Request for Proposals for Professional Services - Lions Park River Access Feasibility Study

Location:	Utah
Posted:	Apr 20, 2026
Due:	May 12, 2026
Agency:	City of Moab
Type of Government:	State & Local
Category:	B - Special Studies and Analyses - Not R&D
Solicitation No:	26-05
Publication URL:	To access bid details, please log in.

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Request for Proposals for Professional Services

Lions Park River Access Feasibility Study

for the City of Moab

RFP # 26-05

The City of Moab seeks proposals from qualified consultants to conduct a feasibility study for

improved and sustainable Colorado River access from the south bank at Lions Park. This study will

inform future design and implementation phases aimed at enhancing recreational opportunities

while preserving the ecological integrity of the Colorado River and surrounding natural resources.

RFP ISSUE DATE

April 20, 2026

DEADLINE FOR

QUESTIONS

April 27, 2026 is the deadline for questions. Questions and/or inquiries

must be submitted in writing through Bonfire.

QUESTION RESPONSES April 29, 2026

POSTED

RFP WEBSITE

https://utah.bonfirehub.com/portal/?tab=openOpportunities

PROPOSAL

SUBMISSION

PLANNED DECISION

RFP OFFICIAL

CONTACT

May 12, 2026, 2:00 PM MDT is the submission deadline for proposals.

Proposals will be accepted via Bonfire (https://utah.bonfirehub.com).

Submissions that fail to address the requirements of the RFP will be

considered unresponsive.

June 9, 2026 is the tentative planned date for consideration of the

recommendation provided by the selection committee.

Alex "Val" Veilleux, Sustainability and Grant Coordinator

aveilleux@moabcity.gov, (435) 260-2086

Note: This is the City’s current schedule. The City reserves the right to modify the schedule. Notice to

proceed will be issued shortly after the contract has been awarded.

Moab City reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, to accept or reject the whole or any part of

the proposal; or to waive any informality or technicality in the interest of the City of Moab. For

further information, please contact the Moab City Recorder’s office at: (435) 259-5121.

LATE SUBMISSIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED

Project Background

The City of Moab is a community of just over 5,000 residents in the City limits but serves a regional

area of approximately 10,000. City of Moab and Grand County, Utah are home to Arches and

Canyonlands National Parks, Utahraptor State Park, Dead Horse Point State Park, Colorado River,

La Sal mountains, and other wild lands with renowned recreation around every red rock cliff,

attracting over 3 million visits each year.

The entry to Moab from the north is at the Colorado River and the intersection of US-191 and SR-128

where Lions Park is a gateway to Moab's natural wonders. Lions Park is a heavily utilized recreation

hub situated a few short miles from Arches National Park, serving residents and visitors alike. Park

amenities include a pedestrian bridge, pavilion, water, bathrooms, bouldering area, and connections to

a regional trail system and potential future access to the Colorado River. Utah Department of

Transportation owns the majority of the northern Lions park property, which is maintained and

operated by the City of Moab. Grand County owns a portion near the pedestrian bridge.

To explore this potential, the City of Moab was awarded a State of Utah, Division of Outdoor

Recreation, Utah Outdoor Recreation Initiative (ORI) grant to complete the Lions Park River Access

Feasibility Study. Excerpts from the proposal are in Appendix A. ORI aims to be a leading national

model for effective, collaborative, and sustainable management of outdoor recreation infrastructure.

By leveraging municipal, state, federal, and private resources, ORI seeks to create a lasting legacy of

well-preserved public recreation opportunities that provide a variety of recreational experiences that

strengthen local communities and foster a deep connection between people and the great outdoors.

This feasibility study aims to explore viable options for improving and sustaining river access,

considering existing infrastructure (covered picnic pavilion, trails, etc.) and the area's importance as

a recreational and transportation hub. Additionally, it will include the design for nonmotorized boat

ramps, washing stations for watercraft and people, removing invasive plants, landscaping, and

installing ADA-accessible pathways with pedestrian amenities such as lighting, benches, and

wayfinding. Due to the future impact of construction on the river and wildlife, an extensive NEPA

process is expected and is included in this study.

Objectives

1. Assess feasibility of river access improvements at Lions Park for multiple uses, including

swimming and nonmotorized watercraft.

2. Complete regulatory analyses, including NEPA, to guide future implementation and

minimize impacts to the river and wildlife.

3. Evaluate vegetation and habitat modifications necessary, including invasive plant removal

and native vegetation restoration.

4. Create a concept design for safe and ADA-accessible river access that connects with existing

park and trail infrastructure.

5. Identify costs, phasing, and next steps for implementation.

Schedule

Grant funding for this project has a deadline of April 30, 2027. Extensions to this timeline will

require an application to the funding source with justification.

Scope of Work

The City has grant funding for up to $200,000 for the Lions Park River Access Feasibility Study and

implementation aspects outlined in this scope. The Consultant has the opportunity to suggest

alternate methods of approach that meet the project goals.

The consultant in their proposal can identify which meetings they intend to be in person, virtual, or have

City staff lead. This can be refined after the project award. At least one in-person visit should be included.

The consultant should include the cost of all proposed in-person meetings clearly in the budget.

1. Project Management

Coordinate and manage all project activities necessary to complete the scope of services.

a. Schedule the project

i. The consultant shall prepare and update a project work plan with a schedule of tasks

and milestones for deliverables.

b. Coordinate meetings

i. Coordinate regularly with the City of Moab project manager and relevant staff.

ii. Establish regular project meetings with City staff to review progress and coordinate

work.

iii. Prepare meeting agendas and summaries documenting decisions and next steps.

iv. Present concepts to the Planning Commission and City Council.

c. Administration

i. Submit invoices on a schedule arranged with the City.

ii. Maintain documentation of project progress and deliverables.

