Community Engagement Consultant

Description

MEMORANDUM TO: Interested Community Engagement Firms and Professional Outreach Consultants FROM: Shannan Karrick, Acting Executive Director DATE: July 31, 2026 RE: Request for Qualifications and Proposals (RFQP) The Springfield–Sangamon County Regional Planning Commission (SSCRPC) requests qualifications and proposals from qualified firms, groups of firms, or individuals (Respondents) to provide professional community engagement services for the Sangamon County Brownfields Assessment Coalition Grant. The SSCRPC, in partnership with the City of Springfield and the Village of Grandview (the Coalition), received a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Brownfields Assessment Coalition Grant to conduct environmental assessments, cleanup planning, community engagement, and brownfield inventory development throughout Sangamon County. The selected Respondent will serve as the Community Engagement Consultant (CEC) and will support the Coalition in implementing the EPA-approved Work Plan. Responsibilities include developing and executing engagement strategies; preparing outreach and communication materials; supporting public meetings and community events; coordinating with residents, neighborhood groups, and partner organizations; and documenting engagement activities for inclusion in EPA reporting. The CEC will work closely with SSCRPC staff, Coalition Members, and the Brownfield Redevelopment Advisory Committee (BRAC) to ensure transparent communication and meaningful public participation throughout the grant period. The selected Respondent will contract with the SSCRPC and complete all work within the EPA grant period of October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2030. Additional firms serving as subconsultants, subcontractors, or joint ventures are permitted with prior written consent of the SSCRPC. Proposals are due on Monday, August 31, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. CT. Please refer to the attached RFQP for detailed submission requirements, threshold eligibility criteria, and selection procedures. Please direct questions and other correspondence related to this RFQP to Lisa Peterson at Lisa.Peterson@sangamonil.gov (preferred) or by calling (217) 747-5193.