CITY OF AURORA PARKS & OPEN SPACE DEPARTMENT
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
PARK MASTER PLAN DESIGN
A signature park for Aurora
SECTION I – CONSULTANT SCOPE OF SERVICES
PURPOSE
This request is to solicit Proposals from consulting firm teams to provide design services for development of a park
master plan for a 147-acre property reflective of the signature high plains prairie of eastern Aurora. Interested,
experienced park design consultant teams are requested to present credentials relative to master planning a large
urban park of this size. Hydrology, drainage, traffic and ecosystem (vegetation and wetland) studies are to be
completed by qualified sub-consultants of the prime consultant firm to provide a sound survey basis for subsequent
site analysis and plan development phases.
The scope of required planning work is included in this package to aid the Consultant in evaluating the work
elements requested and to formulate a complete Proposal. This solicitation process and/or the resulting master
planning process may produce modifications to that scope of work.
INTRODUCTION
This park is the first full service, multi-facility Aurora large urban park to be master planned to accommodate the
public uses related to this type of park. Specific function community parks have recently been successfully offered
to Aurora residents at the Sports Park (athletic fields) and Sand Creek Park (water theme and habitat preservation).
The final master plan for this park is to integrate introduced use places with the preservation of significant site
features. This property is one of the few remaining natural landscapes in the city. All park spaces shall be linked by
imaginative circulation experiences that best address the park design program as reviewed and accepted by the
Steering Committee. This urban park shall be planned to accommodate a wide scope of public uses within the
following three guiding objectives:
1.
To illustrate to residents the relationships between park needs
of the community, innovative park design and integration of
park facilities with the topographic characteristics of a site.
2.
To provide the highest level of quality design, which will serve
as a benchmark from which future urban parks, signatures of
other areas of the city, are planned in correlation with
community needs.
3.
To develop a dynamic master plan with quality presentation
graphics to be used to communicate the merits of the plan
and to garner support for the Steering Committee goal of
securing future funding to construct this park. This point is a
priority factor in developing the master plan.
Project Description
This request involves the master planning of a large urban park facility
that would retain areas of short grass prairie, creek riparian zones and
high plains prairie edge, as well as the preservation/enhancement of
East Tollgate Creek. Park detail design areas shall include, but not be
limited to the Colorado Freedom Memorial, large group-full service
pavilions, unique large scale playgrounds, gathering spaces for large
scale events and seasonal performances (amphitheater type area),
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sprayground, various types of landscaping, integrated public art and sculpture, display gardens and other formal
areas, vehicular, bicycle and pedestrian circulation, wet-line restroom facilities and site sensitive parking.
The design team will also be responsible for locating the appropriate utility infrastructure to support the park
facilities, in relation to the master facility locations. These corridors shall be researched to be accurately located for
detailing the required communication, electric and wet utilities when the park construction drawing phase
commences, some time in the future, under a separate contract.
BACKGROUND
Visioning Process
A Citizen Steering Committee of 36 stakeholders has formulated their design program for the park through an
informal visioning process. Committee plan objectives are:
 Incorporate a site sensitive, yet ambitious design program to attract residents to a destination park.
 Attain a site blend of retaining natural features of the site while introducing non-sport, community uses on
suitable portions of the site. Incorporate innovative design practices to exploit the site’s potential while
sustaining compatibility between natural and introduced features without severely impacting the natural areas.
 The park is to exhibit imaginative design solutions with an “Olmsteadian” approach to preserving and recreating
natural features while introducing high use people spaces.
 Create a site-sensitive master plan that provides a unique theme identity for the park.
 Plan the Colorado Freedom Memorial in an appropriate, accessible, visible location with linkage to the balance
of the property.
 Promote resident use of the park to encourage individual citizen health and wellness while experiencing
integrated uses and providing the opportunity to develop a sense of community.
A Focus Group of the Steering Committee will evaluate the consultant RFP reviews, will develop a short list for
interviews and will participate in the consultant interview process. The full Steering Committee will conduct periodic
review and input sessions on the master planning process being conducted by the selected consultant team.
