Summary
The Arizona Regional Economic Development Foundation (ARED) is soliciting proposals from qualified consultants or consultant teams to conduct a Building Facility Adaptive Reuse Feasibility Study for the Community Innovation Center in Sierra Vista, Arizona.
Project Purpose and Objectives
The purpose of this project is to evaluate the feasibility of adapting and more fully utilizing the Community Innovation Center to meet current and future regional needs. The study will provide ARED with a practical, data-informed framework for making future decisions regarding facility improvements, programming, operations, and investment.
The study should:
- Assess the physical opportunities and limitations of the existing facility and site.
- Evaluate potential uses and programming that expand the CIC’s role as a regional resource for businesses, entrepreneurs, workforce development, and community activities.
- Determine the operational and financial feasibility of proposed uses, including a potential culinary makerspace.
- Engage stakeholders to identify regional needs, opportunities, and potential partnerships.
- Assess potential economic impacts and develop a realistic strategy for phased implementation and future investment.
Project Deliverables:
The selected consultant will provide work products that document the analysis, findings, and recommendations developed throughout the feasibility study. At a minimum, anticipated deliverables include:
- Site and Building Assessment Summary
An assessment of existing facility conditions, space utilization, infrastructure considerations, and opportunities and limitations associated with adaptive reuse. The summary should identify potential improvements and areas requiring additional technical evaluation. - Program and Operational Feasibility Analysis
An evaluation of potential facility uses and programming opportunities, including anticipated demand, operational requirements, staffing, partnerships, projected revenues and expenses, and long-term sustainability considerations. - Culinary Makerspace Feasibility Assessment
An assessment of market demand, potential users, operational models, preliminary facility requirements, financial viability, and recommendations regarding whether and how a culinary makerspace could be pursued. - Stakeholder Engagement Summary
Documentation of stakeholder engagement activities, including participation, key findings, identified needs, and recommendations informed by community and regional input. - Final Feasibility Study and Implementation Strategy
A comprehensive report integrating findings from all elements of the Scope of Services. The report should include recommended adaptive reuse strategies, anticipated economic benefits, preliminary cost considerations, implementation priorities, potential phasing, funding opportunities, and recommended next steps.
The consultant shall provide draft findings and recommendations for ARED’s review prior to finalizing the study and present final findings to ARED and designated stakeholders.
All final deliverables shall be provided in electronic PDF format, along with supporting data, financial models, and other relevant materials in their original or editable formats, as applicable. These materials shall be provided to ARED for use in future planning, funding applications, and implementation activities.
Project Schedule
The project will be conducted within the period of performance established by the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) award, which ends June 30, 2028. ARED anticipates that the feasibility study will be completed in advance of this date to allow sufficient time for review, final reporting, and consideration of future implementation activities.
Proposing consultants shall provide a preliminary project schedule identifying the anticipated duration and sequencing of major tasks, stakeholder engagement activities, key milestones, draft deliverables, and completion of the final feasibility study.
The feasibility study is expected to be completed within 12 months of contract execution, with proposals demonstrating the ability to meet or improve upon this timeframe.
The final project schedule, including the contract start date, deliverable deadlines, and required completion date, will be established in consultation with the selected consultant and approved by ARED prior to commencement of work.
Proposal Requirements:
Proposals should be clear, concise, and provide sufficient information for ARED to evaluate the consultant or consultant team’s qualifications, approach, and ability to successfully complete the project. Proposals shall include the following:
- Contact Information
Provide the name, address, telephone number, and email address of the primary contact for the proposal and the location of the office from which the work will be performed. - Understanding of the Project
Provide a brief statement demonstrating the consultant’s understanding of the project, the Scope of Services, and the intended outcomes of the feasibility study. - Technical Approach and Work Plan
Describe the proposed approach for completing the Scope of Services, including methodology, major tasks, stakeholder engagement approach, anticipated milestones, and preliminary project schedule. - Qualifications and Relevant Experience
Describe the firm’s qualifications and experience relevant to this project, including experience with adaptive reuse, feasibility studies, economic development facilities, financial and operational feasibility analysis, business incubation or entrepreneurship spaces, community engagement, and other related work. - Project Team and Staffing
Identify the project manager and key personnel who will be assigned to the project. Include relevant qualifications, experience, roles, and resumes. Identify any subconsultants or subcontractors and the work they will perform. - Relevant Project Examples
Provide at least three examples of similar or relevant projects completed by the firm or members of the proposed team. Include the client, project description, year completed, and the consultant’s role. - References
Provide at least three professional references for similar work, including contact name, organization, telephone number, and email address. - Availability and Capacity
Provide a statement confirming the consultant’s availability and capacity to complete the project within the required timeframe and work collaboratively with ARED throughout the project. - Cost Proposal
Provide a detailed cost proposal identifying the total proposed fee and anticipated costs by major task or activity. The cost proposal should identify any costs associated with subconsultants, travel, stakeholder engagement, or other anticipated project expenses.
The total cost of the proposed services shall not exceed $95,000 inclusive of all fees and expenses. Proposals exceeding this amount will not be considered. - Disclosures and Certifications
Identify any actual or potential conflicts of interest related to this project and disclose relevant litigation or professional disciplinary actions, if applicable. Provide documentation of the firm’s legal authority to conduct business as applicable.
Submission Details:
Proposals must be received by Friday, December 18, 2026 at 5:00PM MST. Late proposals will not be considered.
Proposals must be submitted electronically in PDF format to:
Sarah Pacheco
Assistant Economic Development Director
Arizona Regional Economic Development Foundation
PachecoS@aredf.org
The email subject line should read: Proposal – Building Facility Adaptive Reuse Feasibility Study
Questions regarding this RFP must be submitted in writing to the contact listed above no later than Friday, December 11, 2026 at 5:00PM MST. Responses to questions that result in clarification or modification of the RFP will be provided to all prospective respondents through a written addendum.