REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL FOR

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL FOR COMMUNICATIONS STRATEGY, PLANNING AND EXECUTION; MEDIA RELATIONS; MARKETING; EVENT SUPPORT; COMMUNITY RELATIONS SUPPORT; AND ...
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REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL FOR COMMUNICATIONS STRATEGY, PLANNING AND EXECUTION; MEDIA RELATIONS; MARKETING; EVENT SUPPORT; COMMUNITY RELATIONS SUPPORT; AND OTHER GENERAL COMMUNICATIONS SUPPORT

Issued by: M-1 RAIL Date: February 20, 2015

Proposals must be submitted No later than 5:00 pm EST March 23, 2015 LATE PROPOSALS WILL BE REJECTED

M-1 RAIL Risk Management Advisory/Consulting Services RFP

TABLE OF CONTENTS SECTION

Page No.

INTRODUCTION OVERVIEW OF M-1 RAIL AND THE PROJECT M-1 RAIL OBJECTIVES KEY MESSAGES SCOPE OF SERVICES REQUESTED SERVICES DURATION AND BUDGET FEDERAL AND STATE REQUIREMENTS SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS SELECTION TYPE SELECTION CRITERIA AND WEIGHTING SELECTION TIMELINES GENERAL CONDITIONS SUBMITTAL INFORMATION

List of Exhibits Exhibit A – M-1 RAIL Business Plan Exhibit B -- Insurance Requirements Exhibit C – Anti-Slavery Affidavit  

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INTRODUCTION M1 RAIL is seeking a Communications and Marketing firm which will work with M-1 RAIL’s Communications and External Relations staff across a variety of communications and marketing areas. Any Proposal submitted pursuant to this Request for Proposals (“RFP”) should incorporate the development of a communications plan and the following activities: media relations; community relations; speechwriting and editorial support; leadership communications; social media and collateral materials; brand support; and activities that support overall marketing messages for M-1 RAIL. OVERVIEW OF M-1 RAIL AND THE PROJECT M-1 RAIL1 is a Michigan nonprofit corporation formed in 2007 to plan, design, build, own, and potentially operate a public rail system in the public right–of-way within the City of Detroit, Michigan. M-1 RAIL has been approved as a 501(c)(3) organization by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service. M-1 RAIL has raised funds from foundations, institutions and other sources (including a TIGER I and a TIGER VI grant) to sponsor this rail initiative through all phases of the M-1 RAIL project (the “Project”), including design, construction and operations for up to 10 years. This information is discussed in detail in the M-1 RAIL Business Plan attached as Exhibit A. M-1 RAIL is working in cooperation with the State of Michigan, the City of Detroit and the U.S. Department of Transportation to move forward with the M-1 RAIL Project. In addition to the transit scope, the reconstruction of the M-1 highway (Woodward Avenue) from Sibley Street to Chandler Street will be integrated into the Project design. The M-1 RAIL Project will travel approximately 3.3 miles on Woodward Avenue from Larned Street in Downtown Detroit to just north of Grand Boulevard in the New Center area of Detroit. It is anticipated that there will be twelve (12) stations along the route. The map in Figure 1 depicts the route and tentative station locations. The combined project will include the installation of streetscape elements and new street lighting within this corridor.

1

M-2 RAIL (“M-2”) is a separate 501(c)(3) corporation that is an affiliate of M-1 RAIL. M-2 will construct and own the streetcar system, and through a lease/sublease arrangement M-1 RAIL will operate the streetcar system. Many of the services referenced in this RFP will be coordinated closely with and mutually support M-2, and such coordination and support shall be deemed an integral part of the services that are subject to this RFP and are to be provided at no separate or additional cost.

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Figure 1.0: M-1 RAIL Project Area

The purpose of the Project is to implement a modern streetcar system to connect destinations within downtown Detroit, support economic growth in the city, and provide the foundation for an expanded transit system. Currently, the city of Detroit’s transit system is limited to the Detroit People Mover, which would be difficult to expand beyond its current limits, and bus systems operated by the Detroit Department of Transportation and the Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation. M-1 RAIL OBJECTIVES The goal of M-1 RAIL is to construct the Woodward Avenue Streetcar as the first step in securing the foundation of a regional transit system and creating a 21st century living and working environment in the heart of Detroit. The objectives of the M-1 RAIL streetcar line will include: •

Provide a safe, reliable transit option for residents, employers, employees, and visitors.



