2025-01 Request for Proposals: Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy

Agency:	City of Florence
State:	South Carolina
Type of Government:	State & Local
Posted Date:	Jan 10, 2025
Due Date:	Feb 4, 2025
Solicitation No:	2025-01
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Office of Purchasing/Contracting 324 W. Evans Street Florence, South Carolina 29501

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS NO. 2025-01

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES TO UPDATE THE

CITY OF FLORENCE NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION STRATEGY

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: February 4, 2025 2:00 pm

PURPOSE OF THE REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

The City of Florence, South Carolina (the City) is soliciting proposals from qualified consulting firms to

assist the City in the update and further development of its Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy. The

original plan was adopted in 2014 with the goal of comprehensive revitalization within three historic

neighborhoods adjacent to the City’s downtown: North Florence, Historic West Florence, and East Florence.

These three neighborhoods are characterized by historic disinvestment, and until recent revitalization

efforts, little to no infill or new construction. The selected proposal will provide the City with an

assessment of existing conditions within the neighborhoods, an evaluation of current and past revitalization

efforts, and a guide to further implement neighborhood revitalization. This guide is expected to incorporate

neighborhood feedback, relevant data, observations, and modern planning principles to generate a

comprehensive strategy for continued implementation of revitalization efforts. Responses should be

submitted based on the information and guidelines provided in this Request for Proposals (RFP).

This RFP is being publicly advertised. The City will make the selection based on the responses submitted,

interviews with firms, and then negotiate a final agreement with the selected firm. Responders are welcome

to establish consortiums or teams of firms in connection with this RFP. The final selection of the firm will

be based on the criteria set forth in this RFP.

All responses must be sealed and have “RFP 2025-01 Request for Proposals for Professional Services

to update the Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy” clearly marked on the outside for ease of

identification by the City. Responses may be hand-delivered prior to the submission deadline at the address

listed above. The City does not accept electronic/emailed responses. Directions may be obtained by calling

(843) 665-3165. Any response received later than the submission deadline WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED

OR CONSIDERED.

Responses submitted by mail should be addressed to: City of Florence, Attn: Lynwood F. Givens,

Purchasing Agent, 324 W. Evans Street, Florence, SC 29501. The City will not be responsible for late

submission caused by the postal service, other carriers, or any other delivery problems regardless of the

reason.

This solicitation does not commit the City of Florence to award a contract, to pay any costs incurred in the

preparation of a response, or to procure or contract for services. The City of Florence reserves the right to

accept or reject any or all submissions received as a result of this Request for Proposals, or to cancel it in

part or in its entirety if it is in the best interest of the City of Florence.

Lynwood F. Givens

Purchasing Agent

MINORITY AND WOMAN OWNED BUSINESS

Minority Business Owners (minority or woman owned businesses) will be afforded full opportunity to

submit a response to the Request for Proposals and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race,

color, creed, sex, or national origin in consideration for an award. It is the policy of the City that minority

business and women owned business enterprises (MBE/WBE) have an opportunity to participate at all

levels of contracting in the performance of City contracts to the extent practical and consistent with the

efficient performance of the contract. Please indicate that you are a minority or woman owned business

with your proposal submission.

The successful contractor(s) must ensure that all subcontractors, agents, personnel assigned by or

employees of prime company and subcontractors are not discriminated against because of their race, color,

religion, sex, or national origin. The successful contractor(s) must make positive efforts to provide equal

employment opportunity for minority and women owned businesses.

All submitted materials shall become the sole property of the City of Florence. Contractors will relinquish

claim for return of submitted material. The City shall have sole discretion in evaluating the responses. The

City reserves the right to reject any and all responses and is not bound to accept any response if it is contrary

to the best interest of the City.

INSTRUCTIONS

Responses to the Request for Proposals will only be accepted from responsible and responsive companies

that have an established reputation in the field of history, architecture, architectural history, or historic

preservation, as well as demonstrated experience creating design guidelines and experience working with

local design review boards and commissions.

No response may be withdrawn for a period of ninety (90) days after the submission date.

A responsive company is defined as one that has the capability in all respects to perform fully the

requirements mentioned in the RFP document and the integrity and reliability which will assure good faith

performance.

A responsive company is defined as one that has submitted a response which conforms in all respects to the

RFP requirements.

Protest Period: Any actual or prospective company that is aggrieved in connection with the solicitation or

award of a contract/purchase order may formally protest in writing to the Chief Financial Officer. The

protest may be submitted at any time during the procurement process. However, if a prospective company

wishes to protest, the formal protest must be submitted in writing and must be received by the City no later

than seven (7) days from the date that the aggrieved actual or prospective company has been informed of

the proposal results by the Purchasing Agent. Protests received by the City after the expiration of the seven

(7) day protest period will not be considered by the City.

