SLED Opportunity · TEXAS · HOUSTON-GALVESTON AREA COUNCIL
AI Summary
H-GAC requests proposals for contractor services to conduct a Livable Centers study and develop a plan for South Belt, Texas, involving research, public engagement, transportation, and planning expertise.
H-GAC is seeking qualified contractor services to conduct a study and develop a plan to further the goals of the Livable Centers program in South Belt (referred to as “sponsor” or “local sponsor” in this document). The Contractor will develop a plan that addresses the application of the Livable Centers program goals in the specified study area. Since this project requires a range of research, public engagement, transportation, and planning expertise, a team of specialized firms is permitted.
The Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) is the region-wide voluntary association of 133 local governments and local elected officials in the 13-county Gulf Coast Planning region of Texas. Local elected officials organized H-GAC in 1966 after authorization by State enabling legislation. Its service area is 12,500 square miles and includes more than 7-million residents. H-GAC is governed by a 36-member Board of Directors composed of local elected officials, who serve on the governing bodies of member local governments. All H-GAC programs are carried out under the policy direction of its Board of Directors. H-GAC’s mission is to serve as the instrument of local government cooperation, promoting the region’s orderly development and the safety and welfare of its residents. H-GAC is the regional organization through which local governments consider issues and cooperate in solving area-wide problems. Agency programs emphasize local government concerns, such as transportation, air and water quality, criminal justice, demographic analysis, mapping programs, and intergovernmental purchasing. H-GAC also serves its citizens through workforce development programs, services to the aging and elderly, and small business finance programs.
H-GAC is the designated Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for the eight-county Houston-Galveston Transportation Management Area (TMA). This study (and resulting recommended project(s) is one of a number of action steps adopted by H-GAC’s Transportation Policy Council to address mobility challenges and quality of life in the region.
Established in 2008, H-GAC’s Livable Centers Program staff works with local communities to reimagine auto-focused infrastructure, policies, and programs aiming to create mixed-use places that provide multi-modal transportation options, improve environmental quality, improve pedestrian safety, and promote economic development and housing diversity. H-GAC's Livable Centers Program teams work with local communities to identify context sensitive recommendations, a vision for the study area, and an implementation plan that provides the community leaders with the resources they need to facilitate Livable Centers. Livable Centers are places where people can live, work, and play with less reliance on their cars. Livable Centers studies have been completed in urban, suburban, and rural areas throughout the 8-county region.
There are two types of studies: Livable Centers Studies and Focused Livable Centers Studies. Livable Centers Studies Serve as small area plans and fulfill all four Livable Centers Program goals. Programmatic goals are evaluated on a community-wide scale as defined by study sponsors and may span a larger neighborhood or series of neighborhoods in a single service area, such as a district or other sponsor-defined boundary. A study area may define multiple locations or nodes of interest, including identified areas for future land use improvements. A Focused Livable Centers Study serves as a targeted, community-node studies that must meet two Livable Centers Program goals to create multi-modal travel choices, resilient quality places, and one additional Livable Centers goal that best fits the needs of the study sponsor. This is a Full Livable Centers Study.
The overall goal of the study is to create a Livable Centers plan for the study area that will define new, context-sensitive standards that foster multi-modal access and connectivity, a mix of land uses, a diversity of housing options, and a sense of place. The study’s conceptual plan and recommended catalyst projects should encourage walkability, connection within and between nodes of community activity, and built environment strategies that support local economic development and employment. The study should result in a forward-looking vision and practical implementation strategies that consider responsible stewardship of the existing resources to best meet the community’s needs.
All recommendations should be based on strengthening the area’s existing best characteristics while providing real strategies and a road map for implementing improvements over time. Wherever feasible, recommendations should be data driven and include actions for the local sponsor to take, including potential changes or additions to land use regulations, codes and ordinances. Recommended projects and/or strategies should identify fiscal impacts and include potential funding mechanisms such as public-private partnerships and investment opportunities. An implementation plan should consider the benefits and consequences of each recommendation and identify proposed implementation timing and funding opportunities. For more information on the Livable Centers Program, please visit: www.h-gac.com/livablecenters
The proposal delineates an effective and creative approach to achieving project objectives and meeting the stated needs and goals of the local sponsor and H-GAC within the available time frame. The approach includes a public engagement plan, an analysis of needs to inform the study, a conceptual plan, recommendations, and an implementation plan that can be utilized by the local sponsor to fully execute the recommendations of the study. The proposal outlines a reasonable timeline for achieving the key milestones of the project and demonstrates the proposer's knowledge of the study area by offering strategies specific to the needs of the community.
