Montana Career Opportunity – Writer to Compile Regional Community Economic Development Strategy

Northwest Regional RC&D

Request for Proposal

The Northwest RC&D Council is requesting proposals to compile and complete the regional Community Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), a five-year planning document that reflects both current economic and demographic conditions of the region and future goals and objectives by industry sector.

Background Information

The CEDS is a planning document submitted every 5 years, and updated annually, to the US Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration (EDA), as well as other federal and state agencies who provide various grants to the region for various infrastructure and economic development projects. The CEDS encompasses a four-county region including Flathead, Lake, Lincoln and Sanders Counties. Each county is currently conducting and compiling a county document in the prescribed format.

This RFP is being issued for a Contractor who will work with each of the 4 county’s CEDS coordinators to compile the regional document. The selected Contractor will also be responsible for developing regional demographics and background information, assisting in prioritizing the regional priorities, facilitating communications with the public on the final document, coordinating printing and publication and otherwise assuring the document meets all federal requirements.

The final document must be completed, reviewed and submitted to EDA no later than June 28, 2007. An outline of the format and Table of Contents and the EDA requirements for CEDS submission are available from the RC&D office upon request.

Deadline

Proposals must be submitted no later than Friday, April 6.

Submit proposals to:

Northwest Regional RC&D

803 California Ave, #1

Libby, MT 59923

Inquiries

Inquiries concerning this RFP should b directed to the RC&D office in Libby at 406-293-8885

Performance Expectations

This is anticipated that the contract will begin no later than May 1 and will end with final submittal to EDA. 10% of the total contract will be withheld from final payment until the CEDS has been accepted by EDA (but not more than 45 days), and the Contractor will be expected to make any revisions to the final document as may be required to meet EDA’s approval requirements. Proposals will be rated on the following qualifications:

* Background and Qualifications

* Relevant Experience

* Cost

Regarding Direct Costs

Costs of printing, advertising and other such costs will be the responsibility of RC&D. The Contractor should consider costs related to travel within the region, telephone expense and other such items in their budget and cost proposal.

Application Criteria

All proposals in response to this request must meet the following conditions to be considered:

· Proposal must include a cover letter clearly stating the name of the applicant, address, email and phone number.

· Why are you the best qualified to perform the work?

· What similar experiences have you had?

· Provide examples of how you have met deadlines and provided a quality work product under pressure.

· Quote for Services

Conditions for Submission of Proposal

· NWR RC&D reserves the right to reject any and all proposals, and to negotiate portions thereof.

· Proposals that address only part of the qualifications contained in the Request for Proposal will not be considered.

· NWR RC&D reserves the right to select any proposal.

· Selection of proposal will be based on how well the applicant addresses the Application Criteria.