REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATION (RFQ) TO: FROM: PROJECT: INTERESTED CONSULTANTS TOWNSHIP OF MOON MOON TOWNSHIP MARKET ANALYSIS DATE: March 29, 2016 SUMMARY The Board of Supervisors of Moon Township, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania is seeking the services of a consultant (or team of consultants) for a one-time, fixed fee contract to perform certain professional services (consulting) work to complete a market analysis for the Township of Moon. Moon is situated in a highly desirable location in the region. It has convenient access to regional assets and employment opportunities like Downtown Pittsburgh, the Pittsburgh International Airport, and many other employers within the community. Robert Morris University has a 230 acre campus in the township that is an anchor to the University Boulevard Corridor. In addition, there is a significant military presence with the township. It is home to the Airforce Reserve 911th Airlift Wing, the Airforce National Guard 171 st Air Refueling Wing, and the Army Reserves 99 th Regional Readiness Command. The RFQ deadline is Wednesday, April 27th, 2016 at 4:00 PM EST. You are invited to submit your qualifications for providing professional services as described in the Request for Qualifications (RFQ). Submit one (1) electronic version (Adobe PDF) and three (3) paper copies of Qualifications to the Township Manager s Office at the Moon Township Municipal Building, 1000 Beaver Grade Road, Moon Township, PA 15108, no later than Friday, May 6, 2016 at 12:00 PM EST. The qualifications should be addressed to: Scott Brilhart, Asst. Manager/Planning Director Attn: Moon Township Market Analysis Project Township of Moon 1000 Beaver Grade Road Moon Township, PA 15108 (412) 262-1700 sbrilhart@moontwp.us
COMMUNITY BACKGROUND Established in 1788, Moon Township was the first township in Allegheny County. In its early days, Moon was a rural community where settlers depended on hunting and farming for survival. The Township continued to experience economic growth into the 20th century when roadways and railroads opened up the gates. Both the Sewickley Bridge, and the Pennsylvania & Lake Erie Railroad contributed significantly. During WW II, the industrial plants located in and around Moon became major suppliers of armor plates and munitions. This boom created a great housing need for workers. The construction of the Greater Pittsburgh Airport (now Pittsburgh International Airport) in 1952 and the construction of the Penn Lincoln Parkway (Parkway West) were perhaps the two most significant factors to the Township s economic growth. Moon quickly grew into a business and residential community. Today it is home to a number of high profile national corporations such as FedEx Ground, ServiceLink, Eaton Electrical Group, Nova Chemicals and Michael Baker International. Moon Township also serves as the home of Robert Morris University, the 911th Airlift Wing Air Force Reserve Base, and the 99th ARCOM. The Township is a Second Class Township and is governed by a five-member Board of Supervisors. PROJECT DESCRIPTION Background The Township adopted an updated Comprehensive Plan on June 3, 2015. The plan provides a thorough anlysis of the community including: transportation, existing and future land use, civic amenities and community facilities. In addition, the plan includes the following action items related to Zoning and Future Land Use: Review and update the existing Zoning Ordinance and SALDO. Promote infill and sustainable development to best utiilize existing building stock, complement neghboring land uses, encourage access to goods and professional services. Incentivize development and community amenities. Prepare to accommodate a diverse population of all ages and ability levels by ensuring that Moon Township has a deverse range of housing options. A Market Analysis will be beneficial in updating the Township s Zoning Regulations by providing an analysis of primary real estate markets for the purposes of identifying trends and opportunities for economic development intitiatives. The report shall identify what the current and future markets are for the following sectors: Housing, Retail, Hospitality, Office, and University related opportunities.
