RFPs FOR DUMMIES

An RFP is a request for proposal sent out by a company that is considering relocating. WHAT IS AN RFP?

HOW ARE RFPS DISTRIBUTED? The Business Location Division of the Oklahoma Department of Commerce works the company that is considering relocation and disseminates the information to the Rural Development Specialists or Partnerships who then send it out to you.

RURAL DEVELOPMENT SPECIALISTS North Central RDS - Barry Clark Northern Oklahoma College (Stillwater) West Central RDS - Corey Herndon Redlands CC (El Reno) Southwest RDS - Christy Elkins Red River Tech Center ( Duncan) Southeast RDS - Glenn Glass REI (Durant) Northeast RDS - Lisa Clark EODD (Muskogee) OKC Metro/Far NW - Rob Gragg Rural Development Director ODOC (OKC)

TIPS FOR RESPONDING TO AN RFP 1.Create an existing data base of information that is commonly required in a response. 2.Answer only the questions that are asked. 3.Keep it short and to the point.

YOU WILL ALWAYS INCLUDE: Cover letter Maps of your community –Minutes to highways, major markets, etc. –Where you are positioned in the state –Aerial maps of proposed site State and local incentives Photos and information about proposed site All information requested in the RFP

Workforce data, including –Unemployment –Underemployment –Population in commute area Make sure figures are stated in actual drive time minutes as well as miles. Many times companies from larger cities do not comprehend how commuting patterns work in Oklahoma.

COVER LETTER EXAMPLE

EXAMPLE OF A COVER LETTER

HIGHWAY MAP 30, 60, and 90 mile/minute Radius Map Present in both miles and minutes Contact your Local Rural Development Specialist

INCENTIVES EXAMPLES

EXAMPLE OF WELL DEVELOPED RFP FORMAT

CREATE AN RFP/SITE SELECTOR BINDER

INCLUDE: A generic cover letter School report card Sites available Buildings available Maps General demographics about your community –ODOC website –Oklahoma Virtual Community – Contact your local RDS for this information

Wage data (OESC) Labor market data Marketing materials Quality of life information Local and state incentives Quotes from other companies in your community

WHERE TO FIND DATA Oklahoma Department of Commerce (Contact your RDS for assistance) Oklahoma Employment Security Commission (OESC)

You can also use the Oklahoma Virtual Community website for help with demographic information needed in many RFPs. Go to the website, or contact: Ray Murphy (918)

PHASE I ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT Red River Environmental Services, Inc SE 135 th Street Lawton, OK A&M Engineering and Environmental Services E 16 th Street Tulsa, OK

Proposed Transportation Improvements -city/county government -Oklahoma Department of Transportation Zoning -City Planner -Small Towns: City Hall

You can obtain a tax map and a platt map from your county assessor’s office. Your city planner’s office will have maps of the utility and transportation infrastructure.

USGS TOPOGRAPHIC MAP You may find a USGS topographic map at your County Assessor’s office. If not, you may obtain one for a minimal fee at:

FEMA FLOOD PLAIN MAP FEMA maps may be purchased at the FEMA website for your county. There is a cost involved.

AERIAL MAP If your community doesn’t have aerial photos you can use the website Google Earth and print one directly from the site. The downloadable software is free and it is also free to print maps.

This information can be found by contacting your electrical provider. ELECTRICAL GRID, DISTRIBUTION MAP, RATE SCHEDULE

TELECOMMUNICATIONS MAP, RATE SCHEDULE, AND SERVICES AVAILABLE IN YOUR AREA Contact your telephone company and/or long distance service provider and they will be able to supply this information.