Around 40 people attend a community meeting on Feb. 28, 2023 discussing how $7 million should be used for Norristown facilities. (Rachel Ravina – MediaNews Group)
Plans to construct a new community facility in Norristown took a step forward as Montgomery County commissioners authorized the advertisement of a request for proposals.
Issued on behalf of the Montgomery County Office of Innovation, Strategy and Performance, the submission was included in a nine-item package approved during a board meeting earlier this month.
The concept of a community facilities project has been in the works for more than two years as county officials designated $7 million in federal, local and state COVID-19 relief dollars to bring a new resource to the county seat. Bids will be due by 10 a.m. on Sept. 16.
“I know Norristown has been asking for a community-funded facility,” Norristown resident Olivia Brady said during a Feb. 28, 2023 town hall meeting focusing on the proposed Norristown Community Facilities Project.
County representatives organized a series of town hall meetings to gauge interest and input from Norristown residents about the project. Suggestions from a February 2023 forum ranged from a multipurpose, recreational space to facilities dedicated to technical and job training and community therapy to after school activities.
The request for proposal seeks a “vendor capable of administering project activities by coordinating with community facilities and nonprofit providers and procuring/implementing a robust scheduling software solution for booking and scheduling,” according to a post on the county’s procurement office website.
“The vendor will facilitate scheduling activities, assess and understand the operational needs of each facility, and develop a unified approach to maximize space utilization,” the post continued. The selected vendor must collaborate actively with stakeholders to ensure seamless software integration and foster a coordinated, equitable facility management process.”
RFPs geared toward youth, parents
In addition, two requests for proposals out of the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services queried expertise from contractors to develop programming for teens and adults around substance use prevention.
One initiative will launch the Teen Senate, a youth leadership program on behalf of the county’s drug and alcohol office, by cultivating “education, training and development” skills. Funding is expected through a JUUL settlement grant.
“The foundation of the program is centered on student wellness. Students participating will be able to contribute to their professional resume and build their leadership and career readiness skills,” read a post on the county’s procurement office website.
Another request for proposal was solicited to execute “evidence-based parent education sessions for parents and youth throughout Montgomery County.”
“EBP parent programs have been proven to improve family communication around substance use expectations for youth. One provider will be selected to provide programs across Montgomery County,” the post states.
Funding for the program would come from the state, including a Human Services block grant and Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs gambling grant.
Submissions for both county health and human services requests for proposals will be due by 11 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 11.
The next Montgomery County Board of Commissioners meeting will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 4 on the eighth floor of One Montgomery Plaza, 425 Swede St. Those interested in attending the meeting can also do so virtually. Visit montgomerycountypa.gov for more information.