Project Context
The future destination park site is east of Airport Blvd. and north of Alameda Drive, in north central Aurora. The
north boundary of this property is the Buckley Air Force Base fence line. The site has frontage on Airport Blvd. and
extensive frontage on Alameda Drive, Quintero and Alameda Parkway. East Tollgate Creek flows through the
property, under Airport Blvd. and through Centre Hills Golf Course, to the west.
The property is owned by the City of Aurora and is void of any structures. The last known use of a small portion of
the site was in conjunction with the Buckley base in the mid 1950’s. The park site is fully outside the Buckley
Accident Potential Zones. Park uses will be periodically impacted by military aircraft noise. The eastern 79-acres of
the parcel has been owned by the City for twenty years and had been referred to as the “Buckley Natural Area.”
The remaining 68-acres were acquired through funding from the 2000 City bond. The full 147 acres of the site are
to be master planned within the scope of this project.
The project context includes the East Tollgate Creek corridor. This site feature is to be preserved and possibly
enhanced, only in accord with strict Parks and Open Space Department grading and re-vegetation criteria and City
of Aurora drainage standards.

Stadium
A 14-acre tract at the northeast corner of Alameda Parkway and Quintero is under consideration for the location
of a minor league baseball stadium. The planning of the stadium is by others and the final decision on the
viability of this project will be concurrent with initial phases of this overall park master planning process. The
selected consultant team shall make recommendations for the integration or isolation of this stadium site with
regard to the park master plan. This facility is a recent consideration for this location.
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
Trail
A cross-site regional trail shall be designed in a to be determined alignment within the East Tollgate Creek
corridor. The trail shall accommodate bikers, hikers and bladers. Interior park paths and walks shall be
directed to pedestrian use only.
The trail linkage shall be from the southeast (to be determined crossing of Alameda Drive and future trail
construction along the drainage corridor to Highland Hollows Park to the southwest). The trail shall exit the park
to the northwest (Airport Blvd.) and link to the existing trail corridor (trail not constructed) along Centre Hills Golf
Course and the existing High Line Canal trail further to the west. The selected consultant team shall make
recommendations on the arterial street crossing locations for the trail on both Airport Blvd. and Alameda Drive
and the on-site trail alignment through the site.

Park Access Road
Hughes Drive extended east, across Airport Blvd. into the park site, has been designed in terms of alignment
and preliminary grades. This park road is designated as a prime access to the park interior. The alignment
follows and is south of the city property’s north property line. The full movement intersection of the park road at
Airport Blvd. is projected to be signalized to accommodate park traffic. The road vertical and horizontal
alignments have been determined so that park property line grades were established as the Buckley housing
project was planned. Determining the full circulation routing throughout the park and what additional
ingress/egress points are needed, is a requirement of the master plan consultant team. Traffic studies defining
traffic volumes at city street intersections are also required.
PLANNING
Scope-of-Work
 Site survey with a site analysis of existing conditions and limitations. (Topographic survey will be provided by the
Parks & Open Space Department.)
 Site analysis – see above
 Master plan (minimum of 3 concepts to be developed
for Steering Committee review)
 A drainage plan – correlate site runoff flow
requirements with impacts of filling selected site areas.
 Hydrology report
 Limited geotechnical boring and tests
 Vegetation, wetland and endangered species analysis
 Traffic report
 Irrigation pond recommendation (Re-use water is
available at Centre Hills Golf Course.)
 Refinement of design program
 Illustrative sketches of 10 to-be-selected use areas
 Cost opinions (selected facilities and total project)
 Master plan report document
 Graphic master plan
 Review meetings with Steering Committee
 Public presentations to Parks & Recreation Advisory Board, Open Space Board, Planning Commission and City
Council.
B. Contract Time – Calendar Days
Award to Consultant/Team
Project Kick-off meeting
Site Analysis/Existing Conditions
Schematic Master Plan (minimum of 3)
Plan Development and Detail Designs (10)
Master Plan Approval
Final Master Plan Report
Within one week after receiving award
20 days
30 days
30 days
120 days – City Council – October 24, 2005
45 days
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The Consultant shall begin work immediately after receiving the award. The Consultant shall deliver the completed
master plan report and graphics, technical reports, and design area graphics to the City in accordance with the
schedule stated in this proposal.
