SLED Opportunity · UTAH · UINTAH COUNTY
AI Summary
Uintah County seeks qualified firms to develop comprehensive master plans for Western Park and Buckskin Hills Recreation Complex. The plans will assess existing facilities, engage stakeholders, and provide strategic, fiscally responsible recommendations for long-term development and economic sustainability. Proposals due by February 13, 2026.
1. Intent Uintah County Municipal Building Authority is soliciting proposals from qualified planning and design firms to prepare two separate, comprehensive Master Plans for the Western Park (302 E. 200 S., Vernal, Utah) and the Buckskin Hills Recreation Complex (500 N. 3500 E., Vernal, Utah). The selected consultant will evaluate existing facilities and operations, engage stakeholders and the public, identify opportunities for future development and modernization, and deliver actionable, fiscally responsible master plans that guide long-term investment, implementation, and economic sustainability for each facility. Both master plans shall be fully completed within twelve (12) months of project initiation. 2. Submission Deadline and Opening Date To receive consideration and responses to this RFP, the County must receive the proposal no later than 5:00 PM (Mountain Time) on February 13, 2026. Late submissions will not be accepted. Submission Method: Proposals must be mailed or hand-delivered in a sealed envelope clearly labeled: “Sealed Proposal – Uintah County MBA Master Plans – Western Park and Buckskin Hills Recreation Complex.” Delivery Address: Uintah County Clerk-Auditor 147 E Main Vernal, UT 84078 Proposals will be publicly opened during a scheduled Uintah County Municipal Building Authority Work Session on February 18, 2026, in the Commission Chambers, located at 152 E 100 N, Vernal, UT. This opening will confirm receipt only; no evaluation or cost/compensation review will occur at this stage. 3. Project Scope Scope of Work – Western Park Master Plan Anticipated tasks include: 1. Project Kickoff, Data Review, and Existing Conditions Assessment Conduct project kickoff meetings with County officials and Western Park staff. Review available background materials, including site history, active and inactive user groups, completed and proposed projects, and existing site mapping. Evaluate existing facilities, infrastructure, amenities, parking, circulation, and utilities. Confirm project milestones, schedule, roles, and deliverables. 2. Identification of Underutilized Areas and Development Opportunities Identify underutilized spaces and functional constraints within the Western Park. Evaluate opportunities for growth, modernization, improved functionality, and future development across the site. 3. Stakeholder and Public Engagement Conduct outreach and interviews with user groups and stakeholders. Document stakeholder and public input related to facility needs, safety, access, scheduling, and future opportunities. Prepare a summary of engagement activities and key findings to inform the master plan. 4. Tourism, Economic Development, and Year-Round Use Analysis Evaluate the potential for expanded tourism, event attraction, and year-round use of the Western Park. Assess how proposed improvements could enhance regional economic activity and recreational draw. 5. Project Prioritization and Implementation Strategy Identify future facility needs, programming opportunities, and redevelopment concepts. Prioritize projects based on need, feasibility, cost, and community benefit. Develop a phased implementation strategy. 6. Financial and Economic Impact Analysis Conduct a comparative analysis of similar facilities serving similar regions and markets. Develop initial cost projections for the recommended projects. Analyze fiscal and economic impacts to support sustainable investment, budgeting, and capital planning. Provide funding and financing considerations where appropriate. 7. Final Master Plan Preparation Prepare a complete Western Park Master Plan that includes: Planning maps, conceptual layouts, and renderings Cost estimates and phased implementation schedules Strategic recommendations for future investment and operations Incorporate stakeholder and public feedback prior to finalization. Scope of Work – Buckskin Hills Recreation Complex Master Plan Anticipated tasks include: 1. Project Kickoff, Data Review, and Existing Conditions Assessment Conduct a project kickoff meeting with Uintah County staff, including the Buckskin Hills Recreation Complex Manager and the Events Marketing & Promotions Coordinator. Review available background materials, including site history, active and inactive user groups, completed and proposed projects, and existing site mapping. Evaluate existing facilities, infrastructure, amenities, parking, circulation, and utilities. Confirm project schedule, coordination protocols, and deliverables. 