PUR872 I. Invitation Request for Qualifications Knowledge Park Pedestrian/Cyclist Connectivity Planning and Design The City of Rock Hill is requesting Statements of Qualifications from interested and qualified land planning, design, and engineering firms. As Knowledge Park (www.knowledgeparkrockhill.com) develops, the need for safe, efficient, and enjoyable pedestrian/cyclist movement throughout the district grows. The same pedestrian/cyclist connections can also serve to stimulate investment in development sites which remain available. With new nodes of activity taking shape and being explored at University Center, Baxter Mill (currently Springs Creative Distribution Center), 108 East Main Street (new apartments), the former Good Motors site, and Fountain Park, people will want to move on foot/bikes between these developments. Local business leaders have identified a need for defined, safe, and attractive pedestrian/cyclist connections across Knowledge Park and, specifically, for a way to traverse between the downtown core and University Center/Winthrop University. The latter need requires movement of pedestrians/cyclists over an active railroad line and an adjacent five-lane roadway. The scope of this work has the potential to become transformational; consider the significant place making/landmark opportunity to promote strong brand awareness and initiatives of Rock Hill and Knowledge Park. For additional information on the vision for this project see Finding the Link Creating Synergy Between Downtown and Winthrop uploaded at http://www.dropbox.com/s/a5xyrxuphv8f5ta/lanford%20%20park%20and%20bridge%20downtown.pp tx?dl=0 Qualifications may be mailed to: City of Rock Hill Attn.: Tom Stanford P.O. Box 11706 Rock Hill, SC 29731 For hand delivery, Fedex or UPS, send to: Tom Stanford City of Rock Hill Purchasing Office, Building #103 757 South Anderson Road Rock Hill, SC 29730
Qualifications will be received until 4:00 PM on July 27, 2017. All deliveries should be made prior to the appointed deadline. Those qualifications arriving after that time will not be considered. It is the solely responsible of the bidder to ensure that the qualifications arrives in the correct place on time. Questions should be directed to Tom Stanford, tom.stanford@cityofrockhill.com. Questions must be submitted to City staff by July 18, 2017 at 2:00 PM. II. Purpose The purpose of this Request for Qualifications (RFQ) is to obtain information from land planning and engineering firms interested in providing professional, technical, and advisory services at the discretion of the City of Rock Hill for anticipated planning and design services listed in the paragraphs herein. Services will be for a period not to exceed one (1) year, although the City of Rock Hill reserves the right to amend the scope of work to continue with additional planning, design and/or construction activities. The information obtained will be utilized by City of Rock Hill to evaluate each interested firm by utilizing the criteria outlined in the RFQ. III. Requirements/Scope To be considered for selection, the consulting firm shall be qualified and capable to provide at a minimum the following services for the proposed project. 1. Tasks to be Completed a. Meet with property owners, business leaders, and City staff to understand the development projects, market conditions, and spatial relationships present within Knowledge Park. Gain an understanding of the physical environment, the development activity and opportunities, and the anticipated attraction and movement of people within the identified study boundaries. b. Identify key locations within the study area which serve (or will serve) as nodes of activity which need to be connected for pedestrian/cyclist movements. c. Identify development opportunities (vacant/underutilized sites and buildings) within the study area. Describe how the proposed pedestrian/bicycle system can enhance these development opportunities. d. Inventory existing and planned (provided by City staff) pedestrian/cyclist infrastructure (sidewalks, paths, bridges, etc.) within the study area. Assess the condition and functionality of the existing infrastructure. e. Prepare a prioritized program of pedestrian/cyclist infrastructure improvements to serve the activity nodes identified in point b. and development opportunities identified in point c. All
improvements should be ADA-compliant and meet City of Rock Hill design standards. Include probable cost estimate ranges for each improvement item. f. For the program of proposed pedestrian/cyclist improvements, identify what entitlements (easements, land acquisition, permits, etc.) are likely required to complete each of the identified improvements. g. Specifically examine the options for pedestrians/cyclists to cross the Norfolk Southern Railway and Dave Lyle Boulevard (these are parallel routes). The railroad segment located within the study area is marked by frequent stoppages whereby trains block West White Street, West Main Street and adjacent areas for lengthy periods of time. Within the study area, Dave Lyle Boulevard is a five-lane roadway with a posted speed limit of 35 mph. 1) Provide a conceptual design for one or more options for pedestrians and cyclists to move between the core downtown area and University Center/Winthrop University without the potential for interruption by blocked trains. The design may have variations which offer choices in terms of the location, appearance, materials, and/or size of the proposed improvements. 2) There is a hesitancy to develop a stand-alone bridge structure which does not complement and serve existing or planned development. Consider bridge designs which are integrated into other structures (existing or planned). Consider also the ability to design a bridge that becomes a significant gateway to Old Town Rock Hill. 3) Explore public amenities that might become part of the design of the pedestrian/bicycle system (parks, gardens, art, etc.) and that would enhance the experience of users and strengthen the economic development potential of the investment. 4) All improvements should be engineered so as to comply with ADA requirements and allow for use by pedestrians and cyclists. 5) Include probable cost estimate ranges for the improvements proposed to provide access over the railroad and Dave Lyle Boulevard. 6) Identify what permits, easements, legal agreements, and/or property acquisition will be involved to implement the railroad/dave Lyle Boulevard crossing. h. Explain how the proposed connectivity improvements (crossing over Dave Lyle Boulevard/railroad and other connections) will increase, if any, the attractiveness of vacant/underutilized sites and buildings served by the improvements for new capital investment. 2. Desired Outcomes a. Increase the level of interest in vacant/underutilized sites and buildings located in Knowledge Park by connecting them better to other activity, investment, and density. To create some uniqueness and appeal in the available real estate versus other sites and buildings. b. Encourage pedestrians and cyclists to move throughout Knowledge Park for work, education, play, and living by providing avenues for movement which are more safe, interesting, and efficient. Develop a solution which addresses the inability to cross the railroad and Dave Lyle Boulevard because of moving or stopped trains and/or numerous, fast moving vehicles.
