RFP for Design of Clifton Hills Connector Southside Community Park to Clifton Hills Elementary

Project Description: Through this Request for Proposals, The Trust for Public Land (“TPL”) is seeking a qualified multidisciplinary design and engineering services consultant team (“Contractor”) to provide a concept design, construction drawings and specifications, and construction oversight for a 1.82-mile greenway referred to as the Clifton Hills Connector (“Project”). The final design will reimagine an underutilized Chattanoogan asset as a vibrant public space by incorporating community values, history, creativity, and innovation.
This Project is a joint effort of the Trust for Public Land, City of Chattanooga, and community stakeholders. The Project has been funded in large part by a Community Change Grant award made by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under assistance agreement #5F-03D25324 to The Trust for Public Land. The contents of this document do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Environmental Protection Agency, nor does the EPA endorse trade names or recommend the use of commercial products mentioned in this document.
This solicitation will result in the award of a single contract for the Scope of Work (Exhibit A) outlined herein. The Contractor must demonstrate the ability to provide services across all specialty areas and meet the requirements specified in the project Scope of Work, which includes detailed tasks and expected levels of effort and is attached as Exhibit A. Proposals should clearly detail the firm’s qualifications, relevant experience, approach to landscape architecture design, and include specifications along with cost estimates. A proven ability to engage with diverse communities is a critical requirement. A map of the project area is provided in Exhibit B, with photos of current site conditions in Exhibit C.
The ideal Contractor will have substantial experience in planning and designing urban, multi-use trails, with a strong understanding of the recreational, non-motorized transportation, environmental, and urban design opportunities offered by the greenway, as well as the Project’s budget constraints. Experience with developing brownfield sites for reuse is also preferred. The Trust for Public Land is looking for sustainable, innovative, cost-effective solutions while ensuring high-quality materials and craftsmanship. Proposals must include a detailed budget breakdown by task.
TPL will review all eligible proposals and select the most qualified firm based on proposal merit, responsiveness, and cost. Proposals from minority- and women-owned businesses are strongly encouraged.
This is a Request for Proposals (“RFP”) and should not be seen as a solicitation for services or a contract for services. Proposals should be thorough, concise, and directly aligned with the objectives and format outlined in this RFP.
In addition, the Contractor will deliver all necessary requirements to comply with conditions and criteria set by agencies where they have specific authority, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, City of Chattanooga Parks and Outdoor Department, and others, to ensure compliance and permitting at key milestones.
The selected Contractor will work closely with TPL to understand and build on design, programming, and engagement work completed to date, advancing the Project through complete design, procurement , and construction implementation oversight. There is a mandatory pre-proposal meeting scheduled for March 18, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. EST at TPL’s office at 1810 E. Main Street, Suite #200.
Proposals responses are due on April 4, 2025 by 3:00 p.m. via the PennBid Procurement Portal at https://pennbid.bonfirehub.com/ (see Section 5.1 for more information regarding submission). The contract awarded under this solicitation will be administered by The Trust for Public Land. The Project shall be completed (through the construction phase/final completion) and all payments must be made by December 31, 2027. See an outline milestone schedule in Section 3, below. The construction budget for this Project shall not exceed $8,342,867. TPL will evaluate proposals based on the Contractor's qualifications, understanding of the project needs, approach, personnel, and availability of resources and proposed fee.
NOTE: THIS IS A FEDERALLY FUNDED PROJECT. There is a possibility that the EPA Community Change grant award to TPL may be decreased, rescinded, or otherwise not obligated by the federal government. In such an instance, this RFP will be cancelled. If the grant award to TPL is rescinded or not obligated by the federal government after a Contractor has been selected, the contract will terminate immediately and effective on the date of the notice from the federal government. If the EPA Community Change grant award to TPL is decreased, the Project and Scope of Work shall be revised and the fee adjusted after negotiations between the Contractor and TPL.
TPL reserves the right to cancel or modify this RFP at any time.