RFP-Ready, Set, Rhody Vulnerability Assessments

Background
The Rhode Island Commerce Corporation is issuing this Request for Proposals (RFP) to qualified firms to assist in developing vulnerability assessments and high-level remediation plans for up to 12 historically small business districts in Rhode Island, particularly those most vulnerable to storm-caused flooding.

This initiative, named 'Ready, Set, Rhody,' aims to enhance the resilience of these districts against future climate-related disasters by identifying infrastructure weaknesses and providing recommendations for improvement. The project is funded in part by the Economic Development Administration’s FY23 Disaster Supplemental Grant Program.

Work Details
The selected firm will conduct vulnerability assessments and provide remediation plans for up to twelve Main Street districts identified by the Corporation. The work includes:

1. **Project Initiation**: Coordinate a kickoff meeting with Corporation staff to establish a work program, clarify roles, and refine the project schedule.
2. **Data-gathering and Plan Review**: Review existing plans and datasets relevant to the project, including GIS mapping of vulnerable areas.
3. **Vulnerability Analysis**: Assess risks to infrastructure and perform risk assessments for roadways and utilities based on climate change impacts.
4. **Resilience Strategy Assessment**: Identify infrastructure-based recommendations for municipalities to mitigate storm damage.

Deliverables include a finalized work plan, statewide GIS maps of vulnerable districts, targeted vulnerability assessments, and a summary report detailing climate change exposure analysis.

Period of Performance
The project is expected to begin in December 2024 and must be completed by November 1, 2025.

Place of Performance
The contract will be performed within various Main Street districts across Rhode Island, specifically including Newport, Westerly, Warren, North Kingstown, Providence, Bristol, Warwick, Block Island/New Shoreham, West Warwick, South Kingstown, Portsmouth, and Smithfield.