Conservation Trails Master Plan - Request for Proposals

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
Trails Master Plan
Proposals Due: August 28, 2026

Request for Proposals Trails Master Plan
Dallas County Conservation Board
Dallas County Conservation Board ("DCCB") seeks proposals from qualified consultants to
prepare a countywide Trails Master Plan, as described in this Request for Proposal ("RFP").
The consultant selected from the RFP will be engaged after a competitive evaluation by a
qualified selection committee, based on the evaluation criteria established in this request.
This request invites consultants to submit proposals to perform the work specified below under
the Scope of Services. Proposals should be prepared and submitted in accordance with the
guidelines and requirements set forth in this request.
Background
Dallas County is one of the fastest-growing counties in Iowa and continues to experience
increasing demand for outdoor recreation opportunities, regional connectivity, and trail-related
infrastructure. The county is home to regionally and nationally recognized trail systems, which
include the Raccoon River Valley Trail (RRVT) and High Trestle Trail (HTT), as well as a
growing network of local and regional trail connections. Portions of these trail systems are also
part of nationally significant routes, including the Great American Rail-Trail and American
Discovery Trail, further emphasizing the importance of long-term connectivity, tourism, and trail
planning efforts within Dallas County.
The Dallas County Conservation Board manages and supports a variety of recreational assets,
conservation areas, trail corridors, and public access opportunities throughout the county. As
communities continue to grow and recreation trends evolve, DCCB recognizes the need for a
coordinated and implementation-oriented planning document to help guide future trail
investments, partnerships, and funding opportunities.
Project Overview
The purpose of the Dallas County Trails Master Plan is to provide a practical, long-term planning
framework for future trail development, connectivity, maintenance considerations, and
implementation priorities throughout Dallas County. This effort represents the development of
Dallas County's first countywide Trails Master Plan and is not intended as an update to a
previously adopted countywide trails plan.
The plan is intended to serve as a practical implementation and funding tool that guides future
trail investments and coordination efforts throughout Dallas County. While the plan will evaluate
countywide connectivity opportunities, primary emphasis will be placed on the RRVT, HTT, and
connections to DCCB-managed properties and regional destinations.
Recommendations should be practical, phased, and implementation-oriented, while considering
long-term operations, maintenance, and overall project feasibility.
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Request for Proposals Trails Master Plan
Dallas County Conservation Board
Scope of Services
The consultant's proposal should include, at a minimum, the following components:
Phase 1 - Existing Conditions and System Review
1. Review existing trail facilities and supporting amenities throughout Dallas County.
2. Evaluate existing trail connections, gaps, barriers, and regional connectivity
opportunities.
3. Review applicable planning documents, including but not limited to the Dallas County
Conservation Board Strategic Plan, Dallas County Conservation Board Facility-Wide
Master Plan, Dallas County Conservation Board Trail Intersection Safety Study, local
comprehensive plans, transportation plans, MPO plans, existing trail plans, applicable
state planning documents, and other relevant regional planning documents.
4. Coordinate with communities and partner agencies regarding planned future trail projects
and development areas.
5. Identify major infrastructure, operational, and maintenance considerations that may
influence future trail planning and implementation.
Phase 2 - Public and Stakeholder Engagement
1. Coordinate with DCCB staff and steering committee throughout the planning process.
2. Conduct stakeholder outreach and engagement opportunities.
3. Develop online engagement and/or public survey tools.
4. Provide public engagement opportunities appropriate for the scope and scale of the
project.
5. Compile and summarize public and stakeholder feedback.
Phase 3 - Future Trail Network Planning
1. Identify and evaluate future trail connection opportunities throughout Dallas County.
2. Evaluate connections to communities, schools, parks, destinations, DCCB properties, and
regional trail systems.
3. Identify opportunities and constraints associated with future trail development.
Continued on next page.
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Request for Proposals Trails Master Plan
Dallas County Conservation Board
Phase 4 - Prioritization and Implementation
1. Develop prioritized project recommendations.
2. Develop phasing and implementation strategies.
3. Prepare order-of-magnitude cost opinions by segment and/or improvement type.
4. Identify funding opportunities and implementation considerations.
5. Develop an implementation matrix identifying project priorities, approximate costs, and
potential timelines.
Phase 5 - Draft Plan, Review, and Adoption
1. Prepare draft Trails Master Plan for review by DCCB staff and project steering
committee.
