Templates for Local Zoning and Permitting Documents

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
Templates for Local Zoning and Permitting Documents
________________________________________________________________________
Posting Date: September 8, 2026
Response Submission Deadline: 3:00 p.m. EST on October 2, 2026
NOTE TO RESPONDENTS:
Please be advised that all submissions (including those not selected for engagement) may be made
available to the public on request pursuant to the Rhode Island Access to Public Records Act,
Chapter 2 of Title 38 of the Rhode Island General Laws (the "APRA") upon award of a contract(s).
As a result, respondents are advised not to include information that they deem proprietary or
confidential or that constitutes a trade secret.
INTRODUCTION
Through this Request for Proposals ("RFP"), the Rhode Island Housing and Mortgage Finance
Corporation ("RIHousing") seeks proposals from qualified firms to create and update templates for
local zoning and permitting documents in response to state housing legislation passed in 2026.
INSTRUCTIONS
Proposals must be submitted via email to: Stacy Wasserman at swasserman@rihousing.com no
later than the response submission deadline set forth above.
Proposals that are not received by the response submission deadline or that do not adhere to
the submission instructions described herein shall not be accepted or considered by
RIHousing.
Proposals should be concise and adhere to the word count applicable to each section of this Request
for Proposals ("RFP"). Proposals should be presented on business letterhead and include all
attachments, certifications (including the Submissions Certification at Attachment A), and work
samples (as applicable). Please note that failure to provide any information, certification, or document
requested in this RFP may cause your submission not to be reviewed or considered by RIHousing.
RIHousing may invite one or more finalists to make presentations, including demonstrations of
requested products, if applicable.
Updates, amendments and Q&As related to this Request for Proposals may be posted from time to
time at: RFPs & RFQs | RIHousing.

RFP/RFQ Title: Templates for local zoning and permitting documents
Respondent Name:
SCOPE OF WORK
Please see the Scope of Work as provided on Attachment B.
ITEMS TO BE INCLUDED WITH YOUR PROPOSAL
Section A: General Firm Information (Total word limit: 500 words)
SUBMISSION
CHECK LIST
1. Provide a brief description of your firm, including but not limited to the
following:
a. Name of the principal(s) of the firm.
b. Name, business telephone number and business email address of a
representative of the firm authorized to discuss your proposal.
c. Locations of all offices of the firm.
d. Number of employees of the firm.
RIHousing requests that the contact information provided in response to this
subsection (1) be strictly limited to business addresses, telephone numbers, and
email addresses to protect any personal information from being made available
to the public pursuant to APRA.
Section B: Experience and Resources (Total word limit: 3500 words)
1. Describe your firm and its capabilities. In particular, support your capacity to
perform the Scope of Work. Include your proposed project approach and timeline.
2. Firms should describe their relevant experience, including familiarity with Rhode
Island land use law and local zoning, permitting, and land use processes.
3. Indicate which principals and associates from your firm would be involved in
providing services to RIHousing. Provide appropriate background information for
each such person and identify their responsibilities.
4. If applicable, please indicate the name of any subcontractors that would be
involved in providing services to your firm and to RIHousing. Provide appropriate
background information for each person or entity, identify the person's
responsibilities and outline their capabilities.
5. Provide a detailed list of two references, including a contact name, business
telephone number, and email address for clients the firm has worked within the
past three years to conduct similar work.
6. Describe your firm's information security systems and the steps that your firm
takes to safeguard client communication, confidential information, and client data.
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RFP/RFQ Title: Templates for local zoning and permitting documents
Respondent Name:
Include in your response whether your firm performs penetration testing, your
firm's encryption methods, and whether client data is stored onshore or offshore.
Section C: Fee Structure (Total word limit: 500 words)
The cost of services is one of the factors that will be considered in awarding this contract.
The information requested in this section is required to support the reasonableness of
your fees.
