Per Budget Director Jenny Larson, the Central Avenue Corridor Streetscape Master Plan will be
funded from the Economic Development DepartmenYs Capital Improvement Project (CIP)
number 3602679 -62716 Consultant Services, which has a balance of $19,447.00.
RECOMMENDATION
The staff recommendation is for the City Council to approve the RFP for the Central Avenue
Corridor Streetscape Master Plan, and then direct staff to post the RFP and initiate the
consultant selection process.
Enclosures
F:\Users\LCARSTEN\WP\Central Avenue Corridor\Memo MVM Central Ave Streetscape RFP.doc
2
Economic Development Departinent i
Cit Hall Dubuque
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50 West 13°i Street ur� �'��
Dubuque,IA 52001-4864 DU$ E ,'I I �•�
(563)589-4393 pLlone I
(563)589-1733 fax Maste�rpiece ori fl2e Mississippi '°O'�2012 i
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(563)690-6678 TDD
Econdev rccityofdubaque.org
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP)
C�NTRAL AVENUE CORRIDOR STREETSCAPE MASTER PLAN
May 22, 2018 �
INTRODUCTION ��
The City of Dubuque, Iowa is soliciting proposals from qualified professional firms to develop a
Central Aveilue Corridor Sheetscape Master Plan between 11 th and 22nd Streets in the
Washington Neighborhood. The project will require professional(s) with expertise in the fields of
plamling, engineering, urban design, landscape architecture, and/or architecture, as well as
experience with coimnunity eugagement, such as holding input and educational meetings and
making presentations to elected officials.
This effort is being directed by the City's Economic Development Department in partnership
with other organizations working on the Central Avenue Comdor Initiative. The City's budget
for this project is $19,447.
COMMUNITY BACKGROUND
The City of Dubuque is located on the Mississippi River in northeastern Iowa, adjacent to Illinois
and Wisconsin. The city is approximately 30 square miles in area, with a population of
approximately 58,600 people. The City's annual operating budget is $131.2 million, and the
five-year capital improvement budget is $167 million. which funds a full range of services. The
City's web site is www.cityofdubtiique.or�.
The coinmunity has a stable and diversified manufacturing base aud a growing service sector.
Dubuque is the major retail, medical, education and employment center for the tri-state area.
Tourism continues to be a inajor economic force in the community. City goverrunent works in
collaboration with the private sector to promote economic development. The job creation and
unemployment munbers show that Dubuque is growing steadily in the current economie cliinate.
Dubuque's construction mimbers reveal an even more encotiiraging picriue. The City has fonned
strong relationships with the local business community to promote continued economic growth
and success.
PROJECT BACKGROUND �
Informarion on the Central Aveilue Corridor Iniriative is available on the City website online at
http://www.cityofduUuque.oru/2523/Central-Avenue-Con�idar-Initiative.
Central Avenue Initiative
Ii12016, the City of Dubuque asked Iowa State University Extension and Outreach (ISUEO)
Community and Economic Development(CED) for assistance in assessing opportunities for
economic redevelopment and iinproveinent in the quality of life for residents along the Central
Seroice People Integrity Responsibility Imtovatlon Teamwork
Page 2 i
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Avemie Corridor (CAC). This portion of the CAC abuts Dubuque's historic and ethnically I
diverse Washington Area Neighborhood, a focus of redevelopment since 2005. �
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One of the older commercial districts in Dubuque, the CAC continues to boast a large nuinber of
businesses frequented by residents of the Washington Neighborhood and suirounding areas. At
one time, the CAC was fairly self-sufFicient. It pirovided most of the commercial serviees needed I
by residents of the sun�oundiilg neighborhoods, including retail, business and household serviees, ,
banking and a fire station. Typical of the early to mid-1900s inany of the buildings along the i
CAC are mixed-use, allowing for residential living on the upper floors a�id commereial retail I
space at street level. However, in recent years, the CAC has struggled to overcome the impacts
of deindustrialization and the economic crises of the 1980s, when the economy of the City of
Dubuque spiraled downward. Many indush'ies and businesses in Dubuque, including those along j
what is now known as the CAC, either relocated or closed shop permanently. The area has yet to I
recover.
