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