65260_1.pdf

City Of Chicago Solicitation #65260,1

BRANDON JOHNSON SHARLA ROBERTS

MAYOR CHIEF PROCUREMENT OFFICER

Specification Number: 1246374B Type of Funding:

Title: 1246374B: TARGET MARKET PLANNING NEXT PROGRAM CONSULTING SERVICES

Request for Qualification Solicitation #65260,1 (RFQ)

1246374B: TARGET MARKET PLANNING NEXT PROGRAM CONSULTING

SERVICES VARIOUS SCOPE CATEGORIES

Specification Number:1246374B

Required for use by: DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT

Bid/Proposal Submittal Date and Time: 03:00 PM Central Time, 21-AUG-2026

Deadline for Questions: 03:00 PM Central Time, 13-MAY-2026 Buyer: CORTES, ANN Email Address: ann.cortes@cityofchicago.org Phone Number: 312-744-1681 Pre-Solicitation Conference Date and Time: 10:00 AM Central Time, 07-MAY-2026 Pre-Solicitation Conference Location: 2 N. LASALLE ST., CHICAGO, IL 60602 Site Visit Date & Time: N/A Site Visit Location: N/A

Please submit your response to:

http://www.cityofchicago.org/eProcurement iSupplier vendor portal registration is required.

Allow 3 business days to complete registration.

Specification Number: 1246374B Page 2 Type of Funding:

Title: 1246374B: TARGET MARKET PLANNING NEXT PROGRAM CONSULTING SERVICES

Table of Contents

1 Header Information

1.1 General Information

1.2 Terms

1.3 Requirements

1.4 Attachments

1.5 Response Rules

2 Price Schedule

2.1 Line Information

2.2 Line Details

2.2.1 Line 1

Specification Number: 1246374B Page 3 Type of Funding:

Title: 1246374B: TARGET MARKET PLANNING NEXT PROGRAM CONSULTING SERVICES

1 Header Information

1.1 General Information

Title 1246374B: TARGET MARKET PLANNING NEXT PROGRAM

CONSULTING SERVICES

Description 1246374B: TARGET MARKET PLANNING NEXT PROGRAM

CONSULTING SERVICES VARIOUS SCOPE CATEGORIES

Amendment Date 22-APR-2026 12:01:45

Amendment Description

CLARIFICATION NO. 1

Preview Date 22-APR-2026 10:00:47 Open Date 22-APR-2026 10:00:50 Close Date 03:00 PM Central

Time, 21-AUG-2026 Award Date Not Specified

Time Zone Central Time Buyer CORTES, ANN Quote Style Sealed Email ann.cortes@cityofchicago.org

Event Request for Qualification

Outcome ProServ Blanket Agreement

1.2 Terms

Effective Start Date Not Specified Effective End Date Not Specified

Ship-To Address 054-2005 PLANNING

& DEVELOPMENT

30 N LASALLE 2ND

FL

Chicago, IL 60602 United States

Bill-To Address 054-3502 FINANCE

121 N LASALLE ST

Chicago, IL 60602 United States

Payment Terms IMMEDIATE Carrier FOB Freight Terms

Total Agreement Amount (USD)

Not Specified Minimum Release Amount (USD)

Not Specified

1.3 Requirements

<B>KEY RFP/RFQ PARAMETERS</B>

CONTRACT SPECIFIC GOALS: TARGET MARKET

Type No Response Required

FUNDING SOURCE: CITY FUNDED

Type No Response Required

DPS UNIT: PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Type No Response Required

CONTRACT TERM: 60 MONTHS

Type No Response Required

PRE-SUBMITTAL CONFERENCE: MAY 07, 2026 AT 10:00 A.M. CST IN PERSON LOCATION IS 2

NORTH LASALLE STREET, CHICAGO, IL 60602 PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED BY MAY

05, 2026. MICROSOFT TEAMS ACCESS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST.

Type No Response Required Enter the EDS number from your EDS Certificate and attach the certificate. (Go to online EDS website:

https://webapps.cityofchicago.org/EDSWeb)

Specification Number: 1246374B Page 4 Type of Funding:

Title: 1246374B: TARGET MARKET PLANNING NEXT PROGRAM CONSULTING SERVICES

<B>KEY RFP/RFQ PARAMETERS</B>

Circle one from the response values below:

YES

NO

<B>PRICE SCHEDULE (RFP/RFQ)</B>

“Price Schedule” has been revised. This is a “System Required Line”. In order to be able to submit your qualifications in the e-procurement system, you must enter .01 in the “Quote Price/ Unit Price” field. This is an e- procurement system requirement. Do not enter your proposed pricing. Price will not be considered for evaluation purposes.

