SPECIAL STUDIES AND ANALYSIS
Added Attachment - Addendum #2
About this Request for Proposals
Purpose
The purpose of this Request for Proposals (RFP) is to set forth requirements and seek proposals from potential vendors for the provision of consulting services for completion of a four (4) phase study to support the establishment of a multi-modal transportation and distribution hub (Logistics and Distribution Hub) in the Saint John Region. Location within the Saint John Region is an essential requirement of this project.
This document sets forth the requirements and evaluation criteria for respondents.
Administrative Requirements
For tendering, legal, and billing purposes, the client is Envision Saint John: The Regional Growth Agency. Submissions in response to this RFP assume acceptance of all the terms described herein.
Eligibility
Vendors must be registered companies, with the legal authorization to conduct business in the Province of New Brunswick. Vendor consultants, proposed for this project, must be legally entitled to work in Canada.
Project Location
The project will be based at the Envision Saint John offices at 1 Germain Street in Saint John. The vendor consultants will be expected to attend meetings as required at this location.
Timeline
RFP release date January 23, 2024
Proponent questions deadline February 8, 2024
Proposal submission deadline February 15, 2024
Project launch March 25, 2024
Project completion July 31, 2024
Enquiries
All enquiries related to this RFP are to be directed to the individual noted in the 'Contact' section at the end of this document. Information obtained from any other source is not official and may be inaccurate. Enquiries and responses may be recorded and may be distributed to all proponents at the option of Envision Saint John.
Conflict of Interest
Respondents must fully disclose, in writing, to the person noted in the Contact section, on or before the closing date of this RFP, the circumstances of any possible conflict of interest or what could be perceived as a possible conflict of interest between the Vendor and Envision Saint John. Envision Saint John may reject any proposal where, in the opinion of Envision Saint John, the Vendor is or could be perceived to be in a conflict of interest.
Background
Global events and climate change are reinforcing need for secure supply chain infrastructure in Canada.
The development of an inland, multi-modal terminal in the Saint John Region at the apex of world-class ocean, road, rail and air corridors will enable Canada to ensure supply chain security immediately, and resiliency long term.
With over $600 million in recent public and private investments, it is anticipated that container capacity at Port Saint John will increase from 150,000 TEUs to approximately 800,000 TEUs. The modernization positions Port Saint John as one of the main ports on the Eastern seaboard with capacity for growth. Port Saint John offers inland optionality with three class I rail lines, CSX, CN and CPKC and a major highway system adjacent to the port. This access allows Port Saint John to have an
expanded hinterland and connects Saint John with major population bases in Central Canada, the Eastern United States, and the Midwest.
A Logistics and Distribution Hub will only help to further enhance the fluidity of Canadian Supply Chains and help supplement the ability for Port Saint John to drive long term growth. In addition, it is anticipated that the establishment of the Logistics and Distribution Hub will generate other spin-off business opportunities in manufacturing, assembly and related areas. It will be very important that this study is rooted in current market opportunities, identifying the region's specific role
within the strategic transportation and logistics landscape in Canada and in serving the United States.
This study will be phased with required checkpoints with the steering committee so it may determine whether to proceed with all, or some, of the defined future phases.
Project Overview
The Saint John Region, with a population of 135,622, is comprised of the City of Saint John, Quispamsis, Rothesay, Grand Bay-Westfield, Hampton, Fundy-St. Martins, and the Fundy Rural District. The region includes a major port city located on the world-famous Bay of Fundy and surrounded by vibrant communities.
Envision Saint John is the backbone economic development organization helping to accelerate growth for the Saint John Region. Envision Saint John's role is to attract people, visitors, business, and investment to the Saint John Region. The Agency is leading the development of a business case for a multi-modal transportation and distribution hub (Inland Port) in the Saint John Region.
The study will include a transportation and logistics assessment to identify the specific infrastructure investments that will enable the Saint John Region to maximize its unique mix of logistics assets to help address Canada's transportation supply chain requirements and best position Saint John as the port of choice in the eastern seaboard.
Integral to the study will be determining the type of Logistics and Distribution Hub required (best opportunity) through stakeholder engagement. The study will help determine the type of products presently flowing through Port Saint John and will include a market scan to gauge both internal and external opportunities. Likewise, a competitive analysis is required to ground the external opportunities against other regions and the rationale as to the current competitive advantage for locating the
Logistics and Distribution Hub in the Saint John Region and the future reason, once the specific infrastructure investments are made.
Envision Saint John will assign other human resources (including executive leadership, logistical support, etc.) as required.
