INTRODUCTION
The County of Greene is seeking proposals from consultants and firms interested in identifying and assessing brownfield sites in Greene and Columbia Counties. Responses must be received from qualified environmental professionals. The project is funded with USEPA Brownfield Assessment and Cleanup grant funds. Grant funds are being administered by Greene County Economic Development, Planning, and Tourism.
This RFQ is being made under USEPA’s brownfields program for revitalization of sites where redevelopment is complicated by real or perceived contamination from hazardous substances and is subject to an EPA Cooperative Agreement.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND SCOPE OF SERVICES
Greene County was awarded a USEPA grant for a Brownfield Coalition Assessment to Investigate Brownfield Sites. The agreement with USEPA will provide funding for the coalition, which includes Columbia Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) and the Hunter Foundation, to inventory, characterize, assess, and conduct cleanup planning and community involvement related activities for brownfield sites located throughout Greene and Columbia Counties, New York. Priority sites include a former brick manufacturing mill, a petroleum storage yard, early nineteenth century fuel terminal, former plastic manufacturing site, former automobile mechanic site, and municipal DPW garage. The project will include, but not be limited to, twenty-eight Phase I and ten Phase II environmental site assessments, community engagement efforts, prioritization and site inventorying, reuse assessments, revitalization plans, resource roadmaps, and area-wide plan. Brownfields are defined as real property, the expansion, development, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant.
The individual or firm selected will undertake all the services and comply with all terms and conditions of the USEPA funding as outlined in Exhibit A Cooperative Agreement and Exhibit B Narrative Proposal and Work Plan which are attached to this RFQ. In submitting a proposal, the respondent acknowledges that the respondent has reviewed Exhibits A, and B and assures that it will comply with the terms and conditions of those exhibits. Additionally, the respondent acknowledges that they have reviewed County-imposed requirements described herein attachments C, D, E, F, and G.
The resulting contract will be for four (4) years. Greene County may amend or extend this contract beyond the initial four years to accommodate the terms and conditions of the FY2025 Brownfield Coalition Assessment Grant or future EPA grants awarded to Greene County within this four-year period provided that Greene County determines that the contractor’s proposed prices are reasonable.
SELECTION PROCESS
Respondents to this RFQ will be reviewed and selected according to the competitive proposal process. The selection will be based upon technical skills and relevant experience using the following factors and point system:
- Cost – The total cost of providing the required services. (25 pts)
- Technical Capability – Relevant knowledge in and ability to provide the type of services necessary to undertake this project. (15 pts)
- Experience/Track Record – Number of years and type of experience in working with contaminated properties, particularly those of a similar nature to the subject project. (15 pts)
- Community Engagement/Communications – Demonstrated experience in effectively engaging with community members through a public awareness campaign to solicit project input; and federal and state agencies to effectively complete projects while complying with procurement and documentation requirements. (15 pts)
- Knowledge of local, state and federal regulations pertaining to contaminated properties, their remediation, and feasible reuse strategies. (15 pts)
- Demonstrated ability to complete assigned tasks on time and within budget. (10 pts)
- References – At least three references to include company, contact name, phone and email address, and type of project. (5 pts)
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION: Submissions are due no later than 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 11, 2025 and shall be delivered to:
Greene County Economic Development, Tourism and Planning
411 Main Street, Suite 419, Catskill, New York 12414
Attn: Victoria Keyser, Confidential Secretary to James Hannahs
The Request for Qualifications (RFQ) can be downloaded (free of charge) at: https://www.greenegovernment.com/category/rfp/
NO PROPOSALS WILL BE OPENED AFTER 3:00 P.M. ON THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2025
INQUIRIES CONTACT:
Victoria Keyser
Confidential Secretary to James Hannahs
Greene County Economic Development, Tourism and Planning
vkeyser@greenecountyny.gov
518-719-3290
PROPOSAL SUBMISSION: Proposals shall be submitted in a sealed envelope marked with the name of the proposal and the words “SEALED PROPOSAL” written on the outside of the envelope. Please submit three (3) copies. Proposals submitted by FAX OR E- MAIL will not be accepted.
Interested parties should include, but are not limited to, the following with their submission:
- Letter of Proposal indicating the contractor’s interest
- Consultant Services Contact Form providing the name and contact information of the consultant (Exhibit C)
- Brief description of the firm’s qualifications, principals, number of employees, and resumes of staff who will be working on this project.
- A listing of projects undertaken over the past ten years of a similar size and scope to the proposed project, including location, project description, project cost, and other relevant information.
- References, including names, addresses, emails, and telephone numbers and type of project from at least three current or former clients.
- Remuneration schedule showing hourly rates for project team members and any other supplemental expenses typically incurred for the described services which will become the fee schedule for the contract period. Contract will be for a four-year period with yearly updates to the remuneration schedule affording changes in yearly rates.
