*The complete Request for Proposal can be found on MRSC Bonfire Portal at: https://mrscrosters.bonfirehub.com/portal/

The Port of Skagit (Port) is seeking a qualified consultant to provide broadband project management services for Port projects.

Background

The Port is a municipal port district located in Skagit County, WA.  Port owned and operated properties include, but are not limited to: the Skagit Regional Airport, Bayview Business Park, La Conner Marina, and SWIFT Center. The Port is also managing member of SkagitNet, LLC, a governmental LLC formed by the Port and Skagit PUD to oversee construction and operate key pieces of fiberoptic infrastructure.

Based on responses to this Request for Proposals, the Port intends to select one or more consultants and award a contract with a term of up to 5 years to provide broadband project management services for Port projects.  Task Orders will be issued under the contract on an as needed basis.

Projects may be funded by various local, state, and federal programs.  All services and projects will be required to comply with applicable grant requirements and local, state, and federal regulations.

Scope of Work

The successful responding firm will provide broadband project management services for Port projects where services may include, but are not limited to:·  Consultation with federal, state, local and Tribal Governments·  Project scope development·  Construction oversight·  Contract negotiation with telecom firms and other service providersAnticipated services for broadband related work:

The Port conducted and completed a rural broadband feasibility study. The study identified initial routes to be constructed in order to meet the telecommunication needs of our rural community.

The Port is currently in the pre-construction phase of several Fiber to the Home projects.  Projects are to be completed within the next five (5) years. 

The specific projects have not all been determined but the locations will be in Skagit and Snohomish Counties, see attached region map for upcoming projects. 

Anticipated Task Order 1:

The initial task order issued to the selected firm is anticipated to include project management of construction of the Fir Island Fiber to the Home Broadband Project shown on the attached map. 

Construction will be as generally described above under “Anticipated services for broadband related work”, with this installation run requiring approximately 21,892 lineal feet of ground disturbance.  Construction of the project is estimated to begin in Q2 2024.

RFP Responses

Responses should address the following evaluation criteria:

1. Approach and Scope to the Project described in Task Order 1
   1. Proposed project team and responsibilities
   2. Demonstrate relevant experience in coordinating with stakeholders and regulatory agencies
   3. For purposes of evaluation of RFP responses, please provide a preliminary Scope for the anticipated Task Order 1 project

2. Fees:

2. 1. The specific needs and costs for each Task Order will be agreed upon by the Port and the consultant based on project details.  For purposes of evaluation of RFP responses, please provide a preliminary Fee for the anticipated Task Order 1 project. Submit the firm’s 2023 rate sheet.
3. Consulting qualifications and relevant project experience (last 3 years)
   1. Experience working in and with culturally sensitive areas.
   2. Experience communicating with/and outreach to local, state, federal, and Tribal entities.

4. Client list and references.

Proposals will be scored in accordance with the following table:

Direct all inquiries on this Request for Proposals to Travis Binschus, Project Manager, at 360-757-0011.  

Three (3) hard copy proposals and one digital copy shall be delivered to Sarah Hastings at the Port Administrative Office located at Port of Skagit, 15400 Airport Drive, Burlington, Washington 98233, no later than 2:00 PM, November 13, 2023. 

Proposals shall not exceed twenty (20) double-sided pages (e.g., 10 sheets of paper), including attachments.  The scope of work and fee does not count toward the twenty double-sided page limit.

The Port of Skagit reserves the right to reject any and all proposals submitted. This RFP and the firm’s response, including all promises, warranties, commitments, and representations made in the successful proposal (as accepted by the Port), shall be binding and incorporated by reference in the Port’s contract with the Consultant.  The Port anticipates having the initial Task Order 1 scope and fee proposal negotiated by November 22, 2023 with contract work to initiate thereafter.  The selected firm(s) will be required to execute the Port of Skagit’s Standard Agreement for Personal Services (attached).

The Port of Skagit shall not be liable for any costs incurred in the submittal preparation, printing, or interview process.  Consultants should be aware that any records they submit to the Port may be public records under the Washington Public Records Act (RCW 42.56)

The Port of Skagit is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer.  Funding sources for the anticipated services for broadband related work include but are not limited to Washington State Community Economic Revitalization Board with federal funds from the U.S. Treasury ARPA Capital Project Funds, Public Works Board, and Washington State Broadband Office.  Consultants must be licensed and insured in Washington State.  Small, Minority- and Women-owned firms are encouraged to submit proposals.