1. Please provide a cost proposal for providing the Scope of Work at Attachment B.
2. Provide an itemized breakdown of billing rates and hourly costs, list of key
personnel and their hourly rates, reimbursable expenses, etc. for any services that
may be requested in addition to the services previously described.
3. Please provide any other fee information applicable to the engagement that has
not been previously covered that you wish to bring to the attention of RIHousing.
Section D: Minority Owned Business/Women Owned Business pursuant to
the Rhode Island State Purchases Act
1. In compliance with State law (R.I. Gen. Laws 37-2-1 et seq; R.I. Gen. Laws
37-14.1-6), RIHousing encourages the participation of persons of color, women,
persons with disabilities and members of other State-protected classes. Include the
number and percentage of members of State-protected classes who are either
principals or senior managers in your firm, the number and percentage of members
of State-protected classes in your firm who will work on RIHousing's engagement
and, if applicable, a copy of your Minority- or Women-Owned Business Enterprise
state certification. This information will be used in furtherance of Rhode Island
law.
Section E: Miscellaneous (Total word limit: 1000 words)
1. Discuss any topics not covered in this RFP that you would like to bring to
RIHousing's attention.
Section F. Certifications
All applicants must respond to and provide documentation as outlined in the Request for
Proposals Submission Certifications at Attachment A.
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RFP/RFQ Title: Templates for local zoning and permitting documents
Respondent Name:
EVALUATION AND SELECTION
A selection committee consisting of RIHousing employees will review all proposals that meet the
requirements set forth in the "Instructions" section of this RFP and make a selection based on the
following factors:
* Professional capacity to undertake the Scope of Work (as evaluated by reference in Section B:
Experience and Resources);
* Proposed fee structure (as evaluated by reference in Section C: Fee Structure);
* Proposed timeline (as evaluated by reference in Section B);
* Evaluation of proposed project approach (as contained in the Attachment B-Scope of Work.
Section B);
* Previous work experience and performance with RIHousing and/or similar organizations or
municipalities (as provided in Section B);
* Recommendations by references (as provided in Section B: Experience and Resources,
subsection 5);
* Firm minority status (as requested in Section D: Firm minority status (in accordance with
Rhode Island law, as requested in Section D: Minority Owned Business/Women Owned
Business pursuant to the Rhode Island State Purchases Act)
* Other pertinent information submitted.
By this RFP, RIHousing has not committed itself to undertake the work set forth herein. RIHousing
reserves the right to reject any and all proposals, to rebid the original or amended scope of services
and to enter into negotiations with one or more respondents. RIHousing reserves the right to make
those decisions after its receipt of responses. RIHousing's decision on these matters is final.
For additional information contact: Stacy Wasserman, swasserman@rihousing.com
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RFP/RFQ Title: Templates for local zoning and permitting documents
Respondent Name:
Attachment A
Requests for Proposals Submission Certifications
Please respond to all items below and include it in your response to this RFP. Be sure to include any
additional information in the space provided or as an attachment as needed. Please ensure that any
attachments refer to the appropriate item by name (i.e., "Conflict of Interest," "Major State Decision
Maker," etc.)
Total word limit for Sections A and B: 500 words
Section A: Conflicts of Interest
1. Identify any conflict of interest that may arise as a result of business activities or ventures by
your firm and associates of your firm, employees, or subcontractors as a result of any
individual's status as a member of the board of directors of any organization likely to interact
with RIHousing. If none, check below.
None
2. Describe how your firm will handle actual and or potential conflicts of interest (please include
in your proposal or attach a sheet with this information).
Section B: Litigation, Proceedings, Investigations
1. Identify any material litigation, administrative proceedings, or investigations in which your
firm is currently involved. If none, check below.
None
2. Identify any material litigation, administrative proceedings, or investigations to which your
firm or any of its principals, partners, associates, subcontractors, or support staff was a party,
that has been finally adjudicated or settled within the past two (2) years. If none, check
below.
