INTRODUCTION: NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania (“NWNEPA”) and Valley in Motion (“VIM”) are seeking proposals from Signs Design and Manufacturing Companies to assist with a project to design, produce, and install five community wayfinding signs in parks owned and maintained by the City of Carbondale.
The Community Wayfinding Signs project was identified and created by a committee of Carbondale residents that indicated the need for community wayfinding signs. The community signs will have the following sections:
Community Bulletin Board
Map of Location with points of interest
Contact information for the City of Carbondale
Distance from sign location to points of interest in Carbondale
Brief historic/environmental information about the existing sign location
All signs will have similar designs, fonts, and color schemes with some changes to content based on the sign’s location. Selected firm will help to decide the best design approach and how to incorporate the above elements in the most effective way for a visual audience. Signs must adhere to ADA standards and practices.
ABOUT NEIGHBORWORKS NeighborWorks is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community development organization that has, for the past 45 years, helped to revitalize neighborhoods and improve lives throughout the region by addressing the housing needs in its communities. NeighborWorks is an industry leader in, and advocate for, home buyer education, aging in place programming, and comprehensive and impactful community development. Our staff aid other organizations and municipalities on implementation strategies for long-term, sustainable community development. NeighborWorks’ vision for strong, healthy neighborhoods is built on resident empowerment, neighborhood revitalization, sustainable homeownership, and public-private partnerships.
ABOUT VALLEY IN MOTION Valley In Motion is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to create, improve, and activate public spaces to strengthen quality of life across the Lackawanna Valley. VIM provides opportunities for community connection and engagement through recreation, public art, and community events.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Project Name: Community Wayfinding Signs
Cerra Park (West Side Park) 48 Veterans Drive, Carbondale, PA 18407
Russel Park 11th Ave., Carbondale, PA 18407
Carbondale YMCA Park & Trailhead 1C John St., Carbondale, PA
Downtown Carbondale Location to be determined.
Sign Size: Approximately 12-15 square feet.
SCOPE OF WORK
Design
All community wayfinding signs will have similar design elements with customized sections that fit each sign location. Our teams have selected content to include on the signs, the selected firm will be required to work with our team to create and develop the signs on needs, design preferences, and installation. Work must comply with local permit requirements in Carbondale.
Production
All community wayfinding signs will be produced by the firm for installation or an approved outsource printer. If you firm outsource production, the name of the company must be included in your application to ensure the date of first installation can be met.
Installation
Each sign will be installed at a different location at a different time beginning with Cerra Park (West Side Park) starting in September. Sign installation can begin after approval from Carbondale City Council. Dates and locations for installation will be shared with selected firm after approval and coordinating with Carbondale’s Department of Public Works (DPW) for any assistance with installation.
First sign must be installed at Cerra Park (10 Apple Ave, Carbondale) by Saturday, Sept. 26.
Project Management
The firm must share sign drafts with team throughout the design process. An installation timeline will be created and agree upon by the selected firm, NWNEPA & VIM, and the City of Carbondale. The selected firm must provide management including updates to design, coordinating installation timelines, and are available and connected with Project Leads (Emily Arcaro and Alyssa Kelley).
PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS Proposal must include company background, history, and experience with creating impactful and visible signage. This would include overview of assigned team members and roles, any pertinent information for licenses, certifications, and proof of insurance, and a commitment to complete the community wayfinding signs project by Summer 2027. Include a proposed fee and payment schedule that includes soft costs, designing time costs, and installation costs.
EVALUATION CRITERIA
Experience and qualifications of company – 25 points
Portfolio of previous work – 50 points
Cost effectiveness – 25 points
The lowest, most qualified respondent will be awarded the project. Interviews may be conducted at the discretion of NWNEPA and VIM. We reserve the right to waive minor discrepancies or omissions that do not materially affect evaluation or outcome.
SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS Proposals must be submitted digitally to: NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania & Valley in Motion, Emily Arcaro earcaro@nwnepa.org and Alyssa Kelley alyssa@valleyinmotion.org. Subject Line must be marked: “Attention – Community Wayfinding Signs Project”
FOR ANY PHOTOS DO NOT ATTACH MORE THAN 3 TO EMAILED APPLICATION.
All questions must be emailed to Emily Arcaro and Alyssa Kelley at the above addresses by Thursday, July 30, 2026. No phone inquiries will be accepted.
Final award announcement will be Monday, August 10, 2026.