Disputes: In cases of disputes as to whether or not an item or service quoted or delivered meets the scope

of work, the decision of the City of Florence shall be final and binding on all parties. The Purchasing Agent

may request in writing the recommendation of the head of the department of the end user or other objective

sources.

Deviations: Any deviations from the scope of services contained herein must be stated in the response for

the City of Florence’s consideration.

Changes: Any changes in this Request for Proposal after a contract agreement has been awarded must be

with the written consent of the Purchasing Agent or the City Manager; otherwise, the responsibility for such

changes lies with the company. Any changes to the scope of services in this Request for Proposals package

shall be in writing and an addendum will go out to all prospective respondents so each respondent can

compete equitably.

Ownership Of Material: Ownership of all data, material and documentation originated and prepared for

the City of Florence pursuant to this contract shall belong exclusively to the City of Florence.

QUESTIONS AND INQUIRIES: The deadline for the submission of any and all questions and

inquiries concerning this RFP is January 28, 2025 at 5:00 pm. All questions must be directed to

Lynwood F. Givens, Purchasing Agent in written format and e-mailed to lgivens@cityofflorence.com.

A complete copy of the City of Florence Purchasing Policies and Procedures Manual can be

downloaded from the City of Florence website at www.cityofflorence.com.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

City Background: The City of Florence is located in the northeast corner of South Carolina at the

intersection of Interstates 95 and 20 in an eight-county region referred to as the Pee Dee, the name of the

first Native American inhabitants of the area. The City of Florence is the county seat and largest city in

Florence County, with a population of 40,072. The metropolitan area has a population of approximately

200,000 and is the retail and employment hub for the Pee Dee Region. The City has had great success with

the revitalization of its downtown commercial districts through both public and private investment.

Prior to the adoption of the 2014 Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy, little to no new development was

conducted within the three target neighborhoods. Since implementation of the Strategy, the City has

successfully constructed 25 homes and worked with private developers to construct an additional 13 homes,

all single-family detached and homeowner occupied. Additionally, over 40 dilapidated structures have

been demolished and 30 properties have been renovated/weatherized through CDBG and City programs.

The City has implemented a Rental Registry Program and is currently pursuing the adoption of both a

vacant and abandoned buildings policy and an unfit dwellings policy.

Introduction: The general purpose of the update to the Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy is to provide

guidance for the continuation and expansion of the City’s revitalization efforts within three historic

neighborhoods adjacent to the City’s downtown: North Florence, Historic West Florence, and East Florence.

A Neighborhood Action Plan was adopted in 2013 and included recommended strategies and

implementable items largely based upon input from neighborhood residents. This plan was greatly

expanded upon through the Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy adopted in 2014, which provided specific

objectives for development, policy recommendations, leadership, and marketing. These plans initiated

significant City investment in the form of new home construction; existing home rehabilitation; road,

streetscape, and stormwater improvements; reinvestment into parks and community centers; as well as

supportive policies and programs such as a rental registry, a home demolition program, and a down payment

assistance program.

These plans can be found at the following links:

Neighborhood Action Plan:

https://www.cityofflorence.com/sites/default/files/uploads/Residents/neighborhood-

improvement/neighborhood-action-plan-final-report-.pdf

Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy:

https://www.cityofflorence.com/sites/default/files/uploads/neighborhood_revitalization_plan.pdf

The selected firm will provide the City with an assessment of existing conditions within the neighborhoods,

an evaluation of current and past revitalization efforts, and a guide to further implement neighborhood

revitalization. This guide is expected to incorporate neighborhood feedback, relevant data, observations,

and modern planning principles to generate a comprehensive strategy for continued implementation of

revitalization efforts.

Planning Approach: A response to this RFP shall include the respondent’s proposed methodology and

approach, including a general timeline for developing a strategy and implementation schedule for the

neighborhood revitalization effort. The approach should be:

A. Innovative and unique to Florence;

B. One that balances the interests of all parties with a stake in the future of Florence and the

disenfranchised neighborhoods;

C. Educational to the public and development community on best practices on what comparable

communities have in place;

D. One that incorporates work completed on other related strategies;

E. One that provides for diversified public involvement in the drafting process;

F. One that provides insight for neighborhood planning principles; and

G. One that proposes a comprehensive approach to revitalization realizing that a singular solution will

not be sufficient for success.

Successful Respondents Characteristics: Successful respondents to this RFP will demonstrate that they

possess the following characteristics:

A. Demonstrate success rate of adoption of plans created in the last five years. Please make specific

reference to and your involvement with the plans.

B. Identify specific plans that demonstrate your firm’s experience in developing unique neighborhood

plans and revitalization strategies for declining neighborhoods. As stated above, Florence would like

a strategy written specifically for our neighborhoods. Make reference to plans whereby you have

been able to produce win-win solutions for communities such as ours based on your knowledge of

Florence.

