HomeMy WebLinkAbout556806 CASCADIA CONSULTING GROUP INC - CONTRACT - RFP - 8355 CARBON SEQUESTRATION REPORT CONSULTINGProfessional Services Agreement
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PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT made and entered into the day and year set forth below, by and
between THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS, COLORADO, a Municipal Corporation, hereinafter
referred to as the "City" and CASCADIA CONSULTING GROUP, INC., hereinafter referred to
as "Professional".
WITNESSETH:
In consideration of the mutual covenants and obligations herein expressed, it is agreed
by and between the parties hereto as follows:
1. Scope of Services. The Professional agrees to provide services in accordance with the
scope of services attached hereto as Exhibit "A", consisting of nine (9) pages, and
incorporated herein by this reference. Irrespective of references in Exhibit A to certain
named third parties, Professional shall be solely responsible for performance of all duties
hereunder.
2. Contract Period. This Agreement shall commence October 21, 2016, and shall continue
in full force and effect until March 1, 2017, unless sooner terminated as herein provided.
3. Early Termination by City. Notwithstanding the time periods contained herein, the City
may terminate this Agreement at any time without cause by providing written notice of
termination to the Professional. Such notice shall be delivered at least fifteen (15) days
prior to the termination date contained in said notice unless otherwise agreed in writing by
the parties.
All notices provided under this Agreement shall be effective when mailed, postage prepaid
and sent to the following addresses:
Professional: City: Copy to:
Cascadia Consulting Group, Inc.
Attn: Andrea Martin
1109 First Avenue, Suite 400
Seattle, WA 98101
andream@cascadiaconsulting.com
City of Fort Collins
Attn: Jill Wuertz
PO Box 580
Fort Collins, CO 80522
City of Fort Collins
Attn: Purchasing Dept.
PO Box 580
Fort Collins, CO 80522
In the event of any such early termination by the City, the Professional shall be paid for
services rendered prior to the date of termination, subject only to the satisfactory
performance of the Professional's obligations under this Agreement. Such payment shall
be the Professional's sole right and remedy for such termination.
4. Design, Project Indemnity and Insurance Responsibility. The Professional shall be
responsible for the professional quality, technical accuracy, timely completion and the
coordination of all services rendered by the Professional, including but not limited to
designs, plans, reports, specifications, and drawings and shall, without additional
compensation, promptly remedy and correct any errors, omissions, or other deficiencies.
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The Professional shall indemnify, save and hold harmless the City, its officers and
employees in accordance with Colorado law, from all damages whatsoever claimed by
third parties against the City; and for the City's costs and reasonable attorney’s fees,
arising directly or indirectly out of the Professional's negligent performance of any of the
services furnished under this Agreement. The Professional shall maintain insurance in
accordance with Exhibit B, consisting of one (1) page, attached hereto and incorporated
herein.
5. Compensation. In consideration of the services to be performed pursuant to this
Agreement, the City agrees to pay Professional on a time and reimbursable direct cost
basis in accordance with Exhibit “A”, consisting of nine (9) pages, attached hereto and
incorporated herein, with maximum compensation (for both Professional's time and
reimbursable direct costs) not to exceed Fifty-Two Thousand Nine Hundred Ninety Dollars
($52,990.00). Monthly partial payments based upon the Professional's billings and
itemized statements of reimbursable direct costs are permissible. The amounts of all such
partial payments shall be based upon the Professional's City-verified progress in
completing the services to be performed pursuant hereto and upon the City's approval of
the Professional's reimbursable direct costs. Final payment shall be made following
acceptance of the work by the City. Upon final payment, all designs, plans, reports,
specifications, drawings and other services rendered by the Professional shall become the
sole property of the City.
6. City Representative. The City will designate, prior to commencement of work, its project
representative who shall make, within the scope of his or her authority, all necessary and
proper decisions with reference to the project. All requests for contract interpretations,
change orders, and other clarification or instruction shall be directed to the City
Representative.
7. Monthly Report. Commencing thirty (30) days after the date of execution of this
Agreement and every thirty (30) days thereafter, Professional is required to provide the
City Representative with a written report of the status of the work with respect to the
Scope of Services, Work Schedule, and other material information. Failure to provide any
required monthly report may, at the option of the City, suspend the processing of any
partial payment request.
