Integrating the Gulf of Mexico Border Region

Request for Proposal - Phase 1

GULF OF MEXICO STATES PARTNERSHIP, INC. "GULF OF MEXICO TRADE CORRIDOR TRANSPORTATION STUDY: PHASE 1" REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

I. Introduction

The Gulf of Mexico States Partnership, Inc. is a private sector advocacy organization for the Gulf of Mexico border states. The Partnership supports the Gulf of Mexico Congressional Caucus in its mission of education, consensus-building and creation of new regional initiatives in the areas of transportation, homeland security, environment, economic development, education, and international trade in the border states of the Gulf of Mexico basin. The Partnership was formed as the private sector counterpart of the official 11-state member Gulf of Mexico States Accord (GOMSA). The Partnership is a 501-c-6 not-for-profit organization under the US Tax Code. The Partnership's mission is to:

• Serve as the pre-eminent resource for the Gulf of Mexico Congressional Caucus
• Educate state and Federal policy officials on key issues affecting the Gulf of Mexico border region
• Advocate government policies that will promote the economic growth and development of the Gulf of Mexico border states, and
• Expand business opportunities for member companies.

In November 2003, the Partnership and its sister organization, the Gulf of Mexico States Accord, signed a "Memorandum of Cooperation on Short Sea Shipping in the Gulf of Mexico" with the US Maritime Administration. In 2004, the Partnership was appointed to the Maritime Transportation System National Advisory Council (MTSNAC) by the US Department of Transportation. During 2004, the Partnership supported the formation of the Gulf of Mexico Congressional Caucus, and supported Congresswoman Katherine Harris' request to the US Government Accountability Office (GAO) on the benefits of short sea shipping to the US transportation system.

II. Background

During the first ten years of the North American Free Trade Agreement, significant Federal investment went to the US-Mexico land border; in the aftermath of September 11, funding was again focused on the land border, with security matters paramount. As the NAFTA passes its tenth year, a new regional approach within the Gulf of Mexico border would help to ensure the broadening and deepening of North American economic integration and homeland security. Why?

Development of the Gulf of Mexico border will have immediate and enduring regional and national impact on:

• Efficient investment in homeland security
• Identification of and investment in "critical" physical infrastructure for commerce and economic development
• Encouraging commercial exchange and business partnerships between the US and Mexican business communities, particularly in the small and medium-size sectors
• Sustainable tourism
• Human resource development
• Sustainable environmental development, and
• Overall state and local international economic development.

The Gulf of Mexico basin is a natural North American economic sub-region, which represents:

• A seaborne NAFTA "superhighway" trade corridor
• A common sustainable resource for tourism, agriculture, fisheries and aquaculture
• 11 US and Mexican states, with 62 million inhabitants, and
• A common homeland security zone - from more secure shipping routes, regional tourism & significant petroleum reserves.

This binational study - the first of its kind focused on both sides of the Gulf of Mexico - would create a long-range blueprint for enhancing homeland security and deepening the economic benefits of the North American Free Trade Agreement in the strategic Gulf of Mexico basin trade corridor. The study will assess the infrastructure investment needed to increase trade and distribution networks throughout the Gulf of Mexico states. University and private research professionals will be invited to bid on the project, and a Technical Advisory Committee and an Executive Research Committee - comprised of key funders and stakeholders in the study - will guide the course of this path-breaking research initiative. The US Congress provided funding in FY 2005 to the Partnership to launch the first phase of the Study, which will be administered by the US Department of Transportation Maritime Administration and the Office of the Secretary of Transportation.

