Schertz Economic Development Corporation Schertz, Texas

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ)

for a

COMPREHENSIVE ECONOMIC

DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIC PLAN

RFQ # 2025-015

November 21, 2025

1400 SCHERTZ PARKWAY

SCHERTZ, TEXAS 78154

SCHERTZ ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (“RFQ”)

COMPREHENSIVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIC PLAN

RFQ# 2025-015

Sealed proposals in response to this RFQ will be received through the City of Schertz e-procurement portal at https://schertz.bonfirehub.com/portal/?tab=openOpportunities until December 18, 2025, at 3:30PM. Submissions by other methods will not be accepted. All Proposals must be in the Schertz Economic Development Corporation’s possession on or before the scheduled date and time (no late RFQ will be accepted).

Solicitation documents can be obtained from the City of Schertz website link above. You must register as a vendor through this portal to submit a bid or proposal. Any questions regarding this solicitation must be posted in the Q&A section on the City’s e-procurement portal. General questions about using the e-procurement portal or becoming a vendor may be directed to the City’s Purchasing Department at purchasing@schertz.com.

The City shall evaluate proposals based on the evaluation criteria set forth in the solicitation.

The Schertz Economic Development Corporation reserves the right to refuse and reject any or all responses, waive any or all formalities or technicalities, accept the response or portions of the response determined to be the best value and most advantageous to the SEDC, and hold the responses for a period of 90 days without acting. The Schertz Economic Development Corporation reserves the right to accept responses from more than one firm determined to be the best option for the corporation.

Respondents are required to hold their responses firm for the same period.

All questions must be submitted through the City’s e-procurement portal no later than December 9th, 2025, at 5:00PM.

Upload electronic proposals to:

https://schertz.bonfirehub.com/portal/?tab=openOpportunities mailto:purchasing@schertz.com

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

SECTION 1

INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND

1.1 Introduction

The Schertz Economic Development Corporation (“SEDC”) is soliciting proposals in response to this Request for Proposal number 2025-015 (“RFQ”) from qualified professional firms hereafter referred to collectively as “Proposers,” to assist the SEDC in preparing a three-year Comprehensive Economic Development Strategic Plan (“CEDS”).

The SEDC was created by the voters of Schertz in August 1997 under the Development Act of 1979 (Texas Revised Civil Statues Article 5190.6) section 45 for the purpose of creating and retaining primary jobs. The Corporation’s independent board of seven voting directors, each serving two-year terms, is appointed by the mayor and city council.

Working in cooperation with site selection consultants, facility managers, developers, realtors, and property owners, the SEDC is the central information source and marketing organization for economic development in the City of Schertz, Texas, located in Guadalupe, Comal and Bexar Counties.

The Schertz Economic Development Corporation’s mission is to strategically strengthen the City’s economy by attracting and retaining businesses, investing in infrastructure, and promoting and enhancing the quality of life for residents and businesses through innovative measures, creating a sustainable and vibrant Economic. The vision of the organization is to be a premier Texas community that promotes a family atmosphere, is sustained by foresight and innovation, and continues a long-standing commitment to economic prosperity and workforce opportunities.

The SEDC welcomes the use of partnerships and subcontracting for this project. The SEDC requires assistance in drafting and formulating a CEDS to guide in attracting and retaining business and industry that will enhance the quality of life in Schertz. We encourage creativity in response to a traditional comprehensive plan, and applicants will be selected based on alternative deliverables that meet criteria and provide a plan of action.

The effort may include, but is not limited to:

1. Review of previous strategic plans and other associated documents to include but not limited to the Comprehensive Land Use Plan, City Council Strategic Plan; Schertz growth, development, recent announcements and the associated impacts on our Economic.

2. Stakeholder master plans, regional strategic plans, and existing relevant programs.

3. Identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) and update other evaluative processes (location quotient, cluster analysis) used in other strategic planning.

