2-2026001 Economic Development organization RFP.pdf

Preparation & Submission Requirements, Page 1 of 5

WAUKESHA COUNTY, WISCONSIN

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL 2026001

SELECTION OF AN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

ORGANIZATION TO IMPLEMENT THE BUSINESS

GROWTH STRATEGY FOR WAUKESHA COUNTY

CONTACT INFORMATION

Buyer Matt Kuhn E-mail mkuhn@waukeshacounty.gov Fax 262-548-7668 Mailing Address Waukesha County Purchasing Division

515 W. Moreland Blvd, Rm AC310 Waukesha, WI 53188

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

The following dates are provided for your information and planning purposes. Although every effort will be made to follow this schedule, we reserve the right to modify the dates as necessary.

RFP released: Wednesday, January 14, 2026 Final Questions Due: Thursday, January 29, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. CST/CDT Amendment Issued: On or around Friday, January 30, 2026 Proposals Due: Thursday, February 5, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. CST/CDT Notice of Interviews: February 12, 2026 Interviews, if required: Week of February 16, 2026 Finance Committee Approval: March 18, 2026 Contract executed: April 2026

Preparation & Submission Requirements, Page 2 of 5

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

PREPARATION, SUBMISSION, PROCESS AND AWARD

1. COMMUNICATION

This RFP is issued on behalf of Waukesha County by the Purchasing Division. The Buyer assigned to this RFP, along with contact information, is noted on Page 1. The Buyer is the sole point of contact during this process and no information provided by any other personnel will be considered binding.

The County prohibits communication initiated by the respondent to any County official, employee or representative evaluating or considering the proposals, prior to the time an award has been made.

All respondents should use this written document, its attachments and any amendments as the sole basis for responding.

2. CLARIFICATIONS/AMENDMENTS

If you discover any significant ambiguity, error, omission, or other deficiency in the RFP, immediately notify the Buyer via the Vendor Discussion Messages in Waukesha County’s Bonfire portal. All other questions, clarifications or exceptions regarding the RFP document must be submitted to the Buyer via the Vendor Discussion Messages in Bonfire prior to the submission of the proposal. We encourage you to submit preliminary questions prior to the pre-proposal conference (if applicable). Please note the due dates and times noted on Page 1 for both preliminary and final questions.

If it becomes necessary to clarify or revise any part of this RFP, amendments will be posted to the Waukesha County Bonfire portal via Public Notices with applicable Public Files, in accordance with the schedule on Page 1.

It is the responsibility of prospective vendors to check the portal for any amendments prior to the opening date. All amendments must be acknowledged on the RFP Signature Page in the area provided. Failure to do so may result in your response being rejected.

3. CONTENTS OF PROPOSAL

All attachments, additional pages, addenda or explanations supplied by the vendor with their proposal will be considered as part of the proposal response. Waukesha County is subject to the Wisconsin Public Records Law found in Chapter 19, et. seq. of the Wisconsin Statutes. Materials contained in proposals are subject to the Wisconsin Public Records Law and, after contract award, may be viewed by any member of the public if requested under the law. If you believe materials contained in your proposal are exempt from disclosure, you must specify which statutory exception applies, however Waukesha County reserves the right to determine whether a record is subject to release under the Wisconsin Public Records Law. Marking a proposal or any portions thereof as confidential does not automatically make the record exempt from disclosure. If Waukesha County determines it is obligated to provide a record in response to a public records request, you may pursue a court order, at your own cost and expense, preventing disclosure of the requested record.

4. NONCONFORMING TERMS AND CONDITIONS

A response that includes contractual terms and conditions that do not conform to the contractual terms and conditions in the RFP document are subject to rejection as nonresponsive. Waukesha County reserves the right to permit the respondent to withdraw nonconforming terms and conditions from its response or negotiate changes to the contractual requirements prior to making a determination of responsiveness.

5. REVISIONS OR WITHDRAWAL OF PROPOSALS BY VENDOR

Vendors can work on their proposal responses in a “Work in Progress” status. While in such status, vendors can continue to revise their proposals as it is considered an incomplete submission. There is no need to withdraw an incomplete submission. However, if you already clicked to “Submit and Finalize” your submission, you need to return it to the “Work in Progress” status by following the instructions in Bonfire to un-submit. Once your revisions are complete, you will need to re-submit and finalize your submission for it to be considered; past submissions that have been un-submitted will not be considered. Vendors can revise or withdraw their submission as long as the opportunity is still open.

