What is an RFP and Why is it Important?

A Request for Proposals (RFP) is a formal process that governments and organizations use to invite qualified developers, contractors, or service providers to submit proposals for a specific project. Unlike an informal request for quotes or bids, an RFP is designed to evaluate not just cost, but also experience, qualifications, and the overall approach a proposer brings to a project.

The RFP process is important because it:

• Ensures Fairness and Transparency – All interested parties have the same access to project details and are evaluated against the same criteria.

• Encourages Competition – By reaching a broad pool of potential partners, the City can compare different ideas and approaches, which often leads to more innovative, cost-effective solutions.

• Protects Public Resources – A structured review process helps safeguard taxpayer dollars by ensuring funds are invested in projects with strong qualifications and clear plans for delivery.

• Aligns with Community Goals – RFPs allow the City to set project-specific requirements—such as affordability, design standards, or sustainability—so that selected partners are aligned with long-term community priorities.

In the case of the Salt Flats, the RFP process ensured that multiple qualified development teams were considered, community values were incorporated, and the final selections positioned the project for long-term success.

Overview of the City’s RFP Process for the Salt Flats

In early 2025, the City of Grand Junction, in partnership with the Grand Junction Housing Authority, launched a competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) process to identify development partners for the 21.78-acre Salt Flats site. The Housing Authority’s solicitation focused on selecting a partner for the northwest corner of the parcel, approximately 2.91 acres while the City’s RFP sought one or more developers to lead projects across the remaining acreage.

Purchasing & Outreach

Consistent with City purchasing practices, the RFP process was designed to ensure transparency, broad vendor engagement, and open competition. The solicitation was advertised through BidNet Direct—reaching nearly 6,000 registered suppliers—along with local outreach coordinated through the Grand Junction Chamber of Commerce, the Western Colorado Contractors Association, and direct distribution to a targeted secondary vendor list. Public notices were also published in The Daily Sentinel and on the City’s Purchasing website. In total, approximately 264 plan holders engaged with the solicitation

Proposal Submissions

By the deadline, the City received 13 proposals from a diverse pool of developers ranging from local nonprofits to national firms, reflecting both regional interest and the significance of the Salt Flats site.

Evaluation Process

All proposals were evaluated by a multi-disciplinary review committee, which included representatives from:

• City Finance Department

• Community Development (Planning and Housing Divisions)

• City Manager’s Office

• Grand Junction Housing Authority

• Home Builders Association

Consistent with City procurement standards, proposals were scored on criteria such as:

• Responsiveness to solicitation requirements

• Demonstrated understanding of project objectives

• Relevant qualifications, experience, and credentials

• Strength of strategy and implementation plan

  Salt Flats - purchasing notes

Following initial scoring, five development teams were invited to interviews to further present their qualifications and vision.

Final Selection

Through this process, Brikwell and Rural Homes LLC were selected as lead partners for portions of the Salt Flats site, while the Grand Junction Housing Authority’s process contributed to additional team selection. Together, these efforts resulted in four development teams moving forward to bring the site to life, combining local expertise with national experience.