RFP/RFQ

Master Plan Update

Joyfield Township

Joyfield Township, in Benzie County, Michigan is seeking proposals from qualified planning consultants to assist in the development and adoption of an updated master plan in compliance with the Michigan Planning Enabling Act. This master plan will serve as a comprehensive land use guide for the township's future growth and development.

Budget is TBD

Due Date is February 15, 2026

Background

Joyfield Township is situated in southern Benzie County and, according to the 2020 census, has a population of 763. This reflects a decrease of 4.5% since the 2010 census. Historically an agricultural community, Joyfield Township features rural landscapes with farms, residences and a small area dedicated to commercial development. This Master Plan update will evaluate stakeholder input, economic trends and current demographic data to develop the optimal land use strategies for the township.

Scope of Work

The planning consultant will be responsible for the following key tasks:

1. Conducting a comprehensive review of existing township Master Plan and Zoning Ordinance, county plans and relevant documents.

2. Engaging with stakeholders, including residents, community groups, schools, businesses, and local government officials, through public meetings, surveys, and workshops to gather input and feedback.

3. Analyzing demographic, economic, land use, transportation, and environmental data to inform the master plan.

4. Developing a draft master plan that outlines goals, policies, and strategies for land use, economic development, transportation and infrastructure, housing and township character.

5. Facilitating public hearings and meetings to present the draft master plan and gather additional input for revisions.

6. Finalizing and presenting the new master plan to the Joyfield Township Board for adoption.

Proposal Content

1. Company Identification: Cover sheet with the consultant’s name, address, telephone, e-mail, and name of the contact person

2. Letter of Interest: Letter of transmittal with a statement of understanding for the project and your interest in working with the Joyfield Township Planning Commission. The letter must be signed by a duly authorized officer or agent empowered with the right to bind the consultant submitting a proposal for consideration.

3. Introduction: A brief description of the firm, including the number of years the firm has been in existence, the range of professional services, office locations, and brief discussion on past experiences related to updating Master Plans, zoning ordinances and other policy documents.

4. Work Program: In the project overview, describe the general project approach and process to be employed; describe a process approach that was used in the past to successfully complete similar projects; describe the proposed project schedule, including timeline of major deliverables and completion.

5. Experience and Qualifications: A brief description of the firm’s prior work relevant to this RFP, including the name, address, and phone number of the client references and the primary contact persons.

6. Project team: (including sub-consultants and associates) with a statement of qualifications for each.

7. Relevant Work: Examples of relevant work, including at least three master plans, zoning ordinances or other similar products recently completed by the consultant, with web links to each

8. Local Knowledge: Firm’s knowledge and work history with Joyfield Township, Benzie County or within the region.

9. References: Municipal officials that we may contact to verify performance on projects recently completed by the consultant

10. Schedule: Timeline for the project, including phasing, task lists, and estimated completion times.

11. Estimated Costs: Submit cost estimates for each task associated with preparation of the Master Plan and overall completion.

12. Supporting Information: (Optional) Any other supporting documents or information that the consultant feels may help us evaluate their qualifications and fit for the project.

Selection Criteria

Proposals will be reviewed by the Joyfield Township Board. The Board reserves the right to request additional information from firms submitting proposals. The following criteria will be considered in the evaluation of the proposals by the Board.

1. Cost-effectiveness of the proposal.

2. Experience and qualifications of the consultant and team members.

3. Approach and methodology for the project.

4. Demonstrated understanding of the Michigan Planning Enabling Act and related regulations.

5. Capacity to accomplish the work in the required time.

6. References and past performance on similar projects.

7. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with community stakeholder committees.

8. Firm’s knowledge and work history within the region.

Submittal and Schedule

1. Submit all required materials as detailed in the Proposal Content. Include five (5) bound copies, and one (1) flash drive containing an electronic copy in PDF format.

2. Submit the proposal no later than February 15, 2026, in a sealed package clearly marked as indicated: Company/Name of Firm Joyfield Township Master Plan Update

3. Proposal shall be submitted to: Jim Evans, Supervisor Joyfield Township PO Box 256 Benzonia, MI 49616

4. Prior to submittal, any questions can be directed to Jim Evans at joyfieldpride@gmail.com or by calling 231-871-0044

5. The following preliminary schedule has been established: • Advertise Request for Proposals (RFP) • RFP Submittal Deadline • Interview of Prospective Firms • Award of Contract by Township Board • Master Plan Kick Off

6. The Township reserves the right to reject any or all responses to this RFP, to advertise for new RFP responses, or to accept any RFP response deemed to be in the best interest of the Township. The Township reserves the right to use its staff to complete a portion or portions of the described activity and to negotiate rates per activity after bids have been received. A response to this RFP should not be construed as a contract, nor indicate a commitment by the Township of any kind.

Posted December 11, 2025