The Consultant shall submit a project schedule including all activities, including City reviews and milestone events.
The schedule shall be updated as necessary during the planning phase.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT
A. Manager
The Project Manager (PM) is the authorized representative of the City and provides overall technical coordination
and monitoring of work performed in accordance with the terms, conditions and funding requirements of the
contract. The PM for this master planning process is Tracy Young, Manager of Planning, Design & Construction,
Parks & Open Space Department.
B. City of Aurora Contacts
Bryn Fillinger, Procurement Agent
Tracy Young, Project Manager
Lance Henkel, Landscape Architect
C. Design Coordination
The Consultant shall comply with all private, federal, state and/or local agency requirements associated with the
project including but not limited to:
City of Aurora
Parks & Open Space Department
Public Works Department
Corps of Engineers
FEMA
Colorado Division of Wildlife
The Consultant should anticipate that the final master plan, which impacts any regulation of an agency, must have
acceptance by that agency before final approval by the City. The City will coordinate submittals to affected
agencies. The Consultant and the PM shall arrange all meetings with qualified individuals of those agencies.
D. Communications
The Consultant shall keep the Aurora PM fully informed of the progress of the work at all times. The Consultant
shall provide a written synopsis of all pertinent contacts (telephone, e-mail and in person) with other copies of
pertinent written correspondence. This information shall be provided to the Aurora PM electronically the business
day after the contact. The review of this information shall be a standard agenda item for the periodic meetings
between the Consultant and the Aurora PM. The Consultant shall be responsible for developing and distributing
agendas and minutes of all meetings.
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
A. Design Intent
This “signature destination park” is to be planned beyond a basic park by incorporating unique design solutions to
the site challenges presented. The plea of Chicago’s Daniel Burnham to “Make No Little Plans” is to be the limitless
guide in proposing a significant destination park plan for Aurorans. The plan is to allow the grand scale of the
property to stimulate the public’s interest to appreciate the integration of the natural site with the various introduced
use spaces. Innovative park/landscape architecture design shall reflect a level of excellence that communicates an
invitation to the public to become repeat park visitors. The draw into the park shall be facilitated by inviting sight
lines, into the park, of intriguing park facilities. The park plan is to convey a sense of arrival for visitors and shall
offer internal circulation routes that attract visitors to the various introduced park facilities, while creating a positive
response and connection to the natural and reconstructed park habitat.
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Return visits are to be encouraged with the creation of open, safe, yet use specific spaces easily patrolled and
suitable for surveillance. Public perception of the park as a wholesome, dynamic community asset shall be fortified
by the plan.
B. Planning Phase
The planning phase will include the master planning of all design program facilities. The final master plan shall
encompass the refinement of the design program and the relationship of the park facilities to the surrounding use
areas. An emphasis on locating defined use spaces and the interconnecting circulation patterns linking these areas
is to be accomplished.
C. Design Phase
The design phase shall include detailing ten (10) to be selected gathering spaces depicted on the master plan.
These details shall be illustrated in perspective sketches and 1/20 scale site plans. All material selections,
circulation patterns, planting, lighting concepts and site amenities shall be illustrated in the sketches and plans. Of
particular interest to the Steering Committee will be the consistency of theming for way-finding, site furnishings
(amenities), pavilions and other structures proposed for the site.
Program of Design Criteria. The following Aurora Parks &
Open Space Department development criteria are to be
applied to this large urban park site:
A minimum of 100-acres in size, these types of parks are
located in areas with unique topography and where the
character of the landscape serves as an organizing element.
Since this park would be considered a “drive to” destination
facility, an interior road system must be designed to
accommodate the traffic associated with the planned facilities,
but should not provide for or encourage “through” traffic.
Adjacent city streets are currently used to avoid the
Airport/Alameda intersection. Buffer areas must be utilized
between use areas within the site as well as between the site
and adjacent land uses. The park pedestrian circulation
system should be complete within the site as well as
connected to the regional trail system. The park design
should encourage use by multiple interests but with no single
use dominating the park to deter or exclude other users. The
following program elements are to be considered for master
planning the park. Consultant team shall propose additional
facilities to be evaluated by the Steering Committee in the
design program refinement process.
