NLCU: Building Stronger Infrastructure RFQs

Local governments across the country are under pressure to deliver complex infrastructure projects quickly and effectively, often with limited staff capacity. Too often, projects are delayed, attract weak firm responses, or result in poorly aligned contracts because staff lack the time and support needed to clearly define project goals, align stakeholders, appropriately scope services, and communicate project needs in ways that attract qualified professional services firms.

This four-part workshop series helps local government teams strengthen procurement for priority infrastructure projects that rely on professional services support. Participants will learn practical strategies to conduct meaningful market research and draft stronger RFQs that lead to more competitive procurements, stronger consultant partnerships, and better infrastructure delivery outcomes.

Learning Objectives:

• Prepare a procurement project plan and project team structure.
• Identify and use market research strategies to strengthen and refine a scope of services.
• Develop core sections of a draft RFQ tailored to an upcoming project.

Course Instructors:

Hope Patterson and Kevyanna Rawls both serve on Partner for Public Good’s Infrastructure Team, where they help local governments plan, procure, and deliver critical infrastructure projects. Together, they bring more than 15 years of procurement and project delivery experience spanning state and local government as well as university-based research.