Brownfield Program Consultant

04/11/2023 TO: ALL POTENTIAL BIDDERS SUBJECT: Brownfield Program Consultant Request for Proposal Ref. #23-064 ADDENDUM NO. 1 The items contained in this addendum are added to and/or deleted from and become part of the specifications and proposal documents for the above-referenced Invitation to Bid. Bidders must acknowledge receipt of the Addendum on the Bid Form, located in the invitation to bid, when the bids are submitted. Where any original item is amended, voided, or superseded hereby, the provision of such item not so specifically amended, voided, or superseded shall remain in effect. ADD/DELETE: DELETE: Sealed proposals will be received at the Procurement Division, 222 Pine Avenue, Suite 260, Albany, Georgia 31701, until 5:00 p.m., on April 14, 2023, from qualified individuals/firms seeking to provide multiple grant administration consulting services for the City’s Brownfield Program for a five-year period of performance. ADD: Sealed proposals w ill be received at the

Procurement Division, 222 P ine Avenue, Suite 260, Albany, Georgia 31701, until 5:00 p.m., on April 21, 2023, from qualified individuals/ firms seeking to provide multiple grant administration consulting services for the City’s Brow nfield Program for a five- year period of performance. Question: What is the remaining Contractual budget associated with the Assessment grant? 1 Answer: Remaining Contractual Budget: BF Assessment Grant: $235,970.79 Question: Would it be possible to provide a copy of the last quarterly report for the Assessment Grant that was submitted to EPA? Answer: See attached Quarterly Report 4 July 1, 2022, to September 30, 2022 (page 04-11) Question: What is the remaining Contractual budget associated with the Revolving Loan Fund grant? Answer: Remaining Contractual Budget: BF RLF Grant: $141,335.75 Question: Would it be possible to provide a copy of the last quarterly report for the RLF Grant that was submitted to EPA? Answer: See attached Quarterly Report 8 July 1, 2022, to September 30, 2022 (page 12-16) Question: Do you have a Brownfields Redevelopment Advisory Group (BRAG) already established? Answer: We have a review committee who reviews RLF Applications. 2 Question: Can you share a copy of the FY21 Grant proposal? Answer: See attached (page 17-30). Question: Do you wish us to “identify the subcontracting organization and the contractual arrangements” in the proposal or is this needed at time of service? Answer: Where subcontracting organizations can be identified, please provide their information. The contractual arrangements can be provided at time of service. Ricky Gladney Buyer CC: Paul Forgey, Director, Planning and Development Angel Gray, Planning Manager, Planning and Development 3 United States Environmental Protection Agency Brownfields Community-wide Assessment Grant Cooperative Agreement Number: BF 02D07721 Quarterly Progress Report No. 4 Reporting Period: July 1, 2022, to September 30, 2022 Paul Forgey, AICP, CFM | Director of Planning and Development Services p. 229.302.1848 | PForgey@Albanyga.gov 240 Pine Avenue, Suite 300, GA 31702 www.albanyga.gov Prepared with the assistance of Cardno now Stantec 6611 Bay Circle, Suite 220 Norcross, Georgia 30071 Submitted: October 2022 4 mailto:PForgey@Albanyga.gov http://www.albanyga.gov/ Project Summary Due to persistent flooding events and the restructuring of railroad networks, Albany, Georgia faces challenges of industrial decline and a prevalence of brownfields located along the river, adjacent railroad corridors, and the City’s historic downtown that includes the adjacent historic African-American Harlem District (Target Area). The City’s economy was crippled by industrial and military base closure beginning in the 1970s and by the referenced railroad restructuring in the 1980s. The collateral impacts rippled through Albany’s downtown and Harlem District. More than 2,400 jobs were lost due to business closures from 2000-2010. The bulk of those coming from the closure of the Cooper Tire plant, one of the few remaining manufacturers. Another 719 jobs were lost in the last decade leading to the exodus of commercial businesses from Downtown Albany, and the Harlem District resulting in the current state of vacant storefronts, deteriorating homes, overgrown empty lots, and skeletons of former industry. These vacant and decaying sites stand sentinel to the Target Area, an area of historical and cultural importance to the predominantly African-American population. The City believes that this assessment grant project, coupled with its existing revolving loan fund (RLF) grant and incentives from the Target Area’s (Dougherty County Census Tract 2) status as a federal Qualified Opportunity Zone (QOZ), will help to transform an area riddled with industrial blight, crime, and vagrancy, to an attractive gateway to the City and its riverside amenities. Project Progress The following activities were initiated during the reporting period. Task 1 Project Management Project management activities are ongoing including regular team progress calls as well as fiscal tracking and quarterly reporting discussions occur. The City Project Director attend the National Brownfields Conference from August 16-19, 2022 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He participated in multiple workshops and was able to bring valued information back to share with City program staff. Beneficial sessions included: Tuesday, August 16: Legal considerations of brownfields redevelopment. 8:30-11 Brownfields through an urban planning lens. 12-2:15 Opening plenary- 4:30-5:45 Wednesday August 17: First time at a brownfields conference? 10:30-11:30 Meet them where they live: Innovative engagement techniques and success stories that empower your community- 11:45-12:45 Saving historic downtown: First national center and Skirvin hotel. 1:00-4:00 Thursday August 18 Keynote 9-10:15 Hot topics for remediation and revitalization. 10:30-11:30 Off the beaten path with a swiss army knife: tools to attract developers to rural projects. 11:45-12:45 Narrating brownfields: storytelling, communities and healing. 2:00-3:00 Legal complexities of environmental contamination. 3:15-4:15 Friday August 19 Bipartisan infrastructure law-Once in a lifetime funding opportunity: 9:00-11:15 5 Task 2 Community Involvement Community engagement efforts are an integral element of the project. In an effort to prepare for community involvement, Cardno held a kick-off meeting with the City and EPA on February 16th, 2022. Based on the discussions of the kick-off meeting and the Draft Work Plan, Cardno prepared a Community Involvement Plan (CIP) that was reviewed by the City in March 2022. The first meeting for public engagement will likely occur in mid-September. Task 3 Brownfield Site Assessment The Generic Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) was sent to EPA for review and was ultimately approved on May 5, 2022. Phase I Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs) have been completed or initiated for six sites. The table below provides a status of the end of the quarter. ACRES Numbers have been assigned for each effort and AAI forms have or will soon be submitted to EPA with each Phase I ESA, as applicable. The site summary table below indicates progress at each site to date. EPA Brownfields Coalition Site Summary Table Site Address and ACRES ID Task Summary Status/Notes Albany Downtown Right-of-Way Improvements Broad Avenue, Washington Street, Pine Avenue, Front Street, Jackson Street, Oglethorpe Alley, and Pretoria Alley Albany, Georgia 31701 ACRES ID: 252256 Phase I ESA – Recognized Environmental Conditions (RECs) identified. Site Eligibility Site-Specific QAPP Phase I ESA report complete. The Site-Specific QAPP is pending EPA Project Officer approval. Ritz Theater 225 South Jackson Street Albany, Georgia 31701 ACRES ID: 252255 Phase I ESA – No RECs identified. Report was issued in June 2022 for City to review. Albany Theater 109 North Jackson Street Albany, Georgia 31701 ACRES ID: 252254 Phase I ESA – RECs identified City evaluating need for Phase II ESA Driskell Park Development Area Albany, Georgia 31701 ACRES ID: TBD Phase I ESA – RECs identified City evaluating need for Phase II ESA Front Street Assemblage Albany, Georgia 31701 115-121 Front St. ACRES ID: 253875 129-131 Front St. ACRES ID: 253876 108 Pine Ave. ACRES ID: 253877 218 N. Washington St. ACRES ID: 253878 A limited regulated materials survey was conducted at the Front Street Assemblage of properties that include: 115-121 Front Street; 129-131 Front Street; 108 Pine Avenue; and 218 North Washington Street. Some asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) and lead-containing paint were identified. Reports were prepared for each building and issued to the City for review in June 2022. 1707 Turner Job Corps Road Albany, Georgia 31705 ACRES ID: 253031 Phase I ESA – RECs identified Report was issued in July 2022 for City to review. 111 College Drive Albany, Georgia 31705 ACRES ID: TBD Phase I ESA – RECs identified Report was issued in July/August 2022 for City to review. Former Albany Herald Building Albany, Georgia 31701 ACRES ID: TBD Site Eligibility Site-Specific QAPP Report pending EPA Project Officer approval. 6 Site Address and ACRES ID Task Summary Status/Notes Former MacGregor Site Albany, Georgia 31701 ACRES ID: TBD Site Eligibility Site-Specific QAPP Report pending EPA Project Officer approval. In addition to the sites listed above, eligibility was verified for a number of properties owned by various entities including the City of Albany, Albany Dougherty Payroll Development Authority (ADPDA), etc. Grant funds will be used to further investigate properties for commercial use. Task 4 Site-specific Cleanup and Reuse Planning No activities have been completed in this task to date. However, a review of potential planning needs is underway. Modifications to the Work Plan No modifications are required at this time. Measures of Success The City submitted a work plan that was approved by the EPA Project Officer in August 2021. Further, as noted above, six (6) Phase I ESAs has been completed, four (4) limited regulated materials surveys have been completed, and three (3) site eligibilities were approved for the Site-Specific QAPPs mentioned above and have been submitted the EPA Project Officer for review/approval. 7 Budget and Reimbursement Requests The City, will initiate drawdowns and report in the next quarter. Future reports will include a table of drawdown dates and amounts. The following table provides a detail budget breakdown through the end of the reporting period: The costs incurred from the previous quarter are summarized in the table above. While work has been ongoing, no invoices are being reported for this quarter. The contracted Qualified Environmental Professional (QEP) firm has been purchased by Stantec, and the business system migration had not been completed by the end of the quarter. Project Status and Timeline The project is progressing well. As noted above, a number of initiatives are underway. In subsequent quarters, related actions will be captured on the timeline below per the work plan submitted to and approved by EPA. Task 1 Task 2 Task 3 Task 4 Project Management Public Involvement Site Characterization Planning Personnel $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 Travel $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 Contractual $5,806.91 $3,680.00 $20,935.50 $720.00 $31,142.41 $44,029.21 Other: Registration $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 Indirect costs $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 Quarterly Subtotal $5,806.91 $3,680.00 $20,935.50 $720.00 $31,142.41 $44,029.21 Category Budget $37,000.00 $15,000.00 $158,000.00 $90,000.00 Previous expenses $3,089.28 $307.26 $9,029.37 $460.89 Funds remaining $28,103.81 $11,012.74 $128,035.13 $88,819.11 $255,970.79 Categories Quarterly Expenses Cumulative Expenses TOTAL 8 Ye ar 1 Projected Timeframe Percentage Complete Actions 0 months 100% Grant award 0-3 months 100% RFP for contractor procurement is finalized (if not completed pre-award) ACRES Training 1-4 months 100% Consultant contract executed and contractor on-board Kick-off meeting held with Contractor, EPA, State and others on the Project Team Complete Community Engagement Plan Plan First Public Meeting Start regular conference call meetings with Project Team 4 months 100% Quarterly Report 1 is due 30 days after 1st quarter ends Reimbursement Request Submitted ACRES Entries 4 – 8 months 80% Develop generic QAPP and submit to EPA/State for approval Conduct Site Inventory and Prioritization Conduct Limited Site Characterization Host Public Meeting 7 – 8 months 40% Start Phase I ESA(s) Convene regular conference call meetings with Project Team 7 months 100% with issuance of this report Quarterly Report 2 is due 30 days after 2nd quarter ends Reimbursement Request Submitted 10 months 0% Quarterly Report 3 is due 30 days after 3rd quarter ends Reimbursement Request Submitted. 