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Open Buffalo Mission
Our mission is to advance racial, economic, and ecological justice. We do so through skill-building, network-connecting, and activating leadership opportunities. Our goal is that all communities in Western New York are thriving free from discrimination and poverty.
 
Our Collective Vision of Liberation
People directly experiencing systemic challenges and inequities that we aim to address will always have a voice in identifying the problems and developing the solutions. An empowered democratic society is key to a joyful, culturally rich community and sustainable planet. 
 
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Request for Proposals
Project: Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment – Open Buffalo Urban Ecology Center
 
Date of Posting: March 2, 2024
Deadline for Proposals: March 16, 2024
 
About the Open Buffalo Urban Ecology Center:

After nearly 10 years of training tomorrow's leaders, empowering communities, and organizing for justice, our next step toward addressing various inequities across the City of Buffalo is the creation of a 10-acre ecology campus.
Extreme weather patterns, super storms, drought, and lack of fresh water are currently causing global displacement; forcing people to find safety in places such as Buffalo, New York. However, Buffalo, in particular, the East Side of Buffalo, grapples with its own toxic legacy of environmental issues, and disinvestment. The Open Buffalo Ecology Center is a holistic solution to address the intersecting and systemic challenges faced by Buffalo residents. The model of the Eco Center is rooted in environmental sustainability, residential empowerment through leadership development, and economic development that benefits disinvested community members first. It will also feature outdoor recreation and cultural assets.

Proposal Request:

Open Buffalo requests proposals for firms to conduct a Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) of a 10-acre area of vacant land located on Buffalo’s East Side. This land is potentially the future home of the Open Buffalo Urban Ecology Center, which will include an environmentally sustainable 21,000-square-foot community building, solar array, and outdoor recreation assets. The Phase 1 study should inform what environmental remediation and site preparation efforts will be required for the Ecology Center’s success and the community’s healthy access to its features.
Proposals should answer the following questions:

I.   Your Firm and Experience

• Briefly describe your firm's structure, size, and methods of operations. How will these benefit our organization
• Identify the partners and other key members of your team who will be assigned to our organization. Please describe their roles and their experience with projects of similar size. 
• What commitments will you make on your team's accessibility to our management?
• Identify your firm's major clients in the non-profit sector. 
• Provide a summary of clients and engagements that demonstrate your experience and expertise.

II.   Your Approach

• What is your plan for the implementation of a Phase 1 environmental study for our project? Give approximate dates. Estimate your requirements of our management's time. 

III.   Quality 

• Description of your internal processes used for quality assurance.
• What programs do you have in place to help ensure clients are satisfied with your services? 

IV.   Fees and Expenses

• Please provide your proposed fee.
• Provide breakdown of any anticipated out-of-pocket expenses including travel, administrative support, or any other related fees. 
• Provide a general overview of your expected schedule and timing of billings. 
• Explain how your firm will make sure fees remain fair and competitive. 
   
  How to submit proposals:

Firms interested in submitting a proposal should contact Max Anderson, Deputy Director of Open Buffalo, at max@openbuffalo.org. Upon being contacted by you, Open Buffalo will send information about the specific properties to be assessed.