c. Increase the tenancy, density, and use of the existing and emerging activity nodes within Knowledge Park by effectively enabling pedestrians and cyclists to move easily. d. Capitalize on the opportunity to create a bran/iconic statement for the City of Rock Hill utilizing the proposed bridge crossing over Dave Lyle Boulevard/railroad. 3. Deliverables a. Written report covering the tasks listed above. b. Maps and related graphics to illustrate the location and purpose of the connectivity improvements proposed and to aid in explaining the choices to decision makers. c. Perspective illustrations showing the connectivity solutions proposed (dimensions, appearance, etc.). Drawings depicting the solutions identified to cross Dave Lyle Boulevard/railroad are particularly important and should be the primary focus. d. A master plan drawing to illustrate the proposed pedestrian/bicycle system and its relationship to adjacent and nearby development opportunities. e. Presentation of final report in PowerPoint or similar format. f. Participation in 3 meetings with local elected officials and business leaders, including a presentation of the final report. These three meetings are in addition to meetings that will be required under item 1.a. above. 4. Study Area The study area is bound by these streets/rights of way: West Black Street and East Black Street from Hagins Street to Oakland Avenue, Oakland Avenue from East Black Street to the railroad line running parallel with East White Street, the railroad line from Oakland Avenue to Laurel Street, Laurel Street from the railroad to West Main Street, West Main Street from Laurel Street to Hagins Street, and Hagins Street from West Main Street to West Black Street.
IV. Statement of Qualifications Interested firms shall provide the following (one original, two hard copies, and one electric copy on a flash drive) information by July 27, 2017 at 4:00 PM: 1. Cover Sheet: List project title (Knowledge Park Pedestrian/Cyclist Connectivity Planning and Design), the name of your firm, and the name, address and telephone number of a contact person for questions concerning the Statement of Qualifications submitted. 2. Experience of the Firm: Provide a short narrative of your firm s prior experience and qualifications in land planning and engineering for similar projects performed by your firm, and the number of years your firm has been in business. Also, please reference the experience of firm personnel, while working for the submitting firm. 3. Project Team: Provide a list of the project team members, including the office location where they currently work, that you propose to use on these projects and identify the responsibility of each team member. Provide a brief resume for each person listing specific similar project experience with respect to projects performed with your firm, and how long each person has worked for your firm. 4. References: Provide the name, address, and telephone number of at least three (3) references familiar with the quality of work done by your firm on similar projects. 5. Other Supporting Data: Include any other information you feel to be relevant to the selection of your firm. The entire Qualifications Statement must not exceed eighteen (18) pages; excluding the cover sheet and letter of introduction. Qualification Statements exceeding 18 pages will be returned and not considered. V. Award Criteria Proposals will be evaluated by a review panel on the basis of the following criteria: 1. Qualifications of the Firm, Including Firm Personnel: Preference shall be given to those firms and personnel with experience and training in land planning, infrastructure design, civil engineering, and economic development for similar projects, as outlined in this RFQ. 2. Overall Qualifications of the Project Manager and Project Team: Identify the Project Manager and those personnel that will be assigned to the project(s) including the location of their office, and how long each person has been with your firm. Preference shall be given to project teams with specific experience on similar projects, and familiarity with the proposed projects, as outlined in this RFQ. 3. Response Capability/Project Understanding: Preference shall be afforded to those firms which in the opinion of the City of Rock Hill will be able to adequately respond to requests for consultation meetings or project administration requirements, and firms that have a detailed understanding of the project requirements.
VI. Selection of the Planning Consulting Firm It is the intent of the City of Rock Hill to review the Statement of Qualifications submitted and select, based on the criteria requirements contained in this RFQ, two (2) top ranked firms. The two top ranked firms will be interviewed by City staff and a recommendation will be made to City Management as the preferred firm to enter into contract negotiations with. With respect to this RFQ, contact with any members of the Rock Hill City Council, City of Rock Hill, members of Rock Hill Planning or Economic Development staff, other than the Contact Person specified in this RFQ, by any of the proposing planning firms during the evaluation period is strictly prohibited and will result in that consulting firm being eliminated from consideration. VII. Contract and Contract Term A detailed scope of work with activities and issues to be addressed to include the identification of specific project goals and schedule milestones will be developed and agreed to by the Consultant and City of Rock Hill. This detailed scope of work and associated fee will be incorporated as part of the contract. After all the Statement of Qualifications have been screened and ranked by the City of Rock Hill, the highest ranked firm will be invited to negotiate a Professional Services Agreement with the City of Rock Hill for a period not to exceed one (1) year. VIII. Form of Agreement The City of Rock Hill has a standardized Professional Services Agreement that will be used in contracting for the work. A copy of the agreement can be obtained by request. IX. Terms and Conditions The City of Rock Hill reserves the right to reject any and all submissions to this RFQ if it is deemed in the best interest of the City. The City assumes no responsibility for costs incurred in responding to this RFQ.