8-12 months 30% Complete Phase I ESAs Enter Phase I ESA information in ACRES Submit signed AAI checklist to EPA Submit Site Eligibility Determination forms to EPA Develop site-specific QAPP and submit to EPA/State for approval Start Phase II ESAs 12 months Submit Federal Financial Report (SF425) Ye ar 2 13 months Quarterly Report 4 is due 30 days after 4th quarter ends Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) due with this quarterly report Reimbursement Request Submitted 16 months Quarterly Report 5 is due 30 days after 5th quarter ends Reimbursement Request Submitted 18 months Half of 3-year grant is complete. Check-in with EPA/State for any modifications to work plan budget or scope of work. Record accomplishments and leverage to date in ACRES. 19 months Ensure drawdowns have been made. 35% of funds to be expended. 22 months Quarterly Report 6 is due 30 days after 6th quarter ends DBE due with this quarterly report. Reimbursement Request Submitted Quarterly Report 7 is due 30 days after 7th quarter ends Reimbursement Request Submitted 25 months Quarterly Report 8 is due 30 days after 8th quarter ends Reimbursement Request Submitted. DBE due with this quarterly report 28 months Quarterly Report 9 is due 30 days after 9th quarter ends Reimbursement Request Submitted 30 months Six months remain on the grant; Identify any remaining activities that should be completed prior to grant closing 9 Ye ar 1 Projected Timeframe Percentage Complete Actions 0 months 100% Grant award 0-3 months 100% RFP for contractor procurement is finalized (if not completed pre-award) ACRES Training 1-4 months 100% Consultant contract executed and contractor on-board Kick-off meeting held with Contractor, EPA, State and others on the Project Team Complete Community Engagement Plan Plan First Public Meeting Start regular conference call meetings with Project Team 4 months 100% Quarterly Report 1 is due 30 days after 1st quarter ends Reimbursement Request Submitted ACRES Entries 4 – 8 months 80% Develop generic QAPP and submit to EPA/State for approval Conduct Site Inventory and Prioritization Conduct Limited Site Characterization Host Public Meeting 7 – 8 months 40% Start Phase I ESA(s) Convene regular conference call meetings with Project Team 7 months 100% with issuance of this report Quarterly Report 2 is due 30 days after 2nd quarter ends Reimbursement Request Submitted 10 months 0% Quarterly Report 3 is due 30 days after 3rd quarter ends Reimbursement Request Submitted. 8-12 months 30% Complete Phase I ESAs Enter Phase I ESA information in ACRES Submit signed AAI checklist to EPA Submit Site Eligibility Determination forms to EPA Develop site-specific QAPP and submit to EPA/State for approval Start Phase II ESAs 12 months Submit Federal Financial Report (SF425) 31 months Quarterly Report 10 is due 30 days after 10th quarter ends Reimbursement Request Submitted. 34 months Quarterly Report 11 is due 30 days after 11th quarter ends Reimbursement Request Submitted Prior to close- out Enter all work in ACRES. Prepare and Submit final Phase I or II ESA Reports and draft ABCAs. 35 months Reconcile accounts; collect remaining invoices for submission; and gather deliverables for final close-out report 36 months Grant project/budget period closes; no further costs can be incurred after final date Ye ar 3 a nd c lo se ou t 37 months Quarterly Report 12 is due 30 days after 12th quarter ends; May serve as Final Close-out Report if all project documentation is complete and ready. If so, then it is due 90 days after project period ends. MBE/WBE/DBE report due with this quarterly report. 10 Deliverables Deliverables are as follows: • Downtown Right-of-Way Improvements– Phase I ESA issued to City, as well as the EPA; • Downtown Right-of-Way Improvements – SSQAPP issued to City and pending EPA approval; • Ritz Theatre – Phase I ESA issued to City, as well as the EPA; • Albany Theatre – Phase I ESA issued to City, as well as the EPA; • Driskell Park – Phase I ESA issued to City, as well as the EPA; • 115-121 Front Street – Limited Regulated Materials Survey issued to the City; • 129-131 Front Street – Limited Regulated Materials Survey issued to the City; • 108 Pine Avenue – Limited Regulated Materials Survey issued to the City; • 218 North Washington Street – Limited Regulated Materials Survey issued to the City; • 1707 Turner Job Corps Road – Phase I ESA issued to City, as well as the EPA; • 111 College Drive – Phase I ESA issued to City, as well as the EPA; • Former Albany Herald – SSQAPP issued to City and pending EPA approval; • Former MacGregor Site – SSQAPP issued to City and pending EPA approval; • Additionally, a CIP and Generic QAPP were prepared and submitted to the City, as well as the EPA. Assessment, Cleanup and Redevelopment Exchange System (ACRES) ACRES database system has been updated regularly, and includes reference to all properties referenced in the table above. Care is made to document the allocation of funds to the subject properties. Project Activities for Next Quarter No further site planning, assessment, and/or characterizations are scheduled at this time. 11 United States Environmental Protection Agency Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund Cooperative Agreement Cooperative Agreement Number: BF 01D11320 Quarterly Progress Report No. 8 Reporting Period: July 1, 2022 to September 30, 2022 Paul Forgey, AICP, CFM| Director of Planning and Development Services p. 229.302.1848 | PForgey@Albanyga.gov 240 Pine Avenue, Suite 300, GA 30340 www.albanyga.gov Prepared by Cardno now Stantec, Inc. 6611 Bay Circle, Suite 220 Norcross, Georgia 30071 Submitted: October 2022 12 mailto:PForgey@Albanyga.gov http://www.albanyga.gov/ Project Summary In 2020, the City of Albany (City) received an award of $800,000 in funding to establish its EPA Brownfield Revolving Loan Fund Grant Project. These funds will be used for loans and sub-grants to qualified applicants interested in remediating and repurposing properties in underserved areas of the City plagued by the exodus of commercial business and industry. Remediation and assessment activities will occur within the City of Albany. The City believes that the initiation of the RLF grant, coupled with incentives from the Target Area’s (Dougherty County Census Tract 2) status as a federal Qualified Opportunity Zone (QOZ), will help to transform an area riddled with industrial blight, crime, and vagrancy, to an attractive gateway to the City and its riverside amenities. In June 2021, the City was awarded an additional $480,850 in supplemental revolving loan funds. Project Progress The following activities were initiated during the reporting period. Task 1 – Loan Fund Operations and Project Management The City drafted templates for loan and sub-grant applications and agreements. The City’s legal and financial offices approved these documents for distribution. The City received an initial loan application in February 2021 for the site at 207 Pine on behalf of the developer, 207 Pine, LLC, for abatement activities of hazardous materials. This building was initially assessed under the City’s FY2018 EPA Assessment Grant (ACRES #239113). The intended redevelopment concept is a full-service hotel that will result in the creation of new jobs and revitalization of downtown Albany. The application was presented in front of the Albany Loan Review Committee (LRC) and City commissioner representing 207 Pine, and was approved for a loan on March 4, 2021. An Environmental Abatement Design (Design) was developed on behalf of the developer and the abatement work bid out to multiple firms. An abatement firm was selected in July 2021. Based on the selected contractor, the loan was closed on November 3, 2021. The final amount of the loan is $260,000 assuming a 20% match. Abatement activities are complete, and two applications for payment have been received and are being processed by the City of Albany. The City received an initial application for a subgrant for asbestos and soil remediation at the former MacGregor Building in February 2021. This building was initially assessed under the City’s FY2018 EPA Assessment Grant (ACRES # 240394). Due to building construction schedule, abatement activities were completed outside of the grant. Additional assessment is needed prior to determine the level of soil cleanup required, and may be funded by the City’s FY2021 Assessment grant in during Q3 or Q4 of 2022. Any remedial activities required by Georgia EPD will be fuded by the RLF. A subgrant request was received from the Albany Museum of Art development project at 128 and 146 Broad Avenue (ACRES # 238506). This subgrant request is to supplement the ongoing cleanup grant (BF 01D11220), specifically with unanticipated activities including universal waste management and disposal. This subgrant was awarded and is in the process of being paid. The City has been in early conversations with several other developers and non-profits regarding potentials loans and subgrants, with applications anticipated to be reviewed next quarter. The City Project Director attend the National Brownfields Conference from August 16-19, 2022 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He participated in multiple workshops and was able to bring valued information back to share with City program staff. Beneficial sessions included: Tuesday, August 16: Legal considerations of brownfields redevelopment. 8:30-11 Brownfields through an urban planning lens. 12-2:15 Opening plenary- 4:30-5:45 Wednesday August 17: First time at a brownfields conference? 10:30-11:30 13 Meet them where they live: Innovative engagement techniques and success stories that empower your community- 11:45-12:45 Saving historic downtown: First national center and Skirvin hotel. 1:00-4:00 Thursday August 18 Keynote 9-10:15 Hot topics for remediation and revitalization. 10:30-11:30 Off the beaten path with a swiss army knife: tools to attract developers to rural projects. 11:45-12:45 Narrating brownfields: storytelling, communities and healing. 2:00-3:00 Legal complexities of environmental contamination. 3:15-4:15 Friday August 19 Bipartisan infrastructure law-Once in a lifetime funding opportunities. 