Request for Proposals
Advancing West End Sustainability Plan
for the Telluride Foundation and West End Economic Development Corporation

Project Information:
The Telluride Foundation in partnership with the West End Economic Development Corporation (WEEDC) are seeking technical assistance services to aid in developing a Sustainability Plan that will provide an operations and financial model to sustain several key elements of the Advancing West End (AWE) Project funded by the Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant, which promote economic development efforts in the “West End” (west end of Montrose and San Miguel counties; comprised of Nucla, Naturita, Bedrock, Redvale, Paradox, and Norwood).

The three-year EDA grant is funding economic development efforts and the partners are interested in ensuring the success and sustainability of these efforts after the grant period. These efforts include:
• The “Collective Mine” co-working space located in Naturita
• WEEDC’s business incubator and support programs, including training and mentorship
• Two key positions responsible for providing business support: Economic Development Director and Business Development Manager
• Two commercial kitchens located in Naturita and Norwood, which could create an income stream over the long- term
• A grain mill and sifter located in Norwood, which can be used cooperatively by grain producers and could produce rental income

The Sustainability Plan should be completed by or before September 30, 2019. Proposals to should be emailed to April Montgomery, VP Programs at the Telluride Foundation at april@telluride.dreaminblog.com by March 29, 2019.

Proposed Scope of Work
The Telluride Foundation is interested in hiring a firm that specializes in operations and financial sustainability. As part of the proposal, applicants will produce a Scope of Work, which will include the following components:

1. Review AWE workplan and goals and refine and clarify objectives of the Sustainability Plan, accordingly.
2. Produce management/organizational and operations models to achieve the highest level of sustainability for the four core components of long-term economic development:
a. Collective Mine co-working space
b. WEEDC business incubation, training, and mentorship, including staffing plan
c. Commercial kitchens at Collective Mine and the Fresh Food Hub
d. Grain Mill

3. Conduct a financial analysis, identifying projected revenue sources and expenses related to a. through d. above; provide sustainable funding recommendations for long-term viability.
4. Review use and membership agreements and propose revisions for long term sustainability.

Deliverables
Deliverables will include:
1) Sustainability Plan for each of the four components, including operations and financial components
2) Revised use and membership agreements and fee schedules if necessary for future use

Proposal Format & Content
The proposal should include a description that conveys the Consultant’s understanding of the Project objectives, including how the Consultant will assist the Telluride Foundation and WEEDC in meeting their objectives. There is no required format, but at a minimum, the Proposal should include:
• A draft Scope of Work as described above
• Demonstrate the Consultant’s unique capabilities, innovative approaches and problem-solving abilities to accomplish the Project
• A recommended approach to achieving the objectives of the Project
• Identify key personnel and sub-consultants if necessary, their qualifications and areas of responsibilities
• The approach and a description of the estimated required services to be provided
• The anticipated schedule and a break out of costs and anticipated staff time

Project Schedule
Request for Proposal Issued: March 4, 2019
Proposals Due: March 29, 2019
Finalist Selection and Interviews if appropriate: April 1 – 19, 2019
Contract Issued to Selected Firm: April 30, 2019
Project Completion: September 30, 2019

Proposals to should be emailed to April Montgomery, VP Programs at the Telluride Foundation at april@telluride.dreaminblog.com by March 29, 2019.

Telluride Foundation Overview:
The Telluride Foundation is committed to enriching the quality of life of the residents and workforce of the Telluride region. It is a nonprofit, apolitical public community foundation that makes grants and runs programs in arts, education, health and human services, community development, and social enterprise. The Foundation strives to achieve excellence for the community through its mission and core values, including promoting inclusion and maximizing benefit to all. Our work is funded through the generous support of hundreds of donors as well as grants from state and national foundations. Please visit www.telluridefoundation.org.

WEEDC Overview:
The West End Economic Development Corporation (WEEDC) was established in 2013 and is a nonprofit serving the West End with offices located in Naturita. The West End is a remote frontier rural community in the western end of Montrose and San Miguel Counties (made up of towns of Nucla, Norwood and Naturita) and is facing enormous economic upheaval with the impending closure of the Nucla Tri-State Power & Generation Station and recent closure of the New Horizon Coal Mine. By building the region’s assets, fostering the growth of small businesses and creating new opportunities in agriculture and outdoor recreation, WEEDC is building a strong foundation to attract more businesses, visitors and community members. WEEDC owns and operates The Collective Mine work space and commercial kitchen in Naturita. Visit www.choosewestend.org.