So you've been awarded a #Brownfields Assessment Grant.... Now what? It's time to put together a Request for Proposals (RFP) or Request for Qualifications (RFQ), so you can get the environmental engineers, geologists, and qualified environmental professionals on contract to do the work outlined in your Brownfield Assessment Grant Proposal. Here are a couple of important considerations:
- Be sure the RFP includes any required certifications under State Brownfield Regulations or State Law. For instance, some States consider Phase I and/or Phase II Environmental Site Assessment work to be considered the "practice of engineering" or the "practice of geology". Other States have "Licensed Site Professional" programs, requiring the work to be done by certain individuals. Contact your State Brownfield Director for information related to licensing.
- You will be inundated by calls from "professionals", "consultants", and carpetbaggers who can do anything.... yes, anything related to brownfields. Get your RFP published as soon as possible so you can put the phone calls, meetings and "let me take you to lunch" dates to bed.
- Ask for a copy of a completed "Phase I Environmental Site Assessment" (ASTM Standard 1527-05) that meets the "All Appropriate Inquiry" requirements to be included in their Proposal. Here's a link to EPA Guidance on what to look for in a Phase I ESA (http://epa.gov/brownfields/aai/AAI-Reporting-fact-sheet-and-checklist-062111-Final.pdf). Use it to compare against what the Proposer has submitted along with other Proposers.
- Use the following guidance developed by EPA on contractor selection to assist you (http://epa.gov/brownfields/aai/HiringEP_Addendum_factsheet.pdf ).
- Contact past Brownfield Assessment Grant recipients and ask questions. They've been down the road you are now on and have maybe even had a flat tire or run into a ditch (or two). Their insight is invaluable.
We've included some links to some RFPs/RFQs used by past Brownfield Assessment Grant recipients that you may want to review as you are putting your own RFP/RFQ together. These are strictly examples and should not solely be relied upon since every grant proposal and every community is different. They have been provided strictly as examples.
Finally, and most importantly, if someone calls you and tells you that he is a "BrownSfield Expert,".... he's not.