Provide mobility and accessibility for all users to jobs, healthcare, educational, worship, cultural, entertainment and shopping.



Ignite opportunities for economic development and jobs along the corridor.



Create a 21st century living and working environment in the heart of Detroit building upon current place-making efforts.

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Work with city, state and federal government partners to provide up to $60M Federal match from private support of M-1 to support a future connected transit project.

KEY MESSAGES From the marketing, communications, public relations and community relations perspective, the key messages that M-1 RAIL wishes to communicate and reinforce include the following: •

M-1 RAIL is a unique public-private partnership, and is the first public-private funded transit project in the United States with an unprecedented $100 million raised in private support to build the system.



M-1 RAIL is committed to maximizing the construction employment opportunities of DBE and local Detroit-based contractors and suppliers (while following and respecting federal guidelines and restrictions).



M-1 RAIL is collaborative in its approach to building the streetcar. Discussions and planning efforts include local community, civic, government, and economic development organizations.



M-1 RAIL is the first piece of a more robust, coordinated motorized and nonmotorized transit strategy for Detroit and the region. M-1 RAIL will fund and operate the line for up to 10 years, at which time it is planned to be transferred to the ownership of the regional transit authority.



The streetcar will be an economic engine for Detroit, and a catalyst for continued job growth, economic viability, and mobility along Woodward Avenue. Studies have estimated that the streetcar will generate billions of dollars in economic growth along the corridor.



The streetcar construction does not require any new taxes to be incurred by the residents of Detroit or the region.

SCOPE OF SERVICES REQUESTED Currently, the M-1 RAIL Project is under construction, with target audiences consisting primarily of media, donors, partners, and supporters. Critically important target audiences are the businesses and individuals who live and work in the Woodward corridor, and who are impacted by the on-going construction. Targeted audiences also will include customers and patrons of businesses and institutions along the corridor in terms of making them aware of the fact that these businesses and institutions remain open for business, and are accessible, during construction.

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The audiences and needs vary from the Downtown area (heavy development; corporate/residential); to Midtown (small-to-midsize businesses/residential); to the New Center and North End areas (less development; both business and residential). Communications planning must consider these current target audiences, many of whom have disparate (and sometimes conflicting) communications needs, as well as the future needs for customers/riders of the streetcar system, media, internal communications, and others (suppliers, union employees). Any Proposal submitted pursuant to this RFP should incorporate the development of a communications plan and the following activities: media relations; community relations; speechwriting and editorial support; leadership communications; social media and collateral materials; brand support; and activities that support overall marketing messages for M-1 RAIL. Hence, Proposals in response to this RFP should include communications, media relations, marketing, event support, community relations and related services, including, but not limited to, the following: •

Development of a long-term communications plan.



Development of a cadence of media relations opportunities based on M-1’s short- and long-term business plans.



Arrangement of local media coverage including interviews and appearances.



Identification and training of key spokespersons.



Identification of key organizations in which M-1 RAIL personnel should participate.



Identification and assistance with placing M-1 RAIL personnel on appropriate forums and conferences.



Creation and coordination of special events (for donors, for the community and to build the M-1 brand).



Assistance in development of a crisis communications plan.



Identification of additional public relations opportunities within the designated budget.



Support of marketing efforts, including ticketing; advertising; community and corporate outreach; bulk pass purchases; ticketing for special events; and other marketing plans.

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SERVICES DURATION AND BUDGET This RFP contemplates that the services requested hereunder shall last through the duration of construction and the commencement of revenue operations for the M-1 RAIL streetcar line. Mainline construction is anticipated to conclude, and operations to begin, in late 2016. No definitive budget has been established by M-1 RAIL for the services contemplated in this RFP, as it is recognized that the ultimate cost will be a function of the level of service. M-1 RAIL has established a preliminary budget for these services of approximately $100,000 per year (including fees and expenses associated with the services, but excluding third party expenses such as media buys). FEDERAL AND STATE REQUIREMENTS A portion of the M-1 RAIL Project is funded with federal grants funding administered by the Federal Transit Administration. As such, the terms of the Contract for services requested in the RFP and all resulting work are subject to applicable federal requirements, as they may be updated during the course of the Project. The Contract and all resulting work also are subject to applicable state requirements. Relevant federal and state requirements are generally identified in the following circulars, form and agreements; further guidance as to federal requirements is available at http://www.fta.dot.gov/. • • • • • •

FTA Circular C4220.1F, Third Party Contracting Guidance FTA Circular C5010.1D, Grant Management Guidelines FTA Master Agreement FTA Best Practices Procurement Manual MDOT Form 3160 Project Management of Funding Agreement dated July 29, 2014 by and among M-1 RAIL, M-2 RAIL and MDOT

However, these documents may not be inclusive of all federal and state requirements. The successful Proposer shall be responsible to assure compliance with all federal and state requirements during project on-boarding and implementation. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS Interested consultants or firms shall submit a Proposal containing all items listed below, in order:

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1.

