RFP for Dawson County Economic Development Plan Update

Development Authority of Dawson County Request for Proposal (RFP)
Economic Development Plan Update
The Development Authority of Dawson County is issuing this Request
for Proposal (RFP) to select a qualified consultant or firm to develop a Economic
comprehensive Economic Development Plan. This plan will provide Development Plan
both a 3-year actionable roadmap and a 5-year strategic vision to guide Update (RFP)
the county's economic growth, industry attraction, and infrastructure
priorities. Key objectives include diversifying the local economy Solicitation No: EDP-
through the recruitment of clean tech, biotechnology, biomanufacturing, 0001-2026
advanced manufacturing, and R&D sectors. The plan must also address
the activation of a new 77-acre Business & Innovation Park and Submission Deadline:
integrate robust public and stakeholder engagement. The final June 01, 2026
deliverables will align with the strategic goals of the State of Georgia
and the Appalachian Regional Commission. They must include clear
action steps, a target industry list, infrastructure recommendations, and
measurable success metrics. The total project budget ranges from
$30,000 to $60,000.

Contents
1. Executive Summary ................................................................................................ 2
2. Background & Community Context ......................................................................... 2
3. Project Purpose & Scope ......................................................................................... 3
Purpose .................................................................................................................. 3
Scope ...................................................................................................................... 3
4. Strategic Priorities & Deliverables ........................................................................... 3
Strategic Goal 1: Attract Clean Tech Industries ....................................................... 3
Strategic Goal 2: Expand Biotechnology, Biomanufacturing, and R&D ..................... 3
Strategic Goal 3: Grow Advanced Manufacturing .................................................... 4
Strategic Goal 4: Develop the Business & Innovation Park ....................................... 4
Strategic Goal 5: Ensure Community-Aligned Growth ............................................. 4
5. Stakeholder Engagement Requirements ................................................................... 4
6. Proposal Submission Requirements ......................................................................... 5
7. Evaluation Criteria ................................................................................................. 5
Legal / Procurement Notes ................................................................................. 5
1
e
g
a
P

1. Executive Summary
The Development Authority of Dawson County is issuing a public Request for Proposal (RFP) to
select a qualified consultant or firm to lead the creation of a new Economic Development Plan.
This plan will serve as both a 3-year actionable roadmap and a 5-year strategic vision to guide
Dawson County's economic future. Its primary focus is on attracting targeted industries (clean
tech, biotech, advanced manufacturing, R&D), supporting sustainable growth, and enhancing
quality of life.
The project must include robust public engagement, align with the State of Georgia's
strategic priorities, and reflect the objectives of the Appalachian Regional Commission. A
total budget of $30,000-$60,000 has been allocated.
2. Background & Community Context
Dawson County, located in North Georgia, has experienced significant growth in recent years.
While the county continues to be a desirable residential and business location, new economic
development challenges and opportunities have emerged, including:
* Managing residential growth pressure
* Developing a 77-acre Business & Innovation Park
* Aligning workforce development with industry needs
* Balancing economic expansion with infrastructure capacity
The current plan is due for an update, and this proposal aims to establish a clear and actionable
path forward.
2
e
g
a
P

3. Project Purpose & Scope
Purpose
The purpose of this plan is to update the county's current economic strategy, attract targeted
high-growth industries, and position Dawson County for long-term resilience and prosperity.
Scope
* Geography: Entirety of Dawson County
* Timeline: Dual-horizon (3-year roadmap and 5-year strategy)
* Budget: $30,000-$60,000
* Deliverables must include:
o Strategic recommendations
o Target industry list
o Infrastructure priorities
o Development area identification
o Action steps for implementation
* Required public input: Stakeholder interviews, surveys, and community feedback
* Alignment: State of Georgia Economic Development Strategy and Appalachian
Regional Commission goals
4. Strategic Priorities & Deliverables
Strategic Goal 1: Attract Clean Tech Industries
* 2-3 new companies
* 100+ jobs
* Site-readiness and marketing plan
Strategic Goal 2: Expand Biotechnology, Biomanufacturing, and R&D
* University/tech partnerships 3
e
* Infrastructure feasibility for lab-based facilities g
a
P

* ARC innovation program alignment
Strategic Goal 3: Grow Advanced Manufacturing
* Retain and expand manufacturers
* Workforce pipeline with local tech college
* Wage and tax base growth
Strategic Goal 4: Develop the Business & Innovation Park
* Master plan and infrastructure layout
* Branding and web presence
* First tenant recruitment
Strategic Goal 5: Ensure Community-Aligned Growth
* Countywide surveys and stakeholder focus groups
* Integration of public feedback into zoning and planning
5. Stakeholder Engagement Requirements
Stakeholders to be engaged include:
* Development Authority
* County Commissioners
* City Officials
* Existing business leaders
* Technical college & school officials
* General public (via surveys)
Special care should be taken to include community voices and manage sensitivity around:
* Rapid residential growth
* The 77-acre Business & Innovation Park 4
e
g
a
P

6. Proposal Submission Requirements
* Deadline: June 01, 2026, by 5:00 PM EST
* Submission Method:
o Hard copy in a sealed envelope, signed and labeled, delivered to Kevin L. Herrit,
MBA, AICP, EDFP at 44 Commerce Drive, Dawsonville, GA 30534
o Or Email to Kevin L. Herrit, MBA, AICP, EDFP, Director of Economic
Development at k.herrit@dawson.org
* Required Content:
o Narrative proposal
o Cost breakdown
o Timeline
o Team bios and relevant project examples
o Public engagement methodology
o Legal compliance documentation (E-Verify, conflicts, etc.)
* Questions:
o Questions may be directed to Kevin L. Herrit, Director of Economic
Development. Email-k.herrit@dawson.org. Questions will be answered via
addendum only. The deadline for submitting questions is May15, 2026 (5-15-
2026). The Owner reserves the right to reject any and all statements of
qualifications, as well as to waive technicalities and informalities.
7. Evaluation Criteria
Proposals will be evaluated based on:
Criteria Weight
Relevant Experience 20%
Methodology & Approach 20%
Innovation 20%
Public Engagement Plan 20%
Cost and Value 20%
Legal / Procurement Notes
* Statement of Agreement:
o With submission of a statement of proposal, the Proposer agrees that he/she has 5
carefully examined the solicitation, and the Proposer agrees that it is the e
g
Proposer's responsibility to request clarification on any issues in any section of a P

the solicitation with which the Proposer disagrees or needs clarified. The Proposer
also understands that failure to mention these items in the proposal will be
interpreted to mean that the Proposer is in full agreement with the terms,
conditions, specifications and requirements in the therein. With submission of a
proposal, the Proposer hereby certifies: (a) that this proposal is genuine and is not
made in the interest or on behalf of any undisclosed person, firm, or corporation;
(b) that Proposer has not directly or indirectly included or solicited any other
Proposer to put in a false or insincere proposal; (c) that Proposer has not solicited
or induced any person, firm, or corporation to refrain from sending a proposal.
6
e
g
a
P