6. PROPOSAL FORMAT & SUBMISSION

A. Format Proposal Responses must be submitted electronically via Waukesha County’s Bonfire portal. For the County to adequately compare proposals and evaluate them uniformly and objectively, firms must complete the required https://waukeshacounty.bonfirehub.com/ https://waukeshacounty.bonfirehub.com/

Preparation & Submission Requirements, Page 3 of 5 proposal response and pricing documents provided by the County. Uploading an incorrect template will result in errors and will prevent you from completing your submission.

B. Response Submission - SIGNATURE PAGE:

You must submit the RFP Signature page with your response. Be sure to acknowledge any amendments issued, if applicable, in the box located above the signature area. The RFP Signature Page must be submitted as indicated in the Requested Information on Waukesha County’s Bonfire portal.

C. Response Receipt:

Proposals are accepted in the Bonfire portal as long as the opportunity is still open. After you “Submit & Finalize” your proposal, you will be directed to your “Submission Receipt”. This provides a comprehensive breakdown of all the information from your submission.

D. Bid/RFP Opening:

Waukesha County conducts Bid/RFP openings telephonically instead of in-person. If you desire to attend the telephonic opening for this RFP, please use the following dial-in access code to join in on the opening. We ask that participants mute their phones except for when they need to speak during the opening. Waukesha County complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Please contact us at (262) 548-7888 in advance of the proposal opening and efforts will be made to accommodate your needs.

Dial-In Numbers:

262-896-8001 Participant Access Code: 2176082

Proposal responses will be opened, and the name of the respondents read; however, details of each proposal, including proposed fees, will not be announced at the time of opening. Such information shall be made public after an award has been made and all negotiations are completed.

All proposals received in response to this request will become the property of the County and will not be returned to the respondents.

7. INTERVIEWS

Interviews may be required of selected finalists at their expense. Finalists will be notified of the date and time in accordance with the schedule on Page 1. Respondents selected must be available on the days noted – no exceptions. Respondents not selected will also be notified.

Upon completion of the interview process, Waukesha County reserves the right to request a BAFO (Best and Final Offer) from any or all of the selected finalists. However, an award may be made without the interview or BAFO process; therefore, respondents are cautioned that proposals should be submitted on the most favorable terms, from both a technical and cost standpoint.

Respondents who are not selected will be notified that their proposal will no longer be considered unless the evaluation committee finds, after the completion of interviews, that additional respondents should be interviewed.

8. EVALUATION & AWARD

Proposals will be evaluated in accordance with the criteria listed below. Award will be made to the responsive, responsible Contractor who complies with the requirements and scores the highest total on the evaluation criteria as it pertains to the overall needs of Waukesha County.

Experience of Firm/Staff in working with business development, connecting businesses with organizations that provide business services and including business representatives in economic development programming and strategy development

40%

Approach to implementing the Business Growth Strategy for Waukesha County 30% Experience in collaborating with a membership-based business organization and workforce development organization. 20%

Pricing: Firm’s contributions to program including both in-kind and monetary 10%

9. OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

Factors which include, but are not limited to, quantity involved, time of completion, purpose for which required, competency and financial capacity of vendor, ability to render satisfactory service and past performance will be considered in determining status as a responsible vendor. The County reserves the right to request additional

Preparation & Submission Requirements, Page 4 of 5 information as may reasonably be required to make this determination and to further investigate the qualifications of the respondent as deemed appropriate.

10. RESERVATIONS

This RFP does not commit the County to pay any costs incurred in the preparation of a response to this request or to procure or contract for services or supplies. The Purchasing Division reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals received as a result of this request, request additional information, waive minor irregularities in the procedure, negotiate with any qualified source, or to cancel this RFP in part or in its entirety.

11. NON-INTEREST OF COUNTY EMPLOYEES AND OFFICIALS

No County official, employee or representative on the evaluation committee shall have any financial interest, either direct or indirect, in the proposal or contract or shall exercise any undue influence in the awarding of the contract.