The organizational structure provided is well-suited for the project and includes clear descriptions of project roles, responsibilities, and relationships of all firms and individuals. The team has a qualified Project Manager. The proposal offers an effective approach for communicating with the local sponsor and other stakeholders throughout the course of the study.
Proposer members possess knowledge of best practices for the design of Livable Centers investments, creating multi-modal environments, and an understanding of the types of projects that are eligible for federal funding. The proposer also demonstrates a substantive understanding of various financing mechanisms and implementation strategies to further the recommendations of the study.
The proposal indicates a full understanding of the anticipated scope of work for the study. The proposer demonstrates knowledge of the needs and opportunities of the community as shown in the Challenge, Opportunity, and Success Statement.
Detail the amount of time, hours by element/task dedicated to the project, and percent of time dedicated to this project for each staff person. Proposers are not required to submit a detailed budget of categorical costs, but must indicate the approximate percentage of the available funding that will be required to successfully complete each task in the project work program.
Demonstrated track record of timely performance, quality and integrity as evidenced by a list of local sponsor references that demonstrate how the proposer has successfully accomplished similar projects in the past.
Potential proposers invited to Phase 2 will be notified of the time and place of oral interviews.
Please complete each section listed below and upload/respond to the questions or provide the information as directed.
Provide a summary of key aspects of the contractor’s qualifications and indicate the Respondent’s commitment to provide the services proposed and certify that all statements and information prepared and submitted in the response to this Solicitation are current, complete, and accurate; and that the proposed solution for the project meets all the requirements of this Solicitation.
Detail approach to this study in a project work program and timeline. The program should propose a scope of work to accomplish the objectives of the study and meet the stated needs and goals of the local sponsor and H-GAC. The Contractor’s approach should be guided by the Plan Elements listed in the Scope of Work and should also demonstrate creativity and a meaningful consideration to the specific needs of the local sponsor. A recommended methodology for the performance of each task identified in the project work program should be included. A timeline accompanying the work program should mark key milestones and anticipate necessary meetings with H-GAC staff, the Stakeholder Advisory Committee, the local sponsor, the public, and others.
Outline the responsibilities of each firm in relation to proposed project tasks and establish a central Project Manager along with supporting team structure. Provide resumes for key personnel and an organizational chart in the respective sections below.
Please upload resumes here.
Please upload entity organizational chart here.
Demonstrate that all team members are qualified personnel capable of accomplishing each portion of the work in this planning study. Submit additional information Respondent deems pertinent to demonstrating qualifications and/or experience to perform the services being requested such as memberships in any professional associations, documents, examples, and others.
Provide a statement describing the challenges and opportunities facing the local sponsor, both in general and in the context of the Study. The statement should describe the parameters of a successful project for the local sponsor. This statement is meant to convey the Contractor’s knowledge of the local sponsor and study area.
Detail the amount of time, hours by element/task dedicated to the project, and percent of time dedicated to this project for each staff person. Contractors are not required to submit a detailed budget of categorical costs but must indicate the approximate percentage of the available funding that will be required to successfully complete each task in the project work program.
Provide responses for three (3) contracts or grants where the proposer provided similar services in the past five (5) years. Include any contracts with public assistance entities, regional planning organizations, organizations similar to H-GAC, or for projects that align with Livable Centers goals. H-GAC will verify the listed information. It is your responsibility to ensure your reference is aware that they will be contacted via email by H-GAC and that they are responsive. Follow the format below for each contract/grant.
Contract/Grant #:
The documents/certifications/confirmations below are required for every Solicitation.
Submission must be signed by a duly authorized representative(s) of the respondent, which must be the actual legal entity that will perform the contract if awarded and any total fixed price contained therein will remain firm for a period of one-hundred eighty (180) days following the submission due date and can be further extended by mutual written agreement.
A signature (electronic) constitutes acknowledgement and acceptance of all the Solicitation Terms and Conditions. Respondents, their authorized representative, and their agents are responsible for obtaining, and will be deemed to have, full knowledge of the conditions, requirements, and specifications of this Solicitation at the time a response is submitted to H-GAC. This Solicitation does not commit H-GAC to award a contract, issue a Purchase Order, or pay any costs incurred in the preparation of a submission to this Solicitation. The submission will become part of H-GAC’s official files without any obligation on H-GAC’s behalf. All Submissions will be held confidential from all parties other than H-GAC, and only released in accordance with Public Information Act requirements.
Respondent agrees and understands the above requirements, and by confirming, I certify that I am legally authorized to bind the entity to the Terms and Conditions of the Proposal as submitted. I also agree that any other related documents entered into in connection with this Proposal, which include a digital acknowledgement or electronic signature, are to be treated in all respects as having the same force and effect as original signatures.
