003 - Building Feasibility Study

General Information/Background:
North East Community Center, Inc. (NECC) is a 501c3 non-profit serving the northeastern area of Dutchess County, NY, with some services that also extend to parts of Columbia County NY, Litchfield, CT and Berkshire County, MA. NECC’s mission is to advance the well-being of all people in our rural region by responding to their diverse needs through services, programs, and partnerships. With more than 40 staff and a budget of $3 million, NECC’s services, programs and events serve all ages, income levels, demographics, connect people to resources they need and to each other (See Attachment A for the most recent Annual Report). More information about our programs and services may be found on our website www.neccmillerton.org.
In August of 2023, the Board of Directors and Staff convened a Strategic Planning process which identified space and building solutions as the top priority for the organization over the next 3 years (See Attachment B for more information about the 2023-2026 Strategic Plan). The first steps in this process are underway and include the need for two (2) schematic architectural designs to aid in decision-making as space and building solutions are weighed, leading to a final decision.
The local area is rural but with shifting demographics over the last 30 years as the 1980s and 1990s saw the local agriculture industry fade, and those from the urban area in and around New York City moved to the area for retirement, for weekend/summer escape during the 1990s and 2000s. The disruptions created by the pandemic caused another influx of residents from urban areas.  Although the middle class in this area has dwindled in recent years, the needs of the working class are significant, the number of families considered “in crisis” is still increasing, and the availability of support from individual donors continues to increase. NECC’s overall funding picture is 60% grant-based, 20% fundraising and 20% Fees/Reimbursements. NECC currently owns two properties in Millerton, NY, including one, a 5.7-acre property. On this property there is room for a new building and/or the use of an existing elementary school building built in 1927, closed as a school in 2011, all other use ceased in 2017.
NECC is seeking a cost and usage feasibility study of the elementary school building. A space assessment regarding the needs of NECC is already complete and has identified the specific needs within a 16-20,000 square foot interior area.  It is expected that this feasibility study will include any necessary zoning/code searches, existing septic assessment, MEP report, envelope and structural assessment, asbestos report, and a budget study.
Minority and women-owned business enterprises are encouraged to apply. NECC is an equal opportunity organization.

Bid Proposal Content:

1. Description of applicant’s background and qualifications, including 2-3 professional and relevant references
2. Draft Work Plan which is to include Action Steps, Time Frames, Needed Resources, and Expected Outcomes.
3. Narrative section(s) to make the case for your approach/plan.
4. Narrative description of data collection and evaluation processes.
5. Itemized budget for work including all expenses for the entire project start to finish.
6. A clear timeline for completing the proposed work.
7. Contact information for one primary contact for the submission with email address and telephone number.