The selected Proposer will provide a team of professionals that will complete a framework for forming a regional solid waste utility structure. The framework will address the information necessary for RSWSSC to formally endorse the regional solid waste utility and will function as a guidance document for the transition of services to the regional entity. The scope of project includes: • Facilitation: Guide discussions and decision-making for RSWSSC meetings and with partner agencies. • Organization: Manage the project using project management methodologies and best practices, including time management. • Legal Support: Ensure compliance with legislation, signed contracts, and develop interlocal agreements. • Financial Analysis: Evaluate funding strategies and asset transfer plans. • Framework Development: Produce a comprehensive framework for transitioning to a regional utility. The framework for creating a regional solid waste utility will require a high level of engagement to ensure support for the plan. This engagement includes areas internal to the partner agencies (elected level, management/administration, legal, finance, operations, etc.) and external to the partner agencies (community stakeholders, coordinating agencies, customers, etc.). The specific elements of the framework are envisioned to include, at a minimum, the following: • Chartering: The objectives and approach for the framework effort will be further developed with input from the partner agencies in a chartering phase. Agreement on the specific objectives is intended to keep the effort focused and attention to the approach is critical for enhanced understanding and ultimate endorsement by the Partners. • Legal: Legal analysis of the regional agency structure and governance and/or representation as well as applicable laws and regulations is required for RSWSSC to make final decisions on these topics. Additionally, the legal work needs to incorporate existing agreement obligations and consider future changes in services. Complete development of the new interlocal agreements for the regional solid waste utility structure will be completed as part of implementing the framework. • Financial: Further financial analysis for the regional solid waste utility is required to develop a complete transition plan for the new structure. A plan to transfer ownership of assets and attendant liabilities will consider existing requirements associated with debt obligations. Evaluation of how regional funds should be used, such as capital improvement projects, will be center to the discussion. • Operations: A plan will be prepared to establish the organizational structure and approach to operating the regional assets as an integrated system, including staff positions, responsibilities, and reporting relationships. The transition from the current operational arrangement to the regional approach will outline the necessary steps to ensure compliance with current permit and other requirements and will consider collective bargaining agreements and other current obligations of the partner agencies. • Public Information and Outreach: A public information strategy will be developed to communicate the proposed changes to the broader community. Outreach efforts will be employed to also engage key stakeholders that may seek to provide input into the functioning of the regional solid waste utility.
