REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
CONSULTANT SERVICES
SUBDIVISION REGULATION UPDATE, ZONING REGULATION REVISION
AND UNIFIED CODE DEVELOPMENT
TOWN OF BERLIN, VERMONT
Date of Issue: December 29, 2014
Proposal Deadline: January 30, 2015
I. INTRODUCTION
In March 2012, the Town of Berlin, Vermont completed a comprehensive update to the Town
Plan. While the Town of Berlin is now and is expected to remain a predominantly rural
community, it contains a large commercial and industrial center in the area east of Interstate 89
and north of Scott Hill Road and Airport Road and has attracted considerable development
during the past 40 years.
The Town currently has separate Zoning regulations and Subdivision regulations, the latter of
which have not been significantly and comprehensively updated for decades. The primary goal
of the project is to establish unified bylaws that reflect the goals of the 2012 Town Plan with
substantial updates to the Subdivision regulations and priority revisions to the Zoning
regulations. In addition to numerous amendments needed to stay current with 24 V.S.A. Chapter
117, the Plan identifies various goals related to land use issues such as stormwater management,
pedestrian access and preservation of a viable agricultural economy, culture and land base that
are only addressed in a broad or vague manner in current regulations.
Most recently, a project proposed in a commercial district which borders a historic residential
neighborhood highlighted both inconsistencies in the Zoning regulations and the need to revisit
key districts and provisions that relate to balancing goals of economic development and
preservation of rural character. Given growth and community change, the future vision of Berlin
cannot be fully realized under current zoning approaches and land use regulation. Prior to the
onset of this project, other studies/reports will feed into this work, including a bike and
pedestrian scoping study for US Rte. 302 and the New Town Center study.
II. SCOPE OF WORK
In general, the scope of this project will involve a close working relationship and good
communication with the Berlin Planning Commission, communication with the Berlin
community about the effort as well as public input, and a careful and thorough examination of
regulatory strategies in Subdivision and Zoning that make sense for a town such as Berlin. The
outcome of the project will be:
1. A technical review of town plan goals, policies and strategies to be supported in
zoning and subdivision regulations
2. A public involvement process that informs the public early on in the process of the
effort and seeks initial input, as well as public involvement on proposed regulations
3. A draft unified zoning/subdivision code that will be presented to the Select Board for
their consideration in adoption. Note: In Berlin, the Select Board has the authority to
adopt zoning regulations.
Specific tasks are as follows:
A. Initial Meeting
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Conduct an initial meeting and tour of the community with Planning Commission and
other community members or groups. Finalize scope of work, project schedule, and
community outreach strategy.
B. Technical Review and Outline
Conduct review of Town Plan goals, policies, and strategies to be supported in
subdivision regulations. Develop draft outline/table of contents and recommended
strategies to be considered. Other areas of zoning regulation important to the town (eg.
low impact development standards, pedestrian-friendly site design, agricultural
preservation, etc) will be identified at the onset. Review to be presented at a Planning
Commission meeting.
C. Community Outreach
Conduct Public Forum #1: Facilitate a discussion on key issues, planning/zoning
considerations, and areas of public concern, while generally informing the public of land
use regulation concepts and the process to be followed. Public Forum #2 will be a public
presentation of the draft regulations developed (with highlights) and a facilitated
community discussion. Summary reports of each meeting will be prepared.
D. Development of Design Standards and Subdivision Criteria
Develop design standards for priority zoning districts and new criteria for subdivision
review based on Planning Commission input and inputs from Public Forum #1. Design
standards and subdivision criteria to be presented at a Planning Commission meeting.
E. Draft Unified Zoning/Subdivision Regulations
Draft articles/sections of regulations for Planning Commission review and incorporate
changes/edits. Participate in up to 2 additional work sessions with the Planning
Commission to review articles/sections. Prepare Planning Commission hearing draft and
Planning Commission report after Public Forum #2. It is expected that the draft document
will include illustrations and graphics to depict certain zoning standards that aid in public
understanding of the regulations.
F. Project Budget
A sum not to exceed $12,500 has been budgeted for this work.
III. STANDARDS AND DELIVERABLES
Deliverables prepared by the consultant shall include the following:
1. Final scope of work, project schedule, and community outreach strategy
2. Technical review document and draft outline/table of contents for zoning regulations
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3. Two community forums conducted and summary reports
4. Draft unified zoning subdivision regulation and Planning Commission Report with
modifications as necessary after Planning Commission public hearing
All data, databases, reports, programs and materials, in digital and hard copy format created
under this project shall be transferred to the Town of Berlin upon completion of the project and
become the property of the Town of Berlin.