4. Identify strategies to ensure available shovel ready properties specific to the needs of the target industries.

5. Develop a strategic marketing plan for target industries to include geographic areas and metrics for success.

6. Conduct meetings with various officials and citizens, to include any necessary presentations.

7. Prepare and present a final report to the SEDC Board and City Council that includes recommendations to attract target industries through collaboration and marketing.

1.2 Background

The City of Schertz is in the heart of South-Central Texas, strategically located along the I-35 corridor between San Antonio and Austin, placing it at the center of the state’s fastest-growing mega-region, the Texas Triangle. With a population of more than 44,000 and part of a metro area labor shed of over 1.3 million people, Schertz has become one of the premier suburban cities in the San Antonio–New Braunfels metropolitan area, known for its rapid growth, business-friendly environment, and high quality of life.

Schertz continues to experience steady population growth and boasts a median household income of over $100,000, above both the state and national averages. Served by highly regarded public schools in the Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD and with proximity to more than 30 colleges and universities in the San Antonio–Austin corridor, the Economic benefits from a highly educated and skilled workforce, with nearly 40 percent of residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher.

The city offers a thriving economic climate supported by robust infrastructure, available sites, and shovel-ready industrial parks such as Park 35, Schertz 35, and Core 5, which collectively provide millions of square feet of modern manufacturing and distribution space. Major employers like Amazon, Caterpillar, FedEx, UPS and Sysco call Schertz home, benefitting from immediate access to I-35, I-10, and State Highway 130, which link companies to U.S. and international trade routes. These highways also provide quick access to San Antonio International Airport, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, and Port San Antonio’s logistics hub.

Schertz has made intentional investments in quality-of-life amenities that strengthen its appeal to both residents and businesses. From the Schertz Soccer Complex and extensive trail network to neighborhood parks and recreation facilities, the city provides spaces that promote economic wellness and connectivity. Looking ahead, projects like Schertz Station, a transformative mix-use development, will bring new retail, dining, and entertainment opportunities that further energize the city’s core.

The spirit of Schertz shines through its Economic traditions and year-round events, including one of South Texas’ largest Fourth of July Jubilees and seasonal festivals that draw visitors from across the region. Combined with strong schools, a welcoming atmosphere, and forward-looking investments in infrastructure, Schertz offers the perfect balance of business opportunity and hometown charm, making it a premier destination to live, work, and grow.

SECTION 2

SPECIAL PROVISIONS

A. PREPARATION OF PROPOSAL: Proponents are encouraged to submit concise and clear responses to this Request for Qualifications (“RFQ”). Responses of excessive length or complexity are discouraged. The SEDC reserves the right to include the selected proposal or any part or parts of the selected proposal in the final contract

B. REIMBURSEMENTS: The SEDC makes no commitment to any proponent of this RFQ beyond consideration of the written proposal. The SEDC will not reimburse proponents for the costs incurred in preparing proposals, presentations, etc.

C. COLLUSION: By submission of a proposal, the Proponent certifies, and in the case of a joint proposal each party certifies as to its own organization, that in connection with any cost proposal submitted by the Proponent, the prices which are quoted are not the product, direct or indirect, of any collusion with any other proponent, and have not been knowingly disclosed by the Proponent directly or indirectly to any other proponent prior to submission to the SEDC.

D. EFFECTIVE PERIOD OF PROPOSALS: All proposals must state the period for which the proposal will remain in effect. Such period will not be less than 120 days from the proposal due date.

E. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Responses to questions will be provided to all prospective proponents. Questions will be submitted to the City’s e-procurement portal (Bonfire) at https://schertz.bonfirehub.com/portal/?tab=openOpportunities. All questions must be submitted no later than December 9, 2025, at 5:00PM. The City will have a reasonable amount of time to respond to questions or concerns. It is the City’s intent to respond to all appropriate questions and concerns; however, The City reserves the right to decline to respond to any question or concern. Only City responses that are made by formal written Addenda will be binding on the City. Any verbal responses, written interpretations or clarifications other than Addenda to this RFP will be without legal effect. All Addenda issued by City prior to the Submittal Deadline will be and are hereby incorporated as a part of this RFQ for all purposes.