2. Present draft recommendations and gather feedback.
3. Present draft Trails Master Plan to the Dallas County Conservation Board.
4. Incorporate revisions and prepare final plan documents.
5. Provide final presentation materials and adoption-ready plan.
Deliverables
Deliverables should include:
* Draft and Final Trails Master Plan (PDF format)
* Ten (10) bound printed copies of the Final Trails Master Plan
* Editable digital files compatible with commonly available Microsoft Office software
* GIS-compatible mapping/data
* Maps and graphics suitable for presentations and future funding applications
* Executive summary and presentation materials for DCCB
All final work products, mapping, GIS data, and supporting materials developed as part of
this project shall become the property of DCCB upon completion and delivery. DCCB
reserves the right to copy, distribute, publish, post electronically, and otherwise use or share
the final plan and associated materials for planning, funding, public information, and other
governmental purposes.
All work products shall be provided in formats compatible with Microsoft Office and Adobe
PDF software. GIS data, mapping layers, exhibits, and supporting spatial datasets shall be
delivered in industry-standard, fully editable formats compatible with DCCB's ESRI
environment.
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Request for Proposals Trails Master Plan
Dallas County Conservation Board
Proposal Requirements
Proposals should indicate, at a minimum:
* Firm name, address, and primary contact information.
* Identification of the primary project manager and project team expected to remain
assigned throughout the duration of the project.
* Project understanding and proposed planning approach.
* Proposed public engagement and stakeholder coordination strategy.
* Proposed project schedule and timeline.
* Fee proposal, including identification of any optional services or phased approaches.
* Examples of similar trail, recreation, active transportation, or countywide planning
projects completed by the consultant.
* References from similar projects.
The scope items identified within this RFP are intended to provide general guidance and are not
intended to limit innovative or value-added approaches proposed by consultants.
Submittal Process and Details
Sealed proposals shall include six (6) hard copies and one (1) digital PDF copy and shall be
delivered to:
Curt Cable, Director
Dallas County Conservation Board
14581 K Avenue
Perry, Iowa 50220
Questions regarding this RFP shall be submitted via email to Curt Cable at
curt.cable@dallascountyiowa.gov no later than 4:00 P.M. on August 7, 2026. Responses to
submitted questions will be provided on or before August 14, 2026.
The envelope shall be clearly marked "SEALED RFP - Dallas County Trails Master Plan."
Proposal Deadline: Friday, August 28, 2026 - 4:00 P.M.
Proposals received after the proposal deadline will not be accepted.
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Request for Proposals Trails Master Plan
Dallas County Conservation Board
Estimated Timeline
* DCCB Approval to Release RFP - July 14, 2026
* RFP Released - July 15, 2026
* Questions Due - August 7, 2026
* Responses to Questions Posted - August 14, 2026
* Proposals Due - August 28, 2026
* Proposal Review - September 2026
* Interviews (if necessary) - September 2026
* DCCB Consultant Selection - October 13, 2026
* Anticipated Project Start / Kickoff - November 2026
DCCB anticipates completing the planning process within approximately nine (9) months from
project kickoff.
Evaluation Criteria
Proposals may be evaluated based on the following:
* Relevant experience and qualifications of the project team.
* Understanding of the project goals and proposed planning approach.
* Quality of proposed public engagement and stakeholder coordination strategy.
* Familiarity with regional trail planning, implementation, and funding opportunities.
* Technical capabilities, including GIS and mapping proficiency.
* Ability to complete the project within the proposed schedule.
* References and past performance on similar projects.
* Cost and overall value of services provided.
Insurance
Vendor shall take out and maintain during service to the County under a contract such public
liability and property damage insurance as shall protect Vendor, its subcontractors, and the
County from claims for damages for personal injury, including accidental death, as well as for
claims for property damage, which might arise from operations under its contract with the
County, whether such operations be by Vendor or its subcontractor, or by anyone directly or
indirectly employed by either of them. All insurance policies shall be issued by responsible
companies who are acceptable to the County. The Vendor shall not cause any insurance to be
canceled nor permit any insurance to lapse during the life of the contract with the County.
Vendor shall indemnify and hold County harmless from any damages, cost, claims or expenses
which may arise as a result of any failure on the part of the Vendor to provide accurate and/or
complete data and information to the County as outlined and required by the terms and
conditions of its contract with the County.
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Request for Proposals Trails Master Plan
Dallas County Conservation Board
Additional Information
DCCB encourages proposals that provide a practical, efficient approach to achieving the project
goals and delivering long-term implementation value.
DCCB reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, waive informalities, negotiate with
selected consultants, conduct interviews, and request additional information as determined to be
in the best interest of Dallas County.
All costs associated with the preparation and submission of proposals, including interviews and
related expenses, shall be the responsibility of the consultant and shall not be reimbursed by the
Dallas County Conservation Board.
Consultants may propose optional tasks or phased approaches that allow the project scope to be
adjusted based on priorities and available funding.
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