9:00-11:15 Task 2 – Community Involvement and Awareness The City has established a Brownfields Loan Review Committee (LRC) to support the project and assist in approving appropriate RLF subgrants and loans. The LRC consists of eight members from the City, Cardno, the President of the Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission, and the City Commissioner representing the district the applicant’s project is located. A Community Involvement Plan (CIP) has been developed and submitted to EPA. A community engagement meeting was held on behalf of the City and the 207 Pine redevelopment loan on June 1, 2021. The meeting was advertised in advance via the City’s website and with the Albany Herald. The meeting was held via Zoom to insure safe community participation amid COVID-19 concerns. No members from the community attended, and no questions or comments were received from the public during or after the meeting. City staff presented on the Georgia Brownfield virtual conference via Zoom on June 22, 2021, specifically to talk about the EPA Brownfield cleanup of the Albany Museum of Art project located along Broad Avenue (ACRES # 238506). The City also talked about the RLF grant and upcoming activities during the presentation. LRC will meet as needed based to promote and gauge program interest and to plan the next community engagement meeting. The meeting will be scheduled in Spring 2023. Task 3 – Marketing the Loan Fund The City and the QEP consultant have developed a program brochure and other marketing strategies. The Brownfields LRC and the City’s Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and the Albany Dougherty Inner-City Authority (ADICA) are an essential component of the marketing campaign and process. The City will also update its website to include an RLF- focused page, or at minimum, copies of the loan and subgrant applications. As noted above, marketing the RLF will be one of the main focus areas of the planned Community Engagement effort. Task 4 – Cleanup Planning and Completion The City received an initial loan application in February 2021 for the site at 207 Pine on behalf of the developer, 207 Pine, LLC, for abatement activities of hazardous materials. Cardno on behalf of the developer completed an Environmental Abatement Design in June 2021. Bidding of the services occurred in June, and an abatement firm was selected in July. Programmatic documents (ABCA, QAPP, etc.) were developed and submitted to EPA for review in July 2021 and were approved September 2021. Abatement activities are complete and a closeout repot will be issued by the applicant during the next quarter. Further it should be noted that the QEP completed regular Davis-Bacon inspections at 207 Pine during the Abatement activities. Additional cleanup planning is anticipated to begin for the MacGregor Building, which will occur following planned assessment activities. Additional funds were also requested at the Albany Museum of Art future location at 128 and 146 W. Broad Avenue, and a subgrant was granted. Commented [CW1]: Paul - Did the developer submit a final report? If not, then you should request one. As a reminder, cost share must be shown. Commented [GA2R1]: Carolyn, I will look over their request and get those numbers. 14 Modifications to the Work Plan No modifications are required at this time. Measures of Success Despite challenges to operations associated with COVID-19, the City has already approved one loan applicant and has a subgrant applicant pending approval for abatement activities. Additional applications are anticipated. A supplemental award was made by EPA to the Albany RLF, and an EPA news item was released: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/city-albany-georgia-receives-330000-supplemental-funds-clean-and-reuse- brownfield-sites The supplemental award was also noted in the local news: https://www.albanyherald.com/news/city-of-albany- receives-brownfield-grant-for-environmental-clean-ups/article_3858ebd8-cebc-11eb-bd51-2f574138e27d.html Budget and Reimbursement Requests See the budget summary on page four of this report. Drawdowns will be updated in the next report. Project Status and Timeline The project is on time. Deliverables Quarterly Report #7 was submitted in July 2022. Assessment, Cleanup and Redevelopment Exchange System (ACRES) • ACRES entries are ongoing Project Activities for Next Quarter • ASAP drawdown to be completed. • Additional applications for loans and sub-grants are anticipated to accepted. Budget Summary While work has been ongoing, no invoices are being reported for this quarter. The contracted QEP firm has been purchased by Stantec, and the business system migration had not been completed by the end of the quarter. Q8 Budget Categories Current Approved Budget Costs Incurred Costs Incurred this Quarter Costs Incurred to Date Total Remaining Funds Previously Personnel $ 10,000.00 $3,351.52 $0.00 $3,351.52 $6,648.48 Travel $8,500.00 $1,073.17 $0.00 $1,073.17 $7,426.83 Contractual $237,000.00 $50,664.54 $0.00 $50,664.54 $186,335.75 Other [loans and grants] $1,281,520.00 $162,153.86 $0.00 $162,153.86 $1,119,366.14 Totals $1,537,020.00 $217,243.09 $0.00 $217,243.09 $1,319,777.20 Project Totals 15 https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/city-albany-georgia-receives-330000-supplemental-funds-clean-and-reuse-brownfield-sites https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/city-albany-georgia-receives-330000-supplemental-funds-clean-and-reuse-brownfield-sites https://www.albanyherald.com/news/city-of-albany-receives-brownfield-grant-for-environmental-clean-ups/article_3858ebd8-cebc-11eb-bd51-2f574138e27d.html https://www.albanyherald.com/news/city-of-albany-receives-brownfield-grant-for-environmental-clean-ups/article_3858ebd8-cebc-11eb-bd51-2f574138e27d.html Total Project costs incurred $217,243.09 Recipient share 16.67%; $36,214.42 Federal Share 83.33% $181,028.43 Program Income $0.00 Total Project Fund $1,537,020.00 Total EPA award amount approved $1,280,850.00 Total funds remaining $1,319,777.20 Drawdown total to date $207,143.57 16 Narrative Information Sheet Applicant Identification City of Albany, 401 Pine Avenue, 2nd Floor, Albany, GA 31701 Funding Requested Grant Type Community-Wide Assessment Federal Funds Requested $300,000 Location Albany, Dougherty County, Georgia Contacts Project Director: Paul Forgey, Director of Planning & Development Service City of Albany, 240 Pine Avenue, Suite 300, Albany, GA 31701 Phone: 229.302.1848; Email: PForgey@albanyga.gov Chief Executive/Highest Ranking Elected Official: Sharon Subadan, City Manager City of Albany, 401 Pine Avenue, 2nd Floor, Albany, GA 31701 Phone: 229.431.3234; Email: SdSubadan@albanyga.gov Population 74,631 Other Factors Checklist Please identify which of the below items apply to your community/proposed project. Other Factors Page # Community population is 10,000 or less. The applicant is, or will assist, a federally recognized Indian tribe or United States territory. The priority brownfield site(s) is impacted by mine-scarred land. The priority site(s) is adjacent to a body of water (i.e., the border of the priority site(s) is contiguous or partially contiguous to the body of water, or would be contiguous or partially contiguous with a body of water but for a street, road, or other public thoroughfare separating them). The priority site(s) is in a federally designated flood plain. The reuse of the priority site(s) will facilitate renewable energy from wind, solar, or geothermal energy; or will incorporate energy efficiency measures. 3 Letter from the State or Tribal Environmental Authority - See attached 17 Richard E. Dunn, Director Land Protection Branch 2 Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive Suite 1054, East Tower Atlanta, Georgia 30334 404-657-8600 September 30, 2020 VIA ELECTRONIC Mail pforgey@albanyga.gov Mr. Paul Forgey Director of Planning & Development Services City of Albany 401 Pine Avenue Albany, Georgia 31702 RE: State Acknowledgement Letter – Brownfield Community-Wide Assessment Grant Application City of Albany Dear Mr. Forgey: This letter serves as acknowledgement from the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (“GA EPD”) that the City of Albany will be submitting an application to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) for funding assistance under the federal Community-Wide Assessment Grant Program to conduct assessment activities. GA EPD understands that the City is applying for $300,000 for the assessment of hazardous substances and petroleum. EPD would like to take this opportunity to encourage EPA’s positive decision in making a grant award to the City of Albany for such assessment. A successful award would greatly assist this community in its redevelopment efforts. Thank you for your consideration. File: FFY 2021, EPA Grant Applicants, City of Albany-Assessment 18 The City of Albany Georgia has built a Brownfield program which started with its highly successful FY18 Community-wide EPA Brownfield Assessment Grant and is being continued with it FY20 Brownfield Revolving Loan Fund award. The FY21 grant will focus on the City’s Downtown and adjacent Harlem District. The Harlem district is a culturally significant African American neighborhood, which has fallen into disrepair. 1. Project Area Description and Plans for Revitalization a. Target Area and Brownfields i. Background and Description of Target Area: Albany, Georgia, population 74,631, is the seat of Dougherty County in southwest Georgia. Founded in 1838, Albany has been the industrial hub of Southwest Georgia for nearly two centuries. The City’s industrial heritage can be attributed in part to its location along the Flint River and the railroad. The Flint River and railroad led to the City’s population growth and development into a metropolitan city and established Albany as a regional transportation hub. In its heyday, as many as 55 trains traveled through Albany, Georgia each day transporting goods made in the City to points across the Country. Unfortunately due to persistent flooding events and the restructuring of railroad networks Albany, Georgia faces challenges of industrial decline and a prevalence of brownfields located along the river, adjacent railroad corridors, and the City’s historic downtown which includes the adjacent historic African-American Harlem District (Target Area). The City’s economy was crippled by industrial and military base closure beginning in the 1970s and by the referenced railroad restructuring in the 1980s. The collateral impacts rippled through Albany’s downtown and Harlem District. More than 2,400 jobs were lost due to business closures from 2000-2010. The bulk of those coming from the closure of the Cooper Tire plant, one of the few remaining manufacturers. Another 719 jobs were lost in the last decade leading to the exodus of commercial businesses from Downtown Albany, and the Harlem District resulting in the current state of vacant storefronts, deteriorating homes, overgrown empty lots, and skeletons of former industry. These vacant and decaying sites stand sentinel to the Target Area, an area of historical and cultural importance to the predominantly African-American population. In the early 1960s, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and other protestors marched from Albany’s Harlem District through downtown Albany to City Hall during the Albany Civil Rights Movement to protest the atrocities of the era. Black owned businesses, such as the Ritz Theatre – the first in South Georgia to be built as a black, non-segregated theater—lined the streets of Harlem and prospered. This significant and once vibrant area has become a blighted eyesore. Real and perceived contamination is a severe deterrent to investors and a hindrance to redevelopment. Further, these underused properties are an undue burden on an overwhelmingly minority population (77.3% minority, US Census five-year estimate, 2018) living adjacent to these properties. The priority sites include the Ritz Theater, and the former Albany Theater, located just outside of historic Harlem District. These sites have been selected because of community engagement activities conducted during the City’s 2018 EPA Brownfields Assessment Project. Community members highlighted the importance of these two historic theaters on Jackson Street, as theaters and other arts venues bring communities together. Funds from the FY21 EPA Brownfield Assessment Grant will help transform the Target Area from an area riddled with blight, crime and vagrancy, to a socially and economically thriving community that is a testament to our City’s proud past and our hopes for the future. ii. Description of the Priority Brownfield Sites: Our target area sites are in the City’s federally Qualified Opportunity Zone (QOZ ) located within census tract 13095011400 and have the potential for adverse environmental or public health impacts (Section 1.b.iii.). Priority sites include: 1. The Ritz Theater, 225 S. Jackson Street: Built in 1930 as a movie theater to serve African-Americans in the Harlem Community, the theater is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. Potential concerns given the age and possible contaminants of lead, asbestos, 19 and mercury from film storage. A former filling station operated adjacent to the property, presenting various environmental and human health concerns from potential exposure to petroleum products and a likely source of vapor intrusion. Given the age of the structure, there is the potential for asbestos containing materials (ACM) and lead-based paint (LBP) to be present throughout the building materials. The site is located across the street from a park that is frequented daily by children and area residents, which presents the likelihood of pathways for exposures. The theater building has stood unoccupied for almost a decade and in its current state, the property is not even worth a third of its potential market value. Potential Reuse: SOWEGA Rising, a non-profit community group, would like to repurpose the site into a community and cultural center where they will provide classes and cultural programming. These uses will not only provide an outlet for at-risk youth, it will serve as a source of local jobs and activities for area youth and older generations alike. In addition to determining the environmental status of the theater, the planning component of the grant will be utilized to further the community vision for reuse of this historically and culturally significant property. 