Addition 1

Posted: 1/5/2024

Type of Addition: Addendum No. 1

Overview: This Addendum changes the reference criteria to add additional references

Documents:

• Addendum No. 1 to 24-AED-RFP-484 (3).pdf

Addition 3

Posted: 3/8/2024

Type of Addition: Notice of Award Information

Overview: RFP No. 24-AED-RFP-484: Consulting Services for Innovation District Study is awarded to CIC Captains of Innovation, LLC

Documents:

• 24_AED_RFP_484_Award_Notice.pdf

Question 2

Posted: 12/22/2023

Question: • Can the project be delivered virtually?

Response: Some stakeholder engagement should occur in person, although the specifics of in-person versus virtual engagement should be recommended by the consultant and finalized in conjunction with Arlington Economic Development

Question 4

Posted: 12/22/2023

Question: • What is the anticipated start date?

Response: The County anticipates starting the project once the contract is awarded.

Question 6

Posted: 12/22/2023

Question: • GHD North American resources are spread across the US and Canada, with additional subject matter expertise and experience in our global talent pool. Are resources outside of NA allowed to work on the project?

Response: Yes, resources outside of North America are allowed to work on the project as long as they meet the criteria of the RFP.

Question 8

Posted: 12/22/2023

Question: • What specific strategic objectives does the community aim to achieve through the establishment of an innovation district beyond what's mentioned in the RFP?

Response: Section IV Scope of Services provides several desired benefits. Additionally, the innovation district should create an environment that boosts startup activity and becomes the economic engine for Alexandria and Arlington.

Question 10

Posted: 12/28/2023

Question: We understand that the County actively works to procure woman-owned and minority-owned businesses. Does the County have specific goals for what percentage of the fee for this effort should go to those types of enterprises?

Response: No, the County does not require specific goals for what percentage of the fee for this effort should go to those types of enterprises.

Question 12

Posted: 1/4/2024

Question: Are you looking for alternative strategies such as a go slow patch versus a go big path"

Response: The County understands that the eventual strategy will depend on funding availability and partner engagement; therefore, we are open to alternative strategies that consider both a “slow” and “go big” path. With that said, we intend to create a leading innovation district in a reasonable amount of time.

Question 14

Posted: 1/4/2024

Question: How important is minority participation?

Response: The County supports and welcomes minority participation. However, minority participation is not a requirement for this solicitation and will not be evaluated.

Question 16

Posted: 1/4/2024

Question: Must the three required references (Section E, page 14) be limited to consulting services for innovative district studies alone? Can they be expanded to market analysis, organizational assessment services, economic development, improvement district analyses, etc.

Response: References will be accepted for consulting services provided to related studies, including target industry analysis, organizational assessment services, economic development improvement district analysis, etc. References related to innovation district studies are preferred. An addendum is forthcoming to reflect this change.

Question 18

Posted: 1/4/2024

Question: Will the County’s project team/representative be in position to assist in facilitating communications with 3rd party organizations/stakeholders around the collection of sensitive data.

Response: The County's project team may be available to assist in obtaining data and reports from 3rd-party organizations, specifically colleges and universities, business improvement districts, local jurisdictions, and property owners

Question 20

Posted: 1/4/2024

Question: What was the impetus for this Study at this time?

Response: There has been interest in creating an innovation district since the announcement of Amazon HQ2 and the Virginia Tech Innovation Campus, this study is the agreed-upon next step in that process.

Question 22

Posted: 1/4/2024

Question: Has a committee been formed for this project? Who is represented on that committee?

Response: No Committee has been formed. Arlington Economic Development will solely oversee this study, while the Alexandria Economic Development Partnership and National Landing Business Improvement District will be consulted throughout the project.

Question 24

Posted: 1/4/2024

Question: Is there existing buy-in from regional companies and academic institutions to support the formation of the district?

Response: There is initial buy-in from a select number of companies and academic institutions, although we expect this study and follow-up engagement will generate increased support for the formation of the district.

Question 26

Posted: 1/4/2024

Question: Does the County envision committees of subject matter experts to guide the development of strategic roadmaps for each prioritized technology vertical?

Response: Following the scoping study, the County and partners in the innovation district will determine the development of strategic roadmaps for each prioritized technology vertical.