Current Massachusetts Planning News

The Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA) is issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) for comprehensive planning of the Fairmount Indigo Corridor as part of the BRA-led Fairmount Indigo Planning Initiative. Building upon past and ongoing efforts of the Fairmount stakeholders and the MBTA, the City of Boston seeks to address the economic development and physical planning needs of the corridor and adjacent communities. The BRA planning process will be two-tiered and include the creation of a comprehensive Corridor-wide Plan in addition to the development of Improvement Plans at three critical Crossroad / Station Area locations along the Fairmount Indigo Corridor.
The BRA is requesting proposals from experienced multi-disciplinary Consultant Teams to conduct the planning process. The successful Consultant Team will have demonstrated excellence in the disciplines of:

Economic Development
Community Planning
Land Use
Urban Design
Transportation Systems
Sustainable Development
Identity and Branding
Planning and Engineering
Market Analysis and Marketing

Expertise in public participation planning and community engagement is essential.
This Request for Proposals …

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As a result of the APA-MA Board elections held in the fall 2011, we welcome new faces to the APA-MA Board and previous board members moving up, including:

Felipe Schwarz, AICP as President
Jonathan Church, AICP as Vice President of Chapter Affairs
Steve Sadwick, AICP as Immediate Past President
Kristin Kassner, AICP as Professional Development Officer
Kristen Wilson, AICP as Secretary
Andy Port, AICP as Northeast Region Representative
Megan DiPrete, AICP as Central Region Representative
Manisha Gadia Bewtra, AICP as Boston Region Representative
Peter Lowitt, FAICP as Economic Development Committee Chair
Lindsey Morse, AICP as Transportation Committee Chair
Judi Barrett as Community Development & Housing Committee Chair
Kathy Joubert as Citizen Planner Training Collaborative Liasion
Alison Leflore as Young Planners Group Chair
Peter Matchak as UMass-Amherst Student Representative
Meg Howard, Emily Mytkowicz and Evy Zwiebach as Harvard University Student Representatives

In addition, several Board members remain in current positions. To view all members, their roles and contact information, see: Board Members.
Thank you to the following departing …

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For a complete listing of the 2011 APA-MA Award recipients, go to 2011 APA-MA Award Winners.

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The Town of Foxborough (Town) is soliciting proposals from qualified planning and/or economic development/analysis firms (“Consultant”) to prepare an “Economic Development Chapter” for the Town Comprehensive Plan and a “Downtown Strategic Plan.” The Town last adopted a Master Plan in 1971; the Planning Board, with the support and assistance of other Town departments, is charged with updating it. The Planning Board has adopted a phased work plan for development, adoption, and implementation of a Town Comprehensive Plan. This Project is in the first phase of work.
Proposals are due by 3:00 PM, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11, 2012
For more information or to receive a copy of the RFP, please contact Sharon Wason, AICP, Town Planner, Foxborough Town Hall, 40 South Street, Foxborough, MA 02035; (508)543-1250 or swason@town.foxborough.ma.us.

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Join your friends at the American Planning Association, Massachusetts Chapter (APA-MA) & Massachusetts Association of Planning Directors (MAPD) as we honor innovative planning projects and professionals across Massachusetts. Catch up with colleagues, meet new friends and enjoy the holiday cheer at historic Quincy Market within Boston. Admission: $25 (MAPD or APA-MA members), $35 (non-members).
Friday, December 16, 2011
12:00- Social , 12:30- Lunch will be served (promptly)
Ned Devine’s
250 Faneuil Hall Marketplace
Quincy Market Building
Boston, MA
www.neddevinesboston.com
To RSVP, download the registration form: WORD │ PDF.
Please email, fax, mail or call in this registration form to Chris Skelly, Skelly-MHC@comcast.net; fax: 413-625-2099; PO Box 912, Greenfield, MA 01302; telephone 413-834-0678 including the names of your guests.  All registration information MUST be received by 12:00 (noon) on Friday, December 9, 2011.

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The deadline to submit your award submissions has been extended to November 4th, 4pm.

The American Planning Association – Massachusetts Chapter (APA-MA) is pleased to announce its 2011 APA-MA Awards Program. This awards program is co‑sponsored by the Massachusetts Association of Planning Directors (MAPD) and the Massachusetts Association of Consulting Planners (MACP). It is time once again to nominate your favorite project, plan, student project, planner, legislator or reporter for the great work they do to advance the planning profession.  We are pleased to invite your participation in our chapter awards program.
For more information, see: APA-MA Annual Awards. Awards submissions due November 4, 2011, 4pm.

