Legals for Wednesday, May 4, 2022

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

The County of Phillips has been awarded a federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) in the amount of $30,000 by the Montana Department of Commerce (DOC) to help finance the update of the Growth Policy for the County of Phillips and a feasibility study for the Malta Business & Industry Development District (MBIDD) Property. It is expected that the Growth Policy and Feasibility Study will be finalized and adopted by the County on or before September 30, 2022.

Contingent upon this award, the County of Phillips is soliciting proposals for consultant services to assist the County of Phillips in the development of this project in accordance with the requirements of State Law (76-1-601 MCA) and the requirements of the Montana CDBG Program. Payment terms will be negotiated with the selected offeror. The fee for consultant services will be paid for with a combination of CDBG and PhillCo funds.

Section 76-1-601 MCA identifies several elements, which must be addressed as part of the Growth Policy. The required elements are:

Community goals and objectives;

Maps and text, which describe the jurisdictional area (including information on land uses, population, housing needs, economic conditions, local services, public facilities, natural resources, and other jurisdictional characteristics);

Project trends for each of the above listed items for the life the growth policy (except public facilities);

A description of the policies, regulations, and other tools to be implemented in order to carry out the policy;

A strategy for the development, maintenance, and replacement of public infrastructure;

A timetable for implementing and updating the growth policy itself;

A statement, which explains how the governing bodies, will coordinate and cooperate with other jurisdictions;

A statement which explains how the governing body will handle subdivision review and how public hearings relating to subdivision review will be conducted;

A statement which explains how the governing bodies will define the criteria in 76-3-608(3) (a), MCA.

The items listed within each element are to be evaluated and are the minimum items that shall be addressed. Consultants are encouraged to expand the scope of work in their proposals. The Growth Policy shall also address the following:

Address specific County of Phillips issues, including issues faced in the County and proposed solutions;

Be concise and user-friendly;

Be written in a manner that the average reader can understand. The County and County Planning Board encourage the use of creative alternatives to minimize the amount of text, such as graphic depictions, including photos, drawings, illustrations, maps, and tables;

Include recommendations for its implementation including, but not limited to, zoning, subdivisions, and other appropriate actions.

Citizen involvement is essential to the successful preparation of a Growth Policy. Proposals shall include a program facilitating citizen participation. The work activities include holding and facilitating several public hearings and additional meetings as necessary in Phillips County, and include providing the final product both in one (1) printed and one (1) electronic copy form.

Responses to this RFP should include:

1. The firm's legal name, address, and telephone number;

2. The principal(s) of the firm and their experience and qualifications;

3. The experience and qualifications of the staff to be assigned to the project;

4. A description of firm's prior experience, including previously completed growth policies, size of community, location, special attributes about the development of the policy, and name of local official knowledgeable regarding the firm's performance. Include at least three references;

5. A description of the firm's current work activities, how these would be coordinated with the project, and the firm's anticipated availability during the term of the project;

6. The proposed work plan and schedule for activities to be performed; and

7. The anticipated cost of preparing the document.

Respondents will be evaluated according to the following factors:

1. Overall quality of the proposal 10%

2. Consultant qualifications and past experience with Growth Policy plans 40%

3. The consultant’s capability to meet time and project budget requirements 20%

4. Present and projected workloads 10%

5. Cost of the report 20%

Respondents may review the CDBG application, which includes a description of the proposed project including: activities, budget, schedule, and other pertinent information, by visiting the office of A copy of the application is also available for review at the offices of the Community Development Division, Montana Department of Commerce, 301 S. Park Avenue, P.O. Box 200523, Helena MT 59620-0523.

Respondents to this RFP may or may not be interviewed based on an evaluation of the written responses received by the County of Phillips. The award will be made to the most qualified offeror whose proposal is deemed most advantageous to the Phillips County Commissioners; all factors considered. The County reserves the right to reject any or all proposals submitted. Unsuccessful offerors will be notified in writing as soon as possible.

Specific questions regarding the proposal should be directed to the Phillips County Commissioners, PO Box 360, Malta MT 59538, 406-654-2429. All responses must be postmarked by May 25, 2022. Please state “Growth Policy Proposal” on the outside of the response package and mail c/o the County of Phillips, PO Box 360, Malta MT 59538. Include four (4) copies of the proposal.

This solicitation is being offered in accordance with federal and state statutes governing procurement of professional services. Accordingly, the County and Planning Board reserve the right to negotiate an agreement based on fair and reasonable compensation for the scope of work and services proposed, as well as the right to reject any and all responses deemed unqualified, unsatisfactory or inappropriate.

(Published by Phillips County News 5/4, 5/11/2022) MNAXLP