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Scope of Work
Respondents are expected to put forward proposals which fulfill anticipated key requirements for this project, however, respondents recommending alternatives to the scope that provide a superior product are encouraged. Below is a summary of the anticipated scope of the project and associated phases and checkpoints.
Phase 1 - Background Research and Articulation of the Opportunity:
- industry consultations (local companies- SMEs and global companies within the area to gather their needs and projected growth needs (rail classes, Air Cargo, Power, Industrial Zoning, Environmental considerations- emissions-, TEUs, etc.)
- Articulation as to the role the establishment of a Logistics and Distribution Hub will play in enhancing the capacity and resiliency of the Canadian supply chain and an international supply chain.
- jurisdictional comparisons (comparisons with the other Canadian and US in-land ports.
- Definition of the type of required Logistics and Distribution Hub to support the growth opportunity in the Saint John Region in the short, medium, and long term.
- Review of existing plans, studies, and strategies to be provided by Envision Saint John.
- A market study to quantify the direct business opportunity (both internal and external) and some competitive analysis to ground the external opportunities against other regions or provide some rationale as to the competitive advantages and opportunities to leverage further spin-off investment.
Phase 2 - Site and Infrastructure Assessment
- Assessment of the suitability of two to three sites in the Saint John Region for the Logistics and Distribution Hub. See Appendix A for draft site evaluation criteria (to be finalized through information gathered in Phase 1). Sites will be selected in collaboration with the consultant based on suitability, size, ability to expand and potential availability of land for acquisition.
- A transportation and logistics assessment
- Assessment of current infrastructure (including key utilities) and identification of public and private infrastructure investments that will be required to access the Logistics and Distribution Hub.
- Consideration of the long-term effects of climate change in assessing site selection.
- Provide order of magnitude cost assessments for the works required with each site.
FIRST CHECKPOINT*: Presentation by proponent of Phase 1 & 2 findings to the steering committee. This presentation will serve to ensure deliverables are in alignment with expectations prior to beginning Phase 3.
*Presentation to be completed by April 30, 2024.
Phase 3 - Strategic Vision, Governance, and Implementation
- Draft a vision and a set of strategic goals aimed at uniting stakeholders toward a shared vison for the Logistics and Distribution Hub.
- Assessment of various governance models for the Logistics and Distribution Hub including financing models, with consideration given to exploring different models including First Nations or other equity partnership.
SECOND CHECKPOINT*: Presentation by proponent of Phase 3 findings to the steering committee. This presentation will serve to ensure deliverables are in alignment with expectations prior to beginning Phase 4.
*Presentation to be completed by May 31, 2024.
Phase 4 - Business Case and Development of a Roadmap
- The development of a business case in support of the establishment of a Logistics and Distribution Hub.
- The development of a Roadmap that identifies key outcomes and timelines and order of magnitude costing.
Submission Requirements
The following information should be provided in each proposal:
Methodology
Clear articulation of the proposed work plan in order to achieve the Scope of Work.
Team Competence & Resources
We are seeking a consultant with expertise in global transportation and logistics.
Description of the capability of the proposed consultants to meet the requirements described in the Scope of Work and the relative level of effort each will apply to the project.
Include related experience of the firm, including the past three similar jobs that have been completed with the company name, contact person and phone number that may be contacted for a reference.
Schedule and Availability
The project is scheduled to start as soon as possible but no later than April 1, 2024, and be completed by July 31, 2024. Respondents should confirm the availability of their proposed project team to meet these scheduling objectives.
Fees and Expenses
Proposals should include a breakdown of the respondent's fees and disbursements in completing the project. The respondent agrees to invoice Envision Saint John based on progress completion of the services. All pre-approved expenses and disbursements are to be invoiced as they are incurred together with a monthly progress billing.
Fee and expense information should be supplied including a breakdown of costs by major work plan tasks:
- Per Diem rates.
- Travel, if required.
- Administration overhead.
- Phone, fax, courier, printing, etc.
- Sundry and contingency overhead rates.
- Software costs, data information, or research.
Closing Date
Each proposal must be received by 3:00 pm, local time, on February 15, 2024 to hello@envisionsaintjohn.com.
Addendum or modifications can be made before the Closing Date but will not be accepted after that date. Proposals may be withdrawn by respondents at any time after submission.
Evaluation of Proposals and Notification of Proponents
Evaluation Criteria
Envision Saint John will review all submitted proposals and reject those which do not meet submission requirements. Non-compliant respondents will be notified at that time. Non-compliant proposals will not be returned.
Once it has been confirmed that the respondent's proposal has met the submission requirements, it will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- A demonstrated understanding of the project and favourable project approach.
- Thoroughness of the proposal.