F. SUBMITTAL DEADLINE: Sealed proposals in response to this RFQ will be received through the City’s e-procurement portal at https://schertz.bonfirehub.com/portal/?tab=openOpportunities until December 18, 2025, at 3:30PM. Submissions by other methods will not be accepted. All Proposals must be in the City of Schertz’s possession on or before the scheduled date and time (no late RFP will be accepted).

All submitted and sealed responses will be opened at the above-mentioned time and date.

Responders who wish to be present at the opening may join the Zoom meeting at the link below:

BID OPENING TEAMS MEETING LINK

Solicitation documents can be obtained from the City’s website above. You must register as a vendor through this portal to submit a proposal. Questions regarding this solicitation MUST be posted on the Q&A section of this proposal on the City’s e-procurement portal. General questions about using the e-procurement portal may be directed to the Purchasing Department at purchasing@schertz.com.

G. INTENT: The services to be provided under the RFQ shall be in accordance with and shall meet all specifications and/or requirements as shown in this solicitation for Request for Qualifications (RFQ). There is no intention to disqualify any respondent who can meet the requirements.

H. PUBLIC INFORMATION: SEDC considers all information, documentation and other materials submitted in response to this RFQ to be of a non-confidential and non-proprietary nature and shall be subject to public disclosure under the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code, Chapter 552.001, et seq) after the award of an Agreement.

The proposer is hereby notified that the SEDC strictly adheres to all statutes, court decisions and the opinions of the Texas Attorney General with respect to disclosure of public information.

https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_MmY5YjViMDgtYTNjNi00NzQ2LWJkMzYtZTA3YzgxYWM4ZGFj%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22c6a5f21e-8be3-4703-81d7-00f87aab018c%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%225ffc77e2-0e99-4029-801d-87fa2ce068bb%22%7d mailto:purchasing@schertz.com

SECTION 3

RESPONSE TO THE REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

The following items are required in each proposal. In order to expedite the evaluation of proposals, proponents will organize their proposals in the same sequence. Instructions regarding scope and contents are given in this section. These instructions are designed to ensure the submission of information essential to the understanding and comprehensive evaluation of each proposal.

Proposals must contain a concise presentation of sufficient length to be complete. Brevity is appreciated when possible. All documents and attachments will be contained in a presentation folder or binder no larger than 8-1/2” by 11”. No submittals via email or fax will be accepted.

Proposals for ‘boilerplate’ plans will not be acceptable.

A. COVER LETTER: A cover letter with company name, address, phone number, project contact and principal signature is required, expressing interest in the project and certifying that sufficient resources in personnel, equipment, and time are available and can be committed to this project.

B. WORK PLAN: Explain the work plan with detailed specific tasks as noted in Scope of Service (Section 3.C.) of this RFP. Note all tasks and the parties responsible, including the SEDC and sub-consultants.

C. PROJECT SCHEDULE: A project schedule showing key task target dates (including SEDC meetings, steering committee meetings and staff team meetings) and estimated task duration.

Desired adoption of the completed plan is on or before May 1, 2026. See Exhibit “B” for more detail.

D. PROJECT TEAM: Please provide a resume for the principle of the firm along with a resume for the project manager. Provide primary contact, names and titles of employees and all sub-consultant team members, partnering firms and their team members who will have responsibilities under the subsequent agreement. Provide a brief background on all participants to include professional work and areas of expertise.

E. RELEVANT EXPERIENCE: List of projects of a similar nature with which the successful proponent has had direct experience. Be specific on why the referenced projects are similar to this project.

F. FEES: Provide a list of fees for the entire scope of services with a total “not to exceed” amount listed for all items in the RFP. Provide hourly rates for additional services as well as the costs for out-of-pocket expenses.

SECTION 4.