Synchronization with Emerging North American Policy Framework

On March 23, 2005, Presidents George W. Bush and Vicente Fox, and Prime Minister Paul Martin of Canada, announced a new strategy for North American transportation, security and environmental stewardship. Known as "Security and Prosperity Partnership for North America", the three leaders pledged that

"Our Partnership will accomplish these objectives through a trilateral effort to increase the security, prosperity, and quality of life of our citizens. This work will be based on the principle that our security and prosperity are mutually dependent and complementary, and will reflect our shared belief in freedom, economic opportunity, and strong democratic values and institutions. Also, it will help consolidate our action into a North American framework to confront security and economic challenges, and promote the full potential of our people, addressing disparities and increasing opportunities for all." [Joint Statement by Presidents Bush & Fox, Prime Minister Martin establishing the Security & Prosperity Partnership for North America, March 23, 2005]

As a component of the "prosperity" work agenda, the three leaders stated they would work together to (boldface added):

• "Improve the safety and efficiency of North America's transportation system by expanding market access, facilitating multimodal corridors, reducing congestion, and alleviating bottlenecks at the border that inhibit growth and threaten our quality of life (e.g., expand air services agreements, increase airspace capacity, initiate an Aviation Safety Agreement process, pursue smart border information technology initiatives, ensure compatibility of regulations and standards in areas such as statistics, motor carrier and rail safety, and working with responsible jurisdictions, develop mechanisms for enhanced road infrastructure planning, including an inventory of border transportation infrastructure in major corridors and public-private financing instruments for border projects" (boldface added).

Another element of the "prosperity" agenda, entitled "Joint Stewardship of our Environment", pledged the North American governments to:

• "Develop complementary strategies for oceans stewardship by emphasizing an ecosystem approach, coordinating and integrating existing marine managed areas, and improving fisheries management."

Major components of the three leaders' North American "security" agenda committed them to "…work together to ensure the highest continent-wide security standards and streamlined risk-based border processes are achieved in the following priority areas:

1) "Secure North America from external threats

• Develop and implement a North American traveler security strategy, to include consistent outcomes with compatible processes, for screening prior to departure from a foreign port and at the first port of entry to North America.
• Develop and implement a North American cargo security strategy to ensure compatible screening methods for goods and cargo prior to departure from a foreign port and at the first point of entry to North America.

2) "Prevent and respond to threats within North America

• Develop and implement a strategy to enhance North American maritime transportation and port security.
• Develop and implement a strategy to establish equivalent approaches to aviation security for North America.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive North American strategy for combating transnational threats to the United States, Canada, and Mexico, including terrorism, organized crime, illegal drugs, migrant and contraband smuggling and trafficking.
• Enhance partnerships on intelligence related to North American security.
• Develop and implement a common approach to critical infrastructure protection, and response to cross-border terrorist incidents and, as applicable, natural disasters.

3) "Further streamline the secure movement of low-risk traffic across our shared borders.

• Develop and implement a border facilitation strategy to build capacity and improve the legitimate flow of people and cargo at ports of entry within North America.
• Identify, develop, and deploy new technologies to advance our shared security goals and promote the legitimate flow of people and goods across our borders."

* *

The Gulf of Mexico States Partnership, Inc. track record in the areas of transportation, security and environmental stewardship its collaboration and support of the Gulf of Mexico Congressional Caucus and its work with the 11-state Gulf of Mexico States Accord, expects that this study will become the substantive research that would support Partnership work initiatives with the Gulf of Mexico Congressional Caucus on legislative initiatives as well as the overall US-Mexican binational policy process.

III. Purpose of the Study

The objectives of the "Gulf of Mexico Transportation Study" are to design a long-range intermodal North American transportation system master plan (10-25 years) from Gulf of Mexico seaport to seaport and seaport to North American market.

The study will:

• Describe and demonstrate the significant role played by the Gulf of Mexico border states in North American homeland security, in increasing trade efficiency and in igniting regional economic development;
• Identify Gulf of Mexico "critical infrastructure" related to North American homeland security, intermodal transportation efficiencies and sustainable development;
• Develop a deeper understanding of the Gulf of Mexico's seaport, airport, rail and highway logistical and trade corridor connectivity and new development opportunities; and,
• Create a mutually beneficial policy framework for sustainable bilateral economic development in the Gulf of Mexico border.

