That jurisdiction includes the City of Shreveport and most, but not all of Caddo Parish. The lead consultant or members of the team are expected to introduce innovative planning and development practices and have working knowledge of both the legal and practical framework for planning, zoning and development in the local area and the state.

The UDC is intended as one of the more significant tools to implement "Great Expectations: the Shreveport-Caddo 2030 Master Plan," which was adopted in December of 2010. It emphasizes the critical need to consolidate, update, modernize and streamline the City and Parish zoning and development regulations along with the associated processes. A brief overview of the more notable failings of the existing regulations is contained within the Master Plan, which is accessible online at www.shreveportcaddomasterplan.com. The current zoning ordinance has never been comprehensively amended, and instead has been added to or amended incrementally over the course of many decades. It does not acknowledge modern services and industries, current development trends, local cultural values, or protect sensitive environmental assets. It contains internal inconsistencies and discrepancies with other applicable ordinances. Enforcement provisions are lacking or inadequate. Procedural requirements do not yield consistent and predictable methods or results. The current ordinances are deficient in their ability to respond to community needs or market realities and increasingly do not achieve results that meet the expectations of the citizens, the development community, or government officials.

While it is not viewed as necessary or even desirable to attempt to predetermine all areas of expertise or members of the team that will ultimately be required, it is certain that a number of special district regulations will be considered during the process. Moreover, the success of the "Great Expectations Plan" is largely based on its extraordinarily deliberate and transparent use of a public process throughout each stage of its development. Familiarity with that plan will also make it clear that expanding infrastructure and inner city disinvestment are serious problems. The successful candidate will have demonstrated remarkable proficiency and experience in at least these areas. The nature of the intended process always includes the risk of sudden increases to the scope or unanticipated issues to address. The method of increasing capacity to respond to such demands should be addressed in a specific manner.

Submittals will be accepted until 3:00 P.M. on December 14, 2012 at the following address:

Attn: Carla James-Rogers
Shreveport Metropolitan Planning Commission of Caddo Parish
505 Travis Street, Suite 440
Shreveport, LA 71101

The following information is required as part of each submittal:

1. Primary contact information for the firm;
2. The form of ownership structure and all key principals, officers or directors;
3. A statement of the qualifications of both the firm and all key personnel intended to perform services;
4. A brief explanation of the capacity of the firm and the availability of key personnel;
5. A list of relevant projects and clients who may be contacted for references;
6. The intended use of individuals or firms within the area or state as part of the consultant team.

As an agency that serves both the City of Shreveport and Caddo Parish, the contract to be executed with the Shreveport Metropolitan Planning Commission of Caddo Parish will require insurance and/or indemnifications that meet the minimum requirements for both of those governmental entities. A copy of those requirements will be provided upon request. The City of Shreveport also maintains a policy of providing and ensuring contracting opportunities for small and economically disadvantaged businesses (Fair Share). While the Metropolitan Planning Commission has not formally adopted this policy, it is their intent to meet similar goals. As such, a firm's ability to help meet this goal either directly or through the association of third parties is relevant information that should be included in the response.

Requests for clarifications or additional information should be directed to Dara Sanders or Roy Jambor, AICP at (318) 673-6480.