All deliverables shall be submitted on CD and/or DVD and hard copy.
IV. RESPONSE FORMAT
Responses to this RFP should consist of the following:
A. A technical proposal consisting of:
1. A cover letter expressing the firm’s interest in working on this project and the
strengths your team brings to the project, including identification of the principal
individuals that will provide the requested services. Include each person’s area of
responsibility as well as one page resumes. Also include the same for any subconsultants.
2. A description of the general approach to be taken toward completion of the project,
an explanation of any variances to the proposed scope of work as outlined in the RFP,
and any insights into the project gained as a result of developing the proposal.
3. A brief statement describing why your firm is qualified to undertake the work
requested.
4. A scope of work that includes detailed steps to be taken, including any products or
deliverables resulting from each task.
5. A summary of estimated labor hours by task that clearly identifies the project team
members and the number of hours performed by each team member by task.
6. A proposed schedule that indicates project milestones and overall time for
completion.
7. Demonstration of success on similar projects, including a brief project description and
a contact name and address for reference. Please provide a minimum of two
references and a maximum of three references.
8. A representative work sample similar to the type of work being requested.
B. A cost proposal consisting of a composite schedule by task of direct labor hours, direct
labor cost per class of labor, overhead rate, and fee for the project. If the use of subconsultants is proposed, a separate schedule must be provided for each. Include a lump
sum cost for completion of all tasks included in the Scope of Work.
V. CONTRACTING
A. Form of Contract
The agreement between the Town of Berlin and the Consultant shall take the form of a
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Not to Exceed, reimbursable contract. The Consultant shall provide services necessary to
ensure the successful completion of the project as set forth in the Request for Proposals
and the final Scope of Work. Changes, modifications or amendments in the terms and
conditions of this Agreement shall be written and signed by the duly authorized
representative of the Consultant and the Town. Should it become necessary for the
Consultant to procure additional sub-consultant services beyond those reflected in the
Consultant’s proposal, this selection will be subject to approval by the Town.
Attachment A outlines customary contract provisions for projects funded by a Municipal
Planning Grant administered by the Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community
Development, Department of Housing and Community Development. Please refrain
from bidding if the provisions are not acceptable to your firm or your subcontractors.
B. Payment Procedures
The Town will reimburse the Consultant in a timely manner following submittal of
monthly invoices and a brief progress report. The Town will reserve an amount equal to
10 percent of each invoice as a retainage until the project is complete and the final
deliverables have been received and approved by the Town.
VI. CONTRACT PERIOD
The review committee will select the Consultant on or about February 25, 2015. All work and
deliverables on the project must be completed by April 01, 2016.
VII. CONSULTANT SELECTION
The Consultant selection will be made by representatives of the Berlin Planning Commission,
Selectboard, and other town officials and community members. The selection committee will
review and evaluate all proposals based on the following criteria:
1. Qualifications of the firm and the personnel to be assigned to this project. Experience
of the consultant personnel working together as a team to complete similar projects.
(25 points)
2. Demonstration of overall project understanding and insights into local conditions and
potential issues. Clarity of the proposal, presentation quality/creativity, and
thoroughness in addressing the scope of work (25 points)
3. Knowledge and experience in working with smart growth principles (15 points)
4. Creativity of public outreach process (10 points)
5. Cost and proposed distribution of effort (15 points)
6. Quality of representative work sample (10 points)
Optional Interviews: Interviews with respondents to the RFP will be conducted if, in the opinion
of the project selection committee, such interviews will aid in the selection of the firm most
suited to complete the project. Interviews may be conducted in person, by telephone, or by using
other available technologies.
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VIII. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS / RFP SCHEDULE
Consultants interested in the project should submit five (5) copies of their proposal to:
Town of Berlin
Attn: Planning Commission
108 Shed Road
Berlin, VT 05602
Proposal copies should be double-sided and paper should be a minimum 30 percent postconsumer recycled content if possible. Note: Representative samples of work may be sent to the
email address below on or before the deadline for submissions.
Proposals must be submitted no later than 4:30 pm on January 30, 2015
Questions about the RFP should be directed to Thomas J. Badowski, Berlin Planning
Commission at:
Telephone: 802-223-4405 x304
E-Mail: [email protected]
The Town of Berlin reserves the right to reject any or all proposals received, to negotiate with
any qualified source, or to cancel in part or in its entirety this RFP as in the best interests of the
Town of Berlin. This solicitation in no way obligates the Town of Berlin to award a contract.