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Posted on September 20, 2011 by Smart Growth America
Washington, DC – The Senate Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development voted today to preserve funding for two key components of the federal Partnership for Sustainable Communities in the FY2012 appropriations bill. Smart Growth America President and CEO Geoff Anderson released the following statement:
“The Partnership for Sustainable Communities is helping dozens of communities across the country grow in ways that support their local economies and are fiscally responsible. We applaud the Senate for protecting these innovative, effective programs.
“The Partnership’s programs are helping small towns rebuild their main street, and they’re helping mid-sized cities improve their business districts. These projects are rebuilding roads, renovating abandoned properties, creating pedestrian friendly downtowns and dozens of other worthwhile projects that will help American communities recover from the economic downturn and stay strong in the coming decades. We strongly encourage Congress to approve funding for …

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Public Notice
Town of Middleton Massachusetts
Request for Proposals
The Town of Middleton Massachusetts is seeking proposals from qualified bidders for Landscape Design and Master Planning Services for the re-development of two town-owned parcels of land in the center of Town.  Copies of the Request for Proposals will be available beginning Monday, September 12th, 2011 and may be obtained by calling the Town Administrator’s Office at (978) 777-3617 or by emailing a request to adminsecretary@townofmiddleton.org.  Proposals will be due back to the Town by Tuesday, October 4th, 2011 and will be evaluated by a Design Review Advisory Committee.  The Town of Middleton reserves the right to reject any and all proposals.

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****  UPDATE  ****
On September 7, 2011, electronic ballots were emailed out to APA-MA members via the chapter’s email survey service, Constant Contact. While most members received the ballot announcement email, it is possible that it did not come through to your email inbox due to potential firewall issues or other issues. Please note that APA-MA member email addresses are provided to the chapter by APA National. If you are an APA-MA member and did not receive the ballot announcement email, please contact APA-MA Nominating Committee member Peter Lowitt, FAICP via email (peterlowitt@devensec.com) and he will email you a ballot to be filled out and mailed back to him. Voting closes on September 30, 2011.

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Over the past few weeks, the Nominating Committee was contacted by several candidates and reviewed candidate qualifications. The Committee now has a ballot of candidates. Before voting, APA-MA Chapter members have time to review candidate biographies. For …

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Join us for a Young Planners Group meeting in Boston. For more information, click here. Please RSVP.

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The Priority Development Fund (PDF) has a total of $224,490 in recaptured and unexpended funds  to assist communities further their affordable housing goals.  These funds are available to communities exclusively for (1) the implementation of strategies for the production of affordable housing identified in DHCD-approved Housing Production Plans (HPPs) and (2) on a very limited basis, the preparation, update or renewal of HPPs.  The Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) anticipates awarding approximately 15 grants.
DHCD will accept applications on a rolling basis.  Communities are encouraged to meet with DHCD staff to discuss their proposed funding request/activity prior to application submission by contacting Miryam Bobadilla, Sr. Technical Assistance Coordinator, at (617) 573-1356 or Miryam.Bobadilla@state.ma.us Project review and funding will be coordinated among DHCD,  MassHousing, MHP and  CHAPA.
The Priority Development Fund (PDF) program description, guidelines and application materials are available at www.mass.gov/dhcd; search PDF or by clicking on the …

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Check out our Summer issue of New England Planning Newsletter sent out to members via email.
New England Planning Newsletter – Summer 2011

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The APA-MA Nominating Committee is seeking candidates interested in serving on the APA-MA Chapter Board of Directors for the term beginning November 2011 and expiring October 2013. Candidates must be current APA-MA Chapter members. APA-MA Board of Directors positions up for election are the following:

President
Vice-President for Chapter Affairs
Professional Development Officer (PDO)
Legislation and Policy Officer
Secretary
Treasurer
Cape Cod & Islands Regional Representative
Greater Boston Regional Representative
Northeast Regional Representative
Southeast Regional Representative
Central Regional Representative
Western Regional Representative

