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Implementation Plan for Economic Revitalization

Implementation Plan for Economic Revitalization

Posted on by DNS Admin

On behalf of Shamokin Area Partnership for Revitalization, a newly formed group comprising of the City of Shamokin, Shamokin Area Businesses for Economic Revitalization (SABER), and SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) whose mission is to “provide sustainable leadership, direction, and support for the successful, efficient revitalization and long-term success of Shamokin Area,” SEDA-COG is soliciting proposals from prospective consultants to assist in the development of an Implementation Plan for Economic Revitalization.

This plan will serve as the blueprint for future growth and economic development within the downtown for the next 5 years. It is expected to include data collection and analysis, issue identification, public and community participation, and the development of specific long- and short-range implementation strategies and programs, which will be implemented by the Partnership and city partners. The total plan is expected to be completed within a 6-month time span.

Prospective consultants interested in submitting a proposal should review the attached plan goals and objectives, and desired work scope items.

Correspondence regarding this RFP should be submitted in writing via e-mail to Betsy Kramer at bkramer@seda-cog.org no later than October 15th, 2019. A consolidated response to questions will be distributed via email to all prospective consultants on October 22nd, 2019 and posted on the SEDA-COG website.

Ribbon cutting to mark Shamokin revitalization effort

Ribbon cutting to mark Shamokin revitalization effort

Posted on by DNS Admin

The public is invited to a ribbon cutting to mark the official opening of the office for the Partnership for Revitalization in Shamokin.

The ceremony will begin at 1:30 p.m. Nov. 1 at SEDA-Council of Governments’ (SEDA-COG) new downtown office at 525 N. Market St., Shamokin.

This officially kicks off the partnership efforts to revitalize the community between Shamokin City Council, Shamokin Area Businesses for Economic Revitalization (SABER), and SEDA-COG, said Bill Seigel, SEDA-COG executive director.

“Shamokin is experiencing a rebirth and a synergy. Our partners, along with many others, have recognized the opportunity in the Shamokin area to guide the city into a revitalization revolution,” Seigel said.

The Partnership for Revitalization is funded for three years through a $300,000 Keystone Communities Fund grant, thanks to state Rep. Kurt Masser (R-Columbia/Montour/Northumberland).

SEDA-COG is strengthening public and private investments by immersing itself in the community and offering its staff of 45 Economic Development, Community Development, Information Technology, and Housing specialists toward the effort.

Leading this effort is Betsy Kramer, SEDA-COG’s revitalization coordinator. She will staff the Shamokin office Mondays and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and by appointment.

“Exciting things are happening in Shamokin,” Masser said. “This partnership with SEDA-COG and Betsy’s presence in the downtown is exactly what was needed. Betsy will be able to focus on the revitalization efforts and provide the coordination needed to ensure Shamokin continues moving forward.”

Seigel said SEDA-COG is committed to the revitalization efforts.

“SEDA-COG has committed itself to guide, facilitate, and support the outstanding work of the many public and private groups and individuals who are committed to investing in Shamokin,” Seigel said.

Technical proposal seminar for small business owners

Technical proposal seminar for small business owners

Posted on by DNS Admin

Small business owners can learn how to write technical proposals in order to win federal contracts at a seminar cosponsored by SEDA-Council of Governments’ (SEDA-COG) Procurement Technical Assistance Center.

It will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 20 at the Ramada Hotel & Conference Center, 1450 S. Atherton St., State College.

Understanding a potential customer’s needs and generating a compliant proposal are critical to winning federal contracts. Firms must be familiar with the agency’s procurement process, clearly identify what the buyer has requested, and determine the best method to position and present their firm in the proposal.

This session is designed to equip participants with the knowledge of how to develop a compliant and effective technical proposal. The session includes but is not limited to: assessing solicitation documents; preparing outlines to ensure compliance with the solicitation; and identifying effective methods to present your company’s response.

Topics presented by Quality, Compliance, & Management Inc. include:

  • Understanding the procurement process
  • Review and analysis of solicitation/request for proposal (RFP)
  • Presenting well – what reviewers look for
  • Tailoring the components of the technical proposal to the buyer’s need
  • Presenting past performance
  • Use of templates

Space is limited to 30 attendees. To register for this free seminar, visit https://bit.ly/2M3aQ7u.

Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. To do so, contact Tina Young at 301-604-9898 or tyoung@qcmconsulting.com.

For more information, contact SEDA-COG’s Jennifer Heebner at 570-522-7256 or email jheebner@seda-cog.org.

This project is funded by a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The SEDA-COG Procurement Technical Assistance Center is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the Defense Logistics Agency.

SEDA-COG’s Procurement Technical Assistance Center helps companies explore and compete in the local, state, and federal government marketplace. For more information visit SEDA-COG Procurement Technical Assistance Center.

Housing rehabilitation grants offer opportunity for general contractors

Housing rehabilitation grants offer opportunity for general contractors

Posted on by DNS Admin

With three housing rehabilitation grants recently awarded in the region, there’s an even greater opportunity for general contractors to work with municipalities and SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG).

Contractor work may include structural, roofing, plumbing, electrical, heating/furnace, window replacement, radon mitigation, energy-related improvements, and, if they have certain certifications, lead-based paint mitigation.

Housing rehabilitation bids typically range from $20,000 to $65,000, with timely payment to contractors.

SEDA-COG strives to work with local contractors to invest in the local economy, said Teri Provost, director of SEDA-COG’s Housing Rehabilitation program.

“Not only do these grant awards benefit the community and homeowners, but the local economy as we seek to work with local general contractors to perform this work,” Provost said.

While the $500,000 grants were each awarded to Berwick Borough, Jersey Shore Borough, and Mount Carmel Township, SEDA-COG also works with housing rehabilitation programs in the Town of Bloomsburg, City of Lock Haven, Milton, Mount Carmel, and South Williamsport boroughs, the City of Sunbury, and Juniata, Montour, Snyder, and Sullivan counties.

This means work flexibility for contractors, Provost said.

“Contractors can choose where they want to work, so there’s tremendous work flexibility,” Provost said. “Additionally, our work is year-round, so we offer a steady flow of projects. And if they don’t want to perform lead-based paint mitigation, we don’t require that certification for lead-free homes.”

Interested contractors also have the option of meeting one-on-one with SEDA-COG to answer any questions they may have. SEDA-COG streamlines the process for contractors with a rehabilitation specialist assigned to each community.

For more information, contact SEDA-COG’s Danielle King at 570-524-4491 or dking@seda-cog.org.