1. RFPs FOR DUMMIES

2. An RFP is a request for proposal sent out by a company that is considering relocating. WHAT IS AN RFP?

3. HOW ARE RFPS DISTRIBUTED? The Business Location Division of the Oklahoma Department of Commerce works the company that is considering relocation and disseminates the information to the Rural Development Specialists or Partnerships who then send it out to you.

4. RURAL DEVELOPMENT SPECIALISTS North Central RDS - Barry Clark Northern Oklahoma College (Stillwater) 405- 640-9149 barry_clark@okcommerce.gov West Central RDS - Corey Herndon Redlands CC (El Reno) 405-596-0663 corey_herndon@okcommerce.gov Southwest RDS - Christy Elkins Red River Tech Center ( Duncan) 405-596-0080 christy_elkins@okcommerce.gov Southeast RDS - Glenn Glass REI (Durant) 405-596-1640 glenn_glass@okcommerce.gov Northeast RDS - Lisa Clark EODD (Muskogee) 918-323-1411 lisa_clark@okcommerce.gov OKC Metro/Far NW - Rob Gragg Rural Development Director ODOC (OKC) 4 05-596-0314 rob_gragg@okcommerce.gov

5. TIPS FOR RESPONDING TO AN RFP 1.Create an existing data base of information that is commonly required in a response. 2.Answer only the questions that are asked. 3.Keep it short and to the point.

6. YOU WILL ALWAYS INCLUDE: Cover letter Maps of your community –Minutes to highways, major markets, etc. –Where you are positioned in the state –Aerial maps of proposed site State and local incentives Photos and information about proposed site All information requested in the RFP

7. Workforce data, including –Unemployment –Underemployment –Population in commute area Make sure figures are stated in actual drive time minutes as well as miles. Many times companies from larger cities do not comprehend how commuting patterns work in Oklahoma.

8. COVER LETTER EXAMPLE

9. EXAMPLE OF A COVER LETTER

10. HIGHWAY MAP 30, 60, and 90 mile/minute Radius Map Present in both miles and minutes Contact your Local Rural Development Specialist

11. INCENTIVES EXAMPLES

14. EXAMPLE OF WELL DEVELOPED RFP FORMAT

20. CREATE AN RFP/SITE SELECTOR BINDER

21. INCLUDE: A generic cover letter School report card Sites available Buildings available Maps General demographics about your community –ODOC website –Oklahoma Virtual Community – Contact your local RDS for this information

22. Wage data (OESC) Labor market data Marketing materials Quality of life information Local and state incentives Quotes from other companies in your community

23. WHERE TO FIND DATA Oklahoma Department of Commerce www.OKcommerce.gov (Contact your RDS for assistance) Oklahoma Employment Security Commission (OESC) http://www.oesc.state.ok.us

24. You can also use the Oklahoma Virtual Community website for help with demographic information needed in many RFPs. Go to the website, or contact: Ray Murphy (918)458-9687 rmurphy@oklahomavirtualcommunity.com

25. PHASE I ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT Red River Environmental Services, Inc. 1404 SE 135 th Street Lawton, OK 73501 580-250-1500 A&M Engineering and Environmental Services 10010 E 16 th Street Tulsa, OK 918-665-6575

26. Proposed Transportation Improvements -city/county government -Oklahoma Department of Transportation Zoning -City Planner -Small Towns: City Hall

27. You can obtain a tax map and a platt map from your county assessor’s office. Your city planner’s office will have maps of the utility and transportation infrastructure.

28. USGS TOPOGRAPHIC MAP You may find a USGS topographic map at your County Assessor’s office. If not, you may obtain one for a minimal fee at: http://topomaps.usgs.gov

29. FEMA FLOOD PLAIN MAP FEMA maps may be purchased at the FEMA website for your county. There is a cost involved. www.fema.gov

31. AERIAL MAP If your community doesn’t have aerial photos you can use the website Google Earth and print one directly from the site. The downloadable software is free and it is also free to print maps. www.earth.google.com

32. This information can be found by contacting your electrical provider. ELECTRICAL GRID, DISTRIBUTION MAP, RATE SCHEDULE

33. TELECOMMUNICATIONS MAP, RATE SCHEDULE, AND SERVICES AVAILABLE IN YOUR AREA Contact your telephone company and/or long distance service provider and they will be able to supply this information.