2. Albany Theater, 107 N. Jackson Street: This historic property, built in 1926, is located two blocks from the Ritz and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Operated as a theater until the early 1970s, the derelict two-story building been unoccupied since. The site represents a significant blighting influence at the heart of Albany’s downtown, attracting vagrancy and crime. Further, a drycleaner operated next door to the theater until 2016. During a Phase I investigation, underground gasoline storage tanks were identified. Due to its high-traffic downtown location, the potential for pedestrians to come in to contact with contaminants via direct and indirect exposure pathways is greatly increased. LBP and ACM are present throughout the building, and elevated metals concentrations are prevalent in site soils. The site is owned by the Albany Dougherty Inner City Authority (ADICA). The City hopes to conduct additional assessment to further characterize the environmental impacts and to remove the underground storage tanks. Potential Reuse: Possibilities for reuse include mixed-use redevelopment with apartments, small commercial shops and event space that will create local jobs and safe appropriate downtown housing. Planning dollars provided by the FY21 grant will be used to further community driven planning efforts. b. Revitalization of the Target Area i. Reuse Strategy and Alignment with Revitalization Plans: The Albany Enterprise Redevelopment Plan drafted by the City in June 2020 focuses on the recovery of the Target Area of this project, (Census Tract 13095011400), amongst others. The Plan has been developed with two sets of requirements in mind. One is HUD’s standards for designating a Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Area (NRSA); the other is the Georgia Department of Community Affairs’ Urban Redevelopment Plan standards. The Albany Enterprise Redevelopment Plan is designed to simultaneously meet both standards which affords the City significant advantages and flexibility as described in the following sections. The Plan recognizes the necessity for partnering in problem solving to achieve greater success in urban revitalization efforts, and this Assessment project embraces and includes that aspect of community partnership with non-profits such as SOWEGA Rising. The Plan recognizes that the Target Area is in a state of blight and disinvestment, and it highlights the importance of an approach that can stem the tide and cause revitalization to occur. The Assessment project will be the initial step in realizing this Plan. The fact that the City used community engagement activities from its previous EPA brownfields project highlights the synthesis of the Plan and this proposed Assessment project. The Plan focuses on outcomes that are prescribed in this Assessment project such as quality affordable housing, public facilities, and economic opportunities. The reuse and redevelopment concepts for both priority sites have the same outcomes. 20 Further, the City created the Albany Dougherty Land Bank in 2017 for the primary purpose of returning tax delinquent, underutilized or abandoned properties to productive use. The Land Bank serves as a strategic tool within Albany and Dougherty County to improve property values and return properties to effective use and revenue generation. The priorities for the use of property have been established to include the following: 1) Use for the development of affordable housing, focusing on removing blighted, underutilized, abandoned and tax delinquent properties in a progressive effort to remove substandard housing and reestablish tax generating properties; 2) Use for retail, commercial, and industrial activities for the retention and creation of jobs ; 3) Use for purely public spaces, providing places for family recreation and improvement of citizen participation in civic events; and 4) Use for restoration of historic lands and properties in effort to promote and enrich the community’s diverse culture. The reuse of both sites will address all these criteria. ii. Outcomes and Benefits of Reuse Strategy: Through the implementation of the Plan and the Land Bank with the aid of EPA grant funding, the City intends to create a walkable and thriving downtown. The Target Area is advantageously located near the Flint River that runs directly through the heart of the City. With additional assessment, the central location will yield significant reuse and redevelopment potential that will make the area more attractive to developers. The City intends to preserve the historical features of both theaters to preserve the historical and cultural significance of this important African-American community. Approximately 40,000 sq. ft. of cultural, commercial, and residential space will be created and 70-100 jobs in the two priority sites alone. The new plans for revitalization of the Target Area will provide the creation of employment opportunities, an increase in tourism, reduction in crime, an increased sense of community, and improved community health through the encouragement of physical activity on the newly enhanced Corridor. Energy efficiency measures such as LED streetlights will be incorporated wherever feasible. Both sites are located in the City’s federally-qualified QOZ, which the City anticipates will enhance the likelihood of success in bringing economic growth and new jobs, and attract investors/developers to the target area due to tax incentives. c. Strategy for Leveraging Resources Resources Needed for Site Reuse: The City of Albany is eligible for numerous state and federal grant and loans that can support the redevelopment and reuse of the priority properties and other sites assessed through this project. If assessments determine that the priority sites require cleanup, then the City will apply for EPA Brownfields Cleanup grants. The City may also utilize some of its Community Development Block Grant funding to facilitate housing development at the Albany Theatre site or others identified. The likelihood of success of these plans are greatly benefitted by the the QOZ designation in the target areas which will aid efforts to attract appropriate developers to invest through tax credits. The implementation of these projects will include the utilization of special-purpose-local-option sales tax (SPLOST) and Tax Incremental Funding (TIF) that exist in the Target Area. In an additional attempt to address brownfields, the City received an EPA Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) grant in FY20. The City will utilize the RLF grant to provide loans/subgrants to attract developers and assist with redevelopment of other impaired properties within the City. The City will support SOWEGA Rising, its community partner, in the redevelopment of the Ritz Theater into a cultural and recreation center. The City will assist the group to identify private foundation and corporate grants that may support their plan for reuse and redevelopment. The assessment grant will stimulate the availability of these additional funds for redevelopment activities by assessing blighted properties and returning them to the City’s tax rolls, increasing investment in the area. ii. Use of Existing Infrastructure: The City is working to utilize existing infrastructure to the greatest extent possible and create sustainable development opportunities within the project area. All existing roadways surrounding the project area will be utilized for optimal land use and 21 sustainable redevelopment. Creation of new infrastructure will be minimized wherever possible and sustainable redevelopment and reuse will be a main focus of the project moving forward, decreasing the City’s carbon footprint, and fostering a strong sense of community. The priority sites have access to City electric, gas, water and sewer, and roadways already in place. The City does intend to enhance pedestrian safety and expand access to high-speed internet in order to better serve the Target Area. The Albany Enterprise Redevelopment Plan prescribes these enhancements and intends to do so with SPLOST and T-SPLOST (transportation special purpose local option sales tax) funds in the future. 2. Community Need and Community Engagement a. Community Need i. Community Need for Funding: According to our finance department, the City anticipates a 15% reduction in sales tax revenues, which equates to about $1.5 million in revenue loss for the City caused by COVID-19 pandemic. The reduction represents a significant loss for local businesses in terms of sales/income. Many are struggling because of people being required to stay at home and now being reluctant to venture out. The Target Area already faces an unemployment rate nearly three times that of the US average. This situation is not new as noted in section 1a.i. The City owns the proposed sites, which were acquired through tax delinquency, so having not collected taxes on the sites for years, the City cannot invest in assessment activities. In 2008, Albany City voters approved a Tax Allocation District (TAD) for downtown Albany to encourage development in an area that encompasses most of the City’s downtown business district. Since collections started in 2010, the TAD has collected $849,000 in new taxes. Unfortunately, debt service on bonds and expenditures is over $2 million. In addition, City tax revenues plummeted by 600% from 2015 to 2017 [Albany Board of Commissioners/Tax Assessor records]. Such losses make redevelopment even more imperative in the Target Area and City. ii. Threats to Sensitive Populations (1) Health or Welfare of Sensitive Populations: As demonstrated by the table above, the population of the City of Albany and the Target Area are comprised by a majority of sensitive populations. Dougherty County is considered a 30-year persistent poverty county by the US Department of Agriculture, which indicates that they area has faced systemic poverty across generations. According to the Georgia Department of Education (GDE), all 25 schools in Dougherty County have a free and reduced lunch rate percentage over 95% compared with the national average of about 50%. These are clearly economic and social indicators of severe need. As of August 12, 2020, Dougherty County has had 2,754 confirmed cases and 172 deaths from COVID-19. Dougherty County’s COVID fatality rate is at 6.25%, compared to Georgia’s 1.95% or the national rate of approximately 2.8%. Dougherty was the site of the state’s first major outbreak and the only non-metro Atlanta county to have as many fatalities. From the beginning of the pandemic, the county has been among the hardest hit DEMOGRAPHICS Target Area: Dougherty County