Cover Letter. 1 page The cover letter should include the following: the name of the firm, local address, email address, telephone and fax numbers, name and credentials of designated contact person, and name and title of the company official. The letter must be dated and signed by a company officer authorized to bind the firm or entity in a Contract. The following information shall also be provided in the cover letter: a) Type and size of business; b) Years of operation; and c) Description of the company. State whether the Scope of Services and General Conditions are accepted as presented in this RFP or if exceptions are taken. If no exceptions are taken, the Proposer shall so state. Exceptions taken to the Scope of Services or General Conditions of this RFP shall be identified. Each exception shall be specifically related to each Section/Paragraph and/or specific part of the RFP to which the exception is taken. The Proposer shall provide a rationale in support of the exception and fully explain its impact, if any, on the performance, cost, and specific requirements of the RFP.

2.

Experience and Qualifications. 1-2 pages

In establishing its qualifications, the Proposal should reflect the following qualifications – and also review the Selection Criteria Section of this RFP: a) Minimum of five (5) years’ experience in the development and execution of integrated Communications and Marketing strategies. b) Experienced staff to handle multi-disciplinary communications projects. c) Ability to work with senior leadership and across a variety of constituent organizations, including corporate, philanthropic, community, academic, and public institutions. d) Knowledge of, and exhibited ability to deal with, local and national media across all formats (radio, television, cable, print, social, and other electronic media). e)

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Exhibited experience in project management.

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f)

Exhibited experience to be a nimble and flexible organization.

g) Willingness to provide on-site support or co-located personnel if necessary. M-1 RAIL reserves the right to waive or vary the foregoing minimum qualifications if it deems that it is in its best interests to do so. 3.

Deliverables. 2-4 pages The Proposal shall include the following: a) Recommended key messages, primary program elements and evaluation criteria. b)

Estimate to develop an integrated communications plan.

c) Detailed budget and timeline (with costs more particularly described as set forth below). d) List of proposed staffing and team members, including biographies, billing rates and level of participation in the account. There should be a separate identification of the key personnel for this engagement, with a curriculum vitae for each of the key personnel. e) Brief case histories that illustrate ability and experience in the swift resolution of a communications issue that had the potential to damage a company’s brand. f) List of current and former clients in the Detroit area or related fields for whom you have worked in a similar vein, including independent contractors. g) List of current and former clients which are focused on civic, community, minority-based or women-based issues. h) Any specialized resources that will be made available to M-1 RAIL. i) Explanation of firm's billing procedures including rates, markups, special charges, etc. j) Description of how your firm assures performance criteria are properly defined, measured and reviewed.

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k) Description of your firm’s commitment to customer service and quality assurance. l)

Statement of the overall capacity of your firm.

m) Examples of where your firm or your on-staff personnel have experience in the areas of service requested, including in areas referred to in the Selection Criteria specified below. 4.

Cost Proposal 2-4 pages Cost information should include: a)

Proposed Fee Please provide a flat fee covering professional time and expenses. In addition, please provide: The estimated hours for each professional assigned to the project. • •

b)

The hourly rates for each professional assigned to the contract (with a separate breakdown for key personnel). The hourly rates for each professional that would apply beyond the project scope.

Alternative Arrangement As an option, you may propose on a time and expense basis. If you choose this option, the Proposal should include: • • •

5.

For each project element, estimated hours and hourly rates by consulting team members (with a separate breakdown for key personnel). Estimated expenses by major expense category. An estimated total cost by major project element.

Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) 1 page M-1 RAIL’s goal for DBE participation for the services described in this RFP is 10%. Please indicate how your firm intends to meet this requirement. Additionally, it is the goal of M-1 RAIL to encourage and maximize the utilization of Detroit based businesses to the extent consistent with federal requirements and restrictions.

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6.

Certificate of Insurance Coverage. 1 page (See Exhibit B for insurance requirements). Proposal.

7.