8. Independent Contractor. The services to be performed by Professional are those of an
independent contractor and not of an employee of the City of Fort Collins. The City shall
not be responsible for withholding any portion of Professional's compensation hereunder
for the payment of FICA, Workers' Compensation, other taxes or benefits or for any other
purpose.
9. Subcontractors. Professional may not subcontract any of the Work set forth in the Exhibit
A, Statement of Work without the prior written consent of the city, which shall not be
unreasonably withheld. If any of the Work is subcontracted hereunder (with the consent of
the City), then the following provisions shall apply: (a) the subcontractor must be a
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reputable, qualified firm with an established record of successful performance in its
respective trade performing identical or substantially similar work, (b) the subcontractor will
be required to comply with all applicable terms of this Agreement, (c) the subcontract will
not create any contractual relationship between any such subcontractor and the City, nor
will it obligate the City to pay or see to the payment of any subcontractor, and (d) the work
of the subcontractor will be subject to inspection by the City to the same extent as the
work of the Professional.
10. Personal Services. It is understood that the City enters into the Agreement based on the
special abilities of the Professional and that this Agreement shall be considered as an
agreement for personal services. Accordingly, the Professional shall neither assign any
responsibilities nor delegate any duties arising under the Agreement without the prior
written consent of the City.
11. Acceptance Not Waiver. The City's approval of drawings, designs, plans, specifications,
reports, and incidental work or materials furnished hereunder shall not in any way relieve
the Professional of responsibility for the quality or technical accuracy of the work. The
City's approval or acceptance of, or payment for, any of the services shall not be
construed to operate as a waiver of any rights or benefits provided to the City under this
Agreement.
12. Default. Each and every term and condition hereof shall be deemed to be a material
element of this Agreement. In the event either party should fail or refuse to perform
according to the terms of this agreement, such party may be declared in default.
13. Remedies. In the event a party has been declared in default, such defaulting party shall
be allowed a period of ten (10) days within which to cure said default. In the event the
default remains uncorrected, the party declaring default may elect to (a) terminate the
Agreement and seek damages; (b) treat the Agreement as continuing and require specific
performance; or (c) avail himself of any other remedy at law or equity. If the non-
defaulting party commences legal or equitable actions against the defaulting party, the
defaulting party shall be liable to the non-defaulting party for the non-defaulting party's
reasonable attorney fees and costs incurred because of the default.
14. Binding Effect. This writing, together with the exhibits hereto, constitutes the entire
agreement between the parties and shall be binding upon said parties, their officers,
employees, agents and assigns and shall inure to the benefit of the respective survivors,
heirs, personal representatives, successors and assigns of said parties.
15. Law/Severability. The laws of the State of Colorado shall govern the construction,
interpretation, execution and enforcement of this Agreement. In the event any provision
of this Agreement shall be held invalid or unenforceable by any court of competent
jurisdiction, such holding shall not invalidate or render unenforceable any other provision
of this Agreement.
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16. Prohibition Against Employing Illegal Aliens. Pursuant to Section 8-17.5-101, C.R.S., et.
seq., Professional represents and agrees that:
a. As of the date of this Agreement:
1. Professional does not knowingly employ or contract with an illegal alien who will
perform work under this Agreement; and
2. Professional will participate in either the e-Verify program created in Public Law
208, 104th Congress, as amended, and expanded in Public Law 156, 108th
Congress, as amended, administered by the United States Department of
Homeland Security (the “e-Verify Program”) or the Department Program (the
“Department Program”), an employment verification program established pursuant
to Section 8-17.5-102(5)(c) C.R.S. in order to confirm the employment eligibility of
all newly hired employees to perform work under this Agreement.
b. Professional shall not knowingly employ or contract with an illegal alien to perform
work under this Agreement or knowingly enter into a contract with a subcontractor that
knowingly employs or contracts with an illegal alien to perform work under this
Agreement.
c. Professional is prohibited from using the e-Verify Program or Department Program
procedures to undertake pre-employment screening of job applicants while this
Agreement is being performed.
d. If Professional obtains actual knowledge that a subcontractor performing work under
this Agreement knowingly employs or contracts with an illegal alien, Professional shall:
1. Notify such subcontractor and the City within three days that Professional has
actual knowledge that the subcontractor is employing or contracting with an illegal
alien; and
2. Terminate the subcontract with the subcontractor if within three days of receiving
the notice required pursuant to this section the subcontractor does not cease
employing or contracting with the illegal alien; except that Professional shall not
terminate the contract with the subcontractor if during such three days the
subcontractor provides information to establish that the subcontractor has not
knowingly employed or contracted with an illegal alien.