Colorado Freedom Memorial. This donor financed (Colorado Freedom Memorial Foundation) park feature is the
driving force behind the need to develop a park master plan, at this time. The memorial is dedicated to the
Colorado veterans that lost their lives serving our country in all of its wars and conflicts. A two-acre site within the
park is to be assigned, by lease agreement, to this memorial.
The park master planning process shall locate this two-acre area within the larger park in relation to visibility, full
access, parking, utility service and connectivity to the balance of the park. The memorial site has been conceptually
planned by others. Extensive coordination with the memorial designer will be required of the selected consultant
team. The Foundation is solely responsible for this planning, structural detailing and funding for the memorial and
2-acre leased tract.
The importance of this type of memorial in public spaces has been summarized by former Secretary of State Colin
Powell in numerous presentations and by Tom Brokaw, news journalists and author of “The Greatest Generation.”
The Freedom memorial is an opportunity for the Aurora community to participate in the American tradition of
recognizing our commitment to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness and to pay tribute to the generations of
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ordinary Americans performing extraordinary acts of service for the freedom we cherish. This memorial provides a
permanent opportunity for Coloradoans to give testimony to the glory of the human spirit.
Gathering Spaces. These park elements should be designed to encourage the activities for which they are
designed, but with no single user group dominating the park to deter or exclude other users. In an urban park of
this size, there are multiple opportunities for spaces that would be able to accommodate large numbers of people.
Types of spaces that should be considered are large group pavilion areas that can accommodate 500–1,000
people, performance amphitheater space, special community events venue (with utilities), shade structure(s), flag
plaza, formal gardens and creek overlook.
Public Art. Art piece locations should be integrated throughout the site. The selection of specific art and/or
sculpture is the responsibility of the Art in Public Places Commission. That selection process will be implemented
during the future construction phase of the park. One percent (1%) of the project construction cost will be dedicated
to the public art.
Children’s Spaces. Imaginative, themed play scapes should be of community park scale, meeting all NPSI
guidelines for user safety and accessibility. Separate, age-appropriate spaces should be designed for 2-5 and 5-12
year olds. Implement an overall theme of play areas through the use of water play, rock climbing, traditional and
specialty play equipment, and educational areas.
Creek Enhancement. East Tollgate Creek, the adjacent riparian vegetation and cut-bank topography serve as
signature natural features and attractions of the park landscape. Existing plant material and wildlife habitat must be
a consideration when planning introduced use areas and circulation for the park. Bike/pedestrian trails,
environmental learning opportunities and other appropriate gathering spaces to optimize interpretation of various
ecosystems are to be considered when planning the land adjacent to the creek.
Buffer Areas. These areas must be utilized as visual and audible screens between use areas within the site as well
as between the site and the property lines of adjacent land uses. Buffer area size depends on adjacent use. Plant
materials, topography and physical distance to be considered to separate and define use areas.
Landscaping. Existing areas of short grass, high plains prairie, and riparian zones to be evaluated for preservation
and utilized as the landscape theme throughout the site. Botanic displays, such as xeriscape demonstrations and
formal gardens, are to be another consideration. Strategic placement of shade trees and irrigated turf play areas
adjacent to park use spaces to compliment natural vegetation.
Topography. Retain, implement and emphasize a variety of grade changes to reflect the natural signature Aurora
landscape of this site. Site grading and landforms will play a significant role in the shape and “feel” of the park
experience. Walls may be a solution in some grading situations, however, materials and heights will be major
considerations.
Circulation. The majority of users of this park will access it by means other than walking. In this “drive to”
destination facility an interior roadway system must be designed to accommodate the traffic associated with the
facilities selected, but should not provide or encourage “through” traffic. The ingress/egress point opposite Hughes
Drive at Airport Blvd. is to be developed as a full movement, signalized intersection. Other road access points to be
determined within the master planning process. Paths and trails should be complete within the interior site as well
as connected to the regional trail system. Parking should be incorporated into the access road for the park, by
means of smaller lots. Traditional large parking areas are not favored. Unique, site sensitive parking solutions
while incorporating the required vehicle volume count, shall be a major element to be addressed in the master
planning process.
