The City of Martinsville, Indiana, is requesting Statements of Qualifications (SOQ) from qualified consulting firms to develop a comprehensive Parks Master Plan. This document will provide a strategic framework to guide the growth, development, operations, and sustainability of Martinsville's parks and recreation system over the next five years. The selected firm will work closely with city staff, elected officials, stakeholders, and the public to craft a vision that builds upon the City's rich history, natural assets, and emerging opportunities.
Martinsville, located centrally between Indianapolis and Bloomington, is known for its rural charm and community values rooted in faith, family, and education. The city of 11,858 residents (2022 estimate) serves as the county seat of Morgan County and is undergoing significant revitalization efforts, including the expansion of Interstate 69 and downtown redevelopment. The community features five developed parks and two undeveloped properties, and prioritizes outdoor recreation, environmental stewardship, and inclusive access.
In order to assure compliance with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and related requirements regarding competitive negotiation of professional services, the City of Martinsville is seeking Requests for Statements of Qualifications for the provision of engineering services relating to a Five Year Park Master Plan. This plan will allow the city to request potential funding for future projects.
The City of Martinsville will execute a firm, fixed-price contract for these services.
Scope of Work and Deliverables
The master plan activities must include the below elements, with additional items beyond this appreciated but not required:
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???Inventory and Analysis of existing parks, facilities, and recreational assets.
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???Community Engagement through surveys, public meetings, stakeholder interviews, and digital tools.
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???Needs Assessment identifying gaps and opportunities.
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???Strategic Recommendations for land acquisition, capital improvements, partnerships, and operations.
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???Implementation Plan with prioritized action steps, timelines, and funding strategy options.
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???Compliance with Indiana DNR 5-Year Master Plan Guidelines.
Deliverables include:
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???Comprehensive written Master Plan document
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???Executive Summary suitable for broad audiences
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???Stakeholder meeting summaries and community input documentation
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???Final presentation to city leadership and public
RFQ Timeline
The timeline for the Request for Qualifications process is detailed below. Firms who are finalists should plan to be in person in Martinsville, Indiana on October 7, 2025 for an interview.
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??RFQ Release Date: August 1, 2025
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??Final Questions due: August 19, 2025 by 5pm EST
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??Responses to all questions received will be posted publicly on the bid section of the City of Martinsville Website: August 22, 2025
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??Statements of Qualifications submissions due: September 5, 2025 by 5 pm EST
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??RFQ review and finalists selected: by September 19, 2025
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??In Person Interviews with shortlisted firms: on October 7, 2025 in Martensville,
Indiana
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??Firm selection: by October 17, 2025
Submission Requirements
Firms responding to this RFQ should provide the following documents with clearly labeled sections:
A. Cover Letter (maximum 1 page)
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??Summarize the firm's interest in the project.
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??Share why your firm is the best choice.
B. Firm Overview (maximum 2 pages)
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??Firm name and business address, including telephone number, and website.
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??Firm history such as number of years in business and important milestones or accomplishments.
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??Type of firm ownership structure and name and location of parent company and subsidiaries, if any.
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??Number of full-time employees. Part-time employees or consultants routinely engaged by the Respondent may be included if identified as such.
C. Firm Qualifications (maximum 5 pages)
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??Description of similar projects with client references
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??Experience with community engagement and parks planning
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??Summary bios of key personnel who would be working on the project
D. Project Approach (up to 4 pages)
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??Proposed methodology
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??Community engagement strategy
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??Include a timeline for deliverables.
E. References (maxumum 1 page)
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Three references from past projects with a similar scope or deliverables.
RFQ submissions will be evaluated by a team and based on the below criteria. The team will identify a small number of finalists to interview in person.
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??Demonstrated understanding of project goals (30 points)
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??Experience with similar parks planning efforts (25 points)
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??Qualifications of proposed team (20 points)
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??Proposed approach and innovation (15 points)
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??Quality and clarity of submission (10 points)
Relevant References:
City of Martinsville Comprehensive Plan
Parks 5 Year Master Plan
Martinsville Downtown Action Plan
Indiana DNR Planning Guidelines for Five Year Parks and Recreation Master Plans
Indiana DNR Land and Water Conservation Grant Minimum Submission Guidelines for First Draft
Submission Instructions
This RFQ and the masterplan process represent an important step in shaping the future of Martinsville Parks, and we look forward to receiving your qualifications and approach for consideration. All responses are due prior to the published response due date and time.
Submittals must include all required attachments to be considered for selection.
All responses must be sent by one of these methods: mailed, emailed (no larger than 25 MB files), or hand delivered.
No late responses will be accepted.
Do not send additional forms, resumes, brochures, or other material unless otherwise noted in the item description.
Please mail or hand deliver RFQ submissions to :
City of Martinsville
C/O Parks Department - Masterplan RFQ
59 S. Jefferson St
Martinsville, IN 46151
Please email RFQ submission to:
Mack Porter
, Executive Assistant to the Mayor City of Martinsville, Indiana at
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