The eight(8)bloeks of the CAC that form the basis of the building inventory report and the ��i
residential areas immediately to the west and east are perceived by many Dubuque residents and �'
visitors as an area in decline, both in terms of economic development and appearance, because of
higher critne rates, run-down housing, and lack of access to grocery stores and other
amenities. Yet, despite the challenges, the area possesses a number of intrinsic assets that could
form the building blocks of a larger revitalization effort for the benefit of residents and business
owners.
In an effort to revitalize the north end of Dubuque, the City, area non-profits, and coinmunity—
based arganizations have been devoting financial and human capital resources in the
neighborhoods along the CAC for the past decade with moderate successes.
The scheduled completion of the Southwest Arterial in 2019 and subsequent removal of most of
truck tr'affic from the comdor, combiued with the improved resilience of the neighbarhood
thanks to Yhe Bee Branch Creek Watershed Flood Mirigation Project, will create a prime
enviromnent for a renaissance. The puipose of this initiative is to engage stakeholders in the
process to prepare for and guide this renaissance.
The initiative's efforts will be focused on Yhe Central Avenue Con�idor from ] lth Street to 22i1d
Street. This corridar comlects Dubuque's central downtown and Historic Millwork District to the
city's North End It features a wide variety of historic buildings offering commercial and retail
opportunities on the ground floor and residential spaces on upper floors. The goal of tl�is
initiative is the economic revitalization of the Central Avenue Corridor through community
engagement, educational outreach, and eommunity-informed storefront and streetscape design.
Cenh�a] Avenue Con-idor stakeholders include business owners, employees, pari-ons, residents,
landlords, social seivice agencies, coimnuniry leaders, the City of Dubuque, and partner
agencies. Coinmunity Development Block Grant(CDBG) funds will be used to offer low- or no-
interest loans to "microenterprise businesses" in the corridor. Microenteiprise businesses have
five or fewer employees. To qualify, the business owner(s) must be low to moderate income.
Design Studio
The City of Dubuque has a collaborative relationship with Iowa State University Extension and
Outreach (ISUEO) to assist the City with this initiative. Specifically, ISUEO will assist with
Seivim People Integrity Responsibility Innovatlon Teamwork
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outreach and commmiity engagement efforts, asset mapping of buildings and businesses in the ��
conidor, and identification of additional partnership opportunities.
ISUEO brought students and faculty in the ISU College of Design's "Seeing, Making, Doing— �
The Art and Design of Social Capital" eourse to Dubuque to operate a design studio in the II
corridor during the spring 2017 seinester. Students from a variety of discipliues, such as studio
art, graphic design, interior design, laildseape design, business, sociology,journalism, and �
education, worked collaboratively throughout the semester on effective ways to engage ��
cominunities, facilitate meaningful community discussions, and use art and design with culture
to build goodwill and understanding among diverse populations. The studio served as a �
temporaiy"project headquarters" and was used to focus efforts on engaging local community I
members, brainstonning possibilities for a long-term creative placemaking strategy, and plamiing �
and iinplementing a cultural event for the neighborhood in late spring 2017. i
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In early April 2017, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and College of Design hosted �
a cultural event to celebrate the stories and experiences on the Central Avenue Corridor. Free
transportation to the event was provided by the City of Dubuque's Public Transit Department.
Washington Neighborliood Revitalization Strate�y
The Washington Neighborhood has been a inajor focus for reinvestment efforts by the City of
Dubuque. The neighborhood's historic buildings, central location and wide range of housing
stock provide key assets to build upon. The neighbarhood is in the ceuter of Dubuque's urban
core and borders the Historic Millwark District, restored Bee Branch Creek, North End
Neighborhood and Downtown. Many public, private and civic efforts have coalesced during
recent years to address community needs and emphasized physical infrastructure with new
developinents such as Prescott School and the restoration of Washington Court Apartments,
Engine House No. I, White Street Condoininiums and the Washington Neighborhood
Rowhouses. From 2005 to 2017, the City has invested $14 million n1 the WashingCon
Neighborhood, leveraging over$I5.5 nlillion in private investment aild over $13 inillion in other
govermnent investments.