Circle one from the response values below:

YES

NO

<B>REQUIRED CONTENT OF SUBMITTAL

/PROPOSAL (Please attach documents)</B>

COVER LETTER INFORMATION

Circle one from the response values below:

YES

NO

ACCEPTANCE OF MASTER CONSULTING AGREEMENT TERMS (TASK ORDER RFQ)

Circle one from the response values below:

YES

NO

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Circle one from the response values below:

YES

NO

COMPANY PROFILE INFORMATION

Circle one from the response values below:

YES

NO

COMPANY REFERENCES INFORMATION

Circle one from the response values below:

YES

NO

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS AND SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE OF RESPONDENT AND

TEAM MEMBERS

Circle one from the response values below:

YES

NO

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS AND SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE AND LOCAL

AVAILABILITY - KEY PERSONNEL/RESUMES

Circle one from the response values below:

YES

NO

IMPLEMENTATION MANAGEMENT PLAN (Service Delivery, Organization Chart Resources, Approach)

Specification Number: 1246374B Page 5 Type of Funding:

Title: 1246374B: TARGET MARKET PLANNING NEXT PROGRAM CONSULTING SERVICES

<B>REQUIRED CONTENT OF SUBMITTAL

/PROPOSAL (Please attach documents)</B>

Circle one from the response values below:

YES

NO

COST PROPOSAL/COMPENSATION SCHEDULE

Circle one from the response values below:

YES

NO

LOCAL AND OTHER PREFERENCES: ADJUSTMENTS TO THE COST PROPOSAL AND

AFFIDAVITS (CITY FUNDED ONLY)

Circle one from the response values below:

YES

NO

MBE/WBE COMPLIANCE PLAN (SCHEDULE D, SCHEDULE C & CERTIFICATION LETTERS)

Circle one from the response values below:

YES

NO

LETTER OF COMMITMENT TO MEET MBE AND WBE GOALS (TASK ORDER RFQ)

Provide your answer below

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (3 Years)

Circle one from the response values below:

YES

NO

LEGAL ACTIONS (Material legal actions, if any, for the past 5 years)

Circle one from the response values below:

YES

NO

CERTIFICATE OF INSURANCE

Circle one from the response values below:

YES

NO

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

Circle one from the response values below:

YES

NO

REDACTED COPY OF PROPOSAL

Circle one from the response values below:

YES

NO

Specification Number: 1246374B Page 6 Type of Funding:

Title: 1246374B: TARGET MARKET PLANNING NEXT PROGRAM CONSULTING SERVICES

1.4 Attachments

Name Data Type Description

ATTACHMENT 00:

CLARIFICATION NO. 1

File ATTACHMENT 00: CLARIFICATION NO. 1

ATTACHMENT 01: RFQ

65260 SPECIFICATION

#1246374B AND SAMPLE

PSA

File 1246374B: TARGET MARKET PLANNING

NEXT PROGRAM CONSULTING SERVICES

VARIOUS SCOPE CATEGORIES

1.5 Response Rules

Solicitation is restricted to invited suppliers Suppliers are allowed to view other suppliers' contract terms, notes and attachments Suppliers are allowed to respond to selected lines X Suppliers are allowed to provide multiple responses Buyer may close the solicitation before the Close Date Buyer may manually extend the solicitation while it is open

Specification Number: 1246374B Page 7 Type of Funding:

Title: 1246374B: TARGET MARKET PLANNING NEXT PROGRAM CONSULTING SERVICES

2 Price Schedule

2.1 Line Information

Display Rank As No indicator displayed

Ranking Price Only Cost Factors None

Line Item, Rev / Job

Target Quantity

Unit Unit Price Amount

1 New Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for Planning Next Services Target Market (Local Funds)

5,000,00

USD

2.2 Line Details

2.2.1 Line 1 New Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for Planning Next Services Target Market (Local Funds)

Category 00000. Start Price (USD) Not Specified Shopping Category Not Specified Target Price (USD) Not Specified Minimum Release

Amount (USD) Not Specified

Estimated Total Amount (USD)

Not Specified

RFQ for Target Market Planning Next Program

Specification 1246374B/RFQ 65260

CITY OF CHICAGO - DEPARTMENT OF PROCUREMENT SERVICES

CLARIFICATION NO. 1

FOR

TARGET MARKET REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATION (RFQ) FOR

PLANNING NEXT PROGRAM CONSULTING SERVICES

Specification No. 1246374B – RFQ # 65260, 1

Required for use by:

CITY OF CHICAGO

(Department of Planning and Development)

This Clarification is distributed by:

Department of Procurement Services

Respondent must acknowledge receipt of this Clarification No. 1 in the Cover Letter of its Response

Ann Cortes, Senior Procurement Specialist

(312) 744-1681

The information contained in this Clarification No.1 is incorporated by reference into the original Request for Qualification (RFQ) issued on April 22, 2026

BRANDON JOHNSON

MAYOR

SHARLA D. ROBERTS

CHIEF PROCUREMENT OFFICER

RFQ for Target Market Planning Next Program

Specification 1246374B/RFQ 65260

CLARIFICATION NO. 1

FOR

TARGET MARKET REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATION (RFQ) FOR

SPECIFICATION NO. 1246374B – RFQ #65260,1

For which Qualifications are scheduled to be received no later than 3:00 p.m., Central Time on August 21, 2026.