Site Maintenance Facilities. A maintenance compound consisting of a small service center building, enclosed
equipment and material storage and fenced yard shall be located. All staffing, equipment, material and supplies for
the maintenance management of this site shall be accommodated in this secured compound. This area shall be
accessible to park roads and paths but shall be screened from park user views.
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Planting Plan (trees, shrubs, perennials. The consultant will be responsible for providing a conceptual planting
plan consistent with the master plan graphic. This conceptual plan shall identify a pallet of selected species. The
master plan report shall provide reasons particular species were selected. Plant species shall be coordinated with
the Forestry and Horticulture Division of Parks and Open Space through the Project Manager (PM).
Drainage Plan. The Consultant shall prepare site drainage information for the park site, which shall support the
master plan proposals for filling of some areas to accommodate facilities while preserving other prime creek habitat.
This report is to be somewhat conceptual in that detail construction grading plans are not part of the contract.
Reference shall be made to flood plain required studies to allow fill and tributary realignments. Drainage Plan to be
in accordance with the City of Aurora Public Works standards.
Site Grading Plan. The Consultant shall submit only a conceptual grading plan in support of the facility locations of
the master plan. Construction document grading plans are not part of this contract. Contours shall be represented
in 1’-0” intervals.
Utilities. The Consultant shall work in conjunction with the city’s PM and the Aurora Utilities department to design
conceptual alignment corridors for all underground wet line, as well as communication and electric utilities as
required to service the park. These locations are to be determined in conjunction with the master plan so that
proposed park facilities can in fact be serviced. All utilities, public or private, existing or proposed, within the limits of
this project, shall be identified and their respective owners contacted to verify locations by the consultant. Actual
utility detail design is not be part of this project scope.
QUANTITIES
The Consultant shall provide a summary of approximate plan quantities in an electronic format specified by the PM,
which include the following:
 Plan quantities (estimates without construction drawings)
 Estimated unit costs
 Total cost opinions (2005)
The project total cost opinion shall include allowances for contract administration (1/2%), Contingency (10%),
construction survey and material testing (1.5%) mobilization (NTE 5%) as directed by the PM and Art in Public
Places (1%).

Cost Opinions
By the nature of this planning effort a preliminary opinion of probable construction costs shall be provided at the
completion of the master plan phase only. Cost opinions shall be developed for each of the ten (10) selected
detail use spaces and the overall project. These costs shall be used only in securing the required funding for
future construction.

Construction Time
The Consultant shall recommend the estimated length of construction time for the project. The Consultant shall
furnish an estimated time for the construction of the entire park, as master planned, awarded on a single
contract in the master plan report phase.

Additional Work
During the planning process, additional project-related design work that was unanticipated may be required to
complete the master plan. The Consultant shall undertake and complete this work at the request of and to the
satisfaction of the PM at to be negotiated fee amounts.

Expansion of Existing Survey and Geotechnical Information
Field Survey – General
The survey provided by the City will supply sufficient information to determine existing site conditions. The
Consultant shall use existing City of Aurora primary control to establish horizontal and vertical controls for the
project. Horizontal alignment shall be tied into all reasonably available aliquot corners (section corners, 1/4
corners, etc.) Vertical control shall close on City of Aurora benchmarks with a maximum error of five one
hundredths of a foot (0.05').
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
Geotechnical Investigation
The Consultant shall review information contained in existing reports related to or in the vicinity of the
project. The Consultant shall perform all necessary (if required) soil sampling and analysis as required for the
design, including but not limited to the following items:
- Setback requirements appropriate for flood plain management, maintenance and multiple use of
drainage ways in accordance with acceptable engineering requirements and regulatory standards.
- Limited soil sampling within park roads, parking lots and large pedestrian, paved use areas (pavilions,
structures).
