Recreation Center Feasibility Study

Recreation Center Feasibility Study Question and Answer

Questions are in BLACK. Answers are in RED

Can the county clarify its requirement for the statistic valid survey? Our company conducts representative community surveys and has the capabilities of conducting a true statistically valid survey, but there is a substantial difference in methodology and cost between the two options.
1. The county and its partners have discussed whether a statistically valid survey would be necessary. Because of the nature of the study and the diverse opinions among local officials, we want to ensure that the data gathered is as solid and accurate as possible. We prefer to do the statistically valid survey, but it may also depend on the budget.

Regarding the public engagement plan- can the count clarify the number and timing of the in person public engagement meetings (e.g. does the county desire to engage the public at the front and back of the study or does the county want to hold public engagement meetings to update the community on progress throughout the study)?
1. We prefer to hold public engagement throughout the study. The survey will take place near the front end, but there will be opportunities for public feedback throughout the process. Generally speaking, we want to engage the public at the front end with broader questions and narrow the questions' scope as the study progresses.

Will the County share the names / details of selection committee members in advance? The selection committee has not been selected yet. We are considering having representatives from multiple Cities and the County. What is the County's preferred date for COMPLETION of the Feasibility Study? Does the County have any critical milestones / dates for alignment during the process ( e.g. Commission's meeting schedule, Community Events for Public Outreach, etc.)
1. We do not have an established timeline for the study or any hard deadline. We would accept a reasonable timeline and for this project to be a priority for the selected firm.

Does the County have a preferred format for cost proposals (to simplify your comparison of “apples to apples”)?
1. No preference beyond what is outlined in the RFP.

On submission requirement 4.1.3 (Proposer Qualifications), please clarify if the required three references is “per firm”, or “per team member.”
1. It would be per firm, but the selection committee would review resumes and staff qualifications as described in the RFP.

Is there an established budget for the Feasibility Study?
1. The County Council approved $75,000 for the project using Recreation, Arts, Parks, and Zoo (RAPZ Funding) in May, with the option to request additional funding to fulfill the project's scope within five months. (See County Council minutes for May 28, 2024(PDF))

We understand that we will be proposing a public engagement approach, but is there a specific number of meetings and/or communities that we need to plan outreach opportunities for?
1. We do not have an exact number in mind; however, we anticipate opportunities for public feedback throughout the process. Generally speaking, we want to engage the public at the front end with broader questions and narrow the questions' scope as the study progresses.

Which communities are considered partners for this project?
1. Several of the cities in the valley have expressed interest in participating and have been leading the charge, while others have remained undecided, and some are opposed to the process. The County has taken the torch to help guide and coordinate the process. The selected firm will work directly with the county on this process. Several cities within the county would likely have some feedback on the process. Many cities have established recreation programs and have shown particular interest in this project to help expand their services. A steering committee will be selected from partnering municipalities to help guide the project.

In addition to providing outreach materials in Spanish, do you anticipate an engagement event to solicit feedback from the Spanish-speaking community specifically, or having Spanish translation available at in-person events?
1. Cache County has a diverse population, and the County wants to ensure that all residents have opportunities to provide feedback. There is a sizable Spanish-speaking population, but we would not anticipate a Spanish-speaking event.

The proposal requests a market analysis. What does the client consider key demographic variables (population, recreation program statistics, etc.)?
1. We anticipate that the firm will use its expertise to help guide this analysis. However, some key demographics include population, local economic data, demand for recreational amenities, etc.

Does the County anticipate the need for survey work relative to the demand for programs as part of public outreach?
1. Yes. Since the County has yet to decide to build a recreation facility, we would need sufficient information to determine what the public desires and what amenities and programs to focus on. The goal of this study is to
  1. determine whether the County or another organization should build a public recreation facility and
  2. determine what type of recreation facilities should be provided as part of the project.

What level of detail is anticipated for the financial plan: high level revenue/expense comparison or detailed multi-year proforma?
1. Likely a detailed multi-year proforma. A recreation center is a considerable investment, and the County and its partners need to know the options and ensure a good plan for funding and operating such a facility if it chooses to proceed.