The Central New York Regional Planning & Development Board (CNY RPDB) and the Cayuga Lake Watershed Intermunicipal Organization (IO) are distributing this Request for Proposals (RFP) for consultant services for an Organization Facilitator to the Cayuga Lake Watershed Restoration and Protection Plan. Responses are encouraged for professional services from any individual or organization with experience in facilitating public and private organizational interaction, group structure analysis, inter-governmental group dynamics. NYS certified Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises (M/WBE) are encouraged to apply.

The Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal Organization (IO) was established in 1997 to guide the development of the Cayuga Lake Watershed Restoration and Protection Plan. The IO is a 34-member intermunicipal organization representing villages, cities, towns and counties located in the Cayuga Lake watershed. The IO promotes solutions to shared water resource problems and issues that are jointly developed and locally driven. Other key, non-governmental stakeholders have been involved in the planning process through membership in various IO committees.

The Cayuga Lake Watershed Restoration and Protection Plan (RPP) will be completed in the third quarter of 2001. The IO is in line to oversee its implementation. To ensure that implementation of the RPP is maximized, the CNY RPDB, as project administrator, intends to enter into a contract for services with the selected Organization Facilitator. The Organization Facilitator will work closely with the IO and other key stakeholder groups in the watershed to identify the structural characteristics of a self sustaining, organization capable of advancing the goals and objectives outlined in the RPP.

The component tasks associated with this RFP focus on efforts to define an institutional structure that can be maintained over time for the purpose of implementing the Cayuga Lake Watershed RPP. Specifically this will include:

· an implementation strategy for a strong implementing organization that takes into account municipal representation, intermunicipal agreements, and organizational structure and management

· regular meetings with a committee of IO and Cayuga Lake Watershed Network (CLWN) members and project staff to understand past relationships and responsibilities of primary stakeholder organizations in the watershed and to develop suggestions for enhancing these relationships so as to improve their effectiveness and efficiency in the future

· identifying key stakeholder groups in the watershed for formal inclusion into the implementation process

· examining other watershed cooperative arrangements that have been institutionalized elsewhere

· developing a list of structural options for the preferred implementation organization

· facilitating discussions within the IO to help the IO identify funding options for ensuring the self sustainability of the preferred implementation organization

· reviewing all structural and funding option recommendations with the IO, the CLWN and other primary stakeholders

It should be noted that the consultant selected through this process will be required to work closely with the IO, its existing committees, municipal members and project staff throughout the term of the contract. The consultant will be required to make regular progress reports to the full IO during its monthly meetings in the watershed.

This project will commence during May 2001. The anticipated project schedule calls for completion of the Organization Facilitator’s work by September 30, 2001.

Proposals shall be addressed to Kathleen Bertuch, Central New York Regional Planning & Development Board, 126 N. Salina Street, 100 Clinton Square, Syracuse, NY 13202. Ten copies of the proposal shall be submitted no later than 12:00 P.M. on April 30. Proposal can also be e-mailed to kbertuch@cnyrpdb.org. Faxed proposals are not acceptable. A subcommittee will meet for proposal selection. Potential awardees may be asked to interview.

The selected Organization Facilitator will be employed by contract with the CNY RPDB. Proposals should include: 1) contact information; 2) an outline of services that can be provided and a methodology to provide those services; 3) resume with qualifications; 4) a budget and budget detail showing all proposed expenses; 5) References. All proposed expenses should be noted in a proposal budget and proposal budget justification.

The project budget allocates up to a maximum of $20,000 for the services of an Organization Facilitator. Payments to the Organization Facilitator will be based on the completion of work products and or tasks, on an interim basis and will be made following submission of a claim and a progress report. The value assigned to each task will be specified in the contract between the CNY RPDB and the Organization Facilitator. The final payment will be made upon satisfactory completion of the work scope.

The Organization Facilitator shall have a minimum of a master’s degree in operation management, communications, political science, planning, or related field. The Organization Facilitator should have a minimum of five years experience and be able to demonstrate skill, knowledge and/or experience in group dynamics, facilitating group discussion, government relations, organizational analysis and funding recommendations. Excellent interpersonal skills are critical. The Organization Facilitator must have a valid driver’s license and a fully insured and inspected personal vehicle. The Organization Facilitator must be available for travel throughout the Cayuga Lake watershed and for periodic evening meetings as required.

Factors to be considered in the selection process include:

1. Qualifications of individuals. We are seeking a task-oriented individual with experience in group structure analysis and facilitating communication between multi-jurisdictional public entities and private organizations. Ideally, the Organization Facilitator will understand upstate New York community issues and government structure.

2. A resume listing relevant education, experience and other qualifications

3. Ability to start this project on or before May 31, 2001

4. Interview (if needed)

5. Reliable transportation and availability to travel throughout the watershed

6. References

For additional information, contact Kathleen Bertuch, Central New York Regional Planning & Development Board, 126 North Salina Street, 100 Clinton Square, Suite 200, Syracuse, NY 13202. Telephone (315) 422-8276. E-mail kbertuch@cnyrpdb.org

SCOPE OF SERVICES

FOR

ORGANIZATION FACILITATOR

CAYUGA LAKE WATERSHED RESTORATION AND PROTECTION PLAN

The Organization Facilitator will assist the Cayuga Lake Watershed Intermunicipal Organization (IO) in research and development of a self-sustaining organizational structure capable of advancing and overseeing the implementation of the Cayuga Lake Restoration and Protection Plan.

1. Studies and Investigations

A) Meet with a subcommittee of the Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal Organization (IO) to understand its current structure and associated benefits and problems

B) Based on input from the IO, the Cayuga Lake Watershed Network and other stakeholder groups and agencies, determine what functions an implementing organization will be required to perform and identify any potential watershed partner organizations and groups currently suited to fulfill those requirements

C) Facilitate the IO as they determine the financial and legal relationships among stakeholder groups; the willingness of watershed municipalities to participate in an intermunicipal organization; and, future funding needs

D) Conduct a comparative analysis of other multi-jurisdictional organizations in New York State and evaluate against the structure of the IO

E) Develop a list of private and public funding sources

2. Maintain active communication with IO subcommittee

3. Attend monthly IO meetings and provide progress report updates

4. Provide a list of structural recommendations to the IO for comment and feedback

5. Assist the IO as they develop a model for determining IO membership dues

6. Incorporate IO comments and feedback and prepare draft report for IO approval that includes suggestions for changes to the existing bylaws as indicated

7. Prepare final report containing organizational recommendations