For details about each position listed above, see Summary of Board Responsibilities; and for a map of regions, see APA-MA Regions Map.
To apply to be on the ballot, please contact any one of the three of APA-MA Nominating Committee members listed below no later than 5:00 PM Friday, August 5, 2011.  As appointed by Chapter President Steve Sadwick, AICP, the APA-MA Nominating Committee for the 2011-2013 term consists of:

Peter Lowitt FAICP | peterlowitt@devensec.com
Ralph Willmer FAICP | rwillmer@vhb.com
Tom Broadrick AICP | broadrick@town.duxbury.ma.us

Important …

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On August 18, 2011, the Department of Geography at Salem State University is offering a one-day workshop on GIS and Online Mapping for community planners
The workshop will be in the department’s Digital Geography Laboratory and will have two central objectives:

To provide hands-on experience with simple, easy to use GIS and online mapping tools
To learn how to incorporate GIS and online mapping tools into current job tasks

The workshop instructors will be:
Dr. Keith A. Ratner, Salem State Geography Professor and former planner
Mr. Jeffrey Blossom, Consultant and Senior GIS Specialist at the Center for Geographic Analysis (CGA), Harvard University
For a workshop brochure and to register, click here or contact Keith Ratner at: keith.ratner@salemstate.edu.

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Date of Issue: Monday, April 25, 2011
Proposal Deadline: 4:00pm Tuesday, May 17, 2011
This Request for Qualifications invites responses from qualified and experienced professional planning consultants who will assist the City of Burlington in the creation of a land use and development master plan for Burlington’s Downtown and Waterfront area.
For more information, see: http://www.ci.burlington.vt.us/docs/4337.pdf

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The Town of Litchfield is accepting proposals/qualifications for revision of zoning, subdivision, and aquifer protection regulations. All proposals must be submitted in accordance with specifications supplied by the Town of Litchfield Land Use Department, (860) 567-7565. Proposals/qualifications will be received at the Office of the First Selectman, 74 West Street, Litchfield, CT 06759 until May 12, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. and will be opened and read publicly at that same time in said office. Work shall commence on July 1, 2011 and be completed by December 1, 2011. The Town of Litchfield reserves the right to waive the technical defects in the proposals, to reject any proposal which does not conform to the terms and conditions described in the proposal documents, to accept or reject any part of any proposal and to reject all proposals and again invite proposals.
No …

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NEW!! HOW TO BUY TICKETS TO MOBILE WORKSHOPS
The LHC is now making Mobile Workshop tickets available to both conference attendees and non-conference attendees. In the event you are not able to enjoy the 4-day conference but would like to catch-up with planning practice and see planning in action for projects in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island, please consider purchasing tickets. If you are already attending the conference and need to purchase more tickets for a friend, spouse or work colleague, you may do so here. Quantities of tickets are limited, please act soon.
Please note that nearly all of the Mobile Workshops offer AICP CM credits.
Here is how it works:
Step 1 – Send an email to mwtickets@apa-ma.org with the workshop number (ie, W###), workshop name and name(s) of the people you are purchasing tickets for. Each Mobile Workshop will have a list at the staging area in the …

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The Local Host Committee has created a flyer showing some of the items that will be on sale at the APA National Planning Conference.  To view these items, click here.

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AICP Exam Training – The Massachusetts APA Chapter is proud to offer the upcoming AICP training for candidates who wish to take the exam in May or November 2011. This training is offered only once a year. Hosted by Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, classes will be held on the following Monday nights (March 28, April 4, 18 & 25, May 2) from 6:00-9:00pm.
The registration deadline is March 25, 2011. To register send an email to: Kristin Kassner, kekassner@gmail.com. Please include your name, address, and phone number in the email. The cost of the course will be $100 per student. Checks should be made payable to: APA- MA and mailed to: Chris Kluchman, 1984 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, MA  02421 (All checks must be received by the first class on March 28th, registrants may bring checks to the first day of class.)
AICP EXAM PREP COURSE – 2011 Schedule
Massachusetts Chapter of the American Planning …

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NEW!! The Local Host Committee is now making tickets to Special Events occurring at the APA National Planning Conference available to non-conference attendees. In the event you are not able to enjoy the 4-day conference but would like to catch up with planning colleagues and/or take advantage of the unique networking and business development opportunities at these events, please consider purchasing tickets. If you are already attending the conference and need to purchase more tickets for a friend, spouse or work colleague, you may do so here. Quantities of tickets are limited, please act soon.
Here is how it works.
Step 1 – Send an email to tickets@apa-ma.org with the names of the people you are purchasing tickets for. Each event will have a list at the door, so we need to be sure you are on the list.
Step 2 – A …

