RFP: Thrive Regional Resource Hub Development

RFP: Thrive Regional Resource Hub Development

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Introduction

Thrive Regional Partnership (Thrive) is an independent nonprofit organization that inspires responsible growth through conversation, connection and collaboration. An unprecedented, collaborative organization, Thrive unites people across 16 counties and three states to preserve community and natural character for generations to come.

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Project Purpose

Thrive seeks proposals from qualified organizations and research institutions with expertise in geospatial mapping, spatial planning and visualization, and data analytics to develop the Thrive Regional Resource Hub. This platform will be a comprehensive online repository of our region's assets using Esri's ArcGIS framework. The Hub will overlap data relevant to Thrive's priority impact areas: Transportation & Infrastructure, Natural Treasures, and Community Prosperity.

The selected partner will demonstrate strong experience in building user-centered geospatial solutions with comprehensive data integration capabilities.

The Thrive Regional Resource Hub project is designed to provide a powerful resource for community leaders, economic developers, transportation planners, and environmental stakeholders. This platform will consolidate diverse datasets to enable data-driven decision-making, fostering a stronger, more connected, and resilient region.

The Hub will serve three core objectives:

1. Facilitate Data-Driven Regional Planning: The platform will provide local leaders with real-time geospatial data insights to inform policy, infrastructure investment, and conservation efforts.
2. Support Workforce Development and Economic Growth: The Hub will visualize key economic trends and workforce development opportunities.
3. Enhance Environmental Stewardship: The platform will integrate ecological data to preserve the region's rich biodiversity while promoting sustainable development.

Scope of Work

The selected partner will be responsible for delivering a comprehensive geospatial platform using Esri’s ArcGIS framework that integrates regional data and meets the following requirements:

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• Data Integration and Mapping Capabilities:
  • Incorporate existing regional datasets related to transportation corridors, logistics hubs, environmental conservation areas, and economic opportunity zones.
  • Enable user-uploaded data layers to enhance customization for individual users.
  • Support real-time data feeds where available, ensuring the platform stays updated with key metrics.
• User Interface and Design:‍
  • Develop an intuitive, interactive platform for diverse user groups including municipal planners, business leaders, and non-technical community
    members.
  • Ensure accessibility in accordance with ADA standards and inclusive design principles.
• Analytics and Visualization:‍
  • Develop visual tools that allow users to filter, layer, and analyze regional data for insights.
  • Include dashboards that track key indicators aligned with Thrive’s core priorities: Transportation & Infrastructure, Natural Treasures, and Community Prosperity.
• Platform Sustainability and Maintenance:‍
  • Create a detailed plan for ongoing maintenance and updates to ensure the
    platform remains reliable and useful.
  • Provide clear documentation for future developers and internal staff.
• Training and Support:‍
  • Deliver comprehensive training sessions for Thrive staff, partners, and end
    users.
  • Develop user guides, video tutorials, and technical documentation.

Deliverables

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The successful applicant will agree to provide the following deliverables:

• Detailed project plan outlining timelines, milestones, and key activities.
• Fully functional ArcGIS-based geospatial platform with integrated data layers.
• Documentation on data management processes, architecture, and best practices for
  maintenance.
• Comprehensive user training materials and ongoing support plan.
• Commitment to monthly update meetings and quarterly progress reports.
• Final comprehensive report.

Proposal Submission Requirements

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Interested applicants must submit the following:

• Executive Summary:
  • Outlining the scope and breadth of your RFP (1,000 word limit)
• Organizational Overview:
  • Organization name, primary contact, and relevant experience in geospatial development.
• Technical Approach:
  • Detailed description of the platform architecture, data integration strategy, and user experience design.
• Project Timeline:
  • Include key milestones, development phases, and anticipated delivery dates
• Budget and Cost Justification:
  • Detailed budget including personnel costs, travel, technology licensing fees, and any anticipated expenses.
  • The approved rate for indirect costs should not exceed 15% of all project costs.
• Examples of Past Work:
  • Highlight similar projects and provide references or case studies where
    possible.
• Team Qualifications:
  • Describe the expertise of key team members, particularly in ArcGIS implementation, geospatial data analysis, and user interface design.

Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Alignment with project goals and technical requirements (30%)
• Experience in ArcGIS platform development and data integration (25%)
• Strength of technical approach and feasibility (20%)
• Cost effectiveness and value for investment (15%)
• Organizational capacity and expertise (10%)

Timeline

• RFP Released: March 24, 2025
• Interested Parties Q&A: April, 21, 2025 (Virtual)
• Proposal Submission Deadline: April 30, 2025
• Partner Selection Announcement: May 2025
• Project Kick-Off: June 2025
• Final Platform Delivery: June 2027
• Potential for Maintenance Contract through December 2029

Federal Compliance Requirements

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This project is funded by the Appalachian Regional Commission ARISE grant. Respondents must comply with all applicable federal laws and regulations, including those outlined in 2 CFR Part 200. Additional requirements include:

• Debarment and Suspension Certification: All respondents must certify that they are not debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from participating in federal
  contracts or grants.
• Byrd Anti-Lobbying Amendment: Respondents must certify compliance with the Byrd Anti-Lobbying Amendment by disclosing lobbying activities related to this proposal, if any.
• Clean Air Act and Federal Water Pollution Control Act: Respondents agree to comply with all applicable federal standards under the Clean Air Act and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act as amended.
• Accessibility Compliance: All deliverables must meet accessibility standards, including Section 508 compliance.

Recordkeeping and Audit Compliance

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All records related to this project must be retained for a minimum of three (3) years following final payment and project completion to comply with federal grant requirements.

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Submission Process

Please submit proposals electronically in PDF format to arise@thriveregion.org by 5pm on April 30, 2025.

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For questions regarding this RFP, please contact Shannon Millsaps, Chief Operating Officer, at smillsaps@thriveregion.org.

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Thrive Regional Partnership prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, disability, age, sex, or other federally protected categories.