Provide in Appendix to

Affidavit of Compliance. 1 page Disclosure of participation in or profits derived from slavery using the attached form in Exhibit C. Complete the form and return it as part of your Proposal, as an Appendix, and send an additional copy to the address listed on the form.

SELECTION TYPE The selection will be made on a Best Value basis. Award of a contract, if any, will be made to the responsive and responsible Proposer whose offer conforming to the solicitation is judged by an integrated assessment of the evaluation criteria to be the most advantageous to M-1 RAIL, price/cost and other factors considered. For this procurement, all technical or creative evaluation criteria will be considered along with cost in making the final award determination. M-1 RAIL may select other than the lowest cost/priced, technically acceptable offer if it is determined that the additional technical merit offered is worth the additional cost in relation to other Proposals received. Proposers are further cautioned that M-1 RAIL may not necessarily make an award to the Proposer with the highest technical or creative ranking if doing so would not represent the best value to M-1 RAIL. For evaluation purposes, if Proposals become more technically or creatively equivalent, then cost/price becomes more important and may be the determining factor for award. SELECTION CRITERIA AND WEIGHTING All Proposals will be evaluated on the following factors relative to professional experience and qualifications: •

Understanding of and ability to meet M-1 RAIL’s goals and objectives.



Demonstrated expertise in and/or understanding of municipal transit programs.



Demonstrated expertise in and/or understanding of public-private partnerships or similar organizational structures.



Demonstrated experience in a Detroit-based project, or other local municipality dealing with large and diverse constituent audiences.

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Demonstrated experience in building a corporate or product brand and related marketing efforts.



Demonstrated expertise and ability in working with 501(c)(3) or philanthropic organizations.



Demonstrated ability to work with and counsel senior leadership.



Firm and personnel qualifications and experience with weight given to experience of team.



Ability of Proposal to be executed within an acceptable budget.



Creativity.



Flexibility.



Teamwork and partnership.



Ability to integrate communications, marketing, community and donor activities.

A Committee has been established by M-1 RAIL to review and evaluate the responses to this RFP by scoring them in accordance with the foregoing criteria and the weighting described below. This Committee will review responses to this RFP and make recommendations to M-1 RAIL for selection of the service provider. As noted, the selection will be a Best Value-based determination and Proposals will be evaluated in accordance with the following criteria and weighting: Professional Experience / Qualifications

45 points

Fee Structure

45 points

Breadth and depth of service offered

5 points

DBE participation

5 points

Total

100 points

Submittals will be evaluated by M-1 RAIL and ranked by score. M-1 RAIL reserves the right to make the final selection in a manner that best serves its interests.

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SELECTION TIMELINES RFP Timeline

Due Date

RFP publish date

February 20, 2015

Mandatory pre-bid meeting

March 5, 2015 at 9:00 am EST

Last date for questions

March 16, 2015

M-1 RAIL reply to questions

March 18, 2015

Proposal due date

March 23, 2015 by 5 pm EST

Oral interviews (if necessary)

To Be Determined

Selection decision and on-boarding

April 2, 2015

Contract Execution

April 7, 2015

As noted, attendance at the pre-bid meeting is mandatory. The pre-bid meeting will be held on March 5, 2015 at 9:00 am, EST, at the offices of M-1 RAIL, 1426 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, Michigan 48226. Submittals will be evaluated by M-1 RAIL and ranked by score. GENERAL CONDITIONS The selection process and any resulting contract shall reflect the following terms and conditions, unless otherwise agreed to in writing by M-1 RAIL: 1.

Any and all inquiries concerning interpretation, clarification, or additional information pertaining to this RFP shall be made by e-mail by 4:00 pm EST, March 16, 2015 to: Sommer Woods M-1 RAIL [email protected] and Karen Healy [email protected] Responses will be posted and available on the M-1 RAIL website, www.m1rail.com.

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Proposers may be disqualified if any unsolicited contact related to this RFP is made with an employee or representative of M-1 RAIL other than the individuals named above during the RFP process. Responses to all inquiries shall be compiled in one document and posted at www.m-1rail.com. This response by M-1 RAIL will be the only official method for communicating interpretations, clarifications, or additional information. 2.

M-1 RAIL reserves the right to accept or reject any or all Proposals and to waive irregularities and technicalities which, in its opinion, would best serve its interests or the interests of the Project. M-1 RAIL reserves the right to cancel or withdraw this RFP or to change the timelines described above, without liability, at any time prior to the execution of a formal contract by M-1 RAIL. M-1 RAIL also reserves the right to make investigations and inquires as it deems necessary to determine the ability and qualifications of any submitting firm to perform the work or services requested.