In brief, the fully-phased study will:

• Phase 1: Review the commercial, transportation, environmental and security markets in the Gulf of Mexico region and profile existing infrastructure assets, provide a gap analysis of financial resources and physical infrastructure with recommendations for future planning, and identify new business opportunities in these sectors.
• Phase 2: Create a port security benchmark study, describing, under present and anticipated future circumstances, an appropriate, state-of-the-art port security profile that would assure fast, flexible, efficient and secure port operations (bulk cargo, containers & cruise operations, among others) within the Gulf of Mexico.
• Phase 3: Provide the supporting environmental assessment that will provide the essential baselines and measures necessary to support strategically integrated and sustainable future economic development in coastal areas of the Gulf.
• Phase 4: Provide critical decision-support research to inform Gulf of Mexico Congressional Caucus public policy and legislative initiatives.

IV. Scope of Services - Phase 1

The present Request for Proposal focuses on the first phase of a multi-phase project that will culminate in a binational study of the potential for increasing trade in the Gulf of Mexico trade corridor. At present, only Phase 1 of the Study has received funding, although the Partnership plans to make every effort to secure funding for all phases of the Study over the next twelve months. The Partnership can, therefore, make no assurances to RFP respondents that the Study will continue beyond the present phase or that even if it does continue, they will be retained for future Study phases.

At the appropriate time, the Partnership will notify the winning respondent, as well as other respondents, of any planned continuation of the Study. A further RFP is contemplated for the other phases of the Study, although the Partnership reserves the right to select future consultants without RFPs, as appropriate. Award of the Phase 1 Study in no way implies a commitment on the part of the Partnership to select the same consultant (s) for future phases, if funded.

In this first of a contemplated three phases, the Study would include, among others to be determined by the Partnership Research Committee, the following elements:

Phase 1: Market analysis - "The Gulf from 80,000 Feet"

• Market analysis to determine directions of traded goods that could be moved more securely, more economically, and more efficiently across and through the Gulf of Mexico trade corridor
• Inventory of intermodal infrastructure assets throughout the eleven (11) Gulf of Mexico state members of the Accord
• Inventory of strategic critical infrastructure assets and gaps in the Gulf of Mexico states
• Gap analysis to determine needs for additional infrastructure and security measures
• Development of a policy framework for enhancing North American homeland security, including binational customs inspections, immigration and other security measures across the Gulf of Mexico
• Elaboration of and feasibility studies for capacity-building via existing and future Gulf of Mexico States infrastructure and logistics projects, including (but not limited to):
• Short-Sea Shipping development and other maritime matters
• Alleviation of highway congestion and air pollution
• Air cargo hub development
• General air service
• Rail connectivity
• Intermodal connectivity
• Communications connectivity
• Development of joint planning and crisis response modalities, including, but not limited to disaster prevention and management, security response, environmental protection, food security and other health-related issues
• Case studies of other US or global projects relevant to development of shipping and intermodal strategies for the Gulf of Mexico
• Outline of a Transportation Master Plan for the Gulf of Mexico border region

The respondent is hereby advised that the successful respondent will be required to collaborate with selected academic research institutions in the five US Gulf of Mexico states (Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas). The Partnership will request recommendations from each US member of the Executive Committee of the Gulf of Mexico States Accord for appropriate research instititutions in their states.

The Study will also include a survey of relevant current Gulf States research in the areas of transportation, infrastructure and logistics, and the consultant will be required to assess the value and relevance of the research to the present Study. Further, relevant research, as appropriate, will be included in the Study, with corresponding citations for the contributing research institutions. Any and all purchases of existing research will be drawn from the consulting award.

Moreover, the respondent is advised that the Study will be binational, and include a lead Mexican consulting team and/or Mexican academic institutions. On the Mexican side, the Partnership will work with appropriate experts to ensure that selectees in Mexico will work in complete collaboration with the US consulting team to ensure a seamless report and recommendations. The successful US consultant will have bilingual capability, and will be required to work in partnership with the Mexican consulting team. Each phase of the Study, as well as the final report, will be required to be published in English and Spanish.

Deliverables

For the purposes of this RFP, Respondents should concentrate on completion of Phase 1 deliverables resulting from the project scope outline above:

1. Review of the commercial, transportation, environmental and security assets and markets in the Gulf of Mexico region, including a profile of existing infrastructure assets, a gap analysis of financial resources and physical infrastructure with recommendations for future planning, and identification of new business opportunities in these sectors. This component can be identified as "The Gulf of Mexico from 80,000 Feet".