None

Section C: Certifications
1. RIHousing insists upon full compliance with Chapter 27 of Title 17 of the Rhode Island
General Laws, Reporting of Political Contributions by State Vendors. This law requires State
Vendors entering into contracts to provide services to an agency such as RIHousing, for the
aggregate sum of $5,000 or more, to file an affidavit with the State Board of Elections
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RFP/RFQ Title: Templates for local zoning and permitting documents
Respondent Name:
concerning reportable political contributions. The affidavit must state whether the State
Vendor (and any related parties as defined in the law) has, within 24 months preceding the
date of the contract, contributed an aggregate amount in excess of $250 within a calendar year
to any general officer, any candidate for general office, or any political party. Please
acknowledge your understanding below.
I have read and understand the requirements of Chapter 27 of Title 17 of the Rhode

Island General Laws, Reporting of Political Contributions by State Vendors.
2. Does any Rhode Island "Major State Decision-maker," as defined below, or the spouse or
dependent child of such person, hold (i) a ten percent or greater equity interest, or (ii) a Five
Thousand Dollar or greater cash interest in this business?
For purposes of this question, "Major State Decision-maker" means:
(i) All general officers; and all executive or administrative head or heads of any state executive
agency enumerated in 42-6-1 as well as the executive or administrative head or heads of
state quasi-public corporations, whether appointed or serving as an employee. The phrase
"executive or administrative head or heads" shall include anyone serving in the positions
of director, executive director, deputy director, assistant director, executive counsel, or chief
of staff;
(ii) All members of the general assembly and the executive or administrative head or heads of
a state legislative agency, whether appointed or serving as an employee. The phrase
"executive or administrative head or heads" shall include anyone serving in the positions
of director, executive director, deputy director, assistant director, executive counsel, or chief
of staff;
(iii) All members of the state judiciary and all state magistrates and the executive or
administrative head or heads of a state judicial agency, whether appointed or serving as an
employee. The phrase "executive or administrative head or heads" shall include anyone
serving in the positions of director, executive director, deputy director, assistant director,
executive counsel, chief of staff or state court administrator.
Please indicate your response below.
Yes

If your answer is "Yes," please identify the Major State Decision-maker, specify the nature
of their ownership interest, and provide a copy of the annual financial disclosure required
to be filed with the Rhode Island Ethics Commission pursuant to R.I.G.L. 36-14-16, 17
and 18.
No
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RFP/RFQ Title: Templates for local zoning and permitting documents
Respondent Name:
3. In the course of providing goods or services to RIHousing, the selected respondent may receive
certain personal information specific to RIHousing customer(s) including, without limitation,
customer names and addresses, telephone numbers, email addresses, dates of birth, loan
numbers, account numbers, social security numbers, driver's license or identification card
numbers, employment and income information, photographic likenesses, tax returns, or other
personal or financial information (hereinafter collectively referred to as the "Personal
Information"). The maintenance of the Personal Information in strict confidence and the
confinement of its use to RIHousing are of vital importance to RIHousing.
Please certify below that in the event your firm is selected:
(i) any Personal Information disclosed to your firm by RIHousing or which your firm
acquires as a result of it services hereunder will be regarded by your firm as confidential,
and shall not be copied or disclosed to any third party, unless RIHousing has given its
prior written consent thereto; and
(ii) your firm agrees to take all reasonable measures to (a) ensure the security and
confidentiality of the Personal Information, (b) protect against any anticipated threats or
hazards to the security or integrity of the Personal Information, and (c) maintain
reasonable security procedures and practices appropriate to your firm's size, the nature of
the Personal Information, and the purpose for which the Personal Information was
collected in order to protect the Personal Information from unauthorized access, use,
modification, destruction or disclosure; and
(iii) when discarding the Personal Information, destroying it in a commercially reasonable
manner such that no third party can view or recreate the information, electronically or
otherwise.