2. Identification of Underutilized Areas and Development Opportunities Identify underutilized or constrained areas within the Buckskin Hills Recreation Complex. Evaluate opportunities for growth, modernization, improved functionality, and future development across the site. 3. Stakeholder and Public Engagement Conduct outreach and interviews with user groups and stakeholders, including but not limited to drag racing, motocross, trail users, oval track, and shooting sports participants. Document stakeholder and public input related to facility needs, safety, access, scheduling, and future opportunities. Prepare a summary of engagement activities and key findings to inform the master plan. 4. Tourism, Economic Development, and Year-Round Use Analysis Evaluate the potential for expanded tourism, event attraction, and year-round use of the Buckskin Hills Recreation Complex. Assess how proposed improvements could enhance regional economic activity and recreational draw. 5. Project Prioritization and Implementation Strategy Identify future facility needs, programming opportunities, and redevelopment concepts. Prioritize projects based on need, feasibility, cost, and community benefit. Develop a phased implementation strategy. 6. Financial and Economic Impact Analysis Conduct a comparative analysis of similar facilities serving similar regions and markets. Develop initial cost projections for the recommended projects. Analyze fiscal and economic impacts to support sustainable investment, budgeting, and capital planning. Provide funding and financing considerations where appropriate. 7. Final Master Plan Preparation Prepare a complete Buckskin Hills Recreation Complex Master Plan that includes: Planning maps, conceptual layouts, and renderings Cost estimates and phased implementation schedules Strategic recommendations for future investment and operations Incorporate stakeholder and public feedback prior to finalization. 4. Evaluation of Submission 4.1 Mandatory Minimum Requirements The following are Mandatory Minimum Requirements that MUST be met or exceeded, and be specifically addressed or referenced in the submitted proposal to be eligible for consideration. If the following bullet points are not fully addressed, the offeror will be considered non-responsive and disqualified from the proposal evaluation. A Letter of Submission that includes the name, address, and telephone number of the person(s) who is representing the firm. Background on the firm and its experience in preparing Master Plans for public agencies. A narrative that presents the services the firm would provide, detailing the approach, methodology, deliverables, and client meetings. Identification of the personnel to be assigned to this engagement, including a résumé of related experience. A timeline for preparation and implementation of the Master Plan and its components (not to exceed 12 months). A summary of liability, errors, and omission insurance coverage the firm maintains. At least three (3) public agency references for projects of a similar nature. Include a description of the projects, including (at minimum) client, location, contact person, contact information (telephone/email address), and a brief summary of the project. Cost Breakdowns: Provide a separate, itemized cost breakdown for the Western Park Master Plan. Provide a separate itemized cost breakdown for the Buckskin Hills Master Plan. Provide one combined total project cost that includes all pricing for both Master Plans. The combined total cost will be used for the cost-scoring portion of the evaluation. Mandatory Pre-Submittal Site Visits Proposers shall attend both mandatory pre-submittal site visits. Attendance is required for a Proposal to be considered responsive. The purpose of the site visits is to allow Proposers to view and walk the project sites. Site Visit Schedule Buckskin Hills Complex – On-site mandatory pre-submittal site visit February 3, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. 500 N. 3500 E., Vernal, Utah Western Park – On-site mandatory pre-submittal site visit February 3, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. 302 E. 200 S., Vernal, Utah 4.2 Technical (subjective criteria) Each of the following bullet points will be evaluated and scored based on how well the proposal responds to each bullet point on a scale of 0-5 as technical criteria. Each bullet point must be thoroughly addressed to receive full points. Qualification and experience of the firm and assigned personnel. (110 points possible) Understanding of the project and proposed approach. (85 points possible) Demonstrated experience in engaging communities and stakeholders. (110 points possible) Ability to meet project deadlines and manage the project within budget. (225 points possible) Overall quality of the proposal and responsiveness to the RFP. (170 points possible) 4.3 Cost Proposers must submit two separate itemized cost breakdowns, one for the Western Park Master Plan and one for the Buckskin Hills Master Plan, and one final combined total project cost, which will be used for the cost scoring portion of the evaluation scoresheet. Cost proposals will not be reviewed or scored by the evaluation committee. Evaluation committee members will not have access to any cost information while reviewing and scoring non-cost criteria. The Purchasing Agent, who is not a member of the evaluation committee, will calculate cost scores using the published evaluation formula, with a maximum of 300 points (30% of the overall scoresheet) allocated to the cost component. These cost scores will then be combined with the committee’s technical scores to determine each proposer’s final total score. The committee may not alter cost scores. The contract will be awarded to the proposer with the highest overall score, out of a possible 1000 points, if it is determined to be in the best interest of the county. 5. Attachments None. 6. Insurance Requirement The successful proposer may be required to maintain, at their own expense, the following insurance coverage throughout the contract: Commercial General Liability, Workers’ Compensation, Automobile Liability, and, if applicable, Professional Liability (Errors & Omissions). Prior to the commencement of any work, the successful proposer must provide certificates of insurance evidencing the required coverage. 7. Award In accordance with Uintah County Code §4.04.090, the County will either award a proposal or will announce in a commission meeting that no award will be made. There is no implicit or explicit guarantee that the project will proceed. 8. Subcontracting Terms and Conditions Upon award of the contract, the selected contractor shall not subcontract any portion of the Services without the prior written consent of Uintah County Municipal Building Authority. The selected contractor shall be fully responsible for the acts, omissions, and performance of its subcontractors and subconsultants. All subcontract agreements shall incorporate applicable provisions of this Contract and be approved by Uintah County Municipal Building Authority. 9. Terms and Conditions of the RFP Disclosure. Upon award of the contract, all accepted proposals shall become public records, except for those elements specifically identified by the Contractor as business or trade secrets and clearly marked as “trade secret,” “confidential,” or “proprietary.” Each element the Contractor wishes to withhold must be individually identified and marked. Blanket or non-specific designations (e.g., a general statement applying to the entire proposal) shall not be sufficient and will not bind the County. Suppose an entire page contains only confidential material. In that case, the Contractor must clearly label the top and bottom of the page with the appropriate designation (e.g., “CONFIDENTIAL – CONTAINS TRADE SECRET”), along with a justification or reference to the applicable confidential content. The County reserves the right to determine the validity of any such designation. Pricing and service components of the successful proposal will not be considered proprietary. Suppose disclosure is required under the Utah Government Records Access and Management Act (GRAMA) or any other applicable law. In that case, the County shall not be held liable for the release of such information, even if marked confidential. The submission of all respondents will be compared and evaluated pursuant to the evaluation criteria set forth in this RFP, and a single respondent may be selected. This RFP does not commit Uintah County Municipal Building Authority to select any respondent, award any work order, pay any costs incurred in preparing a response, or procure or contract for any services or supplies. All proposals must be in reference to the terms and conditions stated in this RFP. The awarded proposal will be selected based on the County’s determination of the top-scoring proposal and most advantageous proposal, presentation (if held), and completed reference checks. The decision to request interviews/presentations is at the discretion of the County. The intent of the presentations, if held, will be to allow the County an opportunity to clarify and ask questions resulting from the initial evaluation. No new information may be brought forward. Presentations are not guaranteed; candidates are advised to fully respond to the RFP at the time of submission. Failure to Agree. If the County and the selected Contractor cannot reach a satisfactory agreement, the County reserves the right to terminate negotiations. In such an event, the County may initiate negotiations with the next highest-scoring RFP applicant or, at its discretion, issue a new request for proposals. Right to Reject. The County reserves the right to reject any and all proposals. In addition, the County will not reimburse costs associated with the preparation or presentation of the proposals. 10. Questions & Inquiries QUESTIONS Please address any questions to the Purchasing & Grants Department with a subject heading of “Uintah County Master Plans – Western Park and Buckskin Hills Recreation Complex.” CONTACT INFORMATION Gennie Bird Uintah County 152 E 100 N Vernal, UT 84078 gbird@uintah.utah.gov 435-781-5481 Trinna Gardner Uintah County 152 E 100 N Vernal, UT 84078 tgardner@uintah.utah.gov 435-781-5482
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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