2. Preliminary report containing current critical infrastructure, policy and environmental inventories, infrastructure & financial gap analysis, economic foundations analysis, key issues, investment opportunities and background data and analysis

3. Elements of a Gulf of Mexico Transportation Study Master Plan

4. Recommendations and Next Steps (Phases 2-4)

V. Schedule of Events

The following key dates in the RFP and Study process are preliminary estimates and are subject to change:

DATE DELIVERABLE
June 1, 2005 Issuance of RFP
June 10, 2005 Mandatory Letter of Intent due at 5:00 pmDeadline for written questions
June 17, 2005 Release of official Partnership response to written questions
July 1, 2005 Proposals due at 5:00 p.m. (EDT)(Late proposals will not be considered.)
July 8, 2005 Preliminary evaluations by Partnership staff
July 15, 2005 Evaluation of short-listed proposals by selection committee
July 22, 2005 Oral presentations (if necessary) in Washington, DC or Tampa, Florida
July 25, 2005 Anticipated award date
August 26, 2005 "Early Harvest" Overview due
Mid-September 2005 Gulf of Mexico Trade Corridor Transportation Study Stakeholder's Summit
December 16, 2005 Final Phase 1 Report due

VI. Selection Process and Evaluation Criteria

VII. Fees and Expenses

Based on current funding, the Partnership anticipates that the budget for the selected lead consulting team for Phase 1 of the Study will be between $200,000 and $250,000. Respondents are to submit a firm, fixed fee for the Study in their proposal.

Any and all costs related to the preparation of a proposal under this RFP and presentations to the selection committee will be borne by the respondent.

Respondents are advised that this fixed fee must cover consulting fees, travel and all other expenses related to the completion of Phase 1 of the Study.

The evaluation process shall be used as a determinant as to which proposed services are the most efficient and/or most economical for the Partnership and will produce the desired results. The proposal evaluation will be based on all factors which have a bearing on price and performance, including clarity, creativity, and research methodology. Price will NOT be the only criteria for making a recommendation.

The Partnership reserves the right to contact any proposer, company or individual at any time during the proposal process in order to clarify, verify, request information, or negotiate regarding the contents of any proposal. In addition, the Partnership reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals or waive any and all formalities not considered advantageous to the Partnership. A preliminary evaluation by Partnership staff will be held and those proposals deemed responsive will be presented to the Selection Committee for review. The Selection Committee will consist of volunteer representatives from the Partnership Board of Directors, Partnership members and other parties interested in the Study. Up to three firms may be asked to make oral presentations of their proposals.

The following considerations, not necessarily listed in order of importance will be utilized in evaluating the proposals:

• Understanding of purpose. The consultant's understanding of the purpose and intent of the Study, and the degree to which the consultant's proposal meets that purpose and fulfills all requirements of the RFP.
• Scope and level of service proposed. The soundness of the consultant's approach to the project; the techniques to be used in collecting and analyzing data; plans to avoid duplication of any current, related work; the assurance of a broad-based, Gulf of Mexico-wide participation in the study; and the ability to manage the sequence and relationship of all major activities of the study.
• Relevant experience and available resources. The experience of the firm or institution in conducting similar projects and the availability of both human and financial resources to be applied to this study. Specific knowledge of intermodal transportation issues and Gulf of Mexico trade and economic development matters is required. (The Partnership encourages joint proposals that include Gulf of Mexico research institutions, provided one firm assumes the role of prime contractor.)
• Qualifications of assigned staff. Qualifications and experience of the key staff persons involved in the study, highlighting in particular, their experience and success in conducting similar research studies.
• Time commitment of top level staff. The credentials received must be those of the primary staff members who will be assigned to the project and a firm commitment that those proposed for the study will be the ones to actually perform the work and participate extensively in all project activities.
• Cost proposal. The total cost for development of the study, including all written materials, professional fees, travel, and other expenses. Total cost by person by task should be included in the cost proposal.
• References. Provide three contact names, titles, phone numbers, and brief project description for individuals who can attest to the quality and level of service provided in projects of a similar nature.
• Timeliness. The ability of the consultant to complete the study within the specified time frame. A GANTT chart outlining the proposed schedule for the study is requested and made available electronically to Partnership staff.

