What is an RFP and Why is it Important?

What is an RFP and Why is it Important?

A Request for Proposals (RFP) is a structured process used by cities and organizations to invite qualified developers, contractors, or service providers to submit proposals for a specific project. Unlike a simple bid, an RFP goes beyond cost—it looks at qualifications, approach, and overall readiness to deliver.

The RFP process is important because it:

• Ensures Fairness and Transparency – Every interested party receives the same project details and is evaluated against the same criteria.

• Encourages Competition and Innovation – Multiple perspectives and proposals help the City find the best mix of quality, creativity, and cost-effectiveness.

• Protects Public Resources – A structured evaluation process ensures taxpayer dollars are invested wisely in qualified partners with viable plans.

• Aligns Projects with Community Goals – RFPs let the City set requirements—such as affordability, timelines, or housing mix—so selected projects advance broader community priorities.

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 property, while the City’s RFP sought one or more developers to lead projects across the remaining acreage.

Purchasing and Outreach

Consistent with City purchasing practices, the RFP process was structured to ensure transparency, broad vendor engagement, and open competition. The solicitation was distributed through multiple channels, including BidNet Direct, outreach through local industry associations such as the Grand Junction Chamber of Commerce and the Western Colorado Contractors Association, and direct notification to vendors on the City’s secondary supplier 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, representing a wide range of potential partners.

For the Salt Flats site, the City issued a Letter of Interest in January 2025 for formal RFP to identify development partners. The RFP set clear criteria and goals to ensure the project would:

• Provide a mix of multi-family and homeownership opportunities with a variety of housing types.

• Advance appropriate timelines for delivery of units.

• Demonstrate clearly identified funding sources to ensure feasibility.

• Show experience, capacity, and readiness to take the project forward.

Through this process, proposals were carefully evaluated by a multi-disciplinary review committee. This ensured that final selections balanced affordability, feasibility, and alignment with community housing needs.

Proposal Submissions

By the submission deadline, the City received 13 proposals from a diverse pool of developers, including local nonprofits and regional and national firms. The strong response reflected both the importance of the Salt Flats site and the growing interest in housing development opportunities within the Grand Junction area.

Evaluation Process

Proposals were evaluated by a multi-disciplinary review committee composed of representatives from the City’s Finance Department, Community Development (Planning and Housing Divisions), the City Manager’s Office, the Grand Junction Housing Authority, and the Home Builders Association.

Evaluations followed the City’s standard procurement procedures and scoring criteria, which included:

• Responsiveness to solicitation requirements

• Understanding of project objectives

• Qualifications, experience, and credentials

• Strength of strategy and implementation plan

After the initial scoring, five development teams were invited to participate in interviews to further present their qualifications, approach, and vision for the project.

Final Selection

Through this thorough and competitive process, Brikwell (with Vertikal) and Rural Homes LLC were selected as lead partners for portions of the Salt Flats site, while the Housing Authority’s process contributed to additional team selection of the Volunteers of America/MGL teams. Together, four development teams were chosen to move the project forward—bringing a balance of local expertise, national experience, and a shared commitment to delivering a diverse, high-quality, and attainable community at the Salt Flats.