RFP Postings

Evans & Rosedale Community Redevelopment Project

For more information, visit this address: fortworthtexas.gov/EVRO

or

https://www.fortworthtexas.gov/departments/econdev/rfei/evans-rosedale

Responses due by 5 p.m. CST Monday, April 22, 2024

The Taylor Economic Development Corporation (the “EDC”) is seeking proposals from firms experienced and knowledgeable in preparing an economic development strategic plan for municipalities and economic development corporations.

Founded in 1876, Taylor has a rich history of being a hub for business. Whether it was the main point for shipping cattle, grain, and cotton in the late 1800’s to now being home of the most advanced Samsung facility in the world, Taylor is seen as an ideal home for all businesses. Taylor has created and eco-system and supply chain for businesses that include. Connected to Interstate 35 by Highway 79 has always been an asset. Two new state highways (Toll-130 and Toll 45) just 10 miles to our city make it easier than ever for companies to move goods and people into and out of Taylor. Taylor is located 25 miles from Austin Bergstrom International Airport, 30 miles from Downtown Austin and 35 miles to the TESLA Gigafactory.

Taylor is served by the Union Pacific Railroad and by the Burlington-Northern-Southern-Pacific Railroad. We also have our own municipal airport. All industries enjoy our access to highways, rail, and air to grow their business.

1.0 PROCESS The selected firm will interface with EDC Staff to develop and undertake a process to conduct the Economic Development Strategic Planning work. The process should include: • Research and data collection and analysis, including economic conditions, demographics and market trends, focused on situating Taylor within the region; • Community outreach and engagement with City and area leadership and resources, including but not limited to local officials, business leaders, real estate professionals, developers, other community leaders, and the community at large; • Development of economic development strategies for discussion, review and refinement with EDC leadership and other collaborating participants through an iterative process; • Development of implementation strategies, tools and communication plan.

2.0 OBJECTIVES 1. Analysis of economic conditions, demographics, market trends, SWOT Analysis and opportunities, situating Taylor within the region; 2. Confirm and/or Update EDC’s current target sectors 3. Identify International and National markets for recruitment of target sectors. 4. Recommend opportunities/tools to grow existing small businesses. 5. Recommend development strategies, tools and funding mechanisms to assist Taylor various infrastructure needs.

Presentation of Community Input Key Findings 1. Present key findings from discussions, interviews, surveys, etc. to EDC leadership and City leadership.

Develop an Economic Development Strategic Plan 1. Develop, present and discuss possible strategies and tools for achieving desirable outcomes; refine and develop strategies based upon feedback from EDC leadership team. 2. Provide a clear and communicative final report outlining the process undertaken, discovery content revealed, and related outcome recommendations, strategies, tools, investments and process updates needed, etc., for wide distribution and use as a guiding document for further future economic development strategy execution activities;

Develop an Implementation Plan 1. Assist EDC Leadership in developing an implementation plan with action steps.

Questions regarding this RFP shall be directed to: Ben White President/CEO ben.white@tayloredc.org

Responses to this RFP shall be submitted to the Taylor Economic Development Corporation, to the attention of: Ben White President/CEO ben.white@tayloredc.org Submissions should be made via email, in a single, combined PDF.

Please be advised that failure to comply with the following criteria may be grounds for disqualification: 1. Receipt of submittal by the specified date and time. 2. Adherence to maximum page limits (this includes the proposal and cover letter). Submittals are not returnable and will become the property of the EDC. Please be advised that once submitted, they become “public record” and are available to all for inspection and copying, upon request.

Proposal Format 1. One PDF copy, not exceeding 5MB, shall be provided. 2. Consultant shall limit the proposal to no more than ten (10) total pages including the cover letter. The 10 pages does not include the proposal cover, table of contents, required attachment forms, or section dividers. Pages may be configured horizontally or vertically and shall be formatted to print on 8.5 x 11 letter sized paper without scaling, with minimum 1/2-inch margins and minimum 10 point text 3. The proposal shall be accompanied by a one-page cover letter that shall be bound with the proposal as the first page after the front cover. Proposal shall reference company history and any previous strategic plans conducted.

DATE DUE: Proposals will be received by the EDC until 2 pm C.S.T. on Friday, April 12, 2024

Request for Proposal (RFP)

Market Demand and Financial Feasibility Study, and Developer Solicitation/Selection Process for Undeveloped Parcel Surrounding Brownsville Sports Park (Sports Park) in Brownsville, Texas

Issued by: Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation (BCIC) Date: May 13, 2024 Submission Deadline: June 12, 2024 RFP listing on our website at https://brownsvilleedc.org/ or download at https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vbEZeNQ0TDS-i3sNf74qwg8jbNvO1gZb/view.

1. Introduction

Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation, hereinafter referred to as the "BCIC," is seeking proposals from qualified consulting firms or individuals to conduct a comprehensive Highest and Best Use Market Demand and Financial Feasibility Study and Developers Solicitation and Selection to provide valuable insights to guide future development decisions and investments for the undeveloped 31.14-acre tract surrounding the Brownsville Sports Park.