SUBMISSION OF PROPOSALS

4.1 Proposals must be submitted through the City of Schertz e-procurement portal (Bonfire) at https://schertz.bonfirehub.com/portal/?tab=openOpportunities. You must register as a vendor through this portal to submit a proposal. Submissions by other methods will not be accepted. Minimum system requirements: Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Safari, or Mozilla Firefox. Javascript and browser cookies must be enabled.

Submission materials should be prepared in the file formats listed under Requested Information for this opportunity in the Bonfire Portal. The maximum upload file size is 1000 MB. Documents should not be embedded within uploaded files, as the embedded files will not be accessible or evaluated.

Submit one (1) original, five (5) copies in printed format, of the proposal to no later than 5:00pm CST on December 15, 2025 in a sealed envelope to

Schertz Economic Development Corporation 1400 Schertz Parkway, BLDG 2 c/o Executive Director Schertz, Texas 78154

The sealed envelope will be labeled as such:

Comprehensive Economic Development Strategic Plan Submitted by: (Name of Proponent}

4.2 Preparation and Submittal Instructions

The response to this RFQ shall be submitted in the manner described in this Section.

Failure to submit the Proposal in the manner specified may result in failure to open and consider that proposal and may be cause for elimination of that Respondent from consideration for award.

4.2.1 Overview of Proposed System / Scope of Services

This section of the proposal should include a general discussion of the proposer’s overall understanding of the project, the scope of work, as defined in Section 5, and the proposed solution

4.2.2 Additional Information

1. Certificate of Insurance showing Contractor is Insured

2. Copy of Completed Form 1295

3. Supplementary Information (if necessary)

4. Other supporting materials and work portfolio which demonstrate the firm’s work quality.

4.3 Proposal Validity Period

Each proposal must state that it will remain valid for City’s acceptance for a minimum of ninety days (90) days after the Submittal Deadline, to allow time for evaluation, selection, and any unforeseen delays.

SECTION 5

EVALUATION OF PROPOSALS

A. CONTRACT: The selection of the proponents and the execution of a contract, while anticipated, are not guaranteed by the SEDC. The SEDC reserves the right to determine which proposal is in the SEDC's best interest and to award the contract on that basis, to reject any and all proposals, waive any irregularities of any proposal, negotiate with any potential proponent (after proposals are opened) if such is deemed in the best interest of the SEDC.

B. RANKING: All proposals will be reviewed and ranked according to qualifications and proponents may be selected for interviews or oral presentations as deemed necessary by the SEDC. The SEDC makes no commitment to any respondent to this RFP beyond consideration of its written response.

C. EVALUATION CRITERIA: The SEDC will evaluate the qualifications of firms submitting proposals based on, but not limited to, the following criteria and will award points in each category up to the maximum number of points listed below.

Maximum Criteria # of Points

1. Quality of proposal submission. All information requested has been submitted. The correct number of proposals has been submitted. 5

2. The firm's history, background, staffing, and capabilities to complete assignment. 15

3. Proposed methodology and timelines. Project management services. Commitment to meeting project agendas, time frames and budgets. 20

4. Personnel or sub-consultants background, qualifications, demonstrated creativity and experience in the economic development industry. 20

5.Experience and demonstrated expertise in developing a Strategic Economic Development Plan for similar sized cities. Municipal references, samples provided. Success in integrating concerns of key governmental agencies, nonprofit organizations, business, economic, and general public. 20

6. Project fee and per hour rate for staff/sub consultants. 20

TOTAL 100

SECTION 6

AWARD OF CONTRACT

A. NEGOTIATIONS: After selection of a proponent based on qualifications, the SEDC will then enter into negotiations as to the terms of the contract, all aspects of services, and the compensation to be paid to the proponent.

B. SEDC and CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL: The final contract will be negotiated by the Executive Director and presented for approval to the SEDC Board and the City Council.

C. FINAL CONTRACT:

1. The selected proponent will be required to assume responsibility for all services offered in its proposal, whether or not such services are provided by a partnership arrangement. The successful proponent will be considered the sole point of contact with regard to contractual matters, including payment of any and all charges resulting from the contract.