Purpose and Objectives The primary objectives of the analysis are to review the current economic conditions from a regional and local perspective and provide recommended changes to the Township s Zoning Regulations for future development opportunities. The purpose of the market analysis is to provide an objective perspective on the real market potential for Moon Township. The following areas are prime for new development or redevelopment opportunities in the community: Moon Clinton Road Area The parcels along Moon Clinton Road between University Boulevard and Becks Run Road. This part of the community has exceptional access to the Interstate from International Drive. However, the existing land use and zoning does not provide a clear plan for future development. Marketplace Boulevard Area The parcels along Marketplace Boulevard and to the south of Hookstown Grade Road. Developers have invested in constructing the road infrastructure in this area. However, development has been very limited over the past twenty years. The study shall make recommendations on development based on its location and zoning. Robert Morris University Area - The area adjacent to the Robert Morris University, University Boulevard, and Grant Drive. The property in this area in poised for redevelopment or new development. The study shall make recommendations on the types of land uses that are a good fit for this area of the community. The identification of market gaps and opportunities will be critical to target potential economic opportunities and provide the basis for attracting them. The market analysis will recommend additional or alternative redevelopment initiatives and include implementation strategies. The results of this study will guide the Township s redevelopment/revitalization efforts for targeted areas in the Township. SCOPE OF SERVICES Moon Township seeks assistance from a qualified firm or team to prepare the market analysis described in this RFQ. The following scope of work prescribes the work program and specific deliverables. The consultant/consulting team will submit suggestions on how the scope of work can be enhanced and/or amended, plus additional details of approach, methods, etc. for carrying out the prescribed work. SCOPE OF WORK AND DELIVERABLES Scope of Work The market analysis for the Township of Moon will require the following tasks by the consultant(s).
1. Coordinate with the Comprehensive Plan Implementation Committee and the Planning Commission to establish project goals, obtain feedback and guidance, and review interim deliverables. This task requires attendance at three (3) to four (4) meetings. 2. Socio-Economic Trend Analysis. The report will include a series of data tables comparatively illustrating demographic trends for Moon Township, Allegheny County, and the Pittsburgh Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). Specifically, socio economic trends associated with population, households, educational attainment and age cohorts will be analyzed. Additionally, it will analyze income distribution, home ownership rates and tenure (own vs. rant), and consumer expenditures estimates. Demographic data will be displayed for 2010, 2015 (estimated), and 2020 (projected). 3. Industry Trend Analysis. The report will examine current labor market and industry trends within the MSA to include current and projected industry and occupational employment. The examination of projected industry and occupational employment data will provide insight into the types and quantity of residential, retail, hospitality, office, and university related opportunities. The industry trends analysis will also include the following metrics for the County, MSA, and Pennsylvania, down to the three digit NAICS level: Top six industry sectors by employment (absolute and percentage) Top six sectors by average number of new jobs created Top six sectors by average monthly earnings 4. Real Estate Market Trend Analysis. This task is to gain an understanding of local supply, demand, occupancy and pricing factors for a broad range of land uses within the market area encompassing Moon Township, inclusive of residential, retail, hospitality, office, and university related opportunities Using a variety of primary and secondary resources, the consultant will examine competitive supply within the primary market area (existing and proposed) for each of the desired land-uses and identify prospective opportunities and challenges for each of these land-uses within Moon Township. Some of the land-use metrics to be examined for the above land uses will include the following: vacancy and absorption rates and trends; lease rates and residential price points; building permit activity; land prices (per acre and square foot) 5. This analysis must consider, at a minimum, the current regulatory requirements such as land use and zoning, and recommend whether or not changes should be made to the current local regulatory environment based upon data developed in this project. 6. Identify specific development types well-suited for the Moon Clinton Road, Marketplace Boulevard, and Robert Morris University areas.