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The Southeastern Regional Planning and Economic Development District (SRPEDD) is seeking the services of a Planning and Real Estate Consultant (the Consultant) to develop a market feasibility study for establishing a regional Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) Program for southeastern Massachusetts. The selected Consultant should have significant experience in conducting market analyses and feasibility studies for TDR programs.
This project is part of the South Coast Rail Technical Assistance and is funded through the South Coast Rail project, part of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT). MassDOT and the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development jointly manage the technical assistance program and SRPEDD is a regional planning agency and contractor to the Commonwealth for the provision of services to 27 cities and towns in the South Coast Corridor region.
Proposal submission deadline: March 21, 2011 at 4:00 PM
To view …

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Date of Issue: February 25, 2011
Proposal Deadline: 4:00pm March 18, 2011
The City of Burlington, Vermont is seeking the services of a qualified urban planning professional, firm or team to complete a retail feasibility study that will help identify future retail market development opportunities in Burlington’s Downtown/ Waterfront Plan study area. For more information, see:  Retail Market Feasibility Study.

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To view the RFP for the Chicopee West End Neighborhood Brownfields Planning Project, go to: http://www.apa-ma.org/resources/rfps-rfqs

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To view the RFP for the City of Lowell, Tanner Street District Brownfields Area-Wide Planning, go to: http://www.apa-ma.org/resources/rfps-rfqs.

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AICP Exam and APA-MA Exam Prep Course- AICP certified planners carry a high mark of distinction because they are required to meet rigorous standards, maintain their expertise through continuing education, and serve community interests.
AICP Exam Prep- The Massachusetts APA Chapter will be offering AICP Exam Prep this spring for candidates who wish to take the exam in May or November 2011. This training is offered only once a year. Hosted by APA-MA Chapter classes will be held one night a week running from late March through early May 2011. An updated announcement will be posted on the APA-MA website regarding dates, location and registration information.  If you have any questions regarding the class contact Kristin Kassner at kekassner@gmail.com.
AICP Exam Registration – The AICP exam is offered in both May and November.  Registration has closed for the May exam, although there is still time to register for the November Exam. For …

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Click here to register for this event.

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For the full list of this year’s APA-MA Chapter Award winners, see: http://www.apa-ma.org/news/annual-chapter-awards.

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Date of Issue: January 11, 2011
Proposal Deadline: 4:00pm February 4, 2011
The City of Burlington is seeking the services of a qualified urban planning professional, firm or team to complete a land use inventory and buildout analysis that will help identify future development opportunities in Burlington’s Downtown/Waterfront Plan study area. For more information, see:  http://nnecapa.org/blog/jobrfp-listings/rfp-land-use-inventory-buildout-analysis-burlington-vt-downtown-waterfront-plan/

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Student Essay Contest – Deadline: January 14, 2011
Through a Student Essay Contest, the Massachusetts Association of Planning Directors (MAPD) is offering at least 3 scholarships to attend American Planning Association (APA) National Conference, April 9-12, 2011 in Boston to full time students currently enrolled as a declared Planning-related major, or graduate student, at a College or University in Massachusetts. Deadline: Friday, January 14, 2011. For more details and submission requirements, click here.

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To view the RFP for the Town of Dedham Comprehensive Design Guidelines Manual, go to: http://www.apa-ma.org/resources/rfps-rfqs

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The MA-APA chapter awards are fast approaching and will be held next Friday, December 10, 2010.  We need nominees for the Young Planner Award for a junior or mid-level young practicing planner who has excelled in leadership, increased the impact of planning in public and private decision making, and enhanced the APA-MA Chapter.  There are many young people among the public and private sector who have been an integral part in bringing projects to fruition…please consider nominating these people within your own companies/municipalities for this newly established award to recognize the importance of young planners within our profession.
Send along your nominations by this Friday, December 3, 2010, to Kristen Wilson, YPG Chair (kwilson@th.ci.shrewsbury.ma.us) and Steve Sadwick, APA-MA President (ssadwick@tewksbury-ma.gov)

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The American Planning Association – Massachusetts Chapter (APA-MA) and the Massachusetts Association of Planning Directors (MAPD) invite you all to join us at this year’s Awards Holiday Luncheon. This annual event draws planning professionals from all over the Commonwealth to enjoy a joyous holiday meal, catch up with old and new friends and  celebrate the achievement of award-winning planning efforts helping to make great communities throughout Massachusetts.
The luncheon admission is $35 (pay at the door at this time). The new registration deadline is has been extended to close of business on Thursday, December 2, 2010. To register now, send an email to Chris Skelly at Skelly-MHC@comcast.net or Steve Sadwick at ssadwick@tewksbury-ma.gov.

