Facility Planning Consultant

Facility Planning Consultant
Somerville Community Access Television
Somerville, MA

posting date: 03/17/08
closing date: 04/04/08

The Board of Directors of Somerville Community Access Television in Somerville, MA welcomes proposals to conduct a Preliminary Facility Planning Study for the 25-year old cable access center.

Background:
Pressures both within and outside the organization require a new home for SCAT. SCAT has been located in the Old Firehouse in Union Square since the mid 1980s. While a renovation in the late 1990s that created a host-operated studio and improved staff offices met some needs, space constraints continue to limit the organization?s development, particularly for classroom seats, meeting rooms and staff offices. Further, continued tenancy at the 90 Union Square is unlikely as The City of Somerville, owner of the building, has indicated that it will be sold in the coming years as part of a commercial redevelopment strategy for Union Square.

SCAT is generally well positioned to make a successful transition to a new facility. The organization is well regarded both locally and nationally with a strong staff, vibrant programming and diverse membership. Anticipating a move, SCAT has in recent years gathered some cash reserves. The City of Somerville has indicated a willingness to assist the organization in securing a new facility. Significant partnership opportunities exist, most notably with the Somerville Public Library.

Objective:
The Preliminary Facility Planning Study will provide SCAT and its community partners with the information necessary to progress in securing and equipping a new public access media center that will serve Somerville residents and community for the next quarter century and beyond. The Study will provide an informed recommendation on the necessary elements in a new facility such as size, amenities and general targets for budgeting.

Output:

As part of the Preliminary Facility Planning Study, SCAT anticipates the following:

- Analysis of population, demographics, and facility usage of Somerville and SCAT membership, considering current and anticipated changes in the next twenty-five years.
- Collection of input through focus groups, interviews and other means as appropriate of access producers, staff, board and community stakeholders on facility and related programmatic needs.
- Peer comparison of SCAT with other media centers or other appropriate entities.
- Consideration of best practices and models of other access centers and community media groups.
- Research and analysis of facility relationships between access centers and public libraries.
- Determination of the facility and location needs and priorities of SCAT that will enable the organization to continue to serve the community for the next twenty-five years.
- Review and evaluation of possible future locations for SCAT in the City of Somerville.
- Recommendation of Next Steps to the Board of Directors.

Proposal Details:

Proposals should include: Work plan with timeline for the project; expertise and experience of the consultant in public access television and community media, facility planning and public processes; budget.

Proposals should be submitted by April 4, 2008 to Somerville Community Access Television, 90 Union Square, Somerville MA 02143

Inquiries should be directed to: Wendy Blom, Executive Director, Somerville Community Access Television. 617-628-8826. director [at ] access-scat.org