7. Evaluate a broad range of redevelopment strategies and make recommendations. The strategies should capitalize on the results of the market analysis. 8. Prepare and submit monthly status reports for the Township project manager. 9. Hold at least two public meetings, which includes one at the conclusion of the analysis report. Deliverables Deliverables must include the following: Brief status/progress reports emailed to the Moon Township Project Manager on a monthly basis; A draft of the Market Analysis submitted for review and comment; An executive summary suitable for publication that details the conclusion of the market analysis, A complete and approved market analysis that would include redevelopment initiatives with implementation strategies for the development areas. The consultant will be responsible for designing and formatting the document, as well as providing the plan so that it can be preserved in paper, electronic, and web-based formats. Maps shall be in a format compatible with ArcGIS. Ten (10) hard copies and all electronic source files of the deliverables must be provided to the Township. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS The submissions must include the following information: A. Cover letter including: A statement identifying that the submission is in response to the Moon Township Market Analysis Request for Qualifications; The consulting firm s name, mailing address, and nearest office location; and Identification of the contact person for the consulting firm, including all contact information. B. Approach to Scope of Services The consultant will prepare a proposed scope of services, detailing the work tasks and deliverables and how the consultant will approach the work outlined in the Scope of Services. Work is expected to be concluded within 8 months from the time of contract signing but no later than January 31, 2017. The scope of services provided in this RFQ serves as a guide and may be improved upon by the consultant. The approach should also clearly note any consultant suggestions for how the scope of work can be enhanced.
C. Qualifications Responses to the RFQ must demonstrate the full range of skill and experience necessary to perform the work that is outline in the Scope of Work. To best express their qualifications for the project, the consultant should provide: A brief history of the consulting firm, no longer than 1 page; Personnel assignments and individual work experience; Resumes of the personnel assigned to this project; Examples of recent work that are similar in nature; Proposed work schedule; Statement of readiness demonstrating the ability to meet project deadlines, staff availability, etc.; and At least three references with contact information for recent and relevant work. E. Submission Requirements Submit three printed copies of the proposal, and one digital copy in a sealed envelope to: Scott Brilhart Attn: Moon Township Market Analysis Township of Moon 1000 Beaver Grade Road Moon Township, PA 15108 Completed submissions must be received by at 12:00 PM EST. Any questions on the RFQ should be directed to Scott Brilhart at 412-262-1700 or sbrilhart@moontwp.us SELECTION CRITERIA The proposals will be evaluated and a consultant(s) will be selected based on the following criteria: Relevant qualifications and recent experience of the consultant(s) in developing Market Analysis Studies and meeting the objectives outlined herein; Understanding the Scope of Work and the objectives of the project; Qualifications and experience of the consultant and assigned personnel, including any sub-consultants, and staff; Ability to carry out and manage the project, and to meet the expected project timeline/completion schedule; Creative and innovative suggestions submitted to enhance and/ or amend the scope of work to carry out the project.
SELECTION PROCEDURES The Comprehensive Plan Implementation Committee and Township staff will review the submissions and will determine a short list of consultants. The short-listed consultants may be asked to make a short presentation to the selection group. The Township staff will take a prioritized short list with their recommendation to the Moon Township Board of Supervisors for their review and action. It is anticipated that the consultant will begin within one month after the RFQ deadline. A notice to proceed will be issued as soon as possible thereafter. Moon Township is not liable for any costs incurred by individuals/firms in preparing submissions or participating in the selection process. These costs are the sole responsibility of the individuals/ firms submitting the proposal. Moon Township reserves the right to reject any or all submissions, to negotiate separately with competing contractors, and /or to make no award. COMPLETION SCHEDULE/TIMELINE It is expected the consultant will complete its tasks and present relevant reports, products and materials outlined in the Scope of Work and Reporting Requirements within 8 months of the contract being awarded. The following dates are benchmarks: 2016 April 11 RFQ Issued May 6 Submittals Due to Moon Township May 10 Comp Plan Committee Meeting Possible Consultant Presentation May 25 Supervisors Workshop Meeting June 1 Supervisors Public Meeting Anticipated Proposal Award 2016-2017 June 14 Project Kickoff Meeting June -October November December January Begin Market Analysis, Evaluate Strategies, Hold Public Meeting 1 Formulate Redevelopment Initiatives with Implementation Strategies Reports Due, Hold Public Meeting 2 Project End Date: All Deliverables and Final Report Due
Appendix A: Moon Township Comprehensive Plan