ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STUDIES
Added Addenda Questions and Responses as an attachment. All other information remains the same.
Economic Development Strategy & Action Plan for the Saint John Region
About this Request for Proposals
Purpose
The purpose of this Request for Proposals (RFP) is to set forth requirements and seek proposals from potential vendors to develop an Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan.
This document sets forth the requirements and evaluation criteria for respondents.
Administrative Requirements
For tendering, legal, and billing purposes, the client is Envision Saint John: The Regional Growth Agency. Submissions in response to this RFP assume acceptance of all the terms described herein.
Eligibility
Vendors must be registered companies, with the legal authorization to conduct business in the Province of New Brunswick. Vendor consultants, proposed for this project, must be legally entitled to work in Canada.
Project Location
The project will be based at the Envision Saint John offices at 1 Germain Street in Saint John. The vendor consultants will be expected to attend meetings as required at this location. Some meetings may be coordinated using virtual meetings where appropriate.
Timeline
RFP release date
November 21, 2023
Deadline for Proponent Questions
December 5th, 2023
Proposal submission deadline
December 12, 2023
Project launch
January 8, 2024
Project completion
July 30, 2024
Enquiries
All enquiries related to this RFP are to be directed to the individual noted in the 'Contact' section at the end of this document. Information obtained from any other source is not official and may be inaccurate. Enquiries and responses may be recorded and may be distributed to all proponents at the option of Envision Saint John.
Conflict of Interest
Respondents must fully disclose, in writing, to the person noted in the Contact section, on or before the closing date of this RFP, the circumstances of any possible conflict of interest or what could be perceived as a possible conflict of interest between the Vendor and Envision Saint John. Envision Saint John may reject any proposal where, in the opinion of Envision Saint John, the Vendor is or could be perceived to be in a conflict of interest.
Background
Envision Saint John (the Agency) is the backbone economic development organization helping to accelerate growth for the Saint John Region. Envision Saint John's role is to attract people, visitors, business, and investment to the Saint John Region.
The Agency has set 10-year outcomes to increase the Saint John's Region population by 25,000, increase the municipal tax base by 30-35% and build a stronger place brand creating a community of proud ambassadors.
Envision Saint John is responsible for developing a common economic development vision for the region, working with key sectors, businesses, employers and stakeholders in growing the economy, and acting as the lead sales, marketing and support engine for the regional economy. The agency accelerates regional growth by connecting innovators, entrepreneurs, and builders to get things done.
Project Overview
The Saint John Region, with a population of 135,622, is comprised of the City of Saint John, Quispamsis, Rothesay, Grand Bay-Westfield, Hampton, Fundy-St. Martins, and the Fundy Rural District. The region includes a major port city located on the world-famous Bay of Fundy and vibrant surrounding communities and neighbourhoods.
Historically, the Saint John region has been the industrial heart and economic engine of New Brunswick and the Maritimes, but as Canada transitioned to a more service based economy, the Saint John region began to lose ground to other regions in the Maritime Provinces. This has been changing, with the onset of rapid population growth in the Maritime Provinces, there is an opportunity to harness this momentum and establish a regional economy that will thrive for decades to come.
The ultimate objective of the project is to lead the community in developing alignment on a clear strategy on how to grow the economy and a set of concrete actions to get us there.
Envision Saint John will assign other human resources (including executive leadership, agency of record, logistical support, etc.) as required.
Concurrently, Envision Saint John will be engaging a third-party to develop a Tourism Master Plan and an Immigration Strategy. These strategies will need to acknowledge, link, and inform each other as appropriate.
Role and Reporting
The role of the vendor consultants is to complete the scope of work (or a proposed alternative) outlined within this Request for Proposals.
The vendor consulting team will liaise with the project governance structure and will collaborate with other Envision Saint John resources assigned to this initiative i.e., communications, research, executive leadership, agency of record, etc.
