Brownfields Assessment Grant Writing and Grant Implementation Services

Location:	Iowa
Posted:	Jun 18, 2026
Due:	Jul 13, 2026
Agency:	City of Ottumwa
Type of Government:	State & Local
Category:	R - Professional, Administrative and Management Support Services
Publication URL:	To access bid details, please log in.

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REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)

Issue Date: June 22, 2026

Proposal Due Date: July 13, 2026

Contact:

City of Ottumwa

Community Development Department

105 E. Third Street, Ottumwa, IA 52501

Attn: Community Development Director

Email: eltahira@ottumwa.us

Phone: 641-680-7706

1. INTRODUCTION

The City of Ottumwa, Iowa (“City”), is seeking proposals from qualified consulting firms

with demonstrated experience in the preparation, submission, administration, and

implementation of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Brownfields Grants. The

City intends to pursue funding opportunities under the EPA Brownfields Program, including

but not limited to Assessment, Cleanup, Multipurpose, and Revolving Loan Fund (RLF)

Grants.

The selected consultant shall assist the City with the preparation and submission of one or

more EPA Brownfields grant applications and, if awarded, provide grant administration and

implementation services to ensure compliance with all federal requirements and

successful project delivery.

The City reserves the right to award a contract for the entire scope of work or to negotiate

separate contracts for grant writing and grant implementation services.

2. PROJECT BACKGROUND

The City of Ottumwa has identified several redevelopment opportunities involving

potentially contaminated or underutilized properties. Brownfield redevelopment is a key

component of the City’s economic development and neighborhood revitalization strategy.

The City seeks to leverage federal funding to inventory, assess, and facilitate the

redevelopment of brownfield properties while protecting public health and the

environment.

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The consultant will work collaboratively with City staff, local stakeholders, regional

organizations, and state and federal agencies to maximize the competitiveness of the

City’s application and ensure effective grant implementation.

3. SCOPE OF SERVICES

Task 1 – Grant Strategy and Project Development

The consultant shall:

• Review and evaluate potential brownfield sites and redevelopment opportunities.

• Assist in identifying the most appropriate EPA Brownfields grant category or

combination of categories.

• Develop a grant strategy, including target areas, project objectives, and anticipated

outcomes.

• Facilitate meetings with City staff and stakeholders to refine project priorities.

Task 2 – EPA Brownfields Grant Application Preparation

The consultant shall:

• Prepare and draft all narrative sections of the EPA Brownfields grant application.

• Develop work plans, budgets, schedules, and ranking criterion responses.

• Coordinate collection of supporting documentation and letters of support.

• Assist the City in obtaining required registrations and certifications, including

SAM.gov and Grants.gov, as needed.

• Prepare final application packages for submission.

• Provide revisions and technical support through the EPA review process.

Task 3 – Grant Administration and Implementation (Post-Award)

If the grant is awarded, the consultant may be retained to:

• Assist in grant agreement negotiation and work plan development.

• Establish grant management and reporting systems.

• Manage project schedules and ensure compliance with EPA grant conditions.

• Prepare and submit quarterly and annual reports.

• Assist with procurement of environmental consultants and contractors.

• Coordinate environmental site assessments, cleanup planning, and related

technical activities.

• Maintain financial and programmatic records required by EPA.

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• Monitor project expenditures and budget compliance.

• Coordinate with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, EPA Region 7, and

other regulatory agencies.

• Assist with public outreach and stakeholder engagement activities.

• Prepare documentation necessary for grant amendments, closeout, and audit

compliance.

Task 4 – Technical Assistance and Advisory Services

The consultant may provide:

• Brownfields inventory and prioritization assistance.

• Redevelopment planning support.

• Assistance with identifying additional federal, state, and private funding

opportunities.

• Technical guidance on environmental due diligence and redevelopment strategies.

4. DELIVERABLES

At a minimum, the selected consultant shall provide: 1. Brownfields grant strategy

memorandum. 2. Draft and final EPA Brownfields grant application(s). 3. Project budget

and implementation schedule. 4. Letters of support coordination package. 5. Grant

administration manual and reporting templates (if awarded). 6. Quarterly progress reports.

7. EPA-required reports and documentation. 8. Grant closeout package.

5. CONSULTANT QUALIFICATIONS

The City seeks firms with the following qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience preparing successful EPA Brownfields Grant

applications.

• Experience administering EPA Brownfields grants and ensuring federal compliance.

• Familiarity with EPA Region 7 requirements and federal grant regulations.

• Experience coordinating environmental assessments and redevelopment projects.

• Strong understanding of 2 CFR Part 200 (Uniform Administrative Requirements).

• Proven record of collaboration with municipalities and economic development

organizations.

• Experience working with communities of similar size and complexity is preferred.

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6. PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS

Proposals shall include the following:

A. Cover Letter

A letter signed by an authorized representative of the firm.

B. Firm Profile

• Firm history and background.

• Office location(s).

• Primary contact person.

• Organizational structure.

C. Project Team

• Identification of key personnel and their qualifications.

• Resumes of principal staff assigned to the project.

• Description of subcontractors, if any.

D. Relevant Experience

Provide descriptions of three (3) comparable projects completed within the last five years,

including:

• Client name.

• Project description.

• Grant type and amount awarded.

• Scope of services provided.

• Contact information for references.

E. Project Approach

Describe the firm’s approach to:

• Grant strategy development.

• Application preparation.

• Stakeholder engagement.

• Post-award administration and compliance.

• Project management and communication.

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F. Proposed Schedule

Provide an estimated timeline for grant preparation and post-award implementation

activities.

G. Fee Proposal

Provide a detailed fee schedule including:

• Grant application preparation (lump sum).

• Hourly rates for key personnel.

• Post-award grant administration services.

• Reimbursable expenses.

• Any contingency or optional services.

The City prefers a contingency-free compensation structure for grant writing but welcomes

alternative pricing models for consideration.

H. References

Provide at least three (3) municipal client references for similar projects.

7. EVALUATION CRITERIA

Proposals will be evaluated using the following criteria:

Evaluation Factor

Experience with EPA Brownfields Grants

Qualifications of Project Team

Technical Approach and Understanding

Fee Proposal and Overall Value

Total

Points

100

The City may conduct interviews with one or more firms prior to selection.

8. SELECTION PROCESS

The anticipated schedule is as follows:

Milestone

RFP Issued

Date

June 22-2026

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This is the opportunity summary page. It provides an overview of this opportunity and a preview of the attached documentation.