e. Professional shall comply with any reasonable request by the Colorado Department of
Labor and Employment (the “Department”) made in the course of an investigation that
the Department undertakes or is undertaking pursuant to the authority established in
Subsection 8-17.5-102 (5), C.R.S.
f. If Professional violates any provision of this Agreement pertaining to the duties
imposed by Subsection 8-17.5-102, C.R.S. the City may terminate this Agreement. If
this Agreement is so terminated, Professional shall be liable for actual and
consequential damages to the City arising out of Professional’s violation of Subsection
8-17.5-102, C.R.S.
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g. The City will notify the Office of the Secretary of State if Professional violates this
provision of this Agreement and the City terminates the Agreement for such breach.
17. Special Provisions. Special provisions or conditions relating to the services to be
performed pursuant to this Agreement are set forth in Exhibit "C" - Confidentiality,
consisting of one (1) page, attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference.
THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS, COLORADO
By:
Gerry Paul
Purchasing Director
DATE:
CASCADIA CONSULTING GROUP, INC.
By:
Printed:
Title:
CORPORATE PRESIDENT OR VICE PRESIDENT
Date:
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Co-President
Ruth Bell
10/24/2016
10/24/2016
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EXHIBIT A
SCOPE OF SERVICES
The City of Fort Collins is soliciting a qualified consulting firm/team to submit one consolidated
proposal to provide services as described in this Request for Proposal.
1. Background
Fort Collins is a vibrant community of 158,000+, located 65 miles north of Denver, at the
base of the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. The City is over 53 square miles in size and
is the northern extension of the “Colorado Front Range” urban corridor. The City’s
population includes over 32,000 students.
The City of Fort Collins has shown a long-standing commitment to stewardship of the
community and its resources, and “to act sustainably: to systematically, creatively, and
thoughtfully utilize environmental, human, and economic resources to meet our present
needs and those of future generations without compromising the ecosystems upon which
we depend” (City Plan, 2011).
The City of Fort Collins recently completed an update to its Climate Action Plan goals,
calling on the community to more aggressively reduce greenhouse gasses. Due to the
accelerated goals, City staff has been investigating innovative ways to reduce greenhouse
gases (GHG) to guide future strategies and policies. A result of this research has been the
potential of increasing the carbon sequestration within the growth management area of the
city and city owned properties outside its jurisdiction.
The City is seeking help from a firm/team of qualified consultants to provide a data-driven,
Fort Collins specific analysis of carbon sequestration potential within the community. The
assistance we are seeking will help the City understand the most strategic and efficient
ways for the City of Fort Collins to offset GHG emissions through carbon sequestration.
Current land conservation initiatives in Natural Areas, Nature in the City and Parks, as well
as the Low Impact Development code provide current avenues for pursuing carbon
sequestration if targets are established. In addition, protection and enhancement of the
Urban Forest provides another method to improve local carbon sequestration the City
could leverage. Finally the City could explore opportunities in emerging technologies
through pilots and small scale projects.
The City intends for this document to offer guidelines for strategic initiatives to help reach
the 2020 community carbon reduction goals as well as provide guidance to the 2030 and
2050 goals.
2. Scope of Work Considerations
A. Deliverables:
i. Preparation of a Carbon Sequestration Report. The report will consist of three
primary parts:
(1) A baseline/inventory of carbon sequestration/storage entered into the current
CAP GHG model (see appendix). This data will be based on four main
categories of data: urban forest, grasslands (including native, turf, lawns and
recreational grounds), soils and urban agriculture. The data must be specific to
Fort Collins and will include all land within the Growth Management Area
(GMA) as well as Natural Areas outside of the GMA. Baseline inventory data
can be provided from GIS information, existing plans, interviews, university
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research, the EPA, etc. (see appendix). The consultant team will need to work
to identify and apply regionally appropriate carbon sequestration formulas to
quantify inventory data into GHG savings. The formulas need to be based
upon sound data and current, referenced information, and the methods shall be
documented in a manner that this effort could be replicated by others.
(2) A comparative metrics/impacts list that helps to better explain how the four
different types of carbon sequestration/storage compare with each other and
how subsets of each category, as well as management practices, affect
results. Challenges and potential negative effects with each focus area should
also be taken into consideration.