Coordination and Alignment with Concurrent Planning Initiatives
The economic development strategy and action plan will be one of three (3) formative initiatives undertaken by Envision Saint John in 2024. The successful consultant will be required to coordinate from time-to-time with other consultants undertaking other initiatives. This includes:
Tourism Masterplan
A Tourism Master Plan will be launched and developed concurrently with the Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan. The ultimate objective of the Tourism Masterplan project is to assist in the prioritization of efforts and investments which will lead to wealth creation and economic growth from the region's tourism economy.
The Economic Development Strategy is intended to coordinate with the Tourism Master Plan. Tourism is a
sector that the Economic Development Strategy should address, however, it is anticipated that any strategic
direction related to tourism should be informed by and coordinated with the Tourism Masterplan.
Regional Immigration Strategy
A regional immigration strategy is planned for 2024 and will help to direct the focus of immigration and
settlement activities in the context of the need for labour force growth and the expansion of the talent pipeline.
The successful proponent will help to inform the work of the immigration strategy through economic and labour
force analysis in addition to the consultant sharing its knowledge and expertise in this area.
Scope of Work
Respondents are expected to put forward proposals which fulfill the anticipated key requirements for this project, however,
respondents recommending alternatives to the scope that provide a superior product are encouraged. Below is a summary
of the anticipated scope of the project.
Part 1 - Background Research & Economic Analysis:
The first phase of the initiative will be to compile, review, analyze the pertinent information to provide a baseline
understanding of the regional economy.
1.1 Establishment of a Steering Committee: An agency and stakeholder steering committee will be established
with the support of Envision Saint John. The successful proponent may be required to attend stakeholder
steering committee meetings from time-to-time.
1.2 Prepare formal Engagement Plan: Working with Envision Saint John, the consultant will prepare a formal
stakeholder engagement plan.
1.3 Review of Plans & Projections: The consultant will review any pertinent materials such as previous regional
strategies, municipal strategies, projections, plans and other documents considered relevant to the project.
1.4 Preliminary Regional Economic Development Analysis: The consultant will analyze both provided materials
and relevant data sources to assess the current state and prospects for the regional economy, including the
assessment of potential Provincial, National and International trends that may influence the regional
economy. This analysis should include, but not be limited to:
- The nature and health of the economic base and key clusters within the region
- An analysis of regional competitiveness
- An assessment of emerging opportunities, including local, provincial and national trends
- An assessment of labour force characteristic and the talent pipeline
1.5 Key Stakeholder Interviews: The consultant will complete key stakeholder interviews with individuals and
businesses within the community representing a diverse cross-section of key stakeholders. The consultant
will provide Envision Saint John with direction on what types of stakeholders should be included in the
stakeholder interviews and Envision Saint John will facilitate introductions to the stakeholders.
1.6 Project Launch Workshop: The consultant will facilitate an in-person stakeholder workshop event. The
purpose of the workshop is to:
- Formally kick-off the initiative;
- Validate the preliminary research and findings of the consultant
- Obtain stakeholder input & information to establish a vision statement for the strategy
Key Deliverables:
1.Summary of Stakeholder feedback
2.Launch Presentation with Preliminary Economic Analysis
Part 2 - Establishing the Strategic Direction:
The second phase of the initiative continues with more detailed assessment of the regional economy, focusing on specific topics and the development of the formative directions for the economic development strategy. This should include the development of specific goals and objectives of the strategy by key topic areas.
2.1
Assessment of Key Assets & Infrastructure: The regional economy is a diverse ecosystem with a range of key assets and infrastructure. The consultant will build on its preliminary background research to undertake a deeper dive of key sectors, which could include:
2.1.1
Human: Labour force, Talent Pipeline & Settlement
2.1.2
Physical: Infrastructure, Logistics & Value Chain Assets
2.1.3
Key Sectors & Industry Clusters: Key assets supporting strategic sectors & clusters
2.1.4
Business & Entrepreneurship: The state of entrepreneurship and supporting assets for business growth
2.1.5
Institutional: Identify key institutional assets (such post-secondary institutions, medical centres, and etc.)