Signature of the person authorized to bind Respondent company to any contract/purchase order that may result from this Solicitation and acknowledgement and acceptance of the full Solicitation Terms and Conditions.
Please type (sign) Authorized Signor Name and Title Here:
To ensure a fair and competitive environment, direct communication between H-GAC employees other than the Solicitation Contact or any party able to create an unfair advantage to Respondent or disadvantage to other Respondents with respect to the Solicitation process, or the award of a Contract is strictly prohibited. This restricted period of communication begins on the issue date of the Solicitation and for Respondent(s) not selected for award ends with the conclusion of the protest period identified in the Solicitation document and for Respondents(s) selected for award ends with the Contract execution. This restriction does not apply to communications to other H-GAC employees during a Pre-Proposal/Bid or Response conference or other situations where the Solicitation Contact has expressly authorized direct communications with other staff. A Respondent who intentionally violates this requirement of the Solicitation process or otherwise deliberately or unintentionally benefits from such a violation by another party may have its Submission rejected in accordance with H-GAC Procurement Policy. Respondent(s) will not offer any gratuities, favors, or anything of monetary value to any official or employee of H-GAC (including any and all members of the evaluation committee) for the purposes of influencing consideration of any Submission.
Respondent agrees and understands the above requirement.
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Debarment and Suspension (Executive Orders 12549 and 12689) – A contract award (2 CFR 180.220) must not be made to parties listed on the government-wide exclusions in the System for Award Management (SAM), in accordance with the OMB guidelines at 2 CFR 180 that implement Executive Orders 12549 (3 CFR Part 1966 Comp. p. 189) and 12689 (3 CFR Part 1989 Comp. p. 235), “Debarment and Suspension.” SAM Exclusions contains the names of parties debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded by agencies, as well as parties declared ineligible under statutory or regulatory authority other than Executive Order 12549. Respondent certifies that neither it nor its principals are presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, declared ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from participation by any federal department or agency or by the State of Texas and at all times during the term of the Contract neither it nor its principals will be debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, declared ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from participation by any federal department or agency or by the State of Texas. Respondent shall immediately provide the written notice to H-GAC if at any time the Respondent learns that this certification was erroneous when submitted or has become erroneous by reason of changed circumstances. H-GAC may rely upon a certification of the Respondent that the Respondent is not debarred, suspended, ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from the covered contract, unless the H-GAC knows the certification is erroneous.
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The undersigned certifies, to the best of his or her knowledge and belief, that:
(1) No Federal appropriated funds have been paid or will be paid, by or on behalf of the undersigned, to any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with the awarding of any Federal grant, the making of any Federal loan, the entering into of any cooperative agreement, and the extension, continuation, renewal, amendment or modification of any Federal contract, grant, loan, or cooperative agreement.
(2) If any funds other than Federal appropriated funds have been paid or will be paid to any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with this Federal contract, grant, loan, or cooperative agreement, the undersigned shall complete and submit Standard Form- LLL, "Disclosure of Lobbying Activities," in accordance with its instructions.
(3) The undersigned shall require that the language of this certification be included in the award documents of all sub-awards at all tiers (including subcontracts, sub-grants, and contracts under grants, loans, and cooperative agreements) and that all sub- recipients shall certify and disclose accordingly.
This certification is a material representation of fact upon which reliance was placed when this transaction was made or entered into. Submission of this certification is a prerequisite for making or entering into this transaction imposed by section 1352, title 31, United States Code. Any person who fails to file the required certification shall be subject to a civil penalty of not less than $10,000 and not more than $100,000 for each such failure.
Respondent represents and warrants that it shall comply with the applicable provisions of the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 (41 U.S.C. § 701 et seq.) and maintain a drug-free work environment. H-GAC may request a copy of this policy upon contract award.
The grantee certifies that it will provide a drug-free workplace by: (a) Publishing a statement notifying employees that the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession or use of a controlled substance is prohibited in the grantee’s workplace and specifying the actions that will be taken against employees for violation of such prohibition; (b) Establishing a drug-free awareness program to inform employees about— (1) The dangers of drug abuse in the workplace; (2) The grantee’s policy of maintaining a drug-free workplace; (3) Any available drug counseling, rehabilitation and employee assistance programs, and (4) The penalties that may be imposed upon employees for drug abuse violations occurring in the workplace. (c) Making it a requirement that each employee to be engaged in the performance of the grant be given a copy of the statement required by paragraph (a); (d) Notifying the employee in the statement required by paragraph (a) that, as a condition of employment under the grant, the employee will— (1) Abide by the terms of the statement; and (2) Notify the employer of any criminal drug statute conviction for a violation occurring in the workplace no later than five days after each conviction; (e) Notifying the agency within ten days after receiving notice under subparagraph (d)(2) from an employee or otherwise receiving actual notice of such conviction; (f) Taking one of the following actions, within 30 days of receiving notice under subparagraph (d)(2), with respect to any employee who is so convicted— (1) Taking appropriate personnel action against such an employee, up to and including termination; or (2) Requiring such employee to participate satisfactorily in a drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program approved for such purposes by a Federal, State, or local health, law enforcement, or other appropriate agency; (g) Making a good faith effort to continue to maintain a drug-free workplace through implementation of paragraphs (a), (b), (c), (d), (e) and (f).
