Bluff Creek Park Rehab and Expansion - OK

Project Title: Bluff Creek Park Rehab and Expansion

Project Description: OKLAHOMA EARTHBIKE FELLOWSHIP
PO BOX 2320 OKLAHOMA CITY, OK 73101

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS: BLUFF CREEK PARK TRAILS REHABILITATION AND EXPANSION

LOCATION:
11301 N Meridian Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73120

PROPOSAL DUE DATE AND TIME: 
JUNE 30, 2022, 11:59PM CST

PROJECT CONTACTS:
JORGE (GT) VALDEZ (jorgev1721@yahoo.com) 
RYAN STEADLEY (oef.president@gmail.com)


Section 1 | Introduction

Oklahoma Earthbike Fellowship (OEF) was formed in 1996 as the Oklahoma chapter of the International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA). OEF is dedicated to the enhancement of off-road cycling through advocacy, trail maintenance, and cooperation with land managers and users. Originally established in 1991 as an “outlaw” trail, the trails at Bluff Creek Park are among the oldest and most-loved mountain bike (MTB) trails in Oklahoma City. In addition to mountain bikers the trails are enjoyed by runners, hikers, and dog walkers. Over the years the trails have sustained substantial erosion from these user groups. In 2021 the Oklahoma City Parks Department (Parks) expanded the area available to OEF for the trail system within the park. Figure 1 shows the current trail system of approximately 6 miles. In 2021 OEF was awarded a grant from the Outride Foundation to rehabilitate the eroded sections of the trail and expand the trail within the new area granted by Parks.

Section 2 | Trail Description

Bluff Creek can be considered to be a beginner to moderate technical trail with several creek crossings. Bluff Creek is made up of mainly natural obstacles such as roots and very tight singletrack through trees, and a couple of twisty sections through open meadow type areas. There are several faster almost straight sections of the trail, a couple of man made bridges that cross over taller parts of the creek and some rock armored creek crossings as well. The trail is made up of mostly tightly packed dirt with very few areas where sand is encountered. The trail is used by many types of outdoor enthusiasts but cyclists and runners are the most typical user. There are a couple of areas in the trail that parallel the creek and allow for a great view of the landscape. The current distance of the singletrack is around 6.5 miles with the possibility of increasing that distance to 10+ miles.  

Section 3 | Budget and Goals

The budget for this project shall not exceed $21,000.00. OEF will provide volunteer labor where feasible. The successful proposal should outline opportunities for volunteer labor such as clearing brush, moving dirt, and other such non-technical, non-mechanized work.

OEF has two goals for this project:

Repair the eroded sections of the trail to enhance the sustainability of the trail system.
Develop 3-6 miles of new trail with features such as berms, small jumps, and drops where possible. 

Repairs to eroded sections may include reroutes around old sections. Reroutes and new trail should flow without excessive tight turns.

Section 4 | IMBA Standards

The successful proposal will demonstrate compliance with the “Principles of Sustainable Trails,” outlined in IMBA’s book Trail Solutions: IMBA’s Guide to Building Sweet Singletrack. IMBA considers a sustainable trail one that “has very little impact on the environment, resists erosion through proper design, construction, and maintenance, and blends with the surrounding area. A sustainable trail also appeals to and serves a variety of users, adding an important element of recreation to the community.” 

Section 5 | Oversight

OEF has a land use agreement in place with Parks for the Bluff Creek trail system. As part of the proposal review, OEF and Parks will consult and Parks may identify areas slated for Parks-led maintenance or improvements. OEF will notify the successful builder of any necessary modifications to the proposal identified by Parks. OEF will be responsible for project oversight.

Section 6 | Selection Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated by the OEF Board of Directors according to the following criteria:

Total trail mileage after reroutes and new sections with a bias towards quality over quantity.
Total trail features added to legacy and new sections..
Adherence to Sections 3 & 4 of this RFP.
Budget requirements
Proposed project timeline, with a bias towards project completion by December 31, 2022.

Section 7 | Timeline

April 8, 2022: RFP Shared to PTBA.
June 30, 2022: Proposals Due.
July 7, 2022: OEF Board of Directors selects proposal, notifies Parks.
August 1, 2022: Parks submits comments on proposal to OEF.
August 4, 2022: OEF modifies proposal as necessary and informs successful bidder of selection and proposed modifications.
August 31, 2022: OEF and builder enter formal contract, work to begin per timeline provided by builder in proposal.

Company/Organization/Agency Submitting Contract: Oklahoma Earthbike Fellowship

Primary Contact for Contract Information: JORGE GT VALDEZ

Email Address: orgev1721@yahoo.com

Closest City to Project: Oklahoma City

State/Province/Region: Oklahoma

Country: USA

Pre-Bid Meeting Date:

Pre-Bid Meeting Time:

Anticipated Project Start Date: 8/31/2022

Application Deadline: 6/30/2022

Additional Project Bid Information:

Date Submitted to PTBA: 4/8/2022