- Incorporation Form (Exhibit D)
- Debarment Form (Exhibit E)
- Certificate of Non-Collusion (Exhibit F)
- Bidders and Vendors Acknowledgement (Exhibit G)
WOMEN AND MINORITY BUSINESS ENTERPRISES
This RFQ is open to consultants and firms eligible and qualified to do Environmental Assessments. Certified Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprises (M/WBE) are encouraged to apply and M/WBE participation is a priority under the project’s grant funding. For more information about M/WBE certification, contact New York State/Empire State Development’s Division of Minority and Women-Owned Business Development at https://www.esd.ny.gov/doing-business-ny/mwbe.
A successful bidder will be required to demonstrate the following good faith efforts whenever procuring construction, equipment, services and supplies under this contract:
a) Ensure Disadvantage Business Enterprises (DBEs) are made aware of contracting opportunities to the fullest extent practicable through outreach and recruitment activities. M/WBEs are included in the DBE category.
b) Make information on forthcoming opportunities available to DBEs and arrange time frames for contracts and establish delivery schedules, where the requirements permit, in a way that encourages and facilitates participation by DBEs in the competitive process. This includes, whenever possible, posting solicitations for bids or proposals for a minimum of 30 calendar days before the bid or proposal closing date.
c) Consider subcontracting with DBEs including dividing total requirements when economically feasible into smaller tasks or quantities to permit maximum participation by DBEs in the competitive process.
d) Encourage contracting with a consortium of DBEs when a contract is too large for one of these firms to handle individually.
e) Use the services and assistance of the SBA and the Minority Business Development Agency of the Department of Commerce.
f) If the subcontracts are awarded, the prime contractor is to take the steps listed in paragraphs (a) through (e) of this section.
SPECIAL CONTRACT CONDITIONS
- The selection of a consultant shall not guarantee any minimum amount of services under the contract.
- Greene County reserves the right to reject any or all proposals; to negotiate any elements of a proposal; to conduct interviews at its sole discretion; and to solicit and/or select contractors outside of the scope of this RFQ.
- Greene County assumes no responsibility or liability for costs incurred by respondents to this RFQ, including any requests for additional information, interviews, or negotiations.
- All applicable State and Federal rules and regulations must be adhered to by the consultant including stipulations on equal opportunity employment, affirmative action, nondiscrimination, civil rights, Americans with disabilities, and record keeping.
- Greene County anticipates that this RFQ will meet its needs for consultants to complete the aforementioned professional services and is conducting this process in accordance with the procurement rules and procedures established and known at the time of the release of this RFQ. Contract language with the successful consultant(s) shall include the appropriate State and Federal language regarding the provision of services to the County.
- Greene County, in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and 78 Stat. 252, 42 USC 2000d-d4 and Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Department of Transportation, Subtitle A, Office of the Secretary, part 21, Nondiscrimination in federally assisted programs of the Department of Transportation issued pursuant to such Act, herby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively ensure that any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, minority business enterprises will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, sex or national origin in consideration for an award.
- Greene County requires its consultants working on New York State funded projects (when applicable) to meet any employment and business goals imposed on grant awards through Executive Law 15-A for the State’s Minority and Women Owned Business Enterprise contracting program (MWBE). Greene County also requires its consultants working on New York State funded projects to meet any employment and business goals imposed on grant awards (when applicable) through Executive Article 17-B for participation by Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Businesses. Certified Minority and/or Women Owned Business Enterprises as well as Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Businesses are encouraged to respond to the RFQ.
- Submissions in response to this RFQ shall be considered public documents and, with limited exceptions, all submissions will be available for inspection and copying by the public. If a firm considers any portion of its proposal to be protected under the Freedom of Information Law governing access to public documents pursuant to Article 6 of the Public Officers Law, the firm shall identify each such portion as Confidential, Proprietary, or Business Secret. If a request is made for non-disclosure, Greene County will determine whether the material should be made available under the law. If the material is not exempt from public disclosure law, the County will notify the firm of the request and allow the firm five days to take whatever action it deems necessary to protect its interests. If the firm fails or neglects to take whatever action within said period, the County will release portions of the submission deemed subject to disclosure. By making a submission, the firm assents to the procedure outlined in this paragraph and shall have no claim against Greene County on account of actions taken under such procedure.
- In order to enter into a contract agreement, Contractors must comply with Greene County’s insurance requirements.
- The relationship between Greene County and the selected firm will be a contractual one for professional services. The Engineer or firm will not become an employee of Greene County or any members of the coalition.
- In addition to the above, Contractors must comply with the provisions of all applicable Federal Regulations, including but not limited to 2 CFR 200, 2 CFR 1500, 40 CFR 31, 40 CFR Part 33, and 40 CFR Part 35 Subpart O.
Exhibit A – Cooperative Agreement
Exhibit B – Narrative Proposal and Work Plan
Exhibit C – Professional Consultant Services Contact Form
Exhibit D – Incorporation Form
Exhibit E – Certificate Regarding Disbarment, Suspensions, Etc.
Exhibit F – Certificate of Non-Collusion
Exhibit G – Bidders and Vendors Acknowledgment
The Request for Qualifications (RFQ) can be downloaded (free of charge) at: https://greenecountyny.gov/category/rfp/