- Knowledge, experience and professional standing of key personnel.
- Availability of key personnel and demonstrated ability to meet proposed work schedule.
- Cost of services to be performed.
- Performance history on past projects for multi-modal, logistics and/or transportation clients including, but not limited to, quality of work, ability to meet schedules, cost control and working relationship with clients, advisory groups and the public.
At Envision Saint John's sole discretion, a winning proposal will be selected and the submitting respondent will be invited to participate in contract negotiations and finalization.
Note that while pricing is an important factor, the lowest price bid will not necessarily determine the winning proposal nor is Envision Saint John obligated to award this project to a respondent.
Envision Saint John may contact individual respondents during this process to for clarification or elaboration of proposal elements. Selected proponents may also be expected to meet with Envision Saint John and orally present their proposals.
Contract
The winning respondent will be invited to participate in contract negotiations, starting with the RFP submission.
In the event that a contract agreement cannot be successfully reached, then Envision Saint John reserves the right to cease discussions with the winning respondent then either choose another respondent or pursue another avenue to fulfill the requirements.
Optional Bidder Registration
An optional bidder's registration will be available for those interested in receiving information updates during the open period of the RFP. This is an option only to prospective bidders and is not a requirement.
List of bidders will not be disclosed. Bidders can register by submitting an email to hello@envisionsaintjohn.com stating your interest and return email address for communications.
Questions
All questions must be directed to hello@envisionsaintjohn.com. The questions and responses will be circulated to all registered bidders. No phone contacts for questions.
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No Further Contract or Liability Arising from RFP Process
By submitting a proposal, the respondent agrees and acknowledges that:
- Nothing in this RFP, nor the submission of the proposal, nor the review and consideration of the proposal by Envision Saint John, nor any communication between the parties in relation to the RFP, obligate any party to enter into any further business relationship with the other party and, in particular, if Envision Saint John decides to engage the respondent in connection with the subject matter of the RFP then such engagement may only occur pursuant to a written agreement that has been signed
by both parties and, absent such written agreement, Envision Saint John will have no further liability or obligation to the respondent in connection with the subject matter of the RFP; The respondent is participating in this RFP process at its sole risk and expense, and Envision Saint John will not be liable to the respondent for any costs, expenses or liabilities incurred by the respondent in any way arising in connection with the respondent's participation;
- Envision Saint John has made no representations other than those expressly stated in this RFP.
- The award of the contract will be subject to the finalization of funding.
Envision Saint John has the right to cancel this RFP at any time and to reissue it for any reason whatsoever or decide not to reissue it for any reason, without incurring any liability and no vendor will have any claim against Envision Saint John as a consequence; and the proposal and any accompanying documentation submitted by the respondent will become the property of the Envision Saint John and will not be returned.
Contact Information for Submissions
hello@envisionsaintjohn.com
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APPENDIX A: DRAFT LOGISTICS AND DISTRIBUTION HUB SITE REQUIREMENTS
Land:
- Phase 1: 50 acre minimum per multi-modal site, 100 acre + ideal.
- Additional land will be required to support down-stream development, 2-300 acres
Land Characteristics:
- Ideally flat or ability to shape land to be relatively flat.
- Should be away from residential or able to be built with large buffer zones for minimal impact.
- Room for expansion.
- Soil of quality that would be considered generally acceptable for construction purposes (no wetland)
Rail Access:
- Ideally to all three class I's for a value-add proposition to investors.
- NOTE: Some industrial users prefer to use only one of the class ones.
Highway access:
- Ideal close proximity.
Air Cargo Access:
- Ability to move key commodities in and out (ex: auto parts, live food) easily.
- Could be a truck move, or a rail spur direct to airport.
Economic Zone opportunities:
- Value added if able to achieve. Would provide an opportunity for the entity to benefit from either tax incentives, or some other value ex: bonded warehousing for deferred or removed tariffs.
Zoning:
- Industrial in nature however it is not necessary that the land currently be zoned industrial as a rezoning process could be undertaken provided it would generally be considered acceptable.
Access to Port of Saint John:
- Either strong highway access for truck movements, or a strong rail connection.
Power Needs:
- A grid that is green/has a plan to continue to green. Need transmission lines for various types of power draws (ex: manufacturing versus warehousing).
Workforce:
- Available workforce.
Water and Sewer:
- Consider servicing needs associated with the build-out of the site and how it would be serviced in the short and long term. Consider municipal supplies or self-supply with ground water wells and septic systems.
This is a tender notice only. In order to submit a bid, you must obtain official tender documents from the New Brunswick Opportunities Network, another authorized tendering service or as indicated in the tender notice.
