Request for Proposals: Economic Impact Study
Request for Proposals
Economic Impact Study: Pinesap Solar Project located in Rubicon Township in Huron County, MI
Introduction
The Huron County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) is seeking proposals from qualified firms to conduct an economic impact study for the proposed Pinesap Solar Project. The study will assess the project's economic, fiscal, and employment impacts on the community and region, using the IMPLAN modeling system (or similar).
Project Background
The Pinesap Solar Project is 150MW utility-scale solar energy installation planned to utilize approximately 800 acres in Rubicon Township, Michigan. The study will evaluate the direct, indirect, and induced economic effects of the project, including construction, operation, and long-term economic benefits.
Scope of Work
The selected consultant will be responsible for:
1. Data Collection & Analysis: Gathering relevant economic and demographic data for Rubicon Township and surrounding areas including the City of Harbor Beach and the Village of Port Hope.
2. Economic Modeling, preferably using IMPLAN: Conducting an economic impact analysis using IMPLAN (or similar) to quantify direct, indirect, and induced effects.
3. Fiscal Impact Assessment: Evaluating local and regional tax revenue implications.
4. Employment Impact Study: Analyzing job creation during construction and ongoing operations.
5. Community Benefits Analysis: Assessing potential community development and infrastructure enhancements.
6. Stakeholder Engagement: Partner with the EDC to engage with local officials, businesses, and residents to collect qualitative data.
7. Final Report & Presentation: Deliver a comprehensive report (preferably late February) and present findings to stakeholders as required. Consultant will be expected to travel to Huron County, MI to present their findings in a public forum (Q2/Q3 of 2026).
Proposal Requirements
Interested firms should submit a proposal that includes:
1. Firm Background & Qualifications: Summary of relevant experience, particularly with IMPLAN modeling or similar.
2. Project Approach & Methodology: Description of how the study will be conducted.
3. Project Team: Bios of key personnel involved.
4. Timeline & Deliverables: Estimated schedule for study completion.
5. Cost Proposal: Detailed budget breakdown.
6. References: At least three references from similar projects.
Selection Criteria
Proposals will be evaluated based on:
1. Experience & Qualifications
2. Methodology & Approach
3. Cost Competitiveness
4. Project Timeline - preference given to proposals available to complete their findings in late February (in person presentation will be requested Q2/Q3 of 2026)
5. Stakeholder Engagement Plan
6. Preference Given to Michigan-Based Firms and Proximity to Project Location: Additional consideration will be given to firms based in Michigan and those located closer to Huron County.
Submission Details
1. Submission Deadline: January 21, 2026 at 5pm EST
2. Submission Format: Only electronic PDF submissions will be accepted.
3. Submit to: Samantha Schnettler - info@huroncounty.com
4. Questions & Clarifications: Inquiries should be directed to Samantha Schnettler at the Huron County EDC via the email address above or 989-269-6431
Additional Information
The Huron County EDC reserves the right to accept or reject any proposal and to request modifications as needed. The selected firm will be required to enter into a professional services agreement with the EDC.
Issued by:
Huron County Economic Development Corporation
250 E Huron Ave, Suite 303
Bad Axe, MI 48413
info@huroncounty.com
989-269-6431
RFP issued January 8, 2026