The following questions/answers will be incorporated in the above-referenced RFQ. All other provisions and requirements as originally set forth remain in full force and are binding.

RESPONDENT MUST ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF THIS CLARIFICATION NO. 1 IN THE

COVER LETTER OF ITS RESPONSE

This document contains:

The entire RFQ solicitation document was uploaded and published but was not visible to the public due to technical error. The above-mentioned RFQ is now viewable in iSupplier Portal.

The information contained in this Clarification No. 1 is incorporated by reference into the original Request for Qualification (RFQ) issued on April 22, 2026

Target Market RFQ for Planning Next Program Consulting Services

Various Scope Categories

Specification No. 1246374B i

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS ("RFQ") FOR

TARGET MARKET

VARIOUS SCOPE CATEGORIES – CITY FUNDED

RFQ #65260

Required for use by:

DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT

This RFQ distributed by:

Department of Procurement Services

Please submit your Proposals to:

http://www.cityofchicago.org/eProcurement iSupplier vendor portal registration is required.

Allow three (3) business days to complete registration.

All other communications must be addressed and returned to:

Sharla D. Roberts, Chief Procurement Officer Attention: Ann Cortes, Senior Procurement Specialist

Department of Procurement Services 121 North LaSalle Street, Suite 806

Chicago, Illinois 60602 Ann.Cortes@cityofchicago.org

Pre-Submittal Conference Meeting will be held on May 07, 2026, at 10:00am CST

Pre-Registration must be arranged in advance of the scheduled Pre-Submittal Conference Meeting.

Attendance is not mandatory but strongly encouraged.

SUBMITTALS MUST BE RECEIVED NO LATER THAN 3:00 P.M., CENTRAL TIME,

ON AUGUST 21, 2026

BRANDON JOHNSON

MAYOR

SHARLA D. ROBERTS

CHIEF PROCUREMENT OFFICER

ii

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

A. INTRODUCTION

B. INVITATION

C. INTERNET ACCESS TO THIS RFQ

D. DEFINITIONS

E. Contract Term

II. SUBMITTAL INFORMATION

A. Communications Between the City of Chicago and Respondents

B. Pre-Submittal Conference

C. Deadline and Procedures for Submitting Submittals

D. RFQ Information Resources

E. Procurement Timetable

F. Transparency Website: Trade Secrets

G. False Statements

H. Protests

I. Task Order Requests/Work Order Requests

J. Terms of Services

K. Description of Services

L. Insurance Coverage

M. Policy Prohibiting Sexual Harassment (Section 2-92-612 of the Chicago

Municipal Code)

N. Clarifications and Addenda

O. City’s Rights to Reject Submittals

P. No Liability for Costs

Q. Prohibition on Certain Contributions - Mayoral Executive Order No. 2011-4

R. No Guarantee of Awarded Work iii

S. Date, Time and Place

III. SOLICITATION NOTICE

IV. SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS

A. Submittal Items

12. Sexual Harassment Policy Affidavit

B. Submittal Format

V. EVALUATION PROCESS

A. EVALUATING SUBMITTALS

B. EVALUATION CRITERIA

VI. SELECTION PROCESS

7. Technical Difficulties

EXHIBIT 3: SPECIAL CONDITIONS REGARDING MINORITY Business Enterprise Commitment and

Women Business Enterprise Commitment For Target Market Task Order Contracts

Policy and Terms

Definitions

Eligibility

Procedure to Determine Bid Compliance Schedule D-3 Schedule C-3 Letters of Certification Target Market Joint Venture Agreements

Reporting Requirements During The Term Of The Task Order

Advances and Expedited Payments

Compliance

Arbitration

Equal Employment Opportunity

Resource Agencies iv

TABLE OF EXHIBITS

Appendix 1 eProcurement

Exhibit 1 Scope of Services and Scope Categories

Exhibit 2 Economic Disclosure Statement Affidavit and Attachment A

Exhibit 3 Special Conditions Regarding Minority, Women, and Veteran- Owned Business Enterprise

(MBE/WBE/VBE) Commitment for Target Market Contracts and Task Order Services including:

1. Attachment B: Sample Letter to Assist Agencies

2. Schedule B: Affidavit of Joint Venture (MBE/WBE)

3. Schedule C-3: Letter of Intent from M/WBE to Perform as Subcontractor, Supplier and/or Consultant

4. Schedule