(3) A recommendations section that gives direction on improving carbon
sequestration/storage through specific best management practices and utilizes
the comparative metrics/impacts in section 2 to prioritize actions.
Recommendations can be both policy and physical infrastructure proposals
that identify and address gaps in goals, policy, strategy, and programs.
Recommendations should list priorities that take into consideration CAP
milestone years of 2020, 2030 and 2050 reduction goals. In addition,
recommendations should take into consideration major issues facing Fort
Collins such as Emerald Ash Borer and build-out of the community that
includes significant projected population increases and land use density
changes.
B. Tasks:
i. Preparation of a Carbon Sequestration Report. Tasks associated with
compilation of The City of Fort Collins Carbon Sequestration Report:
Information data transfer
o GIS information, pdf’s of reports, etc. delivered to consultant team
Kickoff meeting and Q&A session
Baseline Inventory:
o Delivery of draft inputs and carbon sequestration formulas with source
references for review
o Meeting with CAP modelers to input data
Additional refinement and delivery of spreadsheet as required.
Overview of comparative metrics/impacts section for review. While the baseline
inventory and comparative metrics sections will have similar data, this section
really focuses telling the story of carbon sequestration while the baseline
inventory is a spreadsheet format that models information.
Recommendations:
o Develop list of key stakeholders with project team
Potential stakeholders include City staff, CSU staff, other
municipalities that are addressing carbon sequestration (such as
Phoenix that is developing a partnership with their university for
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urban offsets and the City of Boulder who is developing carbon
markets)
o Interviews with key stakeholders: maximum 2 days with 15 or less
interviews at 45 minutes each
o Recommendations brainstorming charrette – provide draft
recommendations to group in order to gain immediate feedback and
brainstorm additional ideas
Draft Report
o Delivery of draft report in digital format to City team for review
City Review
o Comments due in writing to consultant team
Final Report
o Final report shall be a word document, which utilizes graphics as well as
text to convey the message in a consumable format for people
unfamiliar with the concept of carbon sequestration/storage. It is highly
recommended that graphics, photos, infographics, etc. be used to
convey complex topics. Main body of report (not including appendix)
shall be no more than 40 pages.
C. Schedule & Budget:
i. Major Milestones
Kick-off meeting shall be within two weeks of signed contract
Draft report shall be due by December 1st, 2016
Final report shall be due by Feb 1, 2017
ii. Budget
A budget for carbon sequestration initiatives was allocated at $75,000 and a
portion of that budget will be allocated for this report. It is not the City’s intent
to use the full portion of the allocated funds for only this report.
PROFESSIONAL’S RESPONSE TO RFP:
1. Methods & Approach
Methods
As a leader in local climate action, Fort Collins is on a path toward aggressive greenhouse gas
(GHG) emission reductions. To meet this aggressive goal, the City will need to assess all
potential avenues for reduction—including the ability to sequester carbon on lands. This
assessment will allow the City to take a coordinated, systematic approach that efficiently and
effectively optimizes carbon sequestration across all lands within the City growth management
area and other lands controlled by the City.
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Professional’s team of Cascadia Consulting Group Inc. (Cascadia), Keys Consulting Inc. (KCI),
and Ecofor LLC is pleased to submit this proposal to conduct a customized assessment of
carbon sequestration potential within the city’s growth management area and other city-owned
or controlled properties. Our team of scientists, carbon sequestration specialists, and skilled
facilitators and writers will bring locally relevant knowledge and science such as research on soil
carbon dynamics as a function of different management regimes, local tree biomass equations
and growth rates, and effects of likely climate changes on trees and soil. Synthesizing and
applying current science will help the City identify opportunities for carbon sequestration and
emission reductions in greenhouse gas emissions from lands and triage threats to existing
carbon stocks while balancing other City priorities and considerations. The findings,
comparisons, and recommendations identified through this process will serve as an essential
roadmap for managing city carbon emissions for years to come.
With over 20 years of experience developing strategies to achieve sustainability goals and
translating complex science to guide actionable outcomes, Professional’s team is well
positioned to assist the City of Fort Collins in this effort. Core elements of our approach include:
Building on existing City policies, regulations, and management plans.
Complementing local research with peer-reviewed literature and professional knowledge
to develop models that are straightforward, transparent, and clearly convey key
outcomes and implications.
Combining spatial analysis of bio-physical dynamics with population projections and
economic considerations in light of laws and regulations that affect GHG sinks and
emissions from lands.
