Why is NCI taking the time to write a model RFP template? Far too often, a sponsoring agency is surprised when, after awarding a contract, they learn that the consultant has a completely different idea of what constitutes a charrette. This gap in understanding can potentially cause major problems in the scoping and delivery of a project and can often be traced to deficiencies in the RFP (request for proposal) language. NCI researched over two dozen recent RFPs that called for charrettes. Most of the RFPs simply requested a charrette as part of the project’s public involvement process. A couple went further to describe the intent and design-based nature of the charrette along with some specification for public review meetings. Only four of the RFPs specified the pre-charrette tasks required to assure that the right people and information would be present at the charrette, as well the minimum number of charrette days and the activities taking place during and after the charrette. Notably, the most specific RFPs were written by people who have completed the NCI Charrette Planner® course.

The NCI model charrette RFP template is a general guide for the procurement of services relating to a community planning project that includes a NCI charrette. The template contains a complete Scope of Services providing basic language for the conduct of the NCI Dynamic Planning process. The purpose of the RFP template is to provide language to encourage consistency of resulting proposals, ease the rating and comparison of proposals, and assist in the successful implementation of a superior community development process and product. 

NCI will introduce the RFP template at the California American Planning Association Conference on Tuesday October 2nd. The RFP template will be available free for download on the NCI website starting on October 3rd. This project was made possible in part through generous funding from InterCap Holdings.