In 2009, Teska Associates led a Washington Neighborhood planning process for the City of
Dubuque. The resulting plan, entitled "Community Assessment and Revitalization Strategies,"
included a market analysis, land use plan, transportation and human service strategies, all with
the aim of accelerating the improvement of the Washington Neighborhood. This doctunent
serves as a road map for revitalization initiatives and activities in the neighborhood. A core
recommendation of the plan is to enhance the Central Avenue comdor with streetscape
itnprovements and gateway features to foster investment.
A 2013 market analysis of the Washington Neighborhood by Teska Associates, Inc., indicates �
that the 55 square block area is primed for growth:
• Population has been rebounding, providing more support for retail— 9% increase
• Educatiou levels have risen sharply
• Homeownership has been improviilg, with slow and steady appreciation
• Median household incoine, while lower than tl�e average in the Dubuque MSA, has been
climbing at the same rate—9% Inm�ease
Servicc People Integiity Pesponsibility Iimovafion Teamwork
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Traditional Urban Neighborhood I
The Washington Neighborhood is a traditional urban neighborhood that has and continues to
serve as a"port-of-entry"for new families and residents moving to Dubuque. It contains a mix
of housing, primarily renter-occupied, small to modest scale commercial and industrial
businesses, service businesses, limited recreational areas, and institutional iises consisting mostly
of churches and Prescott Elementary School. The Central Avenue con�idor is predoininantly a
inix of commercial storefronts and upper story residential. The historic Central Avenue corridor
serves as the neighborhood's primary business comdor with a variety of retail and service
businesses, professional offices as well as vacancies. A context map of the Central Avenue
Streetscape Master Plan project area in relationship to the Washington Neighborhood and
surrounding environs is enclosed. i
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Located within the project area is the Upper Central Avenue Commercial HisYoric District The !
districY was listed oi� the Narional Register of Historic Places in 2012. The district is a well j
preserved and excellent example of Dubuque's cominercial architecture, dating from the latter ��i
half of the Nineteenth and the first decade of the Twentieth centuries. Collectively, this range of �
architectural exaniples represents the laigest, the most ornate ai�d best presetved commercial
buildings in downtown Dubuque. They are also Che most uiufied in tenns of period of
developinent and design cohesion. It is important that the Cenh'al Avenue Sh'eetscape Master
Plan compliment the historic character of the corridor.
Street Nerivork
The street neYwork serving the Washington Neighborhood is designed in a traditional grid,
providing generally efficient vehicular access and circulation throughout the neighborhood.
Central Avenue is the major street tliat brings much of the vehicular tr�affic to the Washington
Neighborhood. It also serves as the gateway between north Dubuque and the downtown. The
Washington Neighborhood and Central Avemie con-idor is generally viewed as a walkable
neighborhood. The dense blocks of residential and commercial uses help create a pedestrian-
friendly urban enviromnent.
The major streets that bring inost of the vehicular traffic to the Washington Neighborhood
include Central Avenue, White Street, ll°i Street, llth Street/Loras Boulevard, 16th Street, 20th
Street, and Kaufmann Avenue. Central Avenue and White Street generally act as the
neighborhood's priinary business con-idors with a variety of retail businesses and professional
offices.
With access to Highway 20 via the Northwest Arterial, consumers froin the north no longer have
to pass through Downtown in order to get to the West End, which has reduced traffic and
visibility along Central Avenue. To achieve any sort of larger draw, the Washington
Neighborhood needs to identify a unique position within the competitive marketplace capable of
becoming a destination.
High�vay Network Conversion: One-�Vay to Two-Way
Unique to Central Avenue Corridor is that it is also U.S. Highway 52 and the GrEat River Road.