- Soil test and organic content sampling are the responsibility of the consultant for sodded areas.
Any supplemental Geotechnical investigation shall meet the requirements of the PM and be of sufficient detail to
conform to the comprehensive design specifications.
Project Design File. The Consultant shall assemble and maintain a Project Design File as relates to the Scope-ofWork contained herein. The file shall contain all reports, calculations, correspondence, meeting minutes or notes
and approvals for the project. The city will be solely responsible for authorizing any and all Change Orders to the
planning process scope and payments. Prior to and during the planning process, the primary contact for the city will
be the PM. The design file shall be updated and given to the PM at the time the consultant’s contract obligations are
completed. This file is in addition to the presentation formatted Master Plan Report.
Deliverables. The selected consultant team’s professional services shall include a written Master Plan Summary
Report and presentation quality graphics that depict and explain the following:

Graphics
- Site survey and site analysis information that substantiate the basis for the final master plan layout. Hard
copy, rendered, mounted drawings. One set of Power Point slides to be provided.
- A mounted 30” x 40” scale drawing of the accepted master plan. One set of Power Point slides of the same
graphic to be provided.
- Perspective illustrations (mounted) of ten (10) priority public use spaces of the park depicting materials,
patterns, colors, site furniture and other amenities selected for these spaces. Site plans at 1/20 scale to be
provided for each of the to be determined use spaces. One set of Power Point slides of the same graphics
to be provided.

Written Narrative
Report shall state the planning methodology used to design the final master plan. The report shall include a
narrative account of the planning process including:
- Evaluation of the existing site conditions (survey and analysis);
- The hydrology and drainage studies;
- Wetland and vegetation evaluations;
- Traffic study (ingress and egress volumes,
intersection turn lane design, etc.);
- Location of utility corridors to serve the park
facilities;
- Cost opinions of individual major facilities;
- The total project cost opinion.
- Estimate of time to construct the entire project in
a single contract.
- Description of design intent, theming and
relationships of facilities.
- Methodology for and conclusions of final design.
Color reproductions of all graphics shall be included,
in support of the narrative, in the bound and indexed
Master Plan Report. Seven (7) report copies shall
be provided.
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
Additional Information
The following information will be provided to the consultant team awarded the contract for the master plan work
by Aurora Parks & Open Space Department.
- Topographic survey (1ft. contour intervals) completed March 2003.
- Boundary survey and legal description.
- Park road engineering (Hughes Drive extended has been designed 1,000 ft. into the park).
- East Toll Gate Creek drainage study FLS.
- Parks & Open Space Department – map of facilities.
- Parks & Open Space Department – trail map.
- Buckley – assessment of base vegetation.
- Colorado Freedom Memorial site plan and memorial graphics.
- Location of minor league baseball stadium.
SECTION II - PROPOSAL SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS
Limit the TOTAL LENGTH of the written proposal to fifteen (15) pages maximum, not including cover page, index
and table of content, resumes and client references. The qualified firm's proposal shall include at a minimum the
following information:
THE CONSULTANT'S REPLY PROPOSAL SHOULD ADDRESS AT LEAST THE
FOLLOWING TOPICS AND BE ORGANIZED INTO THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT OF
PROPOSALS
Suggested RFP reply:
The consultant’s reply proposal should address at least the following topics and be organized into the following
seven sections with a table of contents. It shall include a cover/introduction letter stating the consultant team’s
vision for the end product master plan.
The primary consultant shall be a landscape architecture firm with sub-consultants rounding out that team,
representing the required disciplines identified in the scope of work.
1.
Overview
Each firm’s name, address, phone number, names of principals, company history, year established; size;
type of work normally performed; and any other pertinent information not noted below. Brief experience
summary of the principals that are to provide oversight for this project.
Description or affirmative statement concerning all potential conflicts of interest to be included.
2.
Aurora Signature Park
Describe the application of the team’s experience in addressing the specific requirements of this large,
destination, urban park master plan and the methodology to be used in the development of the plan.
