The Columbia River Economic Development Council is seeking proposals from qualified consultants or firms to identify parcels of land in Clark County, WA, that, when aggregated, will constitute larger employment land sites that can be preserved for industrial development–supporting viability of the existing manufacturing business base and inviting new business activity, optimizing Growth Management Act planning opportunities, and securing a responsible and balanced tax base.
Clark County, WA, is a rapidly changing community with a diverse economy, including advanced manufacturing, technology enhanced production, life sciences, software, clean tech, and professional services sectors. The physical space to accommodate commercial/industrial business growth and productivity is being quickly subscribed necessitating research to identify future opportunity to preserve balanced, long-term economic activity—this is the impetus for CREDC to commission additional research.
Funding has been secured by CREDC from the Economic Development Administration, with local match committed by Clark County.
Full solicitation for all details
Proposal Submission:
Proposals will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with selection committee convening on receipt of no fewer than three qualifying proposals.
Interested consultants or firms should submit a proposal to info@credc.org that includes the following:
a. Cover letter: A brief cover letter that summarizes the consultant or firm’s experience in economic development, understanding of zoning and land use policy, and availability of staff.
b. Project Approach: A detailed project approach that outlines how the consultant or firm will address each of the tasks outlined in the scope of work.
c. Work Plan and Statement of Timeliness: A work plan that includes specific tasks, timelines, and milestones for completing the project. All tasks must be completed before May 1, 2025, and otherwise in accordance with CREDC’s described timeline.
d. Budget: A detailed budget that includes all costs associated with completing the project, including consultant or firm fees and expenses, not to exceed $75,000 in consultant contractual costs, and $1,000 travel, with an additional $15,000 designated for supplies in the form of payment for coordination/implementation of the updated electronic mapping tool with CREDC’s tool administrator.
All contract fees will be payable on a reimbursable basis, in alignment with CREDC’s payment schedule with the Economic Development Administration. All costs must align with federal regulations, specifically 2 CFR Part 200 (Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards).
e. References: A list of at least two references for similar projects completed by the consultant or firm.
Evaluation Criteria: Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
a. Experience and qualifications of consultant or firm in economic development.
b. Project approach and understanding of the of work.
c. Work plan and timeline for completing the project.
d. Budget and cost-effectiveness.
e. References from similar projects.
Reference Materials:
• 2018-2023 Clark County Comprehensive Economic Development Plan
• 2019 Employment Lands Study
• 2023 County Demographic Profile and Real Estate Landscape
Clarifications may be submitted to info@credc.org, with the subject line: L4J RFP Inquiry [Plus your firm’s name]