Census Tract 13095011400 City of Albany Georgia USA Population 1,379 74,631 10,297,484 318,558,162 Children 27.9% 24.5% 24.8% 23.1% Women, Childbearing years 45.9% 40.3% 42.3% 38.8% Minority 91.7% 77.3% 40.6% 26.7% African-American 83.2% 73.5% 33.5% 12.7% Poverty Rate 55.3% 32.3% 16.0% 15.1% Unemployment 10.2% 8.8% 4.0% 4.7% Per Capita Income $12,560 $19,579 $29,523 $29,829 Median Household. Income $18,844 $34,493 $55,679 $55,322 SOURCE: US census 5-year estimate, 2018 22 areas of the US. At one point, our County had the fourth highest infection rate in the world (csmonitor.com 7/21/2020). An indicator of environmental injustice is that people of color are suffering four times the rate of white residents (GA Geospatial Information Office). Dr. Camara Jones, Emory University: “Black Americans are more exposed and less protected. Those two things together make them more likely to get infected. And then once infected, they're more burdened by chronic disease and have less access to health care — which makes them more likely to die or have at a severe experience of the infection (GPB.org).” Other health issues are impacting our sensitive populations as described in section 2.a.ii. (2). Further, Albany’s overall crime rate of 6.8/per 1,000 persons greatly exceeds GA’s rate of 3.2 the US rate of 2.8 [areavibes.com, annual crime rates]. Removing vacant and blighted sites will remove potential sites for crime. Assessing, cleaning up, and rehabilitating our brownfields will make the Target Area more attractive to new businesses and will create a safer, more-welcoming community to the current residents. (2) Greater Than Normal Incidence of Disease and Adverse Health Conditions: Health statistics in Georgia are only available down to the county level; however, the City makes up 80% of the County population so the data is reflective of the City. The target sites are potentially contaminated with hazardous and petroleum constituents that can produce adverse health effects via direct and indirect exposure pathways, including dust inhalation, polluted storm water runoff and through direct contact. These threats to sensitive populations near the brownfield sites are compounded by the overall health/medical situation of citizens in Albany and Dougherty County. The County rates 149 out of 159 counties in Georgia for Health Outcomes (tenth from the bottom). EPA EJ Screen lists the Target Area in the 95th percentile for Cancer Risk as per National-scale Air Toxics Assessment (NATA). According to the 2020 Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital Community Health Needs Assessment, the hospital serves the southwestern communities of Georgia, including Dougherty County and the City of Albany, the top ten age adjusted leading causes of death in Dougherty County include lung cancer. Potential dust particulate contaminants, from such as asbestos expected to be found at the two priority sites and other potential brownfields could be a contributing factor to higher than normal incidences of lung cancer and asthma. Current asthma prevalence in the County is 10.9/per thousand which is the second worst tier in the state. EJ Screen also notes that the Target Area is in the NATA Respiratory HI in the 95th percentile. Gestational exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), in addition to maternal exposure to lead, all of which are likely present within the project area and target sites, have been scientifically linked to low birth weight and inhibited fetal growth and development (US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health). Dougherty County also suffers from birthweights below the national average. Almost 1 in 4 black infants are born with a low birth weight, which is three times the white infant percentage, indicating potential environmental justice issues. In 2017 alone, Dougherty County experienced 7.3% low birth weight in white infants and 14.3% for African American infants. According to CDC data, both of these percentages are above the national average of 7.0% and 13.9% respectively. 2017 African American infant mortality rates in Dougherty County exceeded the national average by nearly double. Most recently, the City has been a COVID-19 hot spot in the state, with Albany having 1/3 of all Georgia COVID-related deaths in April 2020. These health statistics, in addition to potential impacts of contaminated sites and related blight conditions, show an even greater burden on the community. The proposed project has the potential to positively impact health statistics through the assessment of the priority sites and subsequent cleanup, as necessary. The assessments will help the City identify and determine the best/safest way to mitigate potential exposure risks to any harmful contaminants; safer elimination processes and the removal of contaminants that are causing increased rates of disease will improve community health. 23 [Data: 2020-2022 Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital Community Health Needs Assessment]. (3) Disproportionately Impacted Populations: Factory closures, natural disasters and persistent poverty levels have left the City of Albany with few resources to fund brownfields cleanup and revitalization and our sensitive populations as described above bear the brunt of these conditions. Major flood events in 1994 and 1998, as well as other historic flooding events in the proceeding 150 years, caused economic and environmental catastrophes for these community members. Each major flood event resulted in extensive property damage and the spread of environmental contamination to adjacent minority neighborhoods. As described in the Albany Enterprise Redevelopment Plan, the once thriving center of Albany, which includes the target area, is now plagued by disinvestment, high crime, poorly maintained housing stock, high commercial vacancy rates, business closures and a low percentage of business licenses in the area. Further, the Georgia Power Company Mitchell Steam Generating Plant (Coal), located on the Mitchell/Dougherty County line seven miles south of the City, was in-service from 1964 until it closed in 2018. When in operation, fine particle pollution from the coal-fired power plant consisted of soot, heavy metals, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides that impacted the City. Mercury is especially of concern in coal power plant emissions. Mercury is a highly toxic metal that, once released into the atmosphere, settles in lakes and rivers, where it moves up the food chain to humans [CDC exposure report]. These cumulative environmental burdens of the former coal plant and the former downtown manufactured gas plant present environmental justice concerns when considering the high minority population in the City, a significant number of whom are living in poverty. Premature deaths are estimated at 10.9/per 1,000 persons in the city vs. 7.3/per for the State [countyhealthrankings.org]. Although this plant has since been closed, residual environmental conditions are still of concern within the community. Assessment of properties will lead to eventual revitalization and reuse of sites in the target area. Once sites have been deemed ready for reuse, those sites can either be sold to willing developers and returned to the property tax roll, or the City can reuse for recreational purposes. The outcomes will benefit the community members that have been adversely affected by the brownfields in this target area through improved environment, enhanced amenities, and new economic opportunities. b. Community Engagement i.-ii. Project Involvement & Project Roles: Within the target area there are no neighborhood associations and few community-based organization however, Albany has the strong support of groups willing to invest time and energy in improving recreational trails and the surrounding community. The following organizations have committed support this revitalization project: Partner Name Point of contact Specific role in the project SOWEGA Rising Sherrell Byrd, sowegarising@gmail.com The group will secure the property to create a community/cultural enter that will recognize the significance of the Harlem area to Albany history and will serve as a new hub, revitalized through this project. Albany Civil Rights Museum and Institute Frank Wilson, ED, 229.432.1698 The museum and historical center will support the redevelopment planning process and community engagement by promoting activities and encouraging participation in the meetings amongst its members. Albany-Dougherty Greenspace Advisory Committee Carolynn Segers csegers@albanyga.gov 229.302.1846 The Committee provides expertise in the identification and local government acquisition of greenspace, especially sensitive river property. Assist with public outreach through their meetings and membership. Provide assistance with identification of (brownfields) projects compatible with greenspace designation. Keep Albany-Dougherty Beautiful Judy Bowles jbowles@albanyga.gov 229.302.3098 KADB’s mission is to “educate and challenge citizens to take greater responsibility protecting and enhancing the community’s environment”. Provide assistance with public outreach and marketing. Thronateeska Heritage Foundation Tommy Gregors tgregors@heritagecenter.org 229.343.1288 The Foundation’s mission is to preserve Albany history and provide learning opportunities in the natural sciences. Provide assistance with public outreach and marketing. Flint River Keepers Gordon Rogers, 912.223.6761 gordon@flintriverkeeper.org A non-profit environmental non-profit dedicated to restoring rivers and habitats. They will assist in recruiting community engagement attendees. Co-Chair 24 mailto:csegers@albanyga.gov mailto:jbowles@albanyga.gov mailto:tgregors@heritagecenter.org mailto:gordon@flintriverkeeper.org Union Baptist Church Rev. Dr. Severson 229.436.9375,Unionmissionary baptist@gmail.com The church partners with the City to conduct community engagement activities, such as the planning charrette conducted in the development of the East Riverfront Transportation Plan. The church is located in the target area. Albany State University Shawn McGee, 229.500.3026 Shawn.mcgee@asurams.edu Students & staff will continue to offer input into site selection and reuse planning. iii. Incorporating Community Input: The City’s brownfield team (staff and consultants), with public input, will develop a written Community Involvement Plan (CIP) that will expand upon previous community engagement activities under their FY2018 Assessment Grant. Ultimately, this plan will document and formalize the process to share information and seek public input to decision- making. Input will be sought on project planning, site selection and cleanup/reuse planning. As we move through the project the City will consider other community tools, such as outdoor meetings, to engage a wider audience in a safe and responsible manner. The City will adapt community engagement methods to incorporate virtual community engagement or other acceptable methods as required by the State of Georgia COVID-19 protocols. The City goals in terms of its community engagement and partnership efforts are to insure or achieve the following: 1) Assist the public in contributing to and understanding the decision- making process during cleanup and the community’s role in that process; 2) Give the public accessible, accurate, timely and understandable information as stated in the project CIP; 3) Ensure adequate time and opportunity for the community to participate in an informed and meaningful way in public meetings held annually or as requested, with up to five community-wide meetings anticipated; 4) Reflect community concerns, questions and information needs; 5) Respect and fully consider public input throughout the project. The City is also a regional hub for post-secondary education: the following institutions are located in the city: Albany State University (undergraduate and graduate programs), Troy University (4 year) and Albany Technical College. The City will strive to make partnerships that will facilitate public education on the