The one-way highway pair supports two lanes, sidewalks, on-street parking and a 25 mph speed
limit throughout the project area. The sYreet serves as a north-south cozridor far truck traffic. The
Seivicc Pcoplc Integrity ResponsibIlity Innovation Teamwork
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City is currently warking with the State of Iowa to transfer jurisdiction of flie corridor with �I
completion of thc Soutl�west Arterial. I
The scheduled completion of the Southwest Arterial in 2019 and subsequent removal of inosY of I
the truck traffic fiom the corridor, combined with the improved resilience of the neighborhood '
thanks to the Bee Braneh Creek Watershed Flood Mitigation Project, will create a prime i
environment for a renaissance. The iniYiative is engaging stakeholders in the corridar to prepare �
for and guide this renaissance. i
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It is anticipated the roadway will be convert from a one-way highway to a two-way local arteriaL �
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It is anticipated that the one-way sections of Central Avenue and White Street will be converted
from a one-way highway to a two-way local arterial with Complete Streets design, such as bike
signals, bike lanes, and intersection crossing inarkings. ;
As part of the transfer of jurisdiction, U.S. 52 is being brought to a State of Good Repair in
phases. Two phases of the have been completed. Phase 3 is scheduled for the Summer of 2018.
Phase 4 is scheduled for the Suinmer of 2019. Incorporating Complete Sh�eet design in these last
two phases of State of Good Repair is more cost effective, establishes a multi-modal
transportation netwark, and helps revitalize the corridor. The City's capital improvement
program for this project is enclosed.
Bee Branch Watershed Flood Mitigation Project
The historic Cenri-al Avenue Con-idor is a inix of commercial and residential uses laid out on a
gid street network. Iinprovements in the street network accommodate flood initigation projects
to help rcvitalize the area. The Bee Branch Creek Restoration project -- one phase of the Bee
Branch Watershed Flood Mitigation Project-- eliminates the severe and frequent flash flooding
experienced in the watershed while creaCing a bike &pedestrian friendly enviromnent. The
streetscape improvements on this coiridor will be used to infonn the Central Avenue Corridor
Streetscape Master Plan. Infonnation about the Bee Branch Watershed Flood Mitigation Project
is at http://www.citvofdubuque.org/1812/Bee-Branch-Watershed-Flood-MiYieation-Pr.
22nd Street/ I{aufmann Avenue SYorm Sewer
This capacity improvement project requires total street and sidewalk reconstruction and
relocation of underground utilities along the entire length of the project. Construction will be
coinpleted in phases starting at Elm Street in spring of 2018 and continuing along Kaufinann
Avenue to Kane Street by 2021. The streetscape improvements on this corridor will be used to
inform the Central Avenue Corridor Streetscape Master Plan. The City's capital improveinent
program for this project is enclosed. Project plans are available from the City.
17th Street Storm Sewer '�
This capacity improvement project requires total street and sidewalk reconstiuction and
relocation of underg�ound utilities. Constiuction will be completed in phases in the spring of
2018. Phase 1 was completed in 2017. The streetscape improvements on this corridor will be
used to infonn the Central Avenue Corridor Streetscape Master Plan. The City's capital
improvement program for this project is enclosed. Project plans are available from the City.
Service People Integrity ResponsibIlity Imiovation Teamwork
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A series of inaps of Dubuque and the Central Avcnue Comdor project area in relationship to the ;
Washington Neigliborhood and surrounding environs is enclosed. i
PROJECT OBJECTIVES �
The Streetscape Master Plan for the Centra] Avenue Corridar from ll`�'to 22"� Streets inust: �
1. Be clearly written, concise, and highly illustrative, and include concephlal renderings of �
streetseape improve�nents. j
2. Address the Corridor's current state of aesthetics as well as provide guidelines for fuhire �
improvements, and redevelopinent of public infi�astr-ucture eleinents within the Corridor. i
i
3. Provide design guidelines for linking compliinentary uses, preserving the history and
identity of the neighborhood, and improving walkability. li
4. Recommend streetscape furnishings such as pedestrian scale lighting, way-finding
systeins, greenspace creation and public art.
5. Promote creative, imiovative, and sustainable opportunities to beautify and bring a
cobesive sense of idei�tity and place to the corridor, including installation of sustainable
sidewalk systems and other sustainable streetscape amEnities that complement the
historic urban character of the Corridor.