12. CONTRACT DOCUMENTS

The successful vendor will be required to execute the following contract document (s) as applicable:

Yes/No Description of Contract Yes Waukesha County Service Contract

Click on the document name above to review the applicable contract documents.

These documents are not to be executed at this time nor returned with your response; they will only be required of the successful vendor.

13. RFP TABULATIONS

RFP tabulations are available to the public after contract execution, approximately 30 days from the date of award. RFP Tabulations can be found on Waukesha County’s Bonfire portal.

https://www.waukeshacounty.gov/media/taudd2ni/service-contract-52925.pdf

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RFP Document, Page 1 of 3

Waukesha County Request for Proposal No. 2026001

Selection of an Economic Development Organization to Implement the Business Growth Strategy for Waukesha County

January 14, 2026

I. Introduction

Waukesha County is seeking proposals from qualified organizations to implement the recommendations contained in the Business Growth Strategy for Waukesha County. The Strategy is designed to create a central point of contact for businesses looking for workforce, financial and site selection assistance and connect businesses with organizations that have the resources to provide the assistance.

For purposes of this RFP, the term Vendor or Respondent refers to the firm submitting a response. The term Contractor or EDO (Economic Development Organization) refers to the successful Respondent awarded the contract resulting from this RFP.

II. Background

The Business Growth Strategy for Waukesha County was developed around two core objectives. First, there is a need for a central point of contact for businesses looking for workforce, financial and site selection assistance.

Second, there is a need for an organized strategy to connect businesses with organizations that have the resources to provide the assistance. The Business Growth Strategy for Waukesha County serves as a guide to strategic economic development partners in Waukesha County to ensure collective efforts are aligned around common goals. Through the analysis of demographic, economic and labor market information, input from the Advisory Council and benchmark research, four strategic outcomes have been identified as critical to the success of economic growth in Waukesha County and for Waukesha County businesses. Those strategic outcomes are:

1. A central point of contact supporting businesses and communities in the economic development of Waukesha County.

2. Help retain, expand and attract businesses in Waukesha County.

3. Help connect businesses to workforce solutions.

4. Promote the use of and opportunities to invest in the GROW Fund (economic development revolving loan fund)

Through a multi-stakeholder Advisory Council, the 4th Edition of the Business Growth Strategy for Waukesha County 2025-2027 was completed.

III. Eligibility Requirement

A. Organizations Transacting Business in Wisconsin: Chapters 178, 179, 180, 181, and 183 of the

Wisconsin Statutes contain a general provision that the following shall not transact business in this state until it has obtained a certificate of authority or registration from the Department of Financial Institutions:

A foreign (out-of-state) corporation, Nonstock Corporation, limited partnership, limited liability Company, cooperative association, or limited liability partnership.

Therefore, in order to be eligible for award, Firms meeting the above criteria must be registered to do business in the State of Wisconsin with the Department of Financial Institutions (https://www.wdfi.org/corporations/foreign_entities.htm) within ten (10) business days after award but no later than prior to contract execution. Note: For assistance, please contact the State of Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions directly. Waukesha County cannot provide any advice, legal or otherwise, related to this matter.

B. Firm needs to be a not-for-profit organization with experience in business development services.

https://www.waukeshagrowth.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/BGS-2025-2027-FINAL.pdf

RFP Document, Page 2 of 3

IV. Scope of Services

In calendar year 2026, Waukesha County will provide a minimum of $150,000 to the Contractor to implement objectives contained in the Business Growth Strategy for Waukesha County. In addition, funds will be supplemented by other sources, including but not limited to municipalities within Waukesha County. Funding for subsequent years will be approved through the County annual budget process. Specifically, the Contractor shall:

• Implement the objectives of the Business Growth Strategy for Waukesha County 2025-2027. Develop an update to the Business Growth Strategy for the years covered by the contract signed as a result of this Request for Proposal;

• Finalize business technical assistance performance metrics by calendar year;

• Assist Waukesha County municipalities market existing and proposed business parks, industrial parks and redevelopment areas;

• Work with Waukesha County and local banks to align Community Reinvestment Act strategies with the Business Growth Strategy;

• Work to increase the number of municipalities financially contributing to a coordinated economic development effort;

• Promote contributions to and use of the GROW Fund to increase financial tools to businesses in Waukesha County and sustain the economic development organization; and

• Provide reports to Waukesha County on the status of implementing the Business Growth Strategy.