RLF process and involve the community through established programs. Given the cultural diversity of Albany, project staff will conduct these meetings at a variety of locations to ensure opportunities are offered to as many residents, regardless of background, as possible. Translators are available. Task Descriptions, Cost Estimates and Measuring Progress a. Description of Tasks/Activities and Outputs: A Qualified Environmental Professional (QEP) has been selected as per a fair and open bid process so the cooperative agreement work plan will be initiated upon selection by EPA. The work plan will specify a series of pre-award services, including the Community Involvement Plan, Generic and Site-Specific Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) development and Phase I ESAs for the two target sites. Pre-award services will move the project forward in a timely manner, within the first three months of award. After the cooperative agreement is executed, the project team will coordinate with its Georgia Department of Natural Resources representative (GDNR), the EPA Region 4 Project Officer and the selected QEP for a project kick off meeting. The project team will meet quarterly by conference call with GDNR and EPA to review progress and to ensure project goals/schedule are met. The City project director will schedule public meetings upon notification of a Brownfields award. The City will engage its community partners in the planning of these meetings. Task/Activity 1: Programmatic Support i. Project Implementation: Discussion of):Project management of EPA-funded activities for the priority and non-priority site(s), cooperative agreement oversight; budget management , scheduling and coordinating of subcontractors, monthly team meetings, travel to conferences, workshops for purposes of staff development and project improvement Non-EPA grant resources needed: in-kind resources including project team staff effort ii. Anticipated Project Schedule: Months 1-30 iii. Task/Activity Lead (s): Project Director with support from QEP and project staff 25 mailto:Shawn.mcgee@asurams.edu iv. Output(s): quarterly reports, ACRES entry; monthly team meeting notes, closeout report Notes: Given community input on sites, we expect to complete assessment activities in 30 months and closeout the grant within 33 months. The City has not included health-monitoring activities, as these activities will be dependent on the type of hazardous substances found at brownfield sites during the assessment phase, site cleanup plans, and other issues of concern. The City will coordinate with the County Health Department as appropriate for in-kind monitoring activities. Task/Activity 2: Community Involvement i. Project Implementation: Coordination and delivery of active community engagement throughout the project lifetime that builds on previous efforts of the City, including securing site access; ongoing community engagement meetings that will include a brownfields education program and community input on site recommendations; suitable reuse and redevelopment of assessed sites; and a planning charrette with community partners and members. Community engagement will also include the same for discussion of EPA-funded activities for non-priority site(s), if applicable. Updates/presentations at public meetings. Non-EPA grant resources needed: in-kind resources include City staff effort and efforts of community partners who will host and promote participation of community members ii. Anticipated Project Schedule: Months 3-20; 1st community meeting to be held by month 4 iii. Task/Activity Lead(s): Project Director with support from QEP and project staff iv. Output(s): Community Involvement Plan; community meetings; reuse plans Notes: Our rural location means that we do not have many community partners; however, our participation in public meetings indicates our vibrant community engagement process. Task/Activity 3: Phase I and Phase II Assessments i. Project Implementation: City Brownfield site inventory will be reviewed and updated after the grant agreement executed. Based on inventory results and community site recommendations, Phase I will be completed. For the Albany Theater priority site, additional assessment, delineation, and UST closure activities will be completed, and further Phase II ESAs as indicated by Phase I findings. EPA-funded activities for non-priority site(s): Identical work will be completed at sites that are identified in the public engagement and brownfields inventory processes. Non-EPA grant resources needed: in-kind resources including staff time for oversight of the QEP and review of all findings/reports/technical activities ii. Anticipated Project Schedule: Months 3-24; priority sites will be initiated by month 3 iii. Task/Activity Lead(s): QEP with oversight by the City project director & technical director iv. Output(s): site inventories; 10 Phase I and 4 Phase II environmental site assessment reports; Asbestos and Lead Based Paint surveys (as needed); one Generic Quality Assurance Plan (QAPP) and 4 site-specific QAPPs Notes: QEP has been contracted through an open bid process as described in section 4.a.iii, which means that the City is poised to initiate project activities upon submission of a work plan and execution of a cooperative agreement. The City has not included health monitoring in the project as these activities will be dependent on the type of hazardous substances found at the brownfield site during the assessment phase or will be addressed in the site cleanup planning. The City will coordinate with the County Health Department for in-kind monitoring activities. Task/Activity 4: Remediation and Reuse Planning Project Implementation EPA-funded activities for the priority site(s): cleanup planning at a specific site; drafting of reuse concepts in presentation form (such as renderings); resource road map preparation to move sites towards suitable reuse; In addition the City’s Albany Enterprise Redevelopment Plan calls for these specific items to support redevelopment in the target rea: Planning Review and Recommendation Report; Infrastructure and Public Facility Needs Analysis and Survey; Internet Expansion Survey/Assessment. EPA-funded activities for non-priority site(s): identical work will be completed at sites that are identified in the public engagement and brownfields inventory processes, if warranted. 26 Non-EPA grant resources needed: in-kind resources, including City planning department and economic development staff efforts ii. Anticipated Project Schedule: Months 9 through 24; iii. Task/Activity Lead(s): project director with assistance from QEP iv. Output(s): minimum of 4 ABCA/reuse plans /visual renderings; City Code Review and Recommendation Report ; Infrastructure and Public Facility Needs Analysis and Survey; Internet Expansion Survey/Assessment Notes: As indicated in the project budget below the city has devoted 30% to planning effort a. Cost Estimates: Budget Table Categories 1: Project Management 2:Community Involvement 3:Assessment 4: Planning Total Travel $6,000 $6,000 Contractual $17,000 $13,000 $154,000 $95,000 $279,000 5% Admin Fee $15,000 $15,000 Totals $38,000 $13,000 $154,000 $95,000 $300,000 The following cost estimates were derived by the City based on our experiences and the project expenses from our previous EPA brownfields grants. Task 1 Project Management: $6,000 for travel to two EPA National Brownfields conference and/or regional brownfields events for two City staff members (includes approximate costs of $1000 in registration fees; $2,000 for 8 nights in the conference hotel(s), $1,500 airfare, $500 ground transportation/parking and $1,000 in total per diem expenses). Any remaining travel funds will be utilized by city staff for travel to meet with local/regional developers or property owners. $17,000 contractual support is also allocated to this task for the QEP to support city staff in drafting reports, updating EPA ACRES, scheduling meetings and overall project management activities ($100 per hour for 170 hours over the three-year project period) Total: $23,000 A 5% administrative fee (total $15,000) is included in the budget table under Project Management as per the EPA guidance to offset overhead costs incurred by the City. Task 2 Community Involvement: One Community Involvement Plan (CIP) update $3,000; five community engagement meetings/ planning charrette activities with contractual support in planning and delivery $10,000 ($100 per hour for 100 hours over project period). Total: $13,000 Task 3 Brownfield Site Assessment: 10 ASTM-AAI compliant Phase I ESAs at $3,500 each (total $35,000). One Generic Quality Assurance Project Plan update, $4,000; 4 Site Specific Quality Assurance Project Plans (QAPPs) at $3,750 (total $15,000); 4 Phase IIs for a total of $100,000 (cost is based on complexity and can range from $15,000 to $50,000), Phase II at the Albany Theater is estimated at $50,000 alone based on previous Phase I results that determined further sampling and UST closure is required. Total: $154,000 Task 4 Site-specific Cleanup and Reuse Planning: 4 Analysis of Brownfields Cleanup Alternatives /reuse plans are planned at $5,000 (total $20,000); Planning Review and Recommendation Report $10,000; Infrastructure and Public Facility Needs Analysis and Survey $40,000; Internet Expansion Survey/Assessment, $25,000.Total: $95,000 b. Measuring Environmental Results: The Project Director, with support from key staff and the QEP will document, track, and evaluate the outputs and outcomes continually through quarterly progress reports, annual disadvantaged business enterprise reporting, and regular calls with EPA. The activities and outcomes will be tracked through ACRES, invoice management system and through a project management spreadsheet. Outputs: Number of sites assessed (Phase I/II ESAs); number of ABCAs; and number of formal community meetings (and CIP development/revision). Outcomes: Number of sites for which property title transfers are facilitated; Acres of land redeveloped and square footage of buildings positioned for adaptive reuse; Amount of private investment and other funding leveraged; Jobs created or retained; Increased property and sales 27 tax revenue generated. An overall gauge of success will be the creation of jobs and the improvement in environmental justice conditions. Should the project run into delays or obstacles the City will work the assigned EPA Project Officer and the environmental consultant to implement countermeasures, such as revaluating project management strategies to resume the project schedule as outlined in the workplan. 