Mar 13th 2020 | Posted in Mary Scott Nabers' Insights, Opportunities by Mary Scott Nabers

The team of researchers at Strategic Partnerships, Inc. is known for its ability to point clients to upcoming opportunities long before public announcements are made about the projects. One way the team uncovers this type of valued information is by monitoring feasibility studies.

A study of some sort is usually launched to determine potential positive and negative outcomes related to large projects or new initiatives. The objective of a study is to analyze options such as locations, projected costs, funding options, delivery methods, and more.

A few examples of upcoming studies that will result in contracting opportunities follow.

California
Legislators in California approved a $4 million feasibility study to address student overcrowding at public universities. This particular study will focus on building a California State University (CSU) campus in Concord, Chula Vista, Palm Desert, Stockton, or somewhere in San Mateo County. The final report is due by June 1, and a recommended location is anticipated.

Saddleback College

The South Orange County Community College District (SOCCCD) has a request for qualifications and proposals due March 30 for feasibility studies related to construction for Saddleback College, Irvine Valley College, and the Advanced Technology and Education Park. The firm conducting the study will evaluate all options including financing methods, unit type, size, location, design, development recommendations and delivery method. SOCCCD wants student housing facilities on at least one or two campuses based on results of the study.

 
Texas
The Huntsville City Council has awarded a contract to an architectural firm to perform a feasibility study to evaluate options and make recommendations about funding for the Martin Luther King Jr. Neighborhood Community Center at Emancipation Park. Officials have asked for the study to include a needs assessment, facility review and input, and recommendations related to a site location. Once the study is complete, work will begin on concept development and citizen input.

 
Georgia
A study is underway to collect traffic patterns, transportation data and demand projections related to a roadway expansion project listed in the Georgia Department of Transportation’s $11 billion Majority Mobility Investment Program. Additionally, the Gwinnett County board voted to launch a Transit Review Committee to consider options related to an increasing interest in a mass transit plan to combat congestion.

 
North Carolina
Chowan County was one of several counties chosen in February to receive a portion of $166 million in loans and grants to pay for 88 critical drinking water and wastewater projects. The counties of Chowan, Yadkin, and Davie and the cities of Ronda, Mars Hill, Dobson, Brunswick, Walnut Cove, and Canton received either $50,000 or $100,000 for water studies. Chowan County will research the feasibility of creating a regional water treatment facility for Edenton, Chowan, and Perquimans counties. Other initiatives include a $30 million loan to Clayton for a water reclamation facility and more than $4.5 million to the city of Bethel to prepare for the town’s failing systems to merge with the Greenville Utilities Commission. Studies show that North Carolina still needs $17 billion to $26 billion in upgrades to its water and sewer infrastructure statewide.

 
Louisiana
The St. Tammany Parish Tourist and Convention Commission was provided a feasibility study related to construction of a sports and family events arena. The study recommended that the facility be owned by a public entity but operated by a private management company. Proposed funding would be available from an increase in sales or hotel taxes and the arena would hold 5,000 to 6,000 seats. Targets for the arena include professional sports teams, concerts, and other types of public gatherings. A 30-day public comment period will begin immediately, after which a final report will be delivered to stakeholders.

 
Utah
The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) is conducting a study to see how to best reduce congestion in Little Cottonwood Canyon. The Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons are major attractions for locals and tourists, but road access is totally inadequate. UDOT is considering different options such as rail, enhanced bus service, and gondolas or other aerial systems. In addition to an environmental impact study, UDOT also is conducting two technical analyses. One study is to analyze ways to improve both canyons as well as 94th South and evaluating Utah Transit Authority network service. The second study is analyzing tolling in both canyons.

 
New Hampshire
The Parks & Recreation Advisory Board in the town of Wakefield has released a procurement that is due May 1. It relates to a feasibility study for a new community center and highway facility. The study will include location recommendations, program costs, funding options, and community input. The current transportation facility has become a critical need.

 
New York
Officials at the Albany International Airport are very interested in securing a hotel partnership. A feasibility study will be launched soon to determine various options of delivery.

The releases of feasibility studies’ findings always are exciting because they reveal extremely valuable information related to upcoming projects.

As President and CEO of Strategic Partnerships, Inc., Mary Scott Nabers has decades of experience working in the public-private sector. A well-recognized expert in the P3 and government contracting fields, she is often asked to share her industry insights with top publications and through professional speaking engagements.