These provisions, which implement the requirements of the Rhode Island Identity Theft
Protection Act, R.I.G.L. 11-49.3 et seq., will also be incorporated into the final contract with
the selected respondent(s). In addition, if selected, your firm may be requested to provide a
copy of its information security plan.
I certify that in the event our firm is selected, we will comply with the Personal

Information and Security guidelines noted above.
4. Your firm's president, chairman or CEO must certify below that (i) no member of your firm
has made inquiries or contacts with respect to this RFP other than in an email or written
communication to Stacy Wasserman, swasserman@rihousing.com seeking clarification on the
Scope of Work set forth in this proposal, from the date of this RFP through the date of your
proposal, (ii) no member of your firm will make any such inquiry or contact until after October
2, 2026, (iii) all information in the proposal is true and correct to the best of your knowledge,
(iv) no member of your firm gave anything of monetary value or promise of future
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RFP/RFQ Title: Templates for local zoning and permitting documents
Respondent Name:
employment to a RIHousing employee or Commissioner, or a relative of the same, based on
any understanding that such person's action or judgment will be influenced, (v) your firm did
not consult with RIHousing in connection with the development of this RFP, and (vi) your
firm is in full compliance with Chapter 27 of Title 17 of the Rhode Island General Laws,
Reporting of Political Contributions by State Vendors.
I certify that no member of our firm has made or will make any such inquiries or
contacts; all information supplied is true and correct; no member of our firm has provided
anything of value to influence RIHousing; and our firm is in compliance with applicable
political contribution reporting.
President, Chairman or CEO (print): ____________________________________________
Signature:
Firm Name: _______
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RFP/RFQ Title: Templates for local zoning and permitting documents
Respondent Name:
Attachment B
Scope of Work
Background
Over the past few years, the General Assembly has passed several packages of bills that made
significant changes to Rhode Island's land use and zoning laws to reduce barriers to housing
development. To assist municipalities in updating their zoning ordinances and regulations to comply
with these changes, RIHousing contracted with a consultant in 2023 to create template documents
and resources for municipalities. Those resources were then updated in 2024 and 2025. These
documents can be found on https://www.rihousing.com/mtap-templates/. During the 2026 Rhode
Island General Assembly session, two additional bills were passed, which make changes to various
aspects of zoning, planning, and permitting statutes for the purposes of standardizing and
streamlining the development process and otherwise reducing barriers to housing development.
Those bills can be accessed below:
* H8004A / S3302: An Act Relating to Towns and Cities - Rhode Island Comprehensive
Planning and Land Use Act
* H8005A / S3303: An Act Relating to Towns and Cities - Zoning Ordinances
I. Services to be Provided
The bills listed above will require all municipalities to make similar adjustments to their local zoning
and permitting documents. Therefore, we are soliciting proposals to update the existing template
documents and, where necessary, develop new template documents that all communities can use as
the basis for making the required changes to their local documents.
In addition, applicants should identify in their proposals where, if at all, it is necessary to update the
other existing resource documents, including checklists and flowcharts created in 2023, 2024 and
2025 to reflect the 2026 legislative updates and include those updates in their proposal. Those
documents can be found on https://www.rihousing.com/mtap-templates/. We are not proposing
to update the best practices resources on the site.
The final products should be consistent with the current template and resource format and will be
made available to all Rhode Island cities and towns.
II. Project Schedule
RIHousing anticipates that this project should be completed within two months.
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RFP/RFQ Title: Templates for local zoning and permitting documents
Respondent Name:
III. Requirements
Proposals should identify which template documents they propose to amend or create, which
legislation each template document addresses, and the rationale for why these tools will be most
effective in assisting municipalities in consistently implementing the new statutes. Please note that
not every bill may require template documents.
IV. Budget and Payment Terms
Applicants should submit a proposed detailed budget to complete this work.
Payment will be made within 30 days upon receipt of a proper invoice. Invoices may be submitted
no more frequently than monthly.
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