Economic development director Jenny Chapman told commissioners the county plans to advertise a request for proposals (RFP) for professional engineering services related to a countywide trails planning and design project funded by a RAISE grant.

Chapman said she had consulted the Federal Highway Administration project officer ("Catherine") and Garrett Nordstrom and that their suggestion was to issue the RFP around Dec. 1. She explained the county cannot incur costs until the grant agreement is signed by both parties, but it can accept proposals so staff can evaluate potential engineering teams. Chapman told the board the RFP would ask for short (about five-page) proposals focused on relevant experience, proposed timeline and a proposed fee within the grant cap.

Commissioners discussed whether to leave the solicitation window at 14 days or extend it to 30 days. After discussion, Chapman said she would set the application window from Dec. 1 to Jan. 1 to allow more time for submissions. A motion to authorize the economic-development director to advertise the RFP was made and approved on a voice vote.

Chapman also reported that the county is still awaiting the final grant agreement from the federal project officer and will not pay for engineering services until that agreement is fully executed. She said staff hopes to have the signed grant agreement to present to commissioners soon.

Staff will advertise the RFP Dec. 1–Jan. 1, accept proposals, and return to the board with recommended firms for selection once the grant agreement and review timeline permit.