Reference similar relevant projects completed by the team assembled for this master plan work. Provide
photos or video of those completed projects. Address the merits and negatives of the site and how the
proposed stadium would be considered in the master plan. The consultant teams best addressing this site
and the proposed design program shall be of primary interest to the Selection Committee.
3.
Project Team
Organization chart, project team with line of accountability and detailed activities of each member.
Summary of pertinent experience of each team member. Include sub-consultant team members. The team
members identified are expected to actually complete the required master plan scope of work. Reference
the primary project manager’s experience with coordinating the large number of sub-consultants required
for this work. Reference the projects actually completed by the primary consultant firm’s assembled team.
4.
Availability
Indication of current and future workload and capacity of each team member, availability to perform the
work and to meet the contract time to complete the specified professional services.
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5.
Selected Relevant Experience
List projects of similar type, size, scope, year complete or status, client, client phone number and other
references if desired. List of all other projects in progress or completed in the past two years of all project
team members.
6.
Sub-consultants
Identify and provide information on sub-consultants selected to complete plan phases.
consultants considered to be essential to the planning team are also to be identified.
7.
Supplemental Material
Resumes, letters of recommendation or commendation, awards and other materials.
8.
Proposed Project Methodology
Other sub-
Copies: Ten (10) copies of the RFP reply are to be submitted.
The Consultant’s proposal for professional services should address all the required topics. It may include a
cover/introduction letter. Submittals should be delivered to Purchasing and Contracts, 15151 E. Alameda Parkway,
Aurora, Colorado 80012, no later than Tuesday, March 8, 2005 by 4:45 p.m.
SECTION III - PROPOSAL EVALUATION
Professional firms will be evaluated on the criteria listed below. The Selection Committee will review the firm’s
approach to ascertain the firm’s understanding of this specific project and issues to assure that a proper effort will
be devoted to the project, and to entertain the firm’s special perspective on approach, techniques, and work efforts.
A short list of the most qualified firms will be made and interviews scheduled to select the top ranked firm.
SUBMITTAL REVIEW COMMITTEE
A Selection Committee shall score all written proposals and a short list of 2 to 3 finalist consultants will be
established. Upon submittal of supplemental information (if required) the 2 to 3 finalists will be invited to make a
presentation and will be evaluated by the Focus Group (members of the Steering Committee and Department staff).
Submittals shall be scored in the areas noted on the evaluation criteria in Sections III.
A. Selection Committee (for the interview process)
The Selection Committee will be an eight (8) member panel. The Selection Committee shall review and score all
interviewed Consultants. According to City policy, one member will be from outside the Parks & Open Space
Department. One of the committee members will be the PM for the project. Other member(s) will be from the
Engineering Division or other knowledgeable professionals and members of the citizen Steering Committee and
Department staff. Members of the Steering Committee shall be present but will not participate in the interview
process.
Upon completion of the interview process, the Selection Committee will recommend the Consultant team, which they
feel is best qualified to complete the contract, for negotiation of contract fee.
Interviews will be held in the later afternoon/evening at the Aurora Municipal Center. Power Point equipment will be
available for the presentations.
B. Scoring Procedures and Forms
The method of scoring that has been devised is intended to promote a systematic procedure of evaluating the
prospective firms. Objectivity is the goal. Consultant selection is to be based on the demonstrated ability, as
defined by the city, to provide a quality park master plan product in a timely manner.
The scoring approach represented in the Evaluation Criteria was developed to evaluate those factors considered
critical and significant to promote the goals of the project. The number of factors has been kept to a minimum and
include only those considered as most important to the success of the project. The Selection Committee will review
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and score the submittal and additional information submitted according to Section II. The Selection Committee will
interview each of the short listed firms, determined by the scoring of the written proposals. The scores will be
totaled for the project based on the committee's evaluation of the firm's capabilities.
The task of the Selection Committee is to recommend to the PM the most qualified Consultant who is capable of
performing the quality work in a timely manner. Committee's recommendation is subject to approval of the Director
of Parks & Open Space and the Deputy City Manager of Operations. The contract for professional services shall be
awarded on the basis of the review committees interpretation of the best value being received by the City. That
evaluation shall be generally based on:
 The consultant team’s understanding of the project and the ability to offer creative planning approaches to
the site’s challenges.