2.1.6
Employment Lands: Employment lands review relative to the needs of growth sectors
2.1.7
Legislative & Policy: Identify, understand and leverage any the provincial landscape and any particular strategies being pursued by the Province.
2.2
Summary of Regional Economic Competitiveness: The consultant will complete an analysis and summary of the regions competitive advantages, disadvantages, opportunities and gaps.
2.3
Sensitivity Analysis & Economic Scenario Planning: We live in complex economic times and a number of international, national and provincial level economic forces will have implications for the growth of the Saint John Region. The consultant will assess what key risks or opportunities may exist that could impact the region and help to build a high level understanding of the potential impacts.
2.4
Best Practices Review: The consultant will research and identify a number best practices as it relates to specific key sectors, opportunities, disadvantages and gaps.
2.5
Meetings with Municipal Shareholders: Envision Saint John works closely with the municipal governments of the Saint John Region as the initial shareholders in the organization. Individual meetings with the municipalities should be scheduled to understand key priorities and objectives form the municipalities perspectives.
2.6
Stakeholder Workshop: The consultant will facilitate an in-person stakeholder workshop event. The purpose of the workshop is to:
-Share the vision for the economic development strategy
-Highlight the in-depth assessment completed in phase 2 & preliminary thoughts on key strategies, sectors, priorities and goals
-Engage in workshop activities such as SOAR (Strength, Opportunities, Aspirations, Results)
and other exercises to help identify
the right priorities, goals and objectives for the strategy
-Identify a number of stakeholder working committees by topic that will be established to complete phase three (3) (Envision Saint John will identify the individuals to populate these stakeholder working committees).
Key Deliverables:
3.Stakeholder Workshop Presentation
4.Background Report & Strategic Vision
Part 3 - Building the Action Plan:
The final phase of the project is about taking the strategic direction and building out a tactical Action Plan. The Action Plan will lay out clear initiatives for Envision Saint John but will also recognize that a regional economy is much larger than one agency and build a collective impact approach that leverages the efforts of the full economic ecosystem.
1.1
Establishment of Working Groups: The consultant will build on the work of phase two and with Envision Saint John's support, will establish working groups on a range of topics and sectors.
1.2
Committee Engagement & Development of Action Plans: The consultant will engage each stakeholder working group for the purposes of working through the goals and objectives related to their relevant sector or topic and develop concrete actions that the community can take to achieve them.
1.3
Development of Performance Targets & Measurement Framework: The consultant will develop a framework for measuring the success in achieving the goals and objectives of the strategy, which should include a number of macro-economic indicators of success.
1.4
Meetings with Municipal Shareholders: Individual meetings with the municipalities should be scheduled to support them in understanding the strategy and how it relates to their municipality.
1.5
Final Public Presentation: The consultant will prepare and present a final report and presentation to the general public.
Key Deliverables:
5.
Final Economic Development Strategy Report
6.
Open House Presentation and Materials
Submission Requirements
The following information should be provided in each proposal:
Methodology
Clear articulation of the proposed work plan in order to achieve the Scope of Work.
Team Competence & Resources
Description of the capability of the proposed consultants to meet the requirements described in the Scope of Work and the relative level of effort each will apply to the project.
Include related experience of the firm, including the past three similar jobs that have been completed with the company name, contact person and phone number that may be contacted for a reference.
Schedule and Availability
The project is scheduled to start as soon as possible but no later than January 8, 2024, and be completed by July 30, 2024. Respondents should confirm the availability of their proposed project team to meet these scheduling objectives.
Fees and Expenses
Total project costs will not exceed $150,000 (including expenses).
Proposals should include a breakdown of the respondent's fees and disbursements in completing the project. The respondent agrees to invoice Envision Saint John based on progress completion of the services. All pre-approved expenses and disbursements are to be invoiced as they are incurred together with a monthly progress billing.