4. Programmatic Capability and Past Performance a. Programmatic Capability i. Organizational Structure, ii. Description of Key Staff: The City has the requisite capacity to administer the EPA grant funds based on previous experience in federal and state grant management. Paul Forgey, Director of Planning and Development Services for the City will serve as Project Director for the proposed brownfields project. Mr. Forgey has 25 years of experience working with local governments on community development, planning, economic development, and grant writing. He is the current project director for the City’s 2018 EPA Brownfields Assessment grant. His department will oversee the day-to-day operation of the grant project and community outreach. Derrick Brown, City Finance Director will serve as finance director for the proposed brownfields project and has three years of experience in this role under the program’s current assessment grant, including financial reporting and oversight. He has a Bachelor's degree in Accounting and 12 years of experience in the field of finance. Barry Brooks, Assistant to the City Manager, will oversee Programmatic Support as the Program Coordinator, including reporting. Bruce Maples, Managing Director, Engineering and Planning Services, with 20+ years of experience in this role, will serve as technical coordinator for the proposed brownfields project and will oversee the environmental contractor and technical brownfields activity. The depth of the project team’s first-hand brownfields experience will allow for a seamless transition should a staff member need to be replaced. Further, the team is supported by the City’s Office of the Downtown Manager and others, such as finance and administration, which means multiple City staff have direct knowledge of the program and can support if necessary. iii. Acquiring Additional Resources: The City has procured a QEP through a fair and open bid process. Should additional resources be warranted the City will implement its approved competitive bid process, as in its previous EPA grant awards, which will include a request for qualifications, a mandatory pre-bid meeting and bid opening. A selection committee will choose the top QEP based on qualifications and prior experience and make a recommendation to the City Commission. Contractors must make good faith efforts in securing Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) subcontractors. A contract with the selected firm will be executed once approved by the Commission. The City will comply with the EPA’s "Professional Service" procurement process (40 CFR 200). b. Past Performance and Accomplishments 1. Currently Has or Previously Received an EPA Brownfields Grant Accomplishments: The City received a 2018 EPA Brownfields Community-wide Assessment grant. Outputs completed so far include 7 Phase I ESAs, 8 supplemental assessments including asbestos surveys, 4 Phase II ESAs and 3 ABCAs. All completed outputs and outcomes have been entered into the ACRES website. In addition to these outputs, The Belk Building, which the City assessed, has been moved towards cleanup with the Albany Museum securing a successful EPA Brownfields Cleanup grant in FY2020. 2. Compliance with Grant Requirements: For the City’s ongoing 2018 grant, the City complied with work plans, schedules, and terms and conditions. Quarterly reports and grant deliverables have been prepared and submitted to EPA and entered in the ACRES database. It is anticipated that the 2018 grant will be completed and closed-out on time with no funds remaining: 98% of the funds were utilized as of September 23, 2020. 28 Threshold Criteria Response Albany, GA Community-Wide Assessment Grant • A statement of applicant eligibility: The City of Albany is a general purpose unit of local government and therefore an eligible entity as defined under 2 CFR § 200.64 pursuant. • Documentation of applicant eligibility if other than city, county, state, or tribe; documentation of 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status or qualified community development entity: Not applicable • Description of community involvement: The City’s brownfield team (staff and consultants), with public input, will develop a written Community Involvement Plan (CIP) that will expand upon previous community engagement activities under their FY2018 Assessment Grant. Ultimately, this plan will document and formalize the process to share information and seek public input to decision-making. Input will be sought on project planning, site selection and cleanup/reuse planning. As we move through the project the City will consider other community tools, such as outdoor meetings, to engage a wider audience in a safe and responsible manner. The City will adapt community engagement methods to incorporate virtual community engagement or other acceptable methods as required by the State of Georgia COVID-19 protocols. The City goals in terms of its community engagement and partnership efforts are to insure or achieve the following: 1) Assist the public in contributing to and understanding the decision- making process during cleanup and the community’s role in that process; 2) Give the public accessible, accurate, timely and understandable information as stated in the project CIP; 3) Ensure adequate time and opportunity for the community to participate in an informed and meaningful way in public meetings held annually or as requested, with up to five community- wide meetings anticipated; 4) Reflect community concerns, questions and information needs; 5) Respect and fully consider public input throughout the project. The City is also a regional hub for post-secondary education: the following institutions are located in the city: Albany State University (undergraduate and graduate programs), Troy University (4 year) and Albany Technical College. The City will strive to make partnerships that will facilitate public education on the RLF process and involve the community through established programs. Given the cultural diversity of Albany, project staff will conduct these meetings at a variety of locations to ensure opportunities are offered to as many residents, regardless of background, as possible. Translators are available. • Documentation of the available balance on each Assessment Grant: Please see the attached documentation. 29 SENSITIVE BUT UNCLASSIFIED Automated Standard Application for Payments ACCOUNT BALANCE INQUIRY ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ALC/Region : 68128933/ Short Name : RTP-Grants Account ID : Recipient ID : 1317341 Requestor ID : Account Status : OPEN As Of Date : 09/23/2020 ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Recipient ID Short Name Account ID Cumulative Authorizations Cumulative Draws/RP/BE Current Avail Balance 1317341 ALBGA BF00D71418 $300,000.00 -$296,177.09 $3,822.91 1317341 ALBGA BF01D11320 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 Totals: $300,000.00 -$296,177.09 $3,822.91 Report generated on 09/24/2020 at 11:00 ASAP.gov 1 SENSITIVE BUT UNCLASSIFIED 30 March 14, 2023 Request for Proposals Brownfield Program Consultant Planning and Development Reference No. 23-064 Sealed proposals will be received at the Procurement Division, 222 Pine Avenue, Suite 260, Albany, Georgia 31701, until 5:00 p.m., on April 14, 2023, from qualified individuals/firms seeking to provide multiple grant administration consulting services for the City’s Brownfield Program for a five-year period of performance. The City of Albany strongly encourages Disadvantaged Business firms to participate in this RFP and further urges that all submittals reflect inclusion of women and minorities. Any interested and qualified firm and/or party is requested to make a response to accomplish the Scope of Services described herein. The response is to be signed by a duly authorized official of the firm and must be submitted in the time, manner, and form prescribed. A Pre-Proposal Conference will be held on March 22, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. thru Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81427163152?pwd=VlhLcy9nbnFSK25XVU1WMGVzcnVtUT09 Meeting ID: 814 2716 3152 Passcode: 964014 No reimbursement will be made by the City of Albany for any costs incurred prior to a formal Notice to Proceed, should an award of contract result from this solicitation. INQUIRIES OR QUESTIONS: Should be submitted in writing to Ricky Gladney, Buyer I, at the Procurement Division Office no later than 5:00 p.m., April 03, 2023; electronic inquiries are acceptable at rgladney@albanyga.gov, cc: jswilliams@albanyga.gov and kross@albanyga.gov. Replies of substance will be in writing, in the form of an addendum, and made available to all potential respondents. City of Albany, Yvette Fields, CPPB, NIGP-CPP Assistant City Manager – Administration https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81427163152?pwd=VlhLcy9nbnFSK25XVU1WMGVzcnVtUT09 mailto:rgladney@albanyga.gov mailto:jswilliams@albanyga.gov mailto:kross@albanyga.gov RFP #23-064 Brownfield Program Consultant 2 CITY OF ALBANY PROCUREMENT DIVISION CENTRAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT ALBANY, GEORGIA INSTRUCTIONS TO PROPOSERS These instructions will bind proposers to terms and conditions herein set forth, 1. The following criteria are used in determining which proposal is in the best interests of the city. (a) The ability, capacity and skill of proposer to perform required service. (b) Whether proposer can perform service promptly or within specified time. (c) The character, integrity, reputation, judgment, experience and efficiency of proposer. (d) The performance of previous contracts. (e) The suitability of equipment or material for City/County use. (f) The ability of proposer to provide future maintenance and parts service. 2. Payment terms are Net 30 unless otherwise specified. Favorable term discounts may be offered and will be considered in determining best proposer if they are deemed advantageous to the City. 3. All requested information should be included in submittal package. All desired information must be signed and included for your proposal to receive full consideration. Failure to submit any required form will be cause for proposal to be rejected as non- responsive. 4. All questions, inquiries and requests for clarification shall be directed to Procurement. 5. For multi-year contracts the following clauses pursuant to OCGA 36-60-13 apply: (1) The contract shall terminate absolutely and without further obligation on the part of the City or County at the close of the calendar year in which it was executed and at the close of each succeeding calendar year for which it may be renewed; (2) The contract may provide for automatic renewal unless positive action is taken by the City or County to terminate such contract, and the nature of such action shall be determined by the City or County and specified in the contract; (3) The contract shall state the total obligation of the City or County for the calendar year of execution and shall further state the total obligation which will be incurred in each calendar year renewal term, if renewed; and (4) The contract shall provide that title to any supplies, materials, equipment, or other personal property shall remain in the vendor until fully paid for by the City or County. 6. Quote all prices F.O.B. Albany or our warehouse or as specified in proposal documents. 7. Each proposal shall be clearly marked on the outside of the package as a Sealed Proposal. 8. Proposal must be received and stamped by the Procurement Office before time stipulated in proposal documents. No responsibility will attach to any City representative or employee for premature opening of proposal not properly addressed or identified. 9. Proposals received late will not be accepted, and the City will not be responsible for late mail delivery. 10. Should a proposal be misplaced by the City and found later it will be considered. 11. Proposals requiring bid security will not be read or considered if security is not enclosed. Security may be in the form of cash, certified check, cashier’s check or Surety Bond issued by a Surety Company licensed to conduct business in Georgia. 12. All proposers must be recognized and authorized dealers in the materials or equipment specified and be qualified to advise in their application or use. A proposer at any time requested must satisfy the Procurement Office and City Commission that he has the requisite organization, capital, plant, stock, ability and experience to satisfactorily execute the contract in accordance with the provisions of the contract in which he is interested. 13. Any alterations, erasures, additions or omissions of required information or any changes of specifications, or cost schedule are done at the risk of the proposer. 14. When requested, SAMPLES will be furnished free of expense, properly marked for identification and accompanied by list where there is more than one sample. The City reserves the right to mutilate or destroy any samples submitted whenever it may be in the best interests of the City to do so for the purpose of testing. 15. City will reject any material, supplies or equipment that do not meet the specifications, even though proposal lists the trade name or names of such materials on the price quotation form. 16. The unauthorized use of patented articles is done entirely at the risk of the successful proposer. 17. The ESTIMATED QUANTITY given in the specifications or advertisement is for the purpose of seeking a proposal. The City may purchase more or less than the estimated quantity, and the vendor must not assume that such estimated quantity is part of the contract. 