Open RFP's
A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)
Issued by: Buffalo Urban League, Inc.
Date: 5/28/2025
RFP Number: 1137JEF2025
1. PROJECT
2. INTRODUCTION
Buffalo Urban League, Inc. (BUL) is seeking to retain an environmental engineering and consulting firm (the “Consultant”) to assist the BUL in evaluating the potential for their Jefferson Avenue Headquarters Project (the “project”). RFP for Environmental Consultant Services property at 1137 Jefferson Avenue, and/or surrounding parcels, to enter into the New York State Brownfield Cleanup Program (the “BCP”) through a development structure yet to be determined.
Contract Term is expected to begin in July 2025.
3. SCOPE OF WORK
The scope of professional services includes:
· Assisting BUL to review existing environmental information related to the property as it relates to eligibility for the BCP;
o Note: A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment was updated in 2023 and is available upon request (mhamiltonwinship@windsorturner.com).
· Identifying data gaps related to establishing eligibility for the BCP;
· Proposing additional investigation activities (as needed) to establish eligibility for the BCP;
· Conducting additional site investigations, as needed;
· Participating in BUL project team strategy meetings;
· Preparing for and attending a Pre-Application Meeting with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation ("NYSDEC");
· Coordinating with the development team for the project as it relates to entry and participation in the BCP; and
· Responding to the questions of NYSDEC and the BUL project team.
· Advance and manage remediation plan and work with the DEC, anticipated for the summer of 2026, if the property is eligible for the BCP.
4. SELECTION CRITERIA
· Demonstrated firm and staff experience in navigating the BCP for new construction projects, properties and/or city or village neighborhood sites of similar size.
· Familiarity with projects where boundaries grew or were amended for the BCP program
· Familiarity with and demonstrated experience with the BCP and in particular, BCP sites in NYSDEC Region 9.
· Demonstrated firm and staff experience conducting environmental site investigations as per AST standards.
· Adequate professional staff/team and time to complete the project efficiently and to high standards.
· Documented firm Diversity Practices and/or MWBE Certification.
· Cost and schedule. BUL desires any remediation and construction site preparation to take place in 2026.
5. SUBMISSION REQUIERMENTS
The submission shall include the following:
- Qualifications for key team member(s). The principal in charge and project manager shall be identified along with the roles of other significant project participants.
- Experience with the BCP, particularly for commercial infill in city neighborhood setting. Please provide a minimum of three references, giving the name of the project, description of project, project period, and project cost. (Include the names of clients, primary contact person and phone number).
- Concisely summarize the proposed approach to the Scope of Work
- Provide a timeline with dates for completion. BUL desires remediation and construction site preparation to take place in 2026.
- Provide a budget for the project that includes per unit price for testing (soil and drilling) if needed, and hourly professional rates for application and project management.
- Summarize company’s documented diversity practices and efforts and/or MWBE certification.
- Affirm ability to meet the following insurance requirements:
o Commercial General Liability - $1m per occurrence / $2m aggregate
o Excess Umbrella Liability - $5m per occurrence / $ 5m aggregate
o Worker's Compensation & Employer's Liability at State Statutory Limits
o Disability coverage at State statutory limits
o Auto Liability - $1 million per occurrence
o Professional Liability (Errors + Omissions) - $1 million
o Employer's Liability Insurance at State Statutory Limits
6. RESERVATION OF RIGHTS
Buffalo Urban League, Inc. reserves the right to:
- Reject any or all bids.
- Waive informalities or irregularities.
- Cancel or modify this solicitation.
- Award the contract in the best interest of the organization.
7. PROCUREMENT METHOD & BID SUBMISSION
- Questions may be submitted by June 4th at 10AM. All questions and answers will be circulated to all parties who have submitted questions or expressions of interest in providing a response by the above deadline. Questions should be submitted to Maggie Hamilton Winship at mhamiltonwinship@windsorturner.com. Questions submitted after this deadline will not be answered.
- This procurement will follow a sealed bid process in compliance with New York State law and BUL’s procurement policy.
- Bids must be submitted in a sealed envelope, clearly labeled "Sealed Bid – ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANT JEFFERSON, to:
Buffalo Urban League, Inc.
Attention: Director of Purchasing
15 Genesee Street
Buffalo, New York 14203
- Bids must be received no later than 06/11/2025 by 4:00 PM EST. Late submissions will not be considered.
- Submission should include one paper copy and one electronic copy on a thumb drive.
- Sealed bids will be opened on 06/12/2025 at 10:00 AM EST at 15 Genesee Street, Buffalo, New York 14203. The contract will be awarded to the contractor who meets the organization's best interests and scope requirements.
SUMMARY SCHEDULE
RFP Release May 28, 2025
Questions (or general interest expression to receive Q&A) due June 3rd, 5PM
Email questions to mhamiltonwinship@windsorturner.com
Answers Provided June 9th
Please note: No questions were submitted and so therefore no answers are posted
Proposals Due June 11 at 6pm
Bid Opening June 12 at 10am
Interviews/Presentations, if held Monday June 16th
Selection/Board approval June 18, 2025
Execution of contract July 2025
- The property is vacant. Site visits may be conducted from the public right of way at the responder’s own risk.
9. CONTRACT
The selected contractor will be required to enter a formal contract with the Buffalo Urban League, Inc. This is anticipated to take 3-4 weeks after award.
10. REQUEST FOR PROCUREMENT (RFP) CONTACTS:
Primary Contact
Kito Hill
Director of Purchasing
Buffalo Urban League, Inc.
15 Genesee Street
Buffalo, New York 14203
United States
Phone: 716-907-1284
Email: khill@bulny.org
Secondary Contact
Joseph Ricchiazzi
Chief Financial Officer
Buffalo Urban League, Inc.
15 Genesee Street
Buffalo, New York 14203
United States
Phone: 716-250-2407
Email: jricchiazzi@bulny.org
This RFP ensures compliance with New York State procurement laws while maintaining a fair, competitive, and transparent sealed bid process and with Buffalo Urban League, Inc. procurement policy.