III. Mandatory Letter of Intent

All potential proposers are required to submit a non-binding, mandatory letter of intent to bid, which must be received in the Partnership office no later than 5:00 p.m. on June 10, 2005. Only the proposals of those respondents who submit a letter of intent will be considered for this project.

The letter of intent must identify the entity that may submit a proposal in response to this RFP, and must be signed by an official of that entity. Responses to questions and other information pertaining to this RFP will be sent only to those potential proposers who submit a letter of intent. Potential proposers must include their fax number and email address in the letter of intent to provide for the expedited transmission of information pertaining to this RFP. The letter of intent must be addressed to Gary Springer, at the address shown below. (Prospective proposers may fax letters of intent to (727) 321-9453 to ensure timely receipt or email the full proposal to gulfofmexicobiz@aol.com.)

IX. Proposal Specifications

To reply to this request for proposal, please submit your proposal and all supporting materials in writing, as soon as possible, but no later than 12:00 noon, July 1, 2005 to:

Mr. Gary L. Springer
President
Gulf of Mexico States Partnership, Inc.
Century Bank of Florida Building
716 West Fletcher Avenue
Tampa, Florida 33612
Fax: 727-321-9453
Email: Gulfofmexicobiz@aol.com

Proposals must follow the format prescribed below:

Transmittal Letter. One page in length; signed by a representative authorized to contractually bind the firm.

Table of Contents: Delineate by page number each chapter and any major subsections.

Executive Summary. Not to exceed three pages, the executive summary should represent a full and concise overview of the contents of the proposal and highlight any unique characteristics of the proposer.

Understanding and Background. Briefly outline the current intermodal transportation environment in the Gulf of Mexico border region, the general Gulf trade and transportation environment in the Gulf (including all domestic and international trading patterns through Gulf ports), as well as any relevant trends and issues that affect international economic development.

Methodology and Work Plan: Describe the approach, techniques, and procedures to be used in successfully completing the requested scope of services. Include major activities as well as associated work tasks, and clearly outline responsibilities of the consultant and Partnership. Outline how the approach will take advantage of any related work in progress (specifically that research completed or underway in research institutions in the US Gulf of Mexico states) and avoid duplication of effort. Specify the support and resources anticipated from the Partnership. Include a GANTT chart to show the proposed sequence of events and major milestones, including deliverables.

Staffing and Project Organization: Delineate what each person's role will be in the study, including their qualifications, credentials, and relevant experience. Show projected number of hours and percentage of time each person will allocate directly to this Study. Describe the proposed organizational structure and consultant's approach to project management and quality control. Resumes for key personnel assigned to this study must be submitted and should be no longer than five pages total.

Firm Qualifications: Include general information about the company or institution, including brief history, primary office responsible for this study, financial stability (balance sheet), and present workload. Demonstrate prior experience in studies involving the areas of intermodal transportation, economic development, international trade, and Gulf of Mexico market research. Provide the client list for whom the consultant has completed similar research projects during the past three years, including contact names, titles, phone and fax numbers, and email address, a brief description of the project, and the key persons involved who will also be assigned to this study. Provide three references to contact regarding quality of work. (Respondents are asked to provide one sample work product as supplemental information.)

Cost: Present the total estimated professional and support fees by hour by task to successfully complete this study in the specified time frame. Also include a detailed estimate of the type and cost of travel and other research expenses.

One original, one unbound camera-ready, and 10 copies of the proposal are required. Proposals may not exceed 20 pages in length, including all appendices. The transmittal letter, table of contents, and resumes of key staff are not included in the 20-page restriction. The response should be submitted on 8 1/2 inch by 11 inch pages, be sequentially numbered, and have divider tabs as needed.

If additional clarification is needed regarding the RFP, questions must be submitted in writing by June 10, 2005 at 5:00 p.m. to Mr. Gary Springer at the address previously noted or via email. All questions will be answered in an addendum and mailed to all firms who submitted a letter of intent. Failure of any respondent to receive any such addendum or interpretation shall not relieve said respondents from any obligation contained therein.