V. Insurance The Contractor shall agree that it will, at all times during the term of the contract, keep in force and effect insurance policies in accordance with the provisions below, issued by a company or companies authorized to do business in the State of Wisconsin and satisfactory to the County. Such insurance shall be primary. Waukesha County shall be named as an additional insured with respect to General Liability.

Prior to execution of the written contract, the Contractor shall furnish the County with a Certificate of Insurance and upon request, certified copies of the required insurance policies. The Certificate shall reference the contract and provide for thirty - (30) days advance notice of cancellation or non-renewal during the term of the contract.

Worker’s Compensation and Employers’ Liability Insurance – Statutory worker’s compensation benefits and employers’ liability insurance with a limit of liability not less than $100,000 each accident.

Contractor shall require subcontractors not protected under its insurance to take out and maintain such insurance.

Commercial General Liability Insurance – Policy shall be written to provide coverage for, but not limited to, the following: (1) premises and operations, (2) products and completed operations, (3) personal injury, and (4) blanket contractual coverage. Errors and omissions shall not be excluded or a separate policy covering such exposure shall be maintained. Limits of Liability not less than: $1,000,000 each occurrence and aggregate.

Policy coverage “who is an insured” shall include any member of a board, commission or committee of yours whether as an elected or appointed member or expressly authorized volunteer.

The County, its boards, commissions, agencies, officers, employees and representatives shall be named as additional insured and so stated on the Certificate of Insurance.

RFP Document, Page 3 of 3

Failure to submit an insurance certificate, as required, can make the contract voidable at the County’s discretion.

Additionally, the Contractor shall not allow any subcontractor to commence work until the aforementioned documents, where applicable, have been obtained from the subcontractor and approved by Waukesha County.

VI. Immigration and Nationality Act

Waukesha County supports the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) which includes provisions addressing employment eligibility, employment verification and non-discrimination. The filing of a proposal in response to this RFP is considered certification that the proposer is in compliance with the INA and has established appropriate procedures and controls so that no services under this contract will be performed by a worker who is not legally eligible to perform such services.

VII. Financial Stability

Financial stability of the responding firm will be taken into consideration when making award.

In addition, firms may be required to submit additional financial information within five (5) working days of Waukesha County’s written request including but not necessarily limited to:

A) Audited (if available) Financial Statements for the Respondent’s last three (3) fiscal years or for the years that the Respondent has been in business if this is less than three (3) years, including as a minimum the Balance Sheet, Statement of Retained Earnings, Income Statement and any notes to the statements. If audited Financials are not available, a copy of the most recent business income tax return and Pro-Forma (un-audited) Financial Statements for the last three (3) years will be accepted.

B) If the date of the Financial Statements provided in A) above is more than three (3) months from the date on which Waukesha County requests this information, the Respondent must also provide Interim Financial Statements consisting of a Balance Sheet and year to date Income Statement), as of two (2) months prior to the date of Waukesha County’s request.

C) Evidence by certification from the Chief Financial Officer or an authorized signing officer of the Respondent, regarding the accuracy of any financial information provided.

D) A confirmation letter from the Respondent’s financial institution(s) outlining the total of lines of credit granted and the amount of credit that remains available and not drawn upon as of one month prior to the date of Waukesha County’s request.

E) If any proposal is submitted by a joint venture, then the specific financial information requested may be required from each member of the joint venture depending on the magnitude and impact of their role in the joint venture.

F) If the Respondent is a subsidiary of another company, then the specific financial information requested is also required from the parent company.

VIII. Term, Pricing and Payment

Term This contract will be for three years with up to 2 additional annual renewals commencing approximately 5/1/2026.

Failure to meet performance measures in any contract year may be cause for termination.

Pricing Funding identified in Section IV is adjusted annually through the Waukesha County budget process. The County and Contractor will negotiate the specific payment terms and performance measures for each one-year contract term.

Payment:

Payment terms will be tied to specific performance measures that must be met by the Contractor.

END OF DOCUMENT