2. The successful proponent will be required to enter into a written contract with the SEDC.

The SEDC’s standard terms and conditions for this contract are attached as Exhibit “A”.

Where conflicts exist between the provisions of Exhibit “A” and the provisions of this RFP, the provisions imposing greater responsibility on the successful proponent will control.

3. This RFP and the successful proponent’s proposal, or any part thereof, may be incorporated into and made a part of the final contract. The SEDC reserves the right to negotiate the terms and conditions of the contract with the successful proponent.

Exhibit A

Terms and Conditions for Professional Services Agreements

A. Standards of Performance

1. The performance of all services by the Consultant under this Agreement will be by persons appropriately licensed or registered under State, local and Federal laws.

2. In performing all services under this Agreement, the Consultant will use that degree of care and skill ordinarily exercised for similar projects by professional consulting firms who possess special expertise in the types of services involved under this Agreement.

3. Any provisions in this Agreement pertaining to the SEDC’s review, approval and /or acceptance of written materials prepared by the Consultant and/or its sub-consultants in connection with this Agreement will not diminish the Consultant’s responsibility for the materials.

4. The Consultant will perform all of its services in coordination with the Executive Director.

The Consultant will advise the Executive Director of data and information the Consultant needs to perform its services, and the Consultant will meet with staff representatives at mutually convenient times to assemble this data and information.

5. In performing all services under this Agreement, the Consultant will comply with all local, state and federal laws.

B. SEDC’s Responsibilities

1. The SEDC will provide information to the Consultant regarding the SEDC’s requirements for the Consultant’s services under this Agreement. The SEDC will furnish the Consultant with copies of data and information in the SEDC’s possession needed by the Consultant, at the Consultant’s request.

2. The Executive Director is designated as an authorized representative to act on the SEDC’s behalf with respect to this Agreement. The Executive Director will examine documents and information submitted by the Consultant and promptly render responses to the Consultant on issues requiring a decision by the SEDC. Should any decisions require board action, the Executive Director will advise the Consultant and provide a specific date for delivery of responses.

C. Consultant’s Records

1. All expense records of the Consultant related to this Agreement will be kept on a recognized accounting basis acceptable to the SEDC and will be available to the SEDC at mutually convenient times if the Consultant is to be reimbursed for any expenses.

2. The SEDC, its auditors and federal and state agencies that have monitoring or auditing responsibilities for this Agreement will have access to any books, documents, papers and records of the Consultant which are directly pertinent to this Agreement for the purpose of making audit, examination, excerpts, copying and transcriptions.

3. The Consultant will furnish to the SEDC at such time and in such form as the SEDC may require, financial statements including audited financial statements, records, reports, data and information, as the SEDC may request pertaining to the matters covered by this

D. Ownership and Use of Documents

1. All documents prepared by the Consultant in connection with this Agreement will become the property of the SEDC whether any project related to this Agreement is executed or not.

2. The Consultant will retain all of its records and supporting documentation relating to this Agreement, and not delivered to the SEDC, for a period of three years, except that in the event the Consultant goes out of business during that period, it will turn over to the SEDC all of its records relating to the Project for retention by the SEDC.

E. Term; Termination of Agreement

1. The term of the Agreement begins upon its execution by the SEDC, and will end upon the

Consultant’s completion, and the SEDC’s acceptance, of all services described in this

2. This Agreement may be terminated by either party upon 15 calendar days prior written notice should the other party fail substantially to perform in accordance with its terms through no fault of the party initiating the termination.

3. This Agreement may be terminated at will by the SEDC upon at least 15 calendar days prior written notice to the Consultant.

4. In the event of termination as provided in this Section, the Consultant will be compensated for all services performed to the termination date which are deemed by the SEDC to be in accordance with this Agreement. This amount will be paid by the SEDC upon the

Consultant’s delivering to the SEDC all information and materials developed or accumulated by the Consultant in performing the services described in this Agreement, whether completed or in progress. The expense of the reproduction of these items will be borne by the SEDC.