C. Demonstrate your proven track record and explain your methodology and philosophy in educating

the public and elected officials on the value of comprehensive neighborhood planning/revitalization.

D. Reference plans where your firm has demonstrated an awareness of the economic, social and

environmental consequences of future urban and suburban development.

E. Reference plans/strategies where you have worked with disenfranchised

neighborhoods/communities and how you addressed their needs, identified the causes of their

degenerated state and recommendations for revitalization.

F. Specifically reference plans where you have addressed full scale revitalization efforts. It will not

be sufficient to simply reference plans/strategies that incorporated components such as housing,

land use, parks et cetera. You must demonstrate your capabilities to perform a holistic approach.

Scope of Services: The goal of the work to be performed is to build upon the City’s existing Neighborhood

Revitalization Program and provide a comprehensive guide for future revitalization specific to the three

target neighborhoods. The following is a list if tasks inclusive, but not exhaustive, to accomplishing this

goal:

A. The Consultant will focus on analyzing data and gathering input from City staff, leadership, partners,

and field data related to housing supply, housing demand, housing conditions and neighborhood

revitalization activities and provide an evaluation of the current conditions and past revitalization

efforts.

B. The Consultant will include an evaluation of the exterior condition of each single-family detached

unit within the target neighborhoods. City staff can assist with this task.

C. The Consultant will engage residents and stakeholders throughout the process and identify the roles

of the City and neighborhood association in addressing neighborhood needs. City staff will work

with the consultant to facilitate meetings and identify stakeholders.

D. The Consultant will identify capital improvement projects that could be implemented to spur

neighborhood node and corridor revitalization.

E. The Consultant will identify programs and partnerships the City is lacking to further develop the

neighborhood revitalization program.

F. The Consultant will identify programs, code enforcement policies, code changes, or other such

changes that would further revitalization efforts.

G. The Consultant will identify sources of funding for revitalization efforts to include guidance on where

to most effectively focus the City’s limited financial and administrative resources to achieve the

greatest impact.

H. The Consultant will provide detailed recommendations and strategies to direct future revitalization

efforts and identify lead and partner organizations to implement action items.

I. The City is currently hiring a firm to conduct a citywide housing and needs assessment study. The

Consultant selected to update the Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy may be asked to work with

this firm or utilize data provided by this study to provide a more complete analysis of the three target

neighborhoods.

Final Document and Presentation to Stakeholders

Deliverable: The Consultant shall provide 10 paper copies and 1 electronic copy of: the updated

Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy and an electronic copy of the Power Point presentation(s), an

electronic copy of all GGIS shape files and maps, and other presentation materials.

PRE-PROPOSAL CONFERENCE (MANDATORY)

The City will host a mandatory Pre-Proposal Conference at 324 W Evans Street, Florence, SC. This will

be conducted on January 22, 2025 at 10:00 am. Virtual attendance will be permitted, and a link will be

provided upon request. Responders to the Request for Proposals are required to attend the pre-proposal

conference and are encouraged to have questions prepared prior to the meeting. For questions regarding

the pre-proposal conference please contact The City of Florence Procurement Officer, Mr. Lynwood

Givens, at 843-665- 3165 or by email to lgivens@cityofflorence.com.

CONTENT OF PROPOSALS

Proposals shall include the following information:

1. Title Page

List the RFP subject, the name of the firm, address, telephone number, name of contact person

and the date.

2. Letter of Transmittal

Make a positive commitment to perform the required work within the time period. Also give the

name(s) of the person(s) who will be authorized to represent the firm, their title, and telephone

number.

3. Qualifications

a. Name, address and telephone number of the firm's owners, and full information about the

corporate structure of the submitting firm.

b. Location of the firm's primary place of business for legal purposes and any subsidiary

offices, years of business, and types of services offered.

c. Names and qualifications of personnel to be assigned to the project.

4. Description of similar project experience and the names, addresses, and telephone number of

owners for all projects described (references will be checked).

5. Curriculum vitae of principal associates and key personnel proposed to have primary

responsibility for the project.

6. Current and projected workload, including a list of all projects contracted for or anticipated.

7. Approach

Indicate your understanding of the scope of work by describing your firm's approach and

characteristics, including specific illustrations of the procedures to be followed. Tell us about your

This page summarizes the opportunity, including an overview and a preview of the attached documents.

bid number	bid description	cloising date	bid file
2025-01 Request for Proposals: Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy	The City of Florence is accepting sealed proposals from qualified consulting firms to update and further development of the City's Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy.	Tue, 02/04/2025	2025-01_request_for_proposals.pdf

2025-01 Request for Proposals: Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy

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