Considering of a full suite of land uses and future scenarios to identify the most salient
and useful policy and management approaches for meeting Fort Collins’ objectives.
Employing tested interview and facilitation techniques for a clear and agreed-upon path
forward.
Crafting written products that are clear, concise, visually appealing, and easily
implemented.
The end result of this process will be a product that clearly depicts the current picture of carbon
sequestration potential for Fort Collins and identifies feasible paths forward. Professional
believes our team possesses the right skills, knowledge, and passion to deliver that product.
Proposed Approach
Professional’s approach, detailed below, builds a unified and clear understanding and process
through thoughtful, customized analysis and inclusive and effective engagement. By
emphasizing transparency, utilization of local and peer-reviewed data and tools, and
constructive stakeholder engagement, we will empower the City to optimize its natural assets
and meet emission reduction goals.
TASK 1. INFORMATION DATA TRANSFER
Professional will begin by compiling and reviewing available city studies, reports, policies, data,
and models to gain a comprehensive understanding of available information and input data for
the baseline inventory. We expect to work closely with City staff to identify and transfer
documents digitally through email and/or a file sharing service such as Dropbox or FTS.
Examples of relevant data include the Climate Action Plan (CAP) model; available GIS files,
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such as Land Use Land Cover (LULC) maps, tree inventories, zoning maps, and the area of
study (Fort Collins’ Growth Management Area (GMA) and Natural Areas); the I-tree Eco Study
(2016); and Natural Areas Master Plan (2014). Professional will conduct an initial review of
these materials prior to the kickoff meeting to ensure that any questions regarding the materials
can be addressed during the meeting.
TASK 2. KICKOFF MEETING AND Q&A SESSION
With background information collected, Professional will convene a kick-off meeting with City
staff to solidify a common understanding of project goals; gain a full understanding of work
completed to date and available data and resources; and agree on a clear work plan for
completing the project. The meeting will also be a time to begin articulating City priorities,
concerns, and considerations; identifying key stakeholders; and closely reviewing potential
models and methods. Of particular importance will be identifying the suite of factors acting on
carbon sequestration potential in Fort Collins, such as the Emerald Ash Borer and development
pressure. Professional’s team will provide a list of any questions concerning the information
transferred in Task 1 that City staff can consult before the meeting to prepare responses.
Following the discussion, Professional will prepare a brief but detailed project work plan and
task-level timeline that summarizes meeting outcomes. This work plan and timeline will be
referenced at each stage of the project to ensure timely and effective implementation.
TASK 3. BASELINE INVENTORY
Professional will work closely with City staff and stakeholders identified in Task 2 to build a
baseline inventory of carbon stocks and terrestrial GHG emissions. Key carbon stocks will be
woody biomass and soil organic carbon, including deep soil carbon (not just the top 20 cm of
soil as addressed in many studies). Emissions will include biomass and soils emissions from
land use change, nitrous oxide (N2O) from fertilizer, and may include methane (CH4) from soils
saturated by irrigation. The baseline inventory will be divided by the four land use/cover
categories identified by the City: urban forest, grasslands (including native grasslands, private
lawns, and managed City grasslands), soils (including under native grass and tree vegetation,
lawns, and developed land covers), and urban agriculture.
Professional will begin by compiling and if needed, categorizing GIS data to gather a clear
picture of land uses and cover types across the target area. Using City zoning maps, population
growth projections, and broad climate trends, we will develop at least two potential future
scenarios that model future land use and cover: 1) a “business as usual” projection of current
policies and trends, and 2) at least one conservation scenario where policies and actions
support terrestrial carbon sequestration and avoid terrestrial GHG emissions.
With the land uses and coverage types known, Professional will consult available studies and
literature and, if needed, conduct brief phone calls with topic experts to identify potential
formulas for translating LULC and vegetation inventory information into carbon storage and
sequestration values. Professional will seek to consult all relevant sources, and in doing so will
leverage existing contacts and relationships at Colorado State University (CSU) and its Natural
Resource Ecology Laboratory (NREL), the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), the U.S. Department of
Agriculture (USDA), and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
Professional will review the identified formulas and present recommendations to relevant City
staff and stakeholders during a check-in meeting. The presentation will include a draft
methodology that presents formulas and approaches, weighs their strengths and limitations, and
presents a clear recommendation. The meeting objective will be to arrive at an agreed-upon set
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of cited methods and formulas for translating available land use and land cover data to carbon
storage and sequestration values.