Fee and expense information should be supplied including a breakdown of costs by major work plan tasks:
-Per Diem rates.
-Travel, if required.
-Administration overhead.
-Phone, fax, courier, printing, etc.
-Sundry and contingency overhead rates.
-Software costs, data information, or research.
Closing Date
Each proposal must be received by 3:00 pm, local time, on December 12, 2023 to Jeff.Cyr@envisionsaintjohn.com
Addendum or modifications can be made before the Closing Date but will not be accepted after that date. Proposals may be withdrawn by respondents at any time after submission.
Evaluation of Proposals and Notification of Proponents
Evaluation Criteria
Envision Saint John will review all submitted proposals and reject those which do not meet submission requirements. Non-compliant respondents will be notified at that time. Non-compliant proposals will not be returned.
Once it has been confirmed that the respondent's proposal has met the submission requirements, it will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
-A demonstrated understanding of the project and favourable project approach.
-Thoroughness of the proposal.
-Knowledge, experience and professional standing of key personnel.
-Availability of key personnel and demonstrated ability to meet proposed work schedule.
-Cost of services to be performed.
-Performance history on past projects for tourism and/or economic development clients including, but not limited to, quality of work, ability to meet schedules, cost control and working relationship with clients, advisory groups and the public.
At Envision Saint John's sole discretion, a winning proposal will be selected and the submitting respondent will be invited to participate in contract negotiations and finalization.
Note that while pricing is an important factor, the lowest price bid will not necessarily determine the winning proposal nor is Envision Saint John obligated to award this project to a respondent.
Envision Saint John may contact individual respondents during this process to for clarification or elaboration of proposal elements. Selected proponents may also be expected to meet with Envision Saint John and orally present their proposals.
Contract
The winning respondent will be invited to participate in contract negotiations, starting with the RFP submission.
In the event that a contract agreement cannot be successfully reached, then Envision Saint John reserves the right to cease discussions with the winning respondent then either choose another respondent or pursue another avenue to fulfill the requirements.
Optional Bidder Registration
An optional bidder's registration will be available for those interested in receiving information updates during the open period of the RFP. This is an option only to prospective bidders and is not a requirement.
List of bidders will not be disclosed. Bidders can register by submitting an email to Jeff.Cyr@envisionsaintjohn.com stating your interest and return email address for communications.
QUESTIONS
All questions must be directed to Jeff.Cyr@envisionsaintjohn.com no later than December 5th, 2023 by 4:30PM, local time. The questions and responses will be circulated to all registered bidders. No phone contacts for questions.
No Further Contract or Liability Arising from RFP Process
By submitting a proposal, the respondent agrees and acknowledges that:
-Nothing in this RFP, nor the submission of the proposal, nor the review and consideration of the proposal by Envision Saint John, nor any communication between the parties in relation to the RFP, obligate any party to enter into any further business relationship with the other party and, in particular, if Envision Saint John decides to engage the respondent in connection with the subject matter of the RFP then such engagement may only occur pursuant to a written agreement that has been signed
by both parties and, absent such written agreement, Envision Saint John will have no further liability or obligation to the respondent in connection with the subject matter of the RFP;
-The respondent is participating in this RFP process at its sole risk and expense, and Envision Saint John will not be liable to the respondent for any costs, expenses or liabilities incurred by the respondent in any way arising in connection with the respondent's participation;
-Envision Saint John has made no representations other than those expressly stated in this RFP.
Envision Saint John has the right to cancel this RFP at any time and to reissue it for any reason whatsoever or decide not to reissue it for any reason, without incurring any liability and no vendor will have any claim against Envision Saint John as a consequence; and the proposal and any accompanying documentation submitted by the respondent will become the property of the Envision Saint John and will not be returned.
Contact Information for Submissions
Jeff.Cyr@envisionsaintjohn.com
This is a tender notice only. In order to submit a bid, you must obtain official tender documents from the New Brunswick Opportunities Network, another authorized tendering service or as indicated in the tender notice.