2. Background

The Brownsville Sports Park is a key recreational and community asset in Brownsville, Texas, serving residents and visitors alike. The Client aims to leverage the park's presence to maximize economic opportunities and enhance community development in the surrounding area. The Highest and Best Use Market Demand and Financial Feasibility Study will provide valuable insights to guide future development decisions and investments to leverage the park's presence to catalyze mixed-use development at the park’s undeveloped parcel and surrounding area, fostering economic growth and enhancing the overall quality of life for the community.

Our mission statement is to enhance the quality of life through innovative and equitable economic development initiatives. Our vision statement is for Brownsville to represent the country as an innovative leader in fostering business development and quality of life.

3. About the Site

The undeveloped Sports Park North tract is approx. 31.14 acres that is parallel to Sports Park Blvd. and adjacent to Palo Alto Groves Subdivision, the community safe room doom, the larger of the two parking lots located within Brownsville Sports Park, and to the west of the tract are the softball fields and sanded volleyball courts. Given its strategic location, the potential identity gained through developing this tract will be a significant opportunity for enhancing Brownsville Sports Park’s individuality. The location and connective opportunities will create a symbiotic relationship between the Brownsville Sports Park and the surrounding areas.

Brownsville Sports Park is a 120-acre premier amateur sports park facility in the Rio Grande Valley. The Brownsville Sports Park is at 1000 Sports Park Blvd. off the I-69E (US 77/83) at Merryman Rd. in North Brownsville. The developed portion of the Brownsville Sports Park site has served in an identifying role for Brownsville for many years. The park facilities and complexes include a premier championship-lighted stadium, multi-purpose lighted fields, sanded volleyball courts, softball complex, basketball courts, BMX track, skate park area, and indoor gym serving as a community safe room dome. The Brownsville Sports Park is host to 1.2 million unique visitors per year. Amenities include hiking trails, outdoor exercise stations, pavilions, restrooms, a playground, a lake with boardwalks, and a boat ramp.

The developed areas of the Brownsville Sports Park are large enough for community gatherings and events through the local, regional, and state amateur athletic tournaments, local festivals, entertainment, recreational activities, and city-hosted events year-round. The extension and integration of the Sports Park North development with the surrounding area development will allow activities and commerce to spur the emergence of a vibrant mixed-use center for all Brownsville citizens and surrounding communities to enjoy.

Adjacent to Brownsville Sports Park is a new residential subdivision called Palo Alto Groves. The six-phase subdivision will comprise 600 single-family homes ranging from $225,000 to $320,000, with two park areas and over 4,500 linear feet of hike and bike trail connecting to the Brownsville Sports Park. South of the Palo Alto Groves subdivision and across from Brownsville Sports Park, IDEA Public School opened a new campus, IDEA Sports Park, with an enrollment of 764 students for K – 12-grade levels.

Within a mile radius of the undeveloped sites, there is a highly dense neighborhood with an elementary school, retail development on the Frontage Road of I-69E (US 77/83), convenience stores, and car dealerships, including a Tesla Gallery and Service Center, Brownsville Toyota, and Brownsville Honda. TxDOT completed northbound overpass improvements on I-69E (US 77/83), which included improving a separate overpass used as a shared-use path for pedestrians and bicycles to enhance the safety of pedestrians and cyclists.

Just north of Old Alice Rd from Brownsville Sports Park, it has direct access to a limited access toll route, the first of its kind to be developed in South Texas. SH 550 is a 10-mile interstate that connects the Port of Brownsville and State Highway 48 to Interstate 69E.

North Brownsville area comprises many suburban neighborhoods primarily made of medium-sized (three or four-bedroom) to large (four, five, or more bedrooms) single-family homes with a median real estate price of $234,554 and an average household income of $52,723. North Brownsville’s retail development includes anchor stores such as Walmart, Sam's Club, Home Depot, Target, and numerous healthcare facilities, including Valley Regional Medical Center and DHR Hospital. These are two of the three hospitals serving Brownsville and the surrounding communities.

The site of the undeveloped area can be used for private or public use and can again contribute as placemaking elements at the Brownsville Sports Park.

History of the Brownsville Sports Park Since its grand opening in 2008, Brownsville Sports Park has been a specialized venue for athletes and fans for various organized sports and home youth and amateur sports leagues. The park has hosted multiple tournaments, including TAAF Adult Flag Football State Championship Tournaments, Texas UIL Regional Soccer Semi-Finals, Texas State Police Tournaments, and the Guinness World Records Largest Zumba Class. Brownsville Sports Park is also home to the City’s Annual 4th of July Celebration, South Texas Taco Fest, National Night Out, and many popular running events. The City of Brownsville recently partnered with Austin FC and RGV Toros to host clinics, scrimmages, and tryouts.

4. Scope of Work

This proposal will include two parts: 1. A market demand and financial feasibility study and 2. A developer’s solicitation and selection process.