F. Insurance and Indemnity

1. The Consultant will indemnify, hold harmless and defend the SEDC and its employees, agents, officers and servants from any and all lawsuits, claims, demands and causes of action of any kind arising from the negligent or intentional acts or omissions of the Consultant, its officers, employees or agents. This will include, but not be limited to, the amounts of judgments, penalties, interest, court costs, reasonable legal fees, and all other expenses incurred by the SEDC arising in favor of any party, including the amounts of any damages or awards resulting from claims demands and causes of action for personal injuries, death or damages to property alleged or actual infringement of patents, copyrights, and trademarks and without limitation by enumeration, all other claims, demands, or causes of action of every character occurring, resulting, or arising from any negligent or intentional wrongful act, error or omission of the Contractor and/or its agents and/or employees. This obligation by Consultant will not be limited by reason of the specification of any particular insurance coverage in this Agreement.

2. The Consultant will procure and maintain at its expense insurance with insurance companies authorized to do business in the State of Texas, covering all operations under this Agreement, whether performed by the Consultant or its agents, subcontractors or employees. Before commencing the work, the Consultant will furnish to the SEDC a certificate or certificates in a form satisfactory to the SEDC, showing that Consultant has complied with this paragraph. All certificates will ensure that policies will not be canceled until at least 30 calendar days written notice has been given to the SEDC. Commercial general liability and motor vehicle insurance will be written with the SEDC as an additional insured and will be endorsed to provide a waiver of the carrier’s right of subrogation against the SEDC. The kinds and amounts of insurance required are as follows:

Workers’ Compensation Insurance: In accordance with the provisions of the Workers’ Compensation Act of the State of Texas.

Liability Insurance: (1) Commercial general liability insurance with a combined single limit of $500,000 for each occurrence and $500,000 in the aggregate, (2) Motor Vehicle liability insurance in an amount not less than $250,000 for injuries to any one person, $500,000 on account of any one accident and in an amount of not less than $250,000 for property damage (3) professional liability coverage to cover lawful claims arising in connection with this Project in the combined single limit amount of at least $500,000.00.

3. The stated limits of insurance required by this Paragraph are minimum only--they do not limit the Consultant’s indemnity obligation, and it will be the Consultant’s responsibility to determine what limits are adequate. These limits may be met by basic policy limits or any combination of basic limits and umbrella limits. The SEDC’s acceptance of certificates of insurance that do not comply with these requirements in any respect does not release the Consultant from compliance with these requirements.

G. No Waiver of Immunity

1. The SEDC’s execution of and performance under this Agreement will not act as a waiver by the SEDC of any immunity from suit or liability to which it is entitled under applicable law. The parties acknowledge that the SEDC, in executing and performing this Agreement, is a governmental entity acting in a governmental capacity.

H. Remedies; No Waiver

1. In the event of a default or breach of this Agreement by the Consultant, the SEDC reserves the right to choose among the remedies for the default or breach available to the SEDC. These remedies may be used in conjunction with one another or separately, and together with any other statutory or common law remedies available to the SEDC. Any failure by the SEDC to enforce this Agreement with respect to one or more defaults by the Consultant will not waive the SEDC’s ability to enforce the Agreement after that time.

I. Miscellaneous Provisions

1. This Agreement is governed by the law of the State of Texas. Exclusive venue for any dispute arising under this Agreement is in Travis County, Texas.

2. As to all acts or failures to act by either party to this Agreement, any applicable statute of limitations will commence to run and any alleged cause of action will be deemed to have accrued when the party commencing the cause of action knew or should have known of the existence of the subject act or failure to act.

3. The Consultant agrees not to use funds received by it under the terms of this Agreement for any partisan political activity or to further the election or defeat of any candidate for public office.

