Request for Proposals: Student-led feasibility study for electrified trails
August 6, 2024
Request for Proposals (RFP) pdf download
The Central Upper Peninsula Planning and Development (CUPPAD) Regional Commission and Innovate Marquette (IMQT) are seeking proposals for a consultant project leader capable of organizing and engaging a team of students for the purpose of developing an electrified trails feasibility study in the Central UP. This project is one component of a recently funded grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration to develop an Outdoor Recreation Industry Innovation Growth Strategy, focusing on the counties of Alger, Delta, Dickinson, Marquette, Menominee, and Schoolcraft.
The Outdoor Recreation Innovation Action Network (ORIAN) is a recently appointed public-private committee that will serve as the steering committee for the overall project to create a strategic growth plan for the region, focusing on electrified outdoor recreation and mobility. This Student-led project component will supplement the plan, while providing practical research opportunities for regional students and further establishing the concept of an outdoor recreation industry-focused innovation district.
To accomplish this component, CUPPAD is seeking a higher education partner, economic or planning consulting firm, or qualified individual to assemble a team of university students to carry out the task of developing the feasibility study. The electrified trails feasibility study, which is focused on electrified mobility, will identify potential trail segments from around the central upper peninsula, then assess them against a variety of factors to determine the strengths, challenges, and estimated costs of developing a pilot trail segment, then provide recommendations for the preferred alternative. The selected consultant will guide, manage, and support the student team from project initiation to completion, beginning with developing a scope of work and ending with a presentation and report to the ORIAN committee.