Appalachian Partnership, Inc. (API) and Appalachian Partnership for Economic Growth, LLC (APEG) are soliciting proposals for a highly‐participatory economic development strategic planning process. This will be the first formal strategic planning process undertaken for the region and is intended both to chart direction for the organizations and, through its participatory process, to foster buy‐in and support for API/APEG and the plan’s implementation among the region’s business leaders and other key stakeholders.
API/APEG anticipates that it will contract with a single lead firm (Consultant) to conduct the planning process. The Lead firm may include third‐parties in its project team, however the lead firm must remain accountable for the entire project and all payments under the contract will be made to the lead firm.1The anticipated timeline calls for API/APEG to complete proposal review and let a contract no later than October 31, 2018 and for the Consultant to complete all planning activities no later than May 31, 2019.
As non‐governmental organizations, API and APEG are not subject to formal governmental bidding and procurement rules or regulations. API and APEG reserve the right to modify or cancel this RFP, negotiate any and all elements of the project with proposer(s) and to use whatever subjective and objective criteria they deem appropriate to evaluate proposals. In addition, API/APEG will consult with major investors underwriting the planning process and other stakeholders prior to making a final contractual commitment for the work.
The targeted budget for this project is $150,000. API/APEG reserves the right to modify this amount as appropriate given the specifics of the proposals received, negotiations with prospective Consultants, and any options or enhancements included in the final contract.
Proposals are due by 5:00 p.m. Friday September 7, 2018. API/APEG has not identified a preferred vendor for this project. All qualified parties are invited to respond to this RFP. View full RFP.