The selected consultant(s) will conduct a thorough analysis and facilitate a solicitation and selection process. The scope of work should include, but is not limited to, the following components:

A. Site Analysis: - Evaluate the physical characteristics, zoning regulations, and development potential of the parcels surrounding the Sports Park. - Identify any environmental constraints or opportunities.

B. Market Demand Assessment: - Analyze market trends, demographics, demand drivers for mixed-use development, and socioeconomic indicators affecting the demand for various land uses in the area. - Assess the feasibility and demand for recreational, commercial, residential, and retail development.

C. Highest and Best Use Analysis: - Determine the optimal land use scenarios for the parcels based on market demand, site characteristics, and regulatory considerations. - Explore potential synergies with the Sports Park and other nearby amenities.

D. Financial Feasibility: - Conduct financial modeling to evaluate the feasibility of proposed development scenarios. - Estimate development costs, revenues, and potential returns on investment. - Identify potential funding sources and incentives to support development.

E. Stakeholder Engagement: - Engage with key stakeholders, including property owners, developers, local officials, and community members. - Solicit input and feedback to ensure the study reflects community needs and priorities.

F. Collaboration with the City of Brownsville's Parks Master Plan Consultants - Coordinate with the City of Brownsville's Parks Master Plan consultants to ensure the Market and Feasibility Study and Developer Solicitation/Selection Process complements the broader park planning efforts. - Share relevant data, findings, and recommendations to inform both processes and ensure alignment with the city's overall vision for the area.

G. Collaboration with Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation (GBIC)’s 700 acres Phased Master Plan Development: - Coordinate and collaborate with GBIC’s developers to ensure that the Market and Feasibility Study and Developer Solicitation/Selection Process complement the 700-acre phased master plan development efforts. - Share relevant data, findings, and recommendations to inform both processes and ensure alignment with the overall vision for the areas.

H. Recommendations: - Provide actionable recommendations for maximizing the economic potential of the parcels while enhancing the overall community benefit. - Outline strategies for implementation and potential partnership opportunities.

I. Conceptual Design: - Develop conceptual plans and designs for mixed-use development scenarios that integrate with the Sports Park and enhance its overall value. - Consider factors such as walkability, sustainability, and placemaking principles.

J. Developer Solicitation/Selection Process: - Develop criteria and guidelines for soliciting proposals from developers interested in partnering with the Client to develop the parcels. - Prepare a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) and Request for Proposals (RFP) document outlining the project scope, selection criteria, and submission requirements. - Manage the solicitation process, including advertising, pre-submission conferences, and proposal evaluation.

K. Reporting and Documentation: - Prepare a comprehensive written report summarizing all findings, analyses, and recommendations. - Present the study results to the Client and relevant stakeholders.

5. Proposal Requirements

Interested consultants should submit a comprehensive proposal that includes the following:

a. Company Profile: - Overview of the consulting firm or individual's experience and qualifications. - References from previous clients with similar projects.

b. Proposed Approach: - A detailed outline of how the consultant(s) will approach and execute the project. - Methodology for data collection, analysis, and stakeholder engagement, including plans for collaboration with the City of Brownsville's Parks Master Plan consultants.

c. Budget and Cost Estimate: - A breakdown of fees and expenses associated with the project. - Any potential additional costs.

d. Timeline: - A proposed timeline for completing the study and solicitation, including key milestones and deliverables.

e. Sample Work: - Examples of previous best-used studies, developer solicitations, or related projects.

f. References: - Contact information for at least three professional references from past clients.

6. Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Demonstrated experience and qualifications of the consultant(s). • Clarity and feasibility of the proposed approach. • Cost-effectiveness and value for money. • Alignment with the BCIC's objectives and priorities. • References and past performance.

7. Submission Instructions

Proposals must be submitted electronically to Cori Peña, President & CEO, to cpena@bcic.us no later than Wednesday, June 12, 2024. Late submissions will not be considered.

8. Questions and Clarifications

All inquiries and requests for clarification should be directed to Cori Peña at cpena@bcic.us by Friday, June 7, 2024.

9. Contractual Considerations

BCIC reserves the right to negotiate terms, conditions, and compensation with the selected consultant(s) and may reject any or all proposals if deemed in BCIC's best interest.

Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation looks forward to receiving your proposals and partnering with a qualified consultant(s) to conduct a study and developer solicitation/selection process that will unlock the economic potential of the parcels surrounding Brownsville Sports Park.

Sincerely,

Cori Peña President & CEO Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation (BCIC) 1304 E. Adams Street, Brownsville, TX 78520 (956) 747-0100 | https://brownsvilleedc.org

June 12, 2024

The Converse EDC is asking for an estimate for consulting services for our BRE Strategy.

Please reach out to Kat Lallo, klallo@converseedc.com if you have any questions.

Link to More RFP: https://chooseconverse.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/CEDCBRE-Strategy-Request-for-Estimate.pdf

July 5th, 2024