 Thoroughness of the Proposal and the extent of the experience of the consultant team in planning
comparable parks with a landscape/topographical emphasis.
 The extent of collaborative projects completed by the team assembled for this project.
 The ability of the consultant team and spokespersons to clearly communicate the team’s professional
capability to plan and design unique people scale, detail spaces accommodating a variety of uses and
properly introducing park visitors to the educational value of the site natural features.
 Overview of the implications to the park design of the possible baseball stadium.
See Evaluation Criteria form on following page.
Names of Selection Committee members are not available to the Consultants. Consultants should not attempt to
contact selection committee members.
The Consultant should plan on making any and all arrangements for the presentation prior to arriving at the
Aurora Municipal Center. This preparation includes any media or technique preferred by the Consultant.
Presentations will be limited to 40 minutes and may be followed with questions from the interview panel. Total
interview time will be 60 minutes, in including setup and breakdown. Leave behinds are acceptable.

Award
After evaluation, each member of the Selection Committee will rank the applicants by highest score. The
highest-ranking Consultant will meet with the PM to clearly define the actual Scope-of-Work and to develop a
final professional services cost estimate. The PM and appropriate members of the Parks & Open Space
Department shall review the final cost proposals and accept, reject or modify the Scope-of-Work to meet the
needs of the City. If the City rejects the final cost proposal, that submitting firm shall be eliminated from further
consideration. The City will then contact the second highest rated firm and begin negotiations for determining
professional service fees in the same manner as above. This process shall continue, as described above, until
a firm is selected. The intent of this process is to select the most qualified firm within the fiscal limitations of the
City.

Contract Cost
All Consultants selected as finalists shall submit a Priced proposal and scope of services of the project as
herein specified, within 48 hours following the interviews. The proposed fee for professional services shall
include a detailed breakdown of work-hours and costs for the project. Costs shall include any reimbursable
expenses for mileage, travel, photocopies, printing, etc. Payments will be based on time and material used
within the final fee proposal. In no case shall the overall fee cost exceed the final contract amount. Invoices
shall be prepared with reference to the different sections of this Scope of Work. The Consultant shall prepare a
monthly status of work report, a monthly time count report and a progress narrative. These reports shall be
submitted with each invoice. Invoices that do not include proper documentation will be considered incomplete
and returned to the Consultant for completion before processing for payment.
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EVALUATION CRITERIA
Firm Name: __________________________________
Criteria
1.
Specialized experience and technical competence of
project team assigned to this project:
a. Primary / Management master plan experience of firm
Max Points (100 pts)
2.
(25 points) ___________
(10points) ___________
Previous experience on similar projects.
a. Extent of experience on similar projects including developing
comprehensive master plans, site plans and CD phases of
comparable projects.
b. Team’s experience working together
c.
Experience with public participation process
d. Understanding park / open space and recreational master planning
3.
Past record of performance
a. Quality of previous work
(10 points) ____________
b. Ability to utilize innovative design techniques and solutions
(10 points) ____________
c.
Ability to successfully complete projects on time and within
budget
(10 points) ____________
4.
Proximity to site
a. Firm's location
(5 points) ____________
5.
Overall impression of qualifications
a. Organization, clarity, conciseness and thoroughness
(5 points) ____________
6.
Proposed sequence of work and methodology
a. Availability to immediately begin project
(5 points) ____________
b. Identification of issues and approach to solution
(5 points) ____________
c.
(5 points) ____________
Familiarity with project area and site
d. Adequacy of team to complete project on time and
assignment of presentation team as actual design/
planning team
7.
Conflicts of interest in project area
(10 points) ____________
(-10 to -100 points) ___________
TOTAL 100 points ____________
*The professional service fee shall be evaluated among the short-listed firms only.
The proposal team making the verbal presentation shall work on the project until completion. Any substitute of
personnel shall require the approval, in writing, of the City. Personnel changes shall only be considered for valid
reasons such as an employee leaving the firm, major illness or accident. Only persons as well-qualified as the
originally proposed individual shall be approved as a replacement team member.
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