3.

Proposals are to be based solely on the scope of services described above. If Proposers propose changes or alterations to the described scope of services, the changes or alterations must be detailed separately and negotiated prior to selection.

4.

This RFP and any other information furnished by M-1 RAIL under this RFP shall be used solely for the purpose of responding to this RFP. All such documents and information shall remain M-1 RAIL’s property, shall be kept confidential and shall be returned to M-1 RAIL upon request. Information supplied to M-1 RAIL in response to this RFP shall not be considered confidential or proprietary.

5.

Responses to this RFP shall be at no cost to M-1 RAIL. Bidders shall not charge M-1 RAIL for any time or effort expended in preparing a response to this RFP or for information provided in a response to this RFP. M-1 RAIL shall not be liable for any pre-contractual expenses incurred by bidders, whether or not they are awarded a contract.

6.

This RFP is not an offer to enter into a contract. M-1 RAIL intends to begin contract negotiations with the firm or team it selects as the best firm or team for the services that are the subject of this RFP, but reserves the right to enter into negotiations with one or more qualified firms or teams at the same time. Should negotiations with a party fail to result in the execution of a formal contract, M-1 RAIL reserves the right to terminate negotiations with such party and may, at its discretion, begin negotiations with the next-most-qualified party, as determined by M-1 RAIL. This

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process may continue until a contract is negotiated and signed or until M-1 RAIL terminates or withdraws this RFP. 7.

The Consultant shall comply with all applicable laws and regulations during the conduct of the contract. This includes any and all requirements to conduct business in the City of Detroit, the County of Wayne, and State of Michigan. By submitting a proposal, the Consultant will be confirming that the Proposer is in compliance with these requirements.

8.

Insurance The general insurance requirements, as well as minimum limits, for insurance to be carried by the Consultant are set forth in attached Exhibit B. M-1 Rail shall be named as an additional insured under the Consultant’s General Liability, Automobile and Umbrella policies. All policies listed in Exhibit B shall provide for a thirty (30) day notice to M-1 RAIL prior to change, termination or cancellation. M-1 RAIL reserves the right to increase or change these requirements during the selection process. Any professional services contract entered into with consultants selected under this RFP shall require the Consultant to carry the necessary liability insurance during the term of the contract or any extension thereof. A certified copy of the insurance policy shall be provided to M-1 RAIL as evidence thereof naming M-1 RAIL, M-2 RAIL and their respective directors, officers, agents, consultants and employees as an additional insured for public liability and property damage, pursuant to an endorsement acceptable to M-1 RAIL and providing for a thirty (30) day notice to M-1 RAIL prior to termination or cancellation of the policy. M-1 RAIL reserves the right to require review and approval of the actual policy of insurance before it executes an agreement pursuant to this RFP.

9.

Records, Audits, and Confidentiality Any services contract entered into as a result of this RFP shall require the Consultant to establish and maintain an original project file incorporating all project materials for future reference by M-1 RAIL. The Consultant shall provide copies of all data, calculations and reports, as may be requested by M-1 RAIL. All materials produced under the contract are to become and/or remain the property of M-1 RAIL, which may utilize such material in any manner or purpose as it desires without the further permission, approval or compensation to the Consultant. The Consultant may not use or publish any materials produced under the contract without the written permission of M-1 RAIL. The Consultant shall maintain books, records, documents, and other evidence directly pertinent to performance of the professional services contract in accordance with accepted applicable, professional practices. M-1 RAIL, or any of its duly authorized representatives, shall have access at all times to such books, records,

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documents, papers or any records of the Consultant which are directly pertinent to the Project or the agreement between the Consultant and M-1 RAIL, for the purpose of making audits, examinations, excerpts and transcriptions, including audits of the fees or reimbursables paid or payable to the Consultant or any Subconsultant. Except as otherwise authorized, those records shall be maintained for a period of seven (7) years after receipt of the final payment under the professional services contract. All data and information pertaining to this RFP shall be treated by the Proposer and its agents as confidential. The Proposer and its agents shall not disclose or communicate the aforesaid matters to a third party or use them in advertising, publicity, propaganda and/or in another job or jobs, unless written consent is obtained from M-1 RAIL. All material submitted pursuant to this RFP shall become the property of M-1 RAIL. 10.

