REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS: Due June 27, 2023 |
RETAIL MARKET ANALYSIS & RECRUITMENT PLAN FOR ESSEX
Overview
The Chesapeake Gateway Chamber of Commerce (CGCC), with the support of the Baltimore County Department of Planning, is issuing this Request for Proposals (RFP) to identify qualified consulting teams specializing in developing and conducting community retail gap analyses and retailer recruitment strategies for the preparation of an in-depth Retail Market Analysis and Recruitment/Retention Plan for Eastern Boulevard in Essex, Maryland.
CGCC is seeking a consultant/firm to prepare and conduct a community-centric retail analysis measuring the retail market and its sales, competition, leakage, gaps and consumer preferences. The consultant shall prepare an original report detailing and analyzing the data collected and identifying the types of businesses that are most viable along Eastern Boulevard in Essex. The report shall include specific retail recruitment goals, strategies and implementation measures based on the analysis performed. In addition, the report shall contain a plan for business recruitment and retention outlining top priority projects, their timing, anticipated cost and proposed funding sources for each item/activity.
Background
CGCC’s mission is to promote an economic environment which attracts new businesses to the area while allowing established businesses to prosper. The organization is dedicated to enhancing quality of life in the Eastern Baltimore County region by reinvesting its resources in all phases of community life. With the support of the Baltimore County Government, CGCC is driving revitalization efforts in Essex through the leadership of the TAP Implementation Steering Committee and Essex Development Initiative. Our primary focus is on retaining and marketing current businesses and attracting new businesses to Essex, while also addressing quality of life issues such as public safety, traffic calming, beautification, and community engagement to improve conditions for businesses, customers and community members alike.
Over the past several decades, numerous studies have been conducted analyzing issues and informing planning and implementation of initiatives to drive economic growth in Essex. The purpose of conducting a retail market analysis and creating a recruitment and retention plan in the summer/fall of 2023 is to build on and supplement the work that has already been done. CGCC expects that consultants submitting proposals will have reviewed and carefully considered the following documents* in their proposal planning and research process:
* To access these documents, please visit Reports and Studies.
The primary area of focus for data collection, analysis and business retention and recruitment for this project is Eastern Boulevard between Back River Bridge and Maryln Avenue. However, it should be noted that there are several commercial corridors in Essex either surrounding, or in close proximity to, Eastern Boulevard which may warrant some consideration when preparing the RFP. These areas include:
Scope of Work
CGCC is seeking a retail market analysis and recruitment/retention plan that will inform current and future retail needs to ensure economic growth within the Essex Commercial Revitalization District, with a special focus on Eastern Boulevard between Back River Bridge and Marlyn Avenue. The first section of the project will involve data collection, a review and an analysis of the retail trade area, and the second section will provide an informed recruitment and retention strategy to be used to keep businesses in and attract new businesses to Essex.
Retail Market Analysis
Recruitment and Retention Plan
Proposed Project Timeline
Activity |
Anticipated Date |
RFP issued |
Wednesday, June 7, 2023 |
RFP Interest Zoom Call |
Thursday, June 15, 2023 at 10:00 am |
Deadline for proposal submission |
Tuesday, June 27, 2023 |
Consultant teams selected for interviews |
Monday, July 3, 2023 |
Interviews conducted |
Wednesday, July 12 – Wednesday, July 26, 2023 |
Consultant team agreement executed |
Friday, August 11, 2023 |
Study begins |
Monday, August 28, 2023 |
Study ends |
Friday, October 27, 2023 |
Receive Market Analysis Report & Retention Plan |
Wednesday, November 15, 2023 |
Proposal Requirements
Consultants/firms interested in providing these services must prepare and submit a Proposal that includes:
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Requirements for Proposal Submission
Proposals are due on Tuesday, June 27, 2023, at 5:00 pm EST. Interested parties must submit two (2) bound copies of their submittals that include all information in the format outlined in this RFP. In addition, an electronic copy of the statements of interest and qualifications saved in PDF format should be provided on a flash drive. Hard copies of proposals must be submitted in a sealed package/envelope labeled “Request for Proposals: Essex Market Analysis & Recruitment Plan.” Electronic versions not accompanied by hard copies of the documents will not be accepted.
Proposals shall be delivered to CGCC on or before:
Proposal submissions should follow all instruction requirements listed above. The CGCC assumes no responsibility for the delivery of mail or courier services and is not responsible for the failure of bids to be received by 5:00 pm EST on Tuesday, June 27, 2023. The receipt date and time are absolute. Failure to comply will automatically render any submission non-responsive. Proposals received after the deadline will not be accepted. It is the consultant’s responsibility to ensure that all documents are submitted to and received by CGCC in a timely manner.
RFP Interest Call
All consultants/firms interested in submitting proposals for this project are encouraged to participate in a Zoom call with Chrissy Erb, Director, Essex Development Initiative, on Wednesday, June 15, 2023 at 10:00 am. Please join the call by using the following link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88009096333?pwd=T0R3a21UVGRyV0I3SGxZRXBRTUp3UT09
Questions
Questions about the RFP process or the project are to be directed to: Chrissy Erb, Director, Essex Development Initiative, Chesapeake Gateway Chamber of Commerce, at (443) 579-7974 / chrissy.erb@chesapeakechamber.org
Terms and Conditions
CGCC reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals or portions thereof without stated cause. CGCC also may elect to reject all proposals and re-issue a new RFP.
CGCC reserves the right to obtain clarification of any point in a consultant’s proposal or obtain additional information. Any request for clarification or other correspondence related to the RFP shall be in writing or email, and a response shall be provided within three (3) business days.
CGCC shall accept the proposal that demonstrates the best ability and most qualified to meet the needs listed in this RFP.