6. Consider both hardscape and landscape sh�ategies that will create an inviting, walkable
pedestrian scaled environment and be complimentary to the area's histoiic character.
Landscaping opportunities might includc street trees, decorative planters, planting beds,
as well as any other creative and innovative means of beautifying the corridor.
7. Recoimnend landscaping opportunities inight include street trees, decorative planters,
planting beds, as well as any other creative and innovarive ineans of beautifying the
con-idor.
8. Address conditions and opportunities for the Corridor's future transition from its current
status as a one-way State highway to a pedesri�ian-friendly two-way city street.
9. Consideration must be made to traffic calming and Complete Street strategies.
10. Outline simple, cost-effective strategies that can be reasonably be achieved in a short
period of time as well as more complex, long temi strategies that will require greater
coordination and expense. i,
All elements of the Streetscape Master Plan need to coilsider the 2009 Community Assessment
and Revitalization Strategies Plan and the 2013 Market Analysis update for flie Washington
Neighborhood. These docutnents are online at httv://www.cityofdubuque.org/1939/Washiil�ton-
Neighbarhood-Revitalization.
The Streetscape Master Plan needs to consider the Central Avenue Conidor Building Inventory
Service People [ntegrity Responsibility ]miovafion Teannvork
Page 7
Report and Seeing, Maki�ag, Doing. Art and Social Capital Report. These documents are online �
at http://www.ciryofclLibuque.or 2523/Central-Avenue-Con'idor-Initiative. i
The Streetscape Master Plan needs to consider the 2017Imagine Dubuque: A Call to Action
Comprehensive Plan, available at http://www.cityofdubttque.org/2432/Imagine-Dubu ue.
The Streetscape Master Plan also needs to follow the City of Dubuque 2014 Architectural II
Guidelines, online at htt ://www.cit ofdubu ue.or� 1881/Architectural-Guidelines. �
It is anticipated that the timeframe for developinent of the Streetscape Master Plan will be
approxiniately six (6) months following the signing of a professional services contraet Tbe
selected Consultant will be expected to eomplete tl�e coiltracted scope of work within the !
specified timeframe, under the general direction and coordination of the City's Economic
Development Department as authorized by the City Council.
COORDINATION
The selected consultant will be expected to coordinate with community stakeholders such as City
Staff, community partners, and business and property owners within the project area throughout
the project. The consultant wi11 be required to present an outline and scliedtiile of activities far the
plan to project stakeholders for review and coinment early in the process. The consultant will be
required to present the draft plan to project stakeholders at a public meeting. The selected
consultant wi11 also be expected to present the draft plan to the CiYy CounciL The consultant will
be expected to maintain a high level of coordination with the City's �roject inanager tlu•oughout
the entirety of the proj ect.
INFORMATION TO BE INCLUDED IN THE PROPOSAL
The submitted proposal should address all aspects of the required scope of work discussed in this
RFP. The proposal should be prepared siinply and economically, providing a sh�aightforward,
concise description of the consultanYs capabiliries to satisfy the requirements of the RFP.
To simplify the review process and to obtain the maximum de��ee of comparability, the proposal
shall include the following information and shall be organized in the mamler speeified below.
While additional data may be presented, the following subjects must be included. They represent
the criteria against which the proposal will be evaluated.
Letter of Transmittal
Provide a letter of transmittal briefly outlining the consultanYs understanding of the work and
general infonnation regarding the consultant and individuals to be involved, and the name,
address, telephone number, fax iluinber, and e-mail address for the finn's primary coutact
person.
Profile of Consultant
Provide general infarmation about the consultaut, Yhe constiiltanYs area of expertise related to this
RFP, and the consultanYs official name, address, and principal officers, including nunes of the
project manager and other key persomiel who would be assigned to the project. The profile must
also identify any sub-consultauYs as well as their role and experCise relative to the project.
Seivice People Integrity Responsibility IiutovaHon Teunwork
Page 8 I
Qualifications of Proposed Project Team �
The project will require professional(s) with expertise in the fields of planning, engineering,
urban design, landscape architecture, and/or architecture, as well as experience with community
engagement, such as holding input and educational meetings and making presentations to elected
officials.