Friday December 10, 2010 – 12pm-2pm
The Hall at Parris (above Ned Devine’s)
Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Boston, Massachusetts

This event also serves as the required Annual Meeting of the APA-MA Chapter board which …

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FALL 2010 CPTC WORKSHOPS!
Over 20 training sessions offering some of our most popular topics.
Download program information and registration form HERE

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Request for Proposals – OSRD Zoning Bylaw
Town of Wellesley
The Town of Wellesley Planning Board (hereinafter referred to as “the Board”) is seeking to engage a planning consultant (herein¬after referred to as “the consultant”), for the purpose of developing a new Open Space Residential Design (cluster development) Zoning Bylaw for the Town (herein after referred to as “the Project”).
The Wellesley Zoning Bylaw has had a provision for alternative area regulations or “cluster” development since 1970, but the provision has never been used and the Town has not been able to realize the potential benefits of cluster development.
This Project, which is more specifically defined below, shall:

Analyze best practices in Open Space Residential Design (OSRD) options and assess which elements of these land use approaches could be successful in Wellesley with the current developable land constraints and the multitude of environmentally sensitive areas …

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The Massachusetts Chapter of the American Planning Association (APA-MA) is pleased to announce its 2010 Awards Program. This awards program is co sponsored by the Massachusetts Association of Planning Directors (MAPD) and the Massachusetts Association of Consulting Planners (MACP). We are pleased to invite your participation in our chapter awards program.  Awards submissions due October 22, 2010. For more information about how to submit and to view last year’s winners see the Annual Chapter Awards page.

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The City of Worcester, MA is seeking professional services from qualified consultant firms to conduct a Citywide Housing Market Study and Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing in accordance with the requirements of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.  The close date is October 8, 2010. For more information and to see the RFP, click here.

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Title: Moving Together 2010: Moving Massachusetts Forward with GreenDOT and Healthy Transportation
Location: Marriott Courtyard Downtown Hotel, 275 Tremont Street, Boston, MA
Link out: Click here
Description: Moving Together 2010, the Commonwealth’s annual statewide walking and bicycling conference, will focus on GreenDOT and GreenDOT’s core emphasis on healthy transportation. GreenDOT is the Massachusetts Department of Transportation’s bold new initiative that will establish MassDOT as a national leader in promoting sustainability in the transportation sector. Central to GreenDOT is the promotion of the healthy transportation modes of walking, bicycling and transit.
Moving Together 2010 will provide you with the latest insight and information on the GreenDOT policy and on how these healthy transportation modes are quickly transforming the Massachusetts landscape.
Moving Together 2010 registration fee is $50, which includes conference registration, continental breakfast, refreshments, lunch, and conference materials. (Registration fee is $60 at the door.)

For more information, see: http://php.ecs.umass.edu/baystate/mt/mt2010/index.html
Start Time: 08:00
Date: …

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The AIA Center for Communities by Design will hold a teleconference for communities interested in learning more about the 2011 Sustainable Design Assessment Team (SDAT) program and the application process on September 8, 2010 at 3:00 pm Eastern.  If you would like to join this call, please indicate your interest by sending an email to communitiesbydesign@aia.org.
Interested communities can access the Application Packet for the 2011 Sustainable Design Assessment Team program on the AIA website. The final deadline to submit proposals for consideration in the 2011 SDAT program is November 19, 2010.  Recipient communities will be notified of their application’s acceptance in December of 2010.  Submittals from past successful applicants can be found on our webpage; you can also view additional materials generated by SDAT projects, including final reports and presentations, by following that link.  Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions pertaining to the SDAT …

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For more detail, see:  http://www.apa-ma.org/resources/rfps-rfqs

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For more information, see: http://www.apa-ma.org/resources/rfps-rfqs

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