Formulas and approaches identified during the meeting will be applied through development of
an Excel-based model that depicts current and potential future carbon sequestration and
storage scenarios. The ultimate goal of model will be to quantify emissions reductions and
understand actions that the City may implement or influence through its operations, regulatory
actions, incentives, or policies—and will estimate anticipated resource needs and social costs
and benefits of each action. Unless directed otherwise, Professional will use the U.S.
government social cost of carbon in these economic estimates. We will develop a model that is
straightforward, user-friendly, and replicable for future users and applications. The model will
also clearly link to the existing CAP model to allow CAP modelers to input data as needed to
track progress and/or refine emissions reduction targets and approaches. The model will clearly
cite all assumptions and use dynamic references where possible to allow for scenario planning
and sensitivity analyses (e.g., if a zoning change allows for increased building density, how
much would that reduce soil and biomass carbon emissions from conversion of grasslands and
trees to buildings, streets, and associated structures?). We also anticipate developing an
embedded “user guide” in the model with a table of contents and overview of features and
functions.
TASK 4. COMPARATIVE METRICS AND IMPACTS
The sensitivity analysis capabilities of the model will allow for facilitated identification of
similarities, differences, and important tradeoffs among the land use/coverage categories.
Specifically, Professional will use outputs from the model to develop a high-level, easy-to-
understand comparison of the four primary carbon sequestration/storage categories and
accompanying subcategories. The comparison will break down each category by management
practice; corresponding sequestration potential; and potential consequences, co-benefits, or
considerations associated with each. Synergies and conflicts between policy options and
management practices will be highlighted—effectively telling the story of carbon sequestration
potential in Fort Collins in a more transparent manner than presented in the model. An example
framework for this comparison is provided below. (Note the information in this chart is illustrative
only.)
Table 1. Example comparative metrics table.
Category
Management
Practice
Sequest.
/ Avoided
Emission
Potential
Primary
Affected
GHGs
Implementation
Feasibility
Cost
Congruence
with City
Priorities/
Plans
Consequences,
Co-benefits, and
Considerations
Urban
Forest
Street trees Low CO2 High Moderate Moderate
Improves quality
of life
Expand forest
area
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might reduce soil
carbon in some
conditions
Yard trees Moderate CO2 Low Low High
Reduce cooling
demands; less
cost to city; focus
on drought
resilient species
TASK 5. RECOMMENDATION DEVELOPMENT
From the model outputs and comparative chart, Professional will develop a draft set of
recommendations for optimizing carbon sequestration and terrestrial emission mitigation in Fort
Collins. The recommendations will address all avenues by which the City can influence
sequestration, including targeted conservation projects, policy adjustments, and improved
management practices. Recommendations will bring to bear the suite of factors acting on
carbon sequestration potential in Fort Collins, including impacts from the Emerald Ash Borer
and development pressures.
Draft recommendations will be vetted by external and internal City stakeholders. Professional
will work with the City to refine the initial list of stakeholders identified at the project kickoff
meeting. We expect the list to include, at a minimum, key staff involved in the CAP
development, academic and government experts from institutions such as CSU, the USFS, as
well as other municipalities who have done similar work regarding carbon sequestration such as
the cities of Boulder and Phoenix. Professional will conduct phone or in-person interviews using
a customized interview guide. Interviewers will walk stakeholders through the inventory findings
and recommendations, with the ultimate objective to refine and, if needed, supplement the draft
recommendations to reflect City priorities, capacities, and the latest understanding of
sequestration ability and policy.
The refined list of draft recommendations will undergo further refinement, prioritization, and
contextualization during a brainstorming charrette. All key personnel from Professional’s team
will facilitate the charrette, which will provide stakeholders with an opportunity to discuss draft
recommendations and their relative perceived efficacy; political, economic, and social
considerations; potential tradeoffs and/or co-benefits; and how individual recommendations and
actions could be joined together as a broader sequestration strategy for the City. Professional
will also discuss linkages to the CAP reduction goals and implications for action prioritization.
Outcomes from this task will be a draft and revised set of recommendations, each with a brief
description of relative pros, cons, and other considerations as relevant.
