Portsmouth EDA awards waterfront real-estate consulting contract to AECOM, staff says kickoff possible in September
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Summary
The EDA approved AECOM as the most qualified respondent to a waterfront development real-estate consulting RFP; staff reported a proposed fee of $169,610 and said the consultant could begin work as early as September once under contract.
The Portsmouth Economic Development Authority on Aug. 18 approved awarding the waterfront development real-estate consulting contract to AECOM following an RFP and interview process.
Staff said the RFP was issued earlier in the year (posted March 31 after a Feb. 24 issuance) and drew six responses. A staff evaluation panel interviewed the three highest-ranked firms (AECOM, Cushman & Wakefield, and JLL) and recommended AECOM as the most qualified and responsive. The proposed fee from AECOM is $169,610 for the two-phased solicitation approach described by staff; additional scope requests would carry negotiated fees.
Staff noted AECOM previously completed the market analysis for the propen base site and cited comparable projects including Richmond’s Diamond District and a downtown Greenville redevelopment as relevant experience. If a contract is executed, staff said AECOM could kick off as early as September.
Vote and next steps The authority moved, seconded and approved the staff recommendation by roll call. Staff said they will finalize the contract and begin a kickoff meeting and project engagement once executed.
Why it matters Staff described the waterfront consulting contract as a priority for the city and EDA as they prepare a solicitation package and begin engagement with parking, resiliency and other partner agencies. Staff also said a cooperation agreement with the city will be drafted to outline roles, responsibilities and potential cost sharing for the waterfront effort.
Ending Staff will bring contract documents back to the EDA for execution and begin scheduling kickoff meetings with the consultant and partner agencies.
