Questions & Answers Submitted

As part of the Request for Proposals process, any questions regarding this solicitation, the community or the Planning Commission’s intentions, may be submitted to staff liaison via email at plandev@oakridgetn.gov, or wblasius@oakridgetn.gov. Questions and answers submitted before May 15, 2024.

Q: What is the status of the work to create a "downtown" area within the city? The RFP notes that this is a “currently a priority effort” – is there work underway or is it expected to be a focal point of this planning effort?
The quest for a ‘real downtown’ has been a long one. We completed a ‘vision’ in 2019 – after repeated intentions for downtown in plans dating back to the first master plan in 1948! After acquiring property, we solicited development proposals in 2021 and received two, who planned to work in concert. Both subsequently failed to materialize and a new RFQ for a developer was issued in March 2024. See link: Oak Ridge, TN: Downtown Oak Ridge Development We received a proposal which is currently under review.

Q: On pg 4 of the RFP there is a list of "growth and change" opportunities. Does the City envision that any of these might require an area plan?
Yes; either within or off-shoots of the Comprehensive Plan.

Q: We understand from the RFP the unique situation of Oak Ridge where most of the infrastructure was built at once rather than gradually with growth. What has been City's approach to upgrading / maintaining non-transportation infrastructure?
A: All elements of the City’s infrastructure have been maintained or repaired as part of normal budgeting. A new water treatment plant is currently under construction and financed with grants and bonds. Generally, we need to do more and approach more systematically.

Q: Should the "Oak Ridge Comprehensive Plan Team Submittal Format" form (pg 9) be filled out and included in the proposal, or does that just outline the information that needs to be included in the proposal?
A: The format is just an outline for submitting the content of your response – not a ‘form’ to be filled in.

Q: How much staff capacity is expected to be dedicated to this project?
A: One planner will be the direct contact and devote a notable amount of effort to this project. Second planner and the department director will be actively involved. Planning Commission is a hard-working group that likes to roll up their sleeves. Quantities of all the above will be dictated by the work program jointly created by consultant and City.

Q: Do you have an identified budget or budget range for the project to allow the consultant team to develop a targeted scope and process? Will funding be requested from Council in conjunction with the selected consultant’s contract?
A: We do not have an identified budget range at this time. The contract amount agreed upon by Planning Commission and firm will be presented to City Council for approval.

Q: Does the City anticipate a need for a transportation study as part of the project?
A: Although transportation and mobility would seemingly be addressed as part of a Comprehensive Plan generally, the City does not anticipate the need for a full transportation study as part of the project.

Q: The RFP identifies that shortlist interviews may be held on June 6th and 7th for invited firms. Are these dates firm or is there some flexibility in shortlist interview dates for invited firms, if interviews occur?
A: The Planning Commission ‘could’ agree to other dates, but I can’t guarantee that. Our schedule is very tight, based on getting on agendas for normal meeting dates for Commission and City Council. That said, we will try to be flexible in order to get the best firm to help us.

Is any applicant looking for a team member to help with community engagement?
A: tim@courbanize.com