TASK 6. REPORT DEVELOPMENT AND FINALIZATION
The list of policy and management options, baseline inventory, quantitative estimates of
emission mitigation, and set of recommendations will be compiled into one cohesive City of Fort
Collins Carbon Sequestration Report. The report will be a succinct summary of evaluated
carbon sequestration potential among the identified categories (including synergies and
conflicts) and resulting recommendations for City action. The goal will be to provide a document
that the City can immediately use to solidify a strategy, begin implementation, and track
progress over time. The report will also describe opportunities and next steps for funding,
implementation, and further research, if needed, that were identified during the interviews and
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charrette. The draft report will be delivered in Microsoft Word to the City for review using tracked
changes and comments, after which point our team will compile and address comments in a
final version to the City.
The final report will be presented in a reader-friendly format that clearly distills key concepts and
findings through compelling graphics and concise text. The report will have a freestanding
executive summary that can stand alone from the full report, as well as separate appendices
that provide detailed methodologies, assumptions, and outcomes.
Professional has an in-house design team that crafts visually appealing products that are scaled
to the needs of each client. We offer Word and Adobe-based document design and production
services, infographic development, and compelling data displays. Our standards are upheld with
rigorous quality control processes that involved editorial board review and senior-level oversight
of all written work products and deliverables.
TASK 7. PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Professional has kept our team small to minimize resources spent on project management. Our
approach relies on clear communication and careful attention to budget. Professional will work
closely with the City of Fort Collins to develop a clear work plan for achieving project goals while
respecting the available resources and to ensure that work progresses according to the agreed-
upon timeline. We strive to identify and correct issues early, and we use project management
software to ensure that we have daily desktop access to current budget and cost status.
Timeline
This initial timeline assumes that a contract is in place by September 15, 2016. We can commit
to completing the work before February 1, 2017.
Task
2016 2017
Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan
1. Information Data Transfer
2. Kickoff Meeting and Q&A
Session
3. Baseline Inventory
4. Comparative Metrics and
Impacts
5. Recommendation
Development
6. Report Development and
Finalization
7. Project Management
DocuSign Envelope ID: 19050FCD-ED74-4C54-A329-A2961FB1D3F7
Professional Services Agreement
8355 Carbon Sequestration Report Consulting Page 14 of 16
2. Organization Chart/Proposed Project Team
Gordon Smith, Technical
Lead
Patrick Keys,
Engagement Lead
Gordon will lead baseline
inventory development and
provide technical advice,
and review and support for
the final report.
Patrick, a local of Fort
Collins, will lead on-the-
ground stakeholder
engagement and support
analysis and writing for the
final report.
3. Schedule of Rates
The table below details a schedule of hourly rates that will apply for the tasks described in
Section 1. Professional estimates $51,365 in labor costs and $1,625 in expenses, totaling
$52,990 for project completion.
Task Personnel Hours and Hourly Rate Total Cost
(labor +
Expenses)
R. Bell
$195
A. Martin
$130
G. Smith
$150
P. Keys
$100
Other*
$90
1. Information Data Transfer 0 4 6 4 0 $1,820
2. Kickoff Meeting and Q&A Session 2 6 4 4 0 $2,170
3. Baseline Inventory 2 40 80 16 24 $21,350
4. Comparative Metrics and Impacts 1 12 12 4 0 $3,955
5. Recommendation Development 2 16 40 24 0 $12,470
6. Report Development and Finalization 2 24 16 16 8 $8,230
7. Project Management 2 16 2 2 0 $2,995
TOTAL 11 118 160 70 32 $52,990
*Other staff include Cascadia’s GIS analyst and graphic design specialist.
Ruth Bell,
Principal-in-Charge
Ruth will provide
high-level project
oversight.
Andrea Martin, Project Manager
Andrea, point of contact for the City
of Fort Collins and primarily
responsible for the contract, will
coordinate the analytical process and
lead development of the final report.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 19050FCD-ED74-4C54-A329-A2961FB1D3F7
Professional Services Agreement
8355 Carbon Sequestration Report Consulting Page 15 of 16
EXHIBIT B
INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS
1. The Professional will provide, from insurance companies acceptable to the City, the
insurance coverage designated hereinafter and pay all costs. Before commencing work
under this bid, the Professional shall furnish the City with certificates of insurance
showing the type, amount, class of operations covered, effective dates and date of
expiration of policies, and containing substantially the following statement:
“The insurance evidenced by this Certificate will not reduce coverage or limits and
will not be cancelled, except after thirty (30) days written notice has been received
by the City of Fort Collins.”