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ATTACHMENT A:
Standard Contract Provisions for Contracts and Grants
1. Entire Agreement: This Agreement, whether in the form of a Contract, State Funded Grant,
or Federally Funded Grant, represents the entire agreement between the parties on the subject
matter. All prior agreements, representations, and statements, negotiations, and
understandings shall have no effect
2. Applicable Law: This Agreement will be governed by the laws of the State of Vermont.
3. Definitions: For purposes of this Attachment, “Party” shall mean the Contractor, Grantee or
Subrecipient, with whom the State of Vermont is executing this Agreement and consistent
with the form of the Agreement.
4. Appropriations: If this Agreement extends into more than one fiscal year of the State (July 1
to June 30), and if appropriations are insufficient to support this Agreement, the State may
cancel at the end of the fiscal year, or otherwise upon the expiration of existing appropriation
authority. In the case that this Agreement is a Grant that is funded in whole or in part by
federal funds, and in the event federal funds become unavailable or reduced, the State may
suspend or cancel this Grant immediately, and the State shall have no obligation to pay
Subrecipient from State revenues.
5. No Employee Benefits For Party: The Party understands that the State will not provide any
individual retirement benefits, group life insurance, group health and dental insurance,
vacation or sick leave, workers compensation or other benefits or services available to State
employees, nor will the state withhold any state or federal taxes except as required under
applicable tax laws, which shall be determined in advance of execution of the Agreement.
The Party understands that all tax returns required by the Internal Revenue Code and the
State of Vermont, including but not limited to income, withholding, sales and use, and rooms
and meals, must be filed by the Party, and information as to Agreement income will be
provided by the State of Vermont to the Internal Revenue Service and the Vermont
Department of Taxes.
6. Independence, Liability: The Party will act in an independent capacity and not as officers or
employees of the State. The Party shall defend the State and its officers and employees
against all claims or suits arising in whole or in part from any act or omission of the Party or
of any agent of the Party. The State shall notify the Party in the event of any such claim or
suit, and the Party shall immediately retain counsel and otherwise provide a complete defense
against the entire claim or suit. After a final judgment or settlement the Party may request
recoupment of specific defense costs and may file suit in Washington Superior Court
requesting recoupment. The Party shall be entitled to recoup costs only upon a showing that
such costs were entirely unrelated to the defense of any claim arising from an act or omission
of the Party.
The Party shall indemnify the State and its officers and employees in the event that the State,
its officers or employees become legally obligated to pay any damages or losses arising from
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any act or omission of the Party.
7. Insurance: Before commencing work on this Agreement the Party must provide certificates
of insurance to show that the following minimum coverages are in effect. It is the
responsibility of the Party to maintain current certificates of insurance on file with the state
through the term of the Agreement. No warranty is made that the coverages and limits listed
herein are adequate to cover and protect the interests of the Party. for the Party’s operations.
These are solely minimums that have been established to protect the interests of the State.
Workers Compensation: With respect to all operations performed, the Party shall carry
workers’ compensation insurance in accordance with the laws of the State of Vermont.
General Liability and Property Damage: With respect to all operations performed under the
contract, the Party shall carry general liability insurance having all major divisions of
coverage including, but not limited to:
Premises - Operations
Products and Completed Operations
Personal Injury Liability
Contractual Liability
The policy shall be on an occurrence form and limits shall not be less than:
$1,000,000 Per Occurrence
$1,000,000 General Aggregate
$1,000,000 Products/Completed Operations Aggregate
$ 50,000 Fire/ Legal/Liability
Party shall name the State of Vermont and its officers and employees as additional insureds
for liability arising out of this Agreement.
Automotive Liability: The Party shall carry automotive liability insurance covering all motor
vehicles, including hired and non-owned coverage, used in connection with the Agreement.
Limits of coverage shall not be less than: $1,000,000 combined single limit.
Party shall name the State of Vermont and its officers and employees as additional insureds
on all policies listed above for liability arising out of this Agreement.
8. Reliance by the State on Representations: All payments by the State under this Agreement
will be made in reliance upon the accuracy of all prior representations by the Party, including
but not limited to bills, invoices, progress reports and other proof of work.