1. Provide the naine and contact infonnation for the project inanager,his or her qualifications
and experience, and the names, qualifications, and experience of other key personnel who �
would be associated with the project. The selection of a project inanager by a consultant
will constitute a contractual commitment by that consultant and a substitute manager will
not be allowed without prior written approval by the City of Dubuque.
2. Desciibe the experience of the project team in developing relevant plans. Include at least 3 �
client references (including individual contact name, einail and telephone nunlbers) froin I
siinilar projects that have been coinpleted in the last five (5) years AND flle list the names I
of project team inembers proposed for the Dubuque project who have worked on the �I
referenced projects. I
3. Describe the name and location of other sub-contracting finns that would be used by the I
Consultant during the project List the approximate percentage of the work that would be
perfonned by each of these firms. Briefly describe any relevant experience and
qualifications of the sub-contracting finn.
Scope of Services
Describe the means or strategy by which the consultant would satisfy the project objectives.
Explain the project approach as well as additional recommended strategies the eonsultant would
suggest to create a inare relevant and meaningful plan.
Proposed Project Schedule
Provide a project schedule outlining the tinle period and estimated completion date of the plan.
This should include a sehedule uid description of all deliverabla reports/documents throughout
the project. Discuss the consultant's ability to integrate this project into d1e consultant's present
workload.
Fees and Compensation
Provide a Not-to-Exceed fee budget and not to exceed reimbursables if applicable for completion
of the proposed scope of services with cost breakdowns by majar scope element and include a
rate struchire. The Consultant will be progressively paid for the earned value of progress made
for each major scope eleinent completed, plus reimbursable expenses, subject to the agreed upon
Not-to-Exceed amount as written in the signed contract. Invoices shall be paid on a monthly I
basis. All invoices must be accompanied by a cuirent progress report of each scope item.
Certificate of Insurance
The selected consultant shall adhere to insurance requirements for professional services as
detailed in the attached Insurance Schedule in the Appendix during the tenn of the contract
agreement. Please provide confirmation that the requirements wi11 be met. An insurance
certiftcate can be supplied at a later date by the sliccessful finn.
Service People Integ�ity Responsibility Innovaflon Team�vork
Page 9
Understanding of Final Contract Terms
Provide a statement that indicates the consultant(s) have read, understand, and agree to include in
the final signed contract d�e clauses that are listed in the "City of Dubuque Contract Tenns aild
Conditions" attached in the Appendix. Any exceptions to the Contract Terms and Conditions by
the consultant must be clearly stated in their submitted Proposal.
Contract
A draft contract for services must be included in the subinittal.
SUBMISSION REOUIREMENTS
The City of Dubuque reseives the right to reject any and all proposals and to negotiate changes
with any firms. The City of Dubuque is not liable for any cost incurred by any finns prior to the
execution of an agreement or contract. Nar shall the City of Dubuque be liable for any costs
incurred by the firm that are not specified in Yhe contract. The City of Dubuque is an Equal
Employment Opportunity Employer.
Proposal Submission information
Submittal Deadline: June 7, 2018 on or before 4:00 p.m. CDT
Submittal Mailing Address: Maurice 7ones, Econoinic Development Director
Economic Developmeilt Deparhllent
City of Dubuque
50 W. 13r� Street
Dubuque, IA 52001-4864
Submittal Copies: Proposal: Six (6) hard copies shall be provided.
Fees: Six (6) hard copies shall be provided
Submit one (1) original signed proposal and five (5) copies all labeled Central Avenue
Corridor Streetscape Master Plan in printed fomlat. No faxed or e-mail proposals will be
accepted. The proposa] must be a document of not more than twelve (12) numbered 8%z x ll-
inch pages, not including the letter of transinittal and project schedule. Proposals should not
include any pre-printed or promotional materials. Any proposals exceeding 12 numbered
pages may not be considered. The proposals shall be 100% recyclable. No binders are to
be used.