In case of the breach of any provision of the Insurance Requirements, the City, at its
option, may take out and maintain, at the expense of the Professional, such insurance
as the City may deem proper and may deduct the cost of such insurance from any
monies which may be due or become due the Professional under this Agreement. The
City, its officers, agents and employees shall be named as additional insureds on the
Professional 's general liability and automobile liability insurance policies for any claims
arising out of work performed under this Agreement.
2. Insurance coverages shall be as follows:
A. Workers' Compensation & Employer's Liability. The Professional shall maintain
during the life of this Agreement for all of the Professional's employees engaged in
work performed under this agreement:
1. Workers' Compensation insurance with statutory limits as required by
Colorado law.
2. Employer's Liability insurance with limits of $100,000 per accident,
$500,000 disease aggregate, and $100,000 disease each employee.
B. Commercial General & Vehicle Liability. The Professional shall maintain during the
life of this Agreement such commercial general liability and automobile liability
insurance as will provide coverage for damage claims of personal injury, including
accidental death, as well as for claims for property damage, which may arise
directly or indirectly from the performance of work under this Agreement.
Coverage for property damage shall be on a "broad form" basis. The amount of
insurance for each coverage, Commercial General and Vehicle, shall not be less
than $1,000,000 combined single limits for bodily injury and property damage.
In the event any work is performed by a subcontractor, the Professional shall be
responsible for any liability directly or indirectly arising out of the work performed
under this Agreement by a subcontractor, which liability is not covered by the
subcontractor's insurance.
C. Errors & Omissions. The Professional shall maintain errors and omissions
insurance in the amount of $1,000,000.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 19050FCD-ED74-4C54-A329-A2961FB1D3F7
No new insurance required
Professional Services Agreement
8355 Carbon Sequestration Report Consulting Page 16 of 16
EXHIBIT C
CONFIDENTIALITY
IN CONNECTION WITH SERVICES provided to the City of Fort Collins (the “City”) pursuant to
this Agreement (the “Agreement”), the Professional hereby acknowledges that it has been
informed that the City has established policies and procedures with regard to the handling of
confidential information and other sensitive materials.
In consideration of access to certain information, data and material (hereinafter individually and
collectively, regardless of nature, referred to as “information”) that are the property of and/or
relate to the City or its employees, customers or suppliers, which access is related to the
performance of services that the Professional has agreed to perform, the Professional hereby
acknowledges and agrees as follows:
That information that has or will come into its possession or knowledge in connection with the
performance of services for the City may be confidential and/or proprietary. The Professional
agrees to treat as confidential (a) all information that is owned by the City, or that relates to the
business of the City, or that is used by the City in carrying on business, and (b) all information
that is proprietary to a third party (including but not limited to customers and suppliers of the
City). The Professional shall not disclose any such information to any person not having a
legitimate need-to-know for purposes authorized by the City. Further, the Professional shall not
use such information to obtain any economic or other benefit for itself, or any third party, except
as specifically authorized by the City.
The foregoing to the contrary notwithstanding, the Professional understands that it shall have no
obligation under this Agreement with respect to information and material that (a) becomes
generally known to the public by publication or some means other than a breach of duty of this
Agreement, or (b) is required by law, regulation or court order to be disclosed, provided that the
request for such disclosure is proper and the disclosure does not exceed that which is required.
In the event of any disclosure under (b) above, the Professional shall furnish a copy of this
Agreement to anyone to whom it is required to make such disclosure and shall promptly advise
the City in writing of each such disclosure.
In the event that the Professional ceases to perform services for the City, or the City so requests
for any reason, the Professional shall promptly return to the City any and all information
described hereinabove, including all copies, notes and/or summaries (handwritten or
mechanically produced) thereof, in its possession or control or as to which it otherwise has
access.
The Professional understands and agrees that the City’s remedies at law for a breach of the
Professional’s obligations under this Confidentiality Agreement may be inadequate and that the
City shall, in the event of any such breach, be entitled to seek equitable relief (including without
limitation preliminary and permanent injunctive relief and specific performance) in addition to all
other remedies provided hereunder or available at law.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 19050FCD-ED74-4C54-A329-A2961FB1D3F7
High CO2 Moderate High High
Consider mortality
risks from drought;
consider species
shift for resilience
(e.g. Ash Borer,
drought)
Converting
grassland to trees
DocuSign Envelope ID: 19050FCD-ED74-4C54-A329-A2961FB1D3F7