Respondent represents and warrants its compliance with all applicable duly enacted state and federal laws governing equal employment opportunities. The equal opportunity clause provided under 41 CFR 60-1.4(b) is hereby incorporated by reference.
Under Section 161.0085 of the Texas Health and Safety Code, Respondent certifies that the individual or business entity named in this Response or contract is not ineligible to receive the specified contract. A business in this state may not require a customer to provide any documentation certifying the customer's COVID-19 vaccination or post-transmission recovery on entry to, to gain access to, or to receive service from the business. A business that fails to comply with this subsection is not eligible to receive a grant or enter into a contract payable with state funds.
No officer, member or employee of the Contractor or Contractors subcontractor, no member of the governing body of the Contractor, and no other public officials of the Contractor who exercise any functions or responsibilities in the review or Contractor approval of this Master Agreement, shall participate in any decision relating to this Master Agreement which affects his or her personal interest, or shall have any personal or pecuniary interest, direct or indirect, in this Master Agreement.
As required by Section 2252.908 of the Texas Government Code. H-GAC will not enter a Contract with Contractor unless (i) the Contractor submits a disclosure of interested parties form to H-GAC at the time the Contractor submits the contract H-GAC, or (ii) the Contractor is exempt from such requirement. The required form and instructions are located at the Texas Ethics Commission website https://www.ethics.state.tx.us/whatsnew/elf_info_form1295.htm. Respondents who are awarded a Contract must submit their Form 1295 with the submission to H-GAC.
Please download the below document, complete, and upload. Download a blank Form here:
No officer, member or employee of the Contractor or Contractors subcontractor, no member of the governing body of the Contractor, and no other public officials of the Contractor who exercise any functions or responsibilities in the review or Contractor approval of this Master Agreement, shall participate in any decision relating to this Master Agreement which affects his or her personal interest, or shall have any personal or pecuniary interest, direct or indirect, in this Master Agreement.
Chapter 176 of the Texas Local Government Code requires contractors contracting or seeking to contract with H-GAC to file a conflict-of-interest questionnaire (CIQ) if they have an employment or other business relationship with an H-GAC officer or an officer's close family member. H-GAC officers include its Board of Directors and Executive Director, who are listed on the H-GAC website. Respondent must complete and file a CIQ with the Texas Ethics Commission if an employment or business relationship with H-GAC officer or an officer's close family member as defined in the law exists. The required questionnaire and instructions are located on the Conflict of Interest page on the Texas Ethics Commission website. https://www.ethics.state.tx.us/forms/conflict/
Please confirm to acknowledge that the form will be filed if applicable.
Respondent represents and warrants that all statements and information prepared and submitted in this response are current, complete, true, and accurate. Submitting a Response with a false statement or material misrepresentations made during the performance of a contract is a material breach of contract and may void the submitted Response and any resulting contract.
Pursuant to Section 2155.004(a) of the Texas Government Code, Respondent certifies that neither Respondent nor any person or entity represented by Respondent has received compensation from H-GAC to participate in the preparation of the specifications or solicitation on which this Response or contract is based. Under Section 2155.004(b) of the Texas Government Code, Respondent certifies that the individual or business entity named in this Response or contract is not ineligible to receive the specified contract and acknowledges that the contract may be terminated and payment withheld if this certification is inaccurate.
Respondent will not collude, in any manner, or engage in any practice, with any other Respondent(s) which may restrict or eliminate competition or otherwise restrain trade. Respondent also represents and warrants that, in accordance with Section 2155.005 of the Texas Government Code, neither Respondent nor the firm, corporation, partnership, or institution represented by Respondent, or anyone acting for such a firm, corporation or institution has (1) violated any provision of the Texas Free Enterprise and Antitrust Act of 1983, Chapter 15 of the Texas Business and Commerce Code, or the federal antitrust laws, or (2) communicated directly or indirectly the contents of this Response to any competitor or any other person engaged in the same line of business as Respondent.