Please provide the proposed fees and corupensation under separate cover, clearly labeled;
"Fees and Compensation". Initial screening will be done by a selection committee without the
benefit of knowing the proposed fee for services.
Each consultant assumes full responsibility for delivery and deposit of the completed proposal
package on or before the deadline. The City of Dubuque is not responsible for any loss or delay
with respect to delivery of the proposals.
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Questions Regarding this RrP i
Questions should be directed to Economic Development Maurice Jones by telephone at(563) i
589-4393 ar einail at injones�cityofdubumie.or�. �i
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The City of Dubuque anticipates award of the contracY to the successful consultant/ftrm for this i
project in July 2018. Consultants/firms whose proposals are not accepYed will be notified shortly i
after the selected finn has been approved. ,
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INITIAL EVALUATION CRITERIA i
Proposals will be screened to ensure that they meet the minimum requirements of the proposal �
format. A City consultant selection comtnittee will review qualifying proposals and then create a
consultant short-list for the project. The following criteria are among those that will be used to '
inirially evaluate submitted proposals. j
1. The pro�osed project team's level of professional competence and proven track record in �
successfully complering snnilar projects. �
2. The proposed project team's experience working together on similar projects.
3. The quality of the proposal based oi1 the:
❑ Demonstrated understanding of the City's overall objectives;
❑ Design approachhnethodology in completing scope of service;
❑ Level of interest;
❑ Knowledge of the project con�idor;
❑ Proposed schedule;
❑ Creativity and piroble�n solving ability;
❑ Ability to demonstrate initiative and motivation; and
❑ Local economic impact.
CONSULTANT SHORT-LIST EVALUATION CRITERIA
A City consultant selection coimnittee may or may not interview short-listed firms. If interviews
are held,both the original submitted proposal and the results of interviews may be used to evaluate
consultants. In addition to the evaluation criteria listed above, interviews will be judged on the
consultanYs followiilg qualifications:
❑ Responsiveness and coinpatibility with the City;
❑ Geilcral attitude and ability to coinmunicate;
Servicc Peoplc Integ�ity Responsibility ImlovaHon Tca¢lwork -
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❑ Ability of the Consultant to coinmunicate ideas throttgh prepared documents and �
presentations; �
❑ Ability to listen, be flexible, and follow and/or imple�nent direction and/or ideas or
concepts; i
❑ How the consultant / team would interact with the general public, City staff, and public I
officials; and
❑ Proposed fee in relationship to the services offered.
The City may also review direct and indirect references of previous work product. The City may
utilize site visits or may request additional material, infonnarion, and presentations from the �
Proposer(s) submitring the proposals. I
SELECTED VENDOR FEE NEGOTIATION PROCESS I
Upon the successful coinpletion of consultant proposal reviews and interviews (if conducted), the I
committee shall recommend the selection of a consultant to the City Manager. The City Manager �i
may in turn inake a recommendation to the City Council. A ftnalized scope of work and fee i
structure shall be directly negotiated witl� the finn that is selected by the Dubuque City Council. '
Upon successful negotiation of the final scope of work and fees, the consultant shall prepare and
submit to the City, a final project schedule to reflect the negoriated contract.
When the final scope has been determined, a design fee has been negotiated, and the schedule has
been finalized, the consultant shall incorporate the schedule into the contract documents being
prepared for sigilature. The consultant shall also include, in the final eontract documents, the
language contained in the Appendix - City of Dubuque Contract Terms and Conditions as well as
Certificate of Insurance and all other required insurance related documents.
If a contract satisfactary and advailtageous to the City can be negotiated at a price considered fair
and reasonable, the award shall be made to that offeror. Otherwise, negotiations with the offeror
ranked first shall be formally tenninated and negotiations coinmenced with the constiltant ranked
second, and so on until a contract can be negotiated that is acceptable to the City.
APPENDIX
The following supplemental documents are included in the Appendix of this RFP as additional
reference material to aid the consultant in preparing a response proposal.
• RFP Rules and Protest Procedure
• City of Dubuque Contract Terms and Conditions
• Insurance Schedule Requirements
• Project Related Data
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