9. Requirement to Have a Single Audit: In the case that this Agreement is a grant that is funded
in whole or in part by Federal funds, and if the Sub-recipient expends $500,000 or more in
Federal assistance during its fiscal year, the Sub-recipient is required to have a single audit
conducted in accordance with the Single Audit Act, except when it elects to have a program
specific audit. The Sub-recipient may elect to have a program specific audit if it expends
funds under only one Federal program and the Federal program's laws regulating grant
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agreements do not require a financial Statement audit of the Party. A Sub-recipient is exempt
if the Party expends less than $500,000 in total Federal assistance in one year.
10. Records Available for Audit: The Party will maintain all books, documents, payroll papers,
accounting records and other evidence pertaining to costs incurred under this agreement and
make them available at reasonable times during the period of the Agreement and for three
years thereafter for inspection by any authorized representatives of the State or Federal
Government. If any litigation, claim, or audit is started before the expiration of the three year
period, the records shall be retained until all litigation, claims or audit findings involving the
records have been resolved. The State, by any authorized representative, shall have the right
at all reasonable times to inspect or otherwise evaluate the work performed or being
performed under this Agreement.
11. Fair Employment Practices and Americans with Disabilities Act: Party agrees to comply with
the requirements of Title 21 V.S.A. Chapter 5, Subchapter 6, relating to fair employment
practices, to the full extent applicable. Party shall also ensure, to the full extent required by
the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 that qualified individuals with disabilities
receive equitable access to the services, programs, and activities provided by the Party under
this Agreement. Party further agrees to include this provision in all subcontracts.
12. Set Off: The State of Vermont may set off any sums which the Party owes the State against
any sums due the Party under this Agreement; provided, however, that any set off of amounts
due the State of Vermont as taxes shall be in accordance with the procedures more
specifically provided hereinafter.
13. Taxes Due to the State:
A. Party understands and acknowledges responsibility, if applicable, for compliance with the
State tax laws, including income tax withholding for employees performing services
within the State, payment of use tax on property used within the State, corporate and/or
personal income tax on income earned within the State.
B. Party certifies under the pains and penalties of perjury that, as of the date the Agreement
is signed, the Party is in good standing with respect to, or in full compliance with, a plan
to pay any and all taxes due the State of Vermont.
C. Party understands that final payment under this Agreement may be withheld if the
Commissioner of Taxes determines that the Party is not in good standing with respect to
or in full compliance with a plan to pay any and all taxes due to the State of Vermont.
D. Party also understands the State may set off taxes (and related penalties, interest and fees)
due to the State of Vermont, but only if the Party has failed to make an appeal within the
time allowed by law, or an appeal has been taken and finally determined and the Party
has no further legal recourse to contest the amounts due.
14. Child Support: (Applicable if the Party is a natural person, not a corporation or partnership.)
Party states that, as of the date the Agreement is signed, he/she:
A. is not under any obligation to pay child support; or
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B. is under such an obligation and is in good standing with respect to that obligation; or
C. has agreed to a payment plan with the Vermont Office of Child Support Services and is in
full compliance with that plan.
Party makes this Statement with regard to support owed to any and all children residing
in Vermont. In addition, if the Party is a resident of Vermont, Party makes this Statement
with regard to support owed to any and all children residing in any other State or territory
of the United States.
15. Sub-Agreements: Party shall not assign, subcontract or subgrant the performance of this
Agreement or any portion thereof to any other Party without the prior written approval of the
State. Party also agrees to include in all subcontract or subgrant agreements a tax certification
in accordance with paragraph 13 above.
16. No Gifts or Gratuities: Party shall not give title or possession of anything of substantial
value (including property, currency, travel and/or education programs) to any officer or
employee of the State during the term of this Agreement.
17. Copies: All written reports prepared under this Agreement will be printed using both sides of
the paper, where practical.
18. Certification Regarding Debarment: Party certifies under pains and penalties of perjury that,
as of the date this Agreement is signed, neither Party nor Party's principals (officers,
directors, owners or partners) nor subcontractors to be used on this project are presently
debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, declared ineligible or excluded from
participation in Federal programs 01' programs supported in whole or in part by Federal
funds.
Party further certifies under pains and penalties of perjury that, as of the date that this
Agreement is signed, Party is not presently debarred, suspended, nor named on the State’s
debarment list at: http://bgs.vermont.gov/purchasing/debarment
19. Certification Regarding Use of State Funds: In the case that Party is an employer and this
Agreement is a State Funded Grant in excess of $1,001, Party certifies that none of these
State funds will be used to interfere with or restrain the exercise of Party’s employee’s rights
with respect to unionization.
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