2. Existing Conditions and Site Analysis

Evaluate the existing conditions at Lion’s Park and surrounding areas to identify opportunities and

constraints related to river access improvements. The analysis should include:

a. Site assessment

i. Existing access points to the Colorado River

ii. Riverbank conditions and shoreline stability

iii. Vegetation and invasive plant presence

iv. Floodplain conditions and hydrologic considerations

v. Pedestrian circulation and connections to the shared-use path

b. Environmental and physical constraints

i. River dynamics and erosion potential

ii. Wildlife habitat considerations

iii. Cultural or historic resource considerations

iv. Existing utilities and infrastructure

c. Mapping and documentation

i. Develop base maps and site documentation.

ii. Provide GIS-compatible files for all new spatial data generated during the project

3. Environmental Review and Permitting Considerations

Identify environmental review requirements and permitting pathways for potential river access

improvements. The analysis should include:

a. Develop a preliminary roadmap for environmental review and permitting needed for project

implementation, including but not limited to requirements for:

i. Federal environmental review requirements (including NEPA)

ii. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

iii. U.S. Coast Guard

iv. Utah Division of Forestry, Fire, and State Lands

v. State Historic Preservation Office consultation

vi. Utah Department of Transportation

vii. Grand County, Utah

b. Complete NEPA process

4. Stakeholder and Community Engagement

Facilitate engagement with City staff, stakeholders, and community members to evaluate needs and

inform the project concepts.

a. Stakeholder coordination

i. Conduct interviews or meetings with relevant agencies and stakeholders.

ii. Coordinate with local recreation groups and river users.

b. Public engagement

i. Implementing a public data gathering tool, such as a survey

ii. Facilitate at least one community engagement opportunity (public meeting,

workshop, or similar format).

c. Documentation

i. Document community input and incorporate feedback into project concepts.

ii. Provide written summaries of stakeholder and community engagement activities.

5. Concept Development and Feasibility Analysis

Develop and evaluate conceptual design alternatives for improving river access at Lion’s Park.

Concept alternatives should consider:

a. River access improvements

i. Non-motorized boat launch areas or small craft ramps.

ii. Beach access areas or shoreline improvements.

b. ADA accessibility improvements

i. ADA-accessible pathways or boardwalk access to the river.

ii. Accessible viewing areas or gathering spaces.

c. Site improvements and amenities

i. Wayfinding and educational signage.

ii. Pedestrian amenities such as benches and lighting.

iii. Watercraft or swimmer washing stations.

d. Vegetation management and restoration

i. Removal of invasive plant species such as tamarisk.

ii. Restoration with native vegetation.

e. Concept feasibility

i. Evaluate alternatives on feasibility, environmental impact, cost, and recreation benefits.

ii. Identify a preferred concept.

6. Preliminary Cost Estimates and Implementation Strategy

Develop planning-level cost estimates and an implementation roadmap.

a. Prepare conceptual-level cost estimates for recommended improvements.

b. Identify potential phases for project implementation.

c. Identify potential funding sources for future design and construction.

Deliverables

Prepare a final feasibility and scoping report summarizing the results of the study that includes:

a. Existing conditions and site analysis

b. Environmental considerations and permitting requirements

c. Stakeholder and public engagement results

d. Concept alternatives and preferred concept

e. Planning-level cost estimates

f. Implementation strategy and next steps

The consultant shall provide:

1. Draft feasibility report for City review.

2. Final feasibility report incorporating City comments.

3. Presentation materials summarizing project findings.

Request for Clarification

All requests for clarification regarding this RFP must be submitted in writing, according to the dates

and person identified on the cover page. Any questions or comments directed by a

respondent to persons outside of the individual listed above are inappropriate and

such activity may result in that proposal being deemed non-responsive.

Method of Evaluation (100 Total Points)

Proposals may be up to 20 pages total. A cover and cover letter may be included outside the page

count. The selection committee will review the submitted proposals based on these criteria:

Company Overview, Statement of Qualifications, Team Description

Points: 10

Provide names, educational background, and experience of each team member, including sub

consultants, if applicable. The information should describe the nature of the work and the role of

these individuals and/or companies as they relate to this project. Include names and qualifications of

outside consultants and associates that may be employed to assist on this project.

Project Relevant Experience

Points: 20

Describe and provide links to or documentation for a minimum of three (3) current projects or

projects completed within the last five years. Include links to the plans or client contact information.

Preference will be given to respondents who have developed related plans for the Moab area or

similar municipalities.

References

Pass/Fail

Provide a minimum of three (3) business references, including names, addresses, phone numbers,

and a description of the work you performed, with a preference for similar projects. If these

references are included in project experience, additional ones are allowed but not required.

Project Approach

Points: 50

Describe your understanding of the project and an approach for completing the project. Provide task

details. The proposal should demonstrate a clear understanding of the requirements and the work to

be performed. The consultant may propose services that differ from the Scope of Work if the changes

more efficiently or effectively achieve the project’s objectives.

Anticipated Timeline

Points: 10

Include a timeline for the Scope of Services to fit in within grant funding constraints. This may

include an extension from the grantor.

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

Bid Number:	26-05
Bid Title:	Request for Proposals for Professional Services - Lions Park River Access Feasibility Study
Category:	Other
Status:	Open