Non-Discrimination and Equal Employment Any services contract entered into with the Consultant selected under this RFP shall require the Consultant to agree: a) not to willfully refuse to employ, to discharge, or to discriminate against any person otherwise qualified because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin or ancestry, lawful source of income, marital status, creed, or familial status; b) not to discriminate for the same reason in regard to tenure, terms, or conditions of employment; c) not to deny promotion or increase in compensation solely for these reasons; d) not to adopt or enforce any rule or employment policy which discriminates between employees on account of race, color, religion, sex, creed, age, disability, national origin or ancestry, lawful source of income, marital status, or familial status; e) not to seek such information as to any employee as a condition of employment; f) not to penalize any employee or discriminate in the selection of personnel for training solely on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin or ancestry, lawful source of income, marital status, creed, or familial status. Please also refer to the Section of this RFP on Federal and State Requirements.

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11.

Subcontracting Identify any Subcontractors and the type of work anticipated to be performed on the Contract. Unless identified in the response to this RFP, none of the services to be performed under service contracts shall be subcontracted without the prior written approval of M-1 RAIL. If any services are subcontracted, the performance of such services shall be specified by the services contract and shall be subject to each provision contained therein.

12.

E-Verify Compliance The Consultant warrants that it complies with all Federal Immigration laws and regulations that relate to its employees with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (8 U.S.C. 1101 et seq.) and certify use of the EVerify system established by the Department of Homeland Security. The Consultant warrants (by submitting this RFP) that it is in compliance with the Act in relation to all employees performing work in the United States and do not knowingly employ persons in violation of United States immigration laws, and, by the date of performance of services under this contract, the Consultant and all Subconsultants have implemented the EVerify program for all employees who will perform work on this project. For information on E-Verify, please refer to the following website: http://www.uscis.gov/

SUBMITTAL INFORMATION This RFP is issued by M-1 RAIL. Sommer Woods and Karen Healy shall be the sole points of contact during the proposal process. Your proposal is to be submitted no later than 5:00 pm EST on March 23, 2015. Submit five (5) bound copies and one (1) electronic copy of the Proposal to the attention of Sommer Woods. Bound copies of the Proposals should be delivered to (and the electronic copy should be e-mailed to): Sommer Woods Director of External Relations, M-1 RAIL 1426 Woodward Avenue Detroit, MI 48226 [email protected]

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Exhibit A – M-1 RAIL Business Plan Can be found on the m-1rail.com website.

M-1 RAIL Communications Strategy, Marketing, Etc RFP

Exhibit B – Insurance Requirements     Insurance specifications will be outlined in forthcoming addendum, which will be posted on m-1rail.com in 10 days.

M-1 RAIL Communications Strategy, Marketing, Etc RFP

Exhibit C – Anti-Slavery Affidavit   AFFIDAVIT OF COMPLIANCE DISCLOSURE OF PARTICIPATION IN OR PROFITS DERIVED FROM SLAVERY BY CONTRACTORS COMPANY NAME: _________________________________________________________________ ADDRESS: _______________________________________________________________________ CITY: ____________________________________ STATE:_________________ ZIP: ___________ This affidavit of compliance will be the contractor's sworn statement that publicly discloses any slavery policies sold by any companies, or profits from slavery by industries or their predecessors who are doing business with M-1 RAIL. Please check one: _____ _____ _____

This business was not in existence prior to the slavery era (1865). This business was in existence prior to the slavery era (1865). I have searched any and all records for records of investments or profits from slavery, and have found no such records in existence prior to the slavery era (1865). This business was in existence prior to the slavery era (1865). I have searched any and all records for records of investments or profits from slavery and am disclosing the following findings (attach additional pages, if necessary):

_____________________________________________________________________________ ____ _____________________________________________________________________________ ____ _____________________________________________________________________________ ____ I hereby declare that all statements are true, accurate and complete as of the date furnished to M-1 RAIL. AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE:__________________________________________________________ PRINTED NAME: __________________________________________________________________

M-1 RAIL Communications Strategy, Marketing, Etc RFP

DATE: ___________________________________________________________________________

Subscribed to before me on this day ____ of _______________, 20___, at _____________________ County, _________________________State. NOTARY PUBLIC SIGNATURE: _____________________________________________ (SEAL) PRINT NAME:_____________________________________________________ My commission expires: _______________________ PLEASE RETURN THIS FORM TO: M-1 RAIL, 1426 WOODWARD AVENUE, DETROIT, MI 48226

DET02\537942.3 ID\CHP - 105486\0001

M-1 RAIL Communications Strategy, Marketing, Etc RFP