Respondent agrees that it has read, understands, and fully intends to comply with the solicitation terms and conditions, and any additional terms and conditions (as applicable and included as additional sections, attachments or additional documents) of this solicitation as applicable to any subsequent contract or funding agency requirements or agreements. Exceptions to these Terms and Conditions are not permitted and will not be reviewed.
Is this a Livable Centers Solicitation
H-GAC is the designated Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for the eight-county Houston-Galveston Transportation Management Area (TMA). This study (and resulting recommended project(s) is one of a number of action steps adopted by H-GAC’s Transportation Policy Council to address mobility challenges and quality of life in the region.
The overall goal of the study is to create a Livable Centers plan for the study area that will define new, context-sensitive standards that foster multi-modal access and connectivity, a mix of land uses, a diversity of housing options, and a sense of place. The study’s conceptual plan and recommended catalyst projects should encourage walkability, connection within and between nodes of community activity, and built environment strategies that support local economic development and employment. The study should result in a forward-looking vision and practical implementation strategies that consider responsible stewardship of the existing resources to best meet the community’s needs.
All recommendations should be based on strengthening the area’s existing best characteristics while providing real strategies and a road map for implementing improvements over time. Wherever feasible, recommendations should be data driven and include actions for the local sponsor to take, including potential changes or additions to land use regulations, codes and ordinances. Recommended projects and/or strategies should identify fiscal impacts and include potential funding mechanisms such as public-private partnerships and investment opportunities. An implementation plan should consider the benefits and consequences of each recommendation and identify proposed implementation timing and funding opportunities. For more information on the Livable Centers Program, please visit: www.h-gac.com/livablecenters
The Gulf Coast Workforce Board and its operating affiliate Workforce Solutions together are the public workforce system in the 13-county Houston-Galveston region. Workforce Solutions help employers meet their human resource needs and individuals build careers, so both can compete in the global economy.
Workforce Solutions serves 300,000 to 400,000 people annually and more than 25,000 employers through 28 local career offices, an Employer Service division, and a consortium of adult education providers. Workforce Solutions offers a range of services to help employers find and hire the best candidates for their job openings, develop new or current employees, and get human resources technical advice. Workforce Solutions helps individuals get a job, keep a job, or get a better job with job search assistance, job referrals and placement, career planning, and financial assistance for those who are eligible. For more information about the Gulf Coast Workforce Board and Workforce Solutions, visit http://wrksolutions.com. The Houston-Galveston Area Council, the fiscal agent for the Gulf Coast Workforce Board, is issuing this Solicitation on behalf of the Board and Workforce Solutions.
Is this an Area Agency on Aging Solicitation?
The Area Agency on Aging (AAA) is responsible for managing the Older Americans Act (OAA) and other state funded programs to provide service that helps older individuals live full, healthy, and productive lives. The target population are those individuals 60 years of age and older (with special emphasis on those living in rural areas) with greatest social and economic need, including minorities, persons with severe disabilities, limited English speaking ability, and with Alzheimer’s disease or related disorders. (See 42 U.S. Code (USC) Section 3026, and Older Americans Act of 1965, as amended).
Q (No subject): Are subconsultants required to provide three (3) SEPARATE references from the Prime Consultant, or should the subconsultant references be included in the requested “three (3)” contracts specified in the RFP?
A: The three references can be reflective of any firm included in the proposed team, with at least one reference for the Prime's past work.
Q (No subject): What materials/info is HGAC looking for from proposers to fulfill the “10.1.6 Qualifications” section of the proposal response?
A: Referencing 11.1.6 Qualifications, you can include any relevant information that would support the application, such as documentation related to membership in professional associations, examples of past work, and/or documents that demonstrate qualifications and experience to perform the work being requested.
Q (No subject): Please provide form or working link for item 10.2.10 Filing Reports Form 1295 Certificate of Interested Parties – the Link is not working and Form provided has watermark leading to the same link that is not working.
A: Please access the links online directly in the RFP on OpenGov. The links in the downloaded PDF will not work.
Q (No subject): If subconsultants are utilized, are they required to fill out the required forms?
A: No, the prime is responsible for the subconsultants.
Q (No subject): Is the DBE goal for this solicitation 25% or is that an overall goal of the agency? If the latter, what is the specific DBE goal for this solicitation?
A: The goal is an agency goal, and this solicitation follows the same guidance.
Q (No subject): Will interviews be held in-person, or virtually?
A: Interviews will be held virtually.
SLED stands for State, Local, and Education. These are solicitations issued by state governments, counties, cities, school districts, utilities, and higher education institutions — as opposed to federal agencies.
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