2006 NS Contract - Legacy Research Assoc Cultural & Archaeological Survey New Hope Park Blackwood Farm

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ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: June 13, 2006 Action Agenda Item No. 5 - SUBJECT: Contract with Legacy Research Associates, Inc. for a Cultural and Archaeological Survey of the Future New Hope Park at Blackwood Farm DEPARTMENT: ERCD, Purchasing PUBLIC HEARING: (YIN) No ATTACHMENT(S): 1) Request for Proposals 2) Staff Analysis of Proposals 3) Consultant Proposal Cost Breakout INFORMATION CONTACT: David Stancil, 245 -2590 Pam Jones, 245 -2650 PURPOSE: To consider awarding a contract to Legacy Research Associates, Inc. for a survey of cultural and archaeological resources on the 152 -acre property owned by Orange County for the future New Hope Park at the former Herbert Blackwood Farm. BACKGROUND: Orange County is seeking a qualified and experienced firm to conduct a survey of cultural and archaeological resources within the future New Hope Park. The farm was purchased from the Blackwood Family in 2001 and served as the site of the County's 250th Anniversary Agricultural Heritage Festival in September of 2003. The property is currently land - banked but planning is underway for a low- impact park focusing on the special scenic, agricultural and environmental aspects of the site. Information collected from the survey will be used for siting park facilities and for identifying areas of historic and cultural interest for interpretation. The survey will be comprised of the following principal components: (a) background research, (b) an intensive surface and subsurface investigation of the areas of the park identified for active recreation, (c) a reconnaissance survey of the areas of the park intended for passive recreation, and (d) a reporting of results. A final report will be submitted to Orange County by July 14, 2006. The contractor may also present its findings to the New Hope Park at Blackwood Farm Master Plan Work Group. Orange County received three (3) proposals in response to a May 8th request for proposals (RFP). After a thorough evaluation of the proposals and consultation with the Purchasing department, ERCD recommends awarding the contract to Legacy Research Associates, Inc. This firm's excellent proposal, high level of experience, and cost of services make them our first choice. A more detailed evaluation of the proposals is available from ERCD. FINANCIAL IMPACT: The projected cost of the survey is $8,254. Funding is included in the CIP and will be available July 1. Payments will not be incurred before that date.