18. Only the latest model equipment as evidenced by the manufacturer’s current published literature will be considered. Obsolete models of equipment not in production will not be acceptable. Equipment shall be composed of new parts and materials. Any unit containing used parts or having seen any service other than the necessary tests will be rejected. In addition to the equipment specifically called for in the specifications, all equipment catalogued by the manufacturer as standard or required by the State of Georgia shall be furnished with the equipment. Where required by the State of Georgia Motor Vehicle Code, vehicles shall be inspected and bear the latest inspection sticker of the Georgia Department of Revenue. 19. The successful proposer on motor vehicle equipment shall be required to furnish with delivery of vehicle, Certificate of Origin and Georgia vendors shall provide Georgia Motor Vehicle form MV1. 20. Proposers are responsible for examining the location of the proposed work or delivery and determining, in their own way, the difficulties, which are likely to be encountered in the prosecution of the same. 21. All materials, equipment and supplies shall be subject to rigid inspection, under the immediate supervision of the Procurement Officer and/or the Department to which they are delivered. If defective material, equipment or supplies are discovered, the RFP #23-064 Brownfield Program Consultant 3 Contractor, upon being instructed by the Procurement Officer, shall remove, or make good such material, equipment or supplies without extra compensation. It is expressly understood and agreed that the inspection of materials by the City will in no way lessen the responsibility of the Contractor or release him from his obligation to perform and deliver to the City sound and satisfactory materials, equipment or supplies. The proposer agrees to pay the cost of all tests on defective material, equipment or supplies or allow the cost to be deducted from any monies due him by the City or County. 22. Unless otherwise specified by the procurement officer all materials, supplies or equipment quoted herein must be delivered within thirty (30) days from date of notification or exception noted on price quotation sheet. 23. A contract will not be awarded to any corporation, firm or individual who is, from any cause, in arrears to the City/County or who has failed in any former contract with the City/County to perform work satisfactorily, either as to the character of the work, the fulfillment of the guarantee, or the time consumed in completing the work. 24. Reasonable grounds for supposing that any proposer is interested in more than one proposal for the same item will be considered sufficient cause for rejection of all proposals in which he/she is interested. 25. Unless otherwise specified the City reserves the right to award each item separately or on a lump sum basis, whichever is in the best interest of the City/County. 26. The City reserves the right to waive any minor discrepancies, reject any or all proposals, and to purchase any part, all or none of the services, materials, supplies or equipment specified. 27. Failure of the proposer to sign the offer or have the signature of any authorized representative or agent on the proposal will be cause for rejection of the proposal. Signature must be written in ink. 28. Any proposer may withdraw his proposal at any time before the time set for opening of proposals. No proposal may be withdrawn without cause in the 60-day period after proposals are opened. 29. It is mutually understood and agreed that if any time the Procurement Officer shall be of the opinion that the contract or any part thereof is unnecessarily delayed or that the rate of progress or delivery is unsatisfactory, or that the proposer is willfully violating any of the conditions or covenants of the agreement, or is executing the same in bad faith, the Procurement Officer shall have the power to notify the aforesaid proposer of the nature of the complaint. Notification shall constitute delivery of notice, or letter, to address given in proposal. If after three working days of notification the conditions are not corrected to the satisfaction of the Procurement Officer, he shall thereupon have the power to take whatever action he may deem necessary to complete the work or delivery herein described, or any part thereof, and the expense thereof, so charged, shall be deducted from any paid by the City out of such monies as may become due to the said proposer, under and by virtue of this agreement. In case such expense shall exceed the last said sum, then and in that event, the bondsman or the proposer, his executors, administrators, successors, or assigns, shall pay the amount of such excess to the City on notice by the Procurement Officer of the excess due. 30. If the proposer proposes to furnish any item of a foreign make or product, he should write “Foreign” together with the name of the originating country opposite such item on proposal. 31. Any complaint from proposer relative to the Request for Proposals or any attached specifications should be made prior to the time of opening of proposals, otherwise such complaint cannot be properly considered. 32. Contracts may be cancelled by the City/County with or without cause with 30-day written notice. 33. All Corporations should provide the corporate seal, a copy of the Secretary of State’s Certificate of Incorporation, and a listing of the principals of the corporation with the bid/proposal. 34. All bidders/proposers should provide their tax identification number with the bid/proposal. 35. The Board of Commissioners passed a local preference ordinance on January 27, 2015. Where applicable, this ordinance will govern. Local preference will not be a basis of award for projects that are federally funded. 36. The proposer shall secure all permits, license certificates, inspections (permanent and temporary) and occupational tax certificate, if applicable, before any work can commence. Proposer as well as any and all known subcontractors must possess or will be required to obtain a City of Albany Occupational Tax Certificate or Registration. 37. Prior to submitting proposal, check website at www.albanyga.gov or call the Procurement Office at 229-431-3211 for any subsequent addendums. PROCUREMENT FORM – Revised 4/20/2018 RFP #23-064 Brownfield Program Consultant 4 Brownfield Program Consultant Planning and Development Reference No. 23-064 I. INTRODUCTION: The City of Albany (City) received brownfield funding from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which includes an FY2021 Community-wide Brownfield Assessment Grant in April of 2021 and funding for the implementation of a Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) in 2019 and supplemental funding in 2021. To assist with the implementation of these grant awards, The City of Albany invites interested parties to submit statements of qualification and experience to provide environmental and engineering consulting services on a task order basis for the City’s new Brownfields program for a five-year period of performance. The City is looking for a firm with documented experience providing Brownfields (environmental) assessments, programmatic grant assistance, grant application development, and related services for local governments, including grant writing assistance for EPA assessment, cleanup, and brownfields cleanup revolving loan funds. The City may amend or extend this contract beyond the initial five years to accommodate the terms and conditions of any future EPA grants awarded to the City. The objectives of the City and the services to be provided by the selected Consultant include: • Effectively execute technical and administrative requirements of the FY2021 EPA Assessment Grant to develop a successful Brownfield Program for the City. • Actively assist with the implementation and administration of the City’s RLF program. • Provide administration of the active Brownfield grant awards to include quarterly and closeout reporting. • Identify, pursue, and leverage future Brownfields funding/resources. • Build community participation in the Brownfields process. • Engage prospective developers. II. SCOPE OF SERVICES: All work performed by the selected firm with comply with EPA grant Terms and Conditions. The Consultant will perform the following tasks on an as-needed basis: 1. Grant Preparation and Administration: The Consultant will take the lead with programmatic grant application preparation, reporting, and management services with input and review by the City. This task includes collecting data required in the grant application(s), meeting with existing community groups, and assisting in identifying potential properties or areas to be the subject of the application(s). Upon grant award, the Consultant will, with the City’s help and guidance, provide grant management and implement the grant. 2. Property Identification and Inventory: The Consultant will work with the City and community to identify, develop and refine a database of potential Brownfield properties. This work will include the development and implementation of a set of criteria to prioritize the identified properties for evaluation. RFP #23-064 Brownfield Program Consultant 5 3. Site Characterization and Assessment Activities: As part of the work, the Consultant will conduct Phase I Environmental Site Assessments (ESA) and Phase II ESAs following EPA’s All Appropriate Inquiry (AAI) rule, and current ASTM Standards. Included in this task is the development of the following plans: • Generic Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) • Site Specific Quality Assurance Project Plans (SS-QAPPs) • Health and Safety Plans (HASP) • Phase I & II Environmental Site Assessment-related fieldwork, research, and report development. All work products are required to follow applicable state and industry standards, including ASTM and All Appropriate Inquiry (AAI) standards for property transactional work. 4. Community Involvement Assistance: The Consultant will guide and support the City in public involvement and community outreach activities to ensure that the community concerns are considered and addressed in the assessment planning, and execution process of the projects. The following activities are included. • Develop a community engagement plan to detail a strategy for involving the community in Brownfield activities. • Conduct public meetings and hearings to solicit community interest and provide educational information. • Create and facilitate a Brownfield Task Force (BTF) to review and recommend sites to be assessed and characterized. • Develop and implement effective methods of communicating information about the Brownfield program to the public (website, information sheets, direct mail, etc.). • Consult with private landowners and prospective developers to encourage participation in the program. 5. Cleanup and Redevelopment Planning: The Consultant will complete site-specific cleanup and redevelopment planning documents, including the Analysis of Brownfield Cleanup Alternatives (ABCAs), site remediation Work Plans, conceptual redevelopment site plans, etc. In addition, the Consultant may also conduct community visioning sessions, charrettes, and/or workshops to solicit input and generate redevelopment options. The Consultant may also assist in negotiating brownfield agreements with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GDNR). 6. Grant Application Preparation: The Consultant will lead grant application preparation with input and review by the City. This task includes collecting data required in the grant application(s), meeting with existing community groups, and assisting in identifying potential properties or areas to be included in the application(s). 7. Other Brownfield-Related Duties: Other duties as necessary for a successful program but that have not been anticipated in this call for services. III. INSTRUCTIONS TO PROPOSERS: 1. Certification regarding Debarment,