4. The Consultant hereby affirms that Consultant and Consultant’s firm have not made or agreed to make any valuable gift whether in the form of service, loan, thing, or promise to any person or any of his/her immediate family, having the duty to recommend, the right to vote upon, or any other direct influence on the selection of consultants to provide professional services to the SEDC within the two years preceding the execution of this

5. In performing the services required under this Agreement, the Consultant will not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or ancestry. The Consultant agrees not to engage in employment practices which have the purpose or effect of discriminating against employees because of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability or ancestry. A breach of this covenant may be regarded as a default of the Consultant of the Agreement.

6. All references in this Agreement to any particular gender are for convenience only and will be construed and interpreted to be of the appropriate gender. The term “will” is mandatory in this Agreement.

7. Should any provision in this Agreement be found or deemed to be invalid, this Agreement will be construed as not containing the provision, and all other provisions which are otherwise lawful will remain in full force and effect, and to this end the provisions of this Agreement are declared to be severable.

8. All services provided pursuant to this Agreement are for the exclusive use and benefit of the SEDC.

9. The SEDC is governed by the Texas Public Information Act (the “Act”), Chapter 552 of the Texas Government Code. This Agreement and all written information generated under this agreement may be subject to release under the Act. The Consultant shall not make any reports, information, data, etc. generated under this Agreement available to any individual or organization without the written approval of the SEDC.

10. In the event that the performance by either the SEDC or the Consultant of any of its obligations under this Agreement is interrupted or delayed by events outside of their control such as acts of God, war, riot or civil commotion, then the party is excused from such performance for the period of time reasonably necessary to remedy the effects of such events.

11. The SEDC and the Consultant, respectively, bind themselves, their partners, successors, assigns and legal representatives to the other party to this Agreement and to the partners, successors, assigns and legal representatives of such other party with respect to all covenants of this Agreement. The SEDC and the Consultant may not assign, sublet or transfer any interest in this Agreement without the written consent of the other. The Consultant will notify the SEDC, in writing, of any change in its partnership/ownership within 30 calendar days of such change.

12. The Agreement including any appendices and referenced attachments represents the entire and integrated Agreement between the SEDC and the Consultant and supersedes all prior negotiations, representations or agreements either written or oral. In the event of a dispute between the parties regarding the intent of this Agreement, both parties agree that this Agreement will be construed in a manner consistent with the SEDC’s Request for Proposals, the Consultant’s Proposal Response, and the public record of the SEDC Council’s approval of the Agreement as applicable. This Agreement may be amended only by written instrument and must be signed by both the SEDC and the Consultant. Any such authorization of change in services or amendment must be approved by the SEDC’s governing body unless the compensation for which does not exceed $50,000.00.

a. Any exhibits and/or attachments attached to this Agreement are incorporated by reference into this Agreement as though included verbatim herein.

b. In the event of any conflict between these Terms and Conditions and the provisions of any exhibit or attachment to this Agreement, these Terms and Conditions will govern and control.

Exhibit B

DESIRED Schedule for Contract Services

*Please note: SEDC will consider modifications to the desired schedule but have a strong desire to complete the project on or before June 10, 2026.

On or before Dec 4 Proposals sent out

Due back December 18 Proposals due by 3:30 pm

Dec 19 – Jan 21 Review, interview and selection of final candidate

Jan 22 Update on proposals received at SEDC Board Meeting;

contract award

Feb 3 City Council Meeting – contract approval requested

Feb 10 Project Start Date

Feb – April Focus groups, meetings with the consultant as needed according to contract. Updates by staff or consultant during regular meetings of the SEDC board in Feb, March, April

May 15 Final draft review with staff

May 21 Presentation to SEDC Board for final approval and adoption*

June 2 Presentation to City Council/SEDC for final approval and adoption*

SECTION 7

SCOPE OF WORK

SCOPE OF SERVICE: The SEDC expects the Plan to include, at a minimum, all the items listed below, along with accompanying data, maps, drawings, materials or other useful supplemental documentation in the format the SEDC requires.

1. Economic Assessment: Analyze strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and constraints of the local and regional economy. The review will include social, demographic, economic and physical factors, including, but not limited to, the following:

a. Existing and planned infrastructure

b. Existing economic base and competitive advantages

c. Locations for commercial and industrial growth

d. Regional competition and competitive assets

e. Special initiatives for economic growth

f. Comparative analysis of benchmark communities

2. Workforce and Educational Institution Analysis: The Proponent will provide a workforce and educational institution analysis to include:

a. Evaluation of local and regional labor characteristics, market trends, employment development resources, and workforce training opportunities

b. Assessment of the fit between resources, business attraction targets and existing employment base

c. Identification of general training needed to improve the skills of the local workforce to meet existing and potential employment needs

d. Research of growth plans for regional educational institutions and vocational programs and the provision of strategies for ways to include graduates and non-graduates in the local workforce

e. Recommendation of actions to strengthen linkages to employment development providers

f. Evaluate opportunities for leveraging local resources for secondary school, community college, technical school and state university programs and explore further investment in a community-based facility to provide technical training, co-working space and entrepreneurial programming.

3. Cluster, Location Quotient, and Target Industry Analysis: The Proponent will provide a Cluster, Location Quotient, and Target Industry Analysis to include identification of:

a. Specific industries and business types that consider Strength, Weakness, Opportunities and Threats (“SWOT”) constraints

b. Needed improvements and actions that will accelerate attraction of such development

c. State and federal programs or other programs that will be developed or implemented including, but not limited to, entrepreneurial development, business incubation and strategies for any special new industries (i.e. AI, Nano- tech, biotech, advanced manufacturing to include additive manufacturing).

d. Provide a detailed marketing plan to include geographic areas and specific metrics for measuring marketing efforts

4. Business and Industrial Park Strategies: The Proponent will provide Business and Industrial Park Strategies to include:

a. Strategies for developing spec buildings and shovel ready sites

b. Identify locations for business and industrial park locations

c. Make recommendations to capitalize on development of Schertz land sites

5. Marketing Strategies: The Proponent will provide Marketing Strategies to include:

a. Strategies for marketing to internal and external audiences

b. Provide recommendations for a new tagline and marketing campaigns

c. Provide marketing plan to support the CEDS 3.0

6. Implementation Plan: The Proponent will provide an Implementation Plan to include:

a. Incorporation of strategies into a 3-year economic development plan

b. Provision of short-term and long-term goals and achievable milestones to facilitate economic development program(s) creation and development.

c. Estimated budget and implementation schedule for program(s)

d. An easy-to-use implementation table for years one through three that includes goals, benchmarks, resources needed and timelines

7. Community Involvement: Developing a community involvement process, facilitated by the successful proponent, is an essential part of the Plan. The successful proponent will conduct a minimum of three (3) Strategic Plan Steering Committees workshops to include local government agencies, private sector interests, education providers, non-profits, and Economic groups and two (2) public meetings with 1) the SEDC Board and

2) a joint meeting with the SEDC Board and City Council.

8. Meetings: The Proponent will conduct meetings as follows:

a. Initial SEDC meetings with staff for organizational, technical, documentation and other substantive issues

b. Ongoing review and discussion of drafts with SEDC staff

c. Two (2) Workshop meetings with Strategic Plan Steering Committee to review issues and obtain general direction

d. One (1) Workshop to present draft plan components to a Strategic Plan

Steering Committee

e. Two (2) Public meetings to present draft and final plan for 1) SEDC Board and 2) joint meeting with SEDC and City Council

f. Phone or in-person interviews with all SEDC Board (7) and City Council Members (7)

g. Phone or in-person interviews with city manager and city staff

9. Document Format: The successful proponent will provide one (1) original and eight (8) copies of both the draft and final version of the Plan in hard copy, in electronic format acceptable to the SEDC (i.e. .DOC, .PDF), and web-ready electronic format acceptable to the SEDC. The successful proponent will create all maps in GIS. Maps and supporting documentation will be maintainable using current SEDC software programs. All final map files will be provided in an arc GIS shape file.