Park and Ride Daycare Center
The Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District, Champaign, Illinois
Submittal Deadline: April 16, 2008

The Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District (CUMTD) is issuing a Request for Proposals seeking responses from qualified entities to undertake a feasibility study to determine the potential market for a child care center located with a park and ride or transfer center.

The proposed location of the facility is in the western portion of Champaign, IL, in an area known as the Country Fair Shopping Center. Proposals submitted in response to this RFQ will be judged to determine which is the most outstanding in meeting the overall objectives of the scope of work while providing the best value to CUMTD. An Evaluation Committee will review and rate all proposals using the criteria noted in Section 9 of the RFQ.

Proposals, consisting of one unbound original and five (5) bound copies must be received by CUMTD at its offices at 1101 East University Avenue, Urbana, Illinois 61802-2009, directed as set forth above by 4:00 p.m. Central Daylight Time, on April 16, 2008. Proposers may choose to respond to one or more of the tasks described herein.

There is no penalty for choosing only to respond to a limited number of the tasks, as CUMTD at its discretion may select several entities to complete all the tasks.

Scope of Work

Market Analysis

Deliverable: A study assessing the demand for services outlined herein for a period of not less than five years:

• a child care center, including but not limited to: the age of children to be served, the type of amenities required to provide a quality child care environment, the price point(s) of the child care service, and
• a park and ride facility, and/or a transit transfer station including but not limited to the number of vehicles likely to enter and leave the premises, the origin and destination of likely users, the number of parking spaces that could be utilized, the types of public transport services that would best enhance the use of the site and the price point for the parking service, and
• additional services / amenities / housing that may enhance the use of the park and ride / transit transfer station location as well as the child care center.

Study Methodology: Consultant shall provide a detailed explanation of the methodology that will be used to assure that the market analysis is reliable. Said methodology must provide socio-demo-economic identifiers and should explore:

• attitudes toward use of non-SOV mobility services (e.g., access, time, price, convenience)
• barriers to child care (transportation, cost, access, etc.)
• factors influencing childcare choices (cost, ease of use, amenities and quality of service)
• the breadth of child care services desired (e.g., age range / time range)
• awareness and understanding of existing support and resources,
• trade offs for various service preferences between housing, transportation, access to child care and other amenities/services in terms of distance, time and price.
• the pattern of origin and work destinations most likely to utilize child care services at the Country Fair location.
• Key factors in people making the choice to use non-SOV mobility services or a park & ride facility (e.g., price of parking downtown or on the University campus).
• perception of the accessibility, comprehensiveness, safety, appearance, and value for price paid of existing retail, restaurant, and residential development at Country Fair and adjacent properties.

Child care Requirements

Deliverable: A Document detailing any and all applicable laws and regulations that would apply to the construction and management of a new child care facility that meets NAEYC standards. This document should also break down the construction budget to determine the allowable size of the facility (square feet), how many children the facility can handle, the age mix of children, the size of the outdoor playground (square feet), etc...

Development Opportunities

Deliverable: A report evaluating and recommending opportunities and strategies for encouraging further development in or around the facility. This may include, but not be limited to, housing, valet / concierge or on-site services for dry-cleaning, banking services, grocery shopping, car repair, a food catering service, evening meals-to-go, a convenience store, barber or hair salon, shoe repair, emporium, specialty shops, etc...

Security

Deliverable: A plan properly delineating separation between transit users and child care facility. Plan should incorporate all security concerns regarding the building and the park and ride / bus transit station facilities.

Transit Elements/Access

Deliverable: A memorandum recommending either a park and ride facility or a transit transfer facility, detailing recommended size of transit waiting and transfer space and restroom facilities. It should also provide recommendations for location of transit space in regards to parking and the street (bus platforms). Based on the market survey, an estimate of parking spaces required for the facility should be included.

Operating Model/Business Plan

Deliverable: An operating model and business plan for the child care facility, the park and ride / transit transfer station location and any ancillary support services directly associated with said facilities. The projections should be for a minimum of five years. This would include operating philosophy, revenue and expense work-up, hours and days of operation, recommended fees, etc. and evaluate tradeoffs between private investment and public subsidies to achieve an optimum service center that matches the market for child care and park and ride services. As one consideration, should public funds be used to construct a child care facility shell? If so, should that translate into a reduced cost of child care or an incentive for the child care operator to upgrade facilities?

Capital Plan

Deliverable: A construction cost estimate of the proposed complex proposed in the Business Plan and a timetable for completion.

For a complete copy of the RFQ please go to the CUMTD website where the RFQ is posted under Projects: http://www.cumtd.com/aboutmtd/PublicDocuments.aspx