2027 Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update

TOWN OF WARREN, RHODE ISLAND
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY
REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ)
2027 LOCAL HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN UPDATE & Flood Management Plan
RFQ Issue Date: September 21, 2026
Proposal Due Date: Thursday, October 8, 2026, at 11:00 AM
I. INTRODUCTION
The Town of Warren, Rhode Island, is requesting qualifications from experienced planning and
environmental consulting firms or qualified individuals to prepare the Town's 2027 Local
Hazard Mitigation Plan Update.
The selected consultant shall possess demonstrated experience in preparing FEMA-approved
Hazard Mitigation Plans within FEMA Region I, with experience working in Rhode Island
communities.
The Town of Warren is a coastal community of approximately 11,000 residents encompassing
nearly 8.6 square miles and approximately 14 miles of tidal shoreline along the Warren, and
Kickemuit Rivers.
The Town's current FEMA-approved 2022 Local Hazard Mitigation Plan - A Multi-Hazard
Mitigation Strategy expires on September 14, 2027. The updated plan shall comply with
current Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Rhode Island Emergency
Management Agency (RIEMA) requirements and maintain the Town's eligibility for federal
mitigation funding programs.
The project is funded through a Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency Hazard
Mitigation Planning Grant.
Project Budget
* RIEMA Grant Funding: $22,499.90
* Town Match: $7,500.10
* Total Project Budget: $30,000.00

II. PROJECT SCOPE OF SERVICES
The following scope is intended as a general outline of required services. Respondents are
encouraged to recommend additional tasks or refinements based upon their professional
expertise, provided all FEMA and RIEMA planning requirements are satisfied.
The selected consultant shall provide, at a minimum, the following services:
* Review the Town's current FEMA-approved Local Hazard Mitigation Plan.
* Review and evaluate the existing Local Mitigation Plan Review Tool.
* Convene and facilitate meetings of the Local Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee,
consisting of:
o Town Manager or designee
o Planning Director
o Emergency Management Director or designee
o Representatives from Public Safety
o Other Town departments as appropriate
* Review changes in FEMA planning guidance since the adoption of the 2022 Plan.
* Coordinate with the Planning Department to identify updated demographic, geographic,
environmental, infrastructure, and land use information.
* Develop a project work plan, schedule, and timeline for completion.
* Integrate hazard mitigation planning with other municipal planning efforts, including the
Town's recently adopted Comprehensive Plan.
* Coordinate and document required public participation activities.
* Review existing hazard profiles and evaluate emerging hazards.
* Update mitigation goals, objectives, actions, and implementation priorities.
* Ensure the updated plan supports continued participation in FEMA's Community Rating
System (CRS).
* Prepare and submit a Draft Hazard Mitigation Plan for Town review.
* Revise the draft based upon Town comments.
* Submit the revised plan to RIEMA and FEMA for review.
* Address all RIEMA and FEMA review comments.
* Prepare and submit the Final FEMA-approvable Hazard Mitigation Plan.
The consultant shall manage the project through FEMA approval and Town adoption.
III. PROJECT SCHEDULE
The consultant shall submit a detailed project schedule identifying all milestones necessary to
complete the project.
The project must be fully completed no later than September 14th 2027, in accordance with
FEMA grant requirements.

IV. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Each proposal shall include, at a minimum:
A. Project Approach
A detailed description of the consultant's understanding of the project, proposed methodology,
technical approach, and work plan.
B. Project Schedule
A detailed timeline identifying all tasks, meetings, deliverables, milestones, and anticipated
completion dates.
C. Project Team
Provide:
* Project Manager qualifications
* Key personnel qualifications
* Organizational chart (if applicable)
* Individual responsibilities
* Estimated hours assigned to each team member
D. Firm Qualifications
Include:
* Company history
* Relevant experience
* Experience with FEMA Hazard Mitigation Planning
* Experience in Rhode Island and FEMA Region I
E. References
Provide a minimum of three (3) references from projects of similar scope and complexity,
including:
* Client name
* Organization
* Project description
* Contact person
* Telephone number
* Email address

V. PROPOSAL SUBMISSION
Proposals shall consist of:
* One (1) original
* Two (2) printed copies
* One (1) electronic copy on USB flash drive
Proposals shall be submitted in a sealed envelope clearly marked:
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
and delivered no later than:
Thursday, October 8, 2026
10:59 AM
to:
Town Clerk's Office
Town of Warren Town Hall
514 Main Street
Warren, RI 02885
Proposals received after 10:59 AM will not be accepted.
Public opening of submissions will occur immediately following the deadline in Conference
Room A at Warren Town Hall.
VI. EVALUATION CRITERIA
The Town will evaluate proposals based upon the following criteria:
A. Company Qualifications and Experience
Evaluation will include:
* FEMA Hazard Mitigation Planning experience
* Rhode Island and FEMA Region I experience
* Technical capabilities
* Similar municipal planning projects

B. Personnel Qualifications
Evaluation will include:
* Education
* Professional certifications
* Relevant project experience
* Availability
* Demonstrated expertise
C. Performance Record
Evaluation will include:
* Quality of previous work
* Client references
* Timely project completion
* Overall performance
D. Project Understanding and Technical Approach
Consultants should demonstrate:
* Understanding of municipal hazard mitigation planning
* Knowledge of current FEMA guidance
* Experience with similar projects
* Familiarity with the geographic region
* Ability to complete projects on schedule
* Effective project management procedures
* Quality assurance methods
* Cost control practices
* Public outreach and stakeholder engagement experience
* Ability to communicate technical information to municipal officials and the public
The Town reserves the right to conduct interviews with selected firms before making a final
selection.

VII. GENERAL CONDITIONS
The Town reserves the right to:
* Reject any or all proposals.
* Waive informalities or minor irregularities.
* Request clarification or additional information.
* Conduct interviews with responding firms.
* Negotiate scope and fees with the selected consultant.
* Award all or part of the project.
* Cancel this solicitation if determined to be in the Town's best interest.
The selected consultant shall:
* Comply with all applicable Federal, State, and local laws and regulations.
* Provide all personnel, equipment, materials, and subcontractors necessary to complete the
project.
* Coordinate all work with the Town and RIEMA.
* Deliver all work products in electronic and hard-copy formats as required.
All reports, GIS data, maps, plans, drawings, and supporting documents produced under this
contract shall become the property of the Town of Warren.
VIII. QUESTIONS
Questions regarding this Request for Qualifications shall be directed to:
Chief James Sousa
Emergency Management Director
Town of Warren
514 Main Street
Warren, RI 02885
Phone: 401-601-5406
Email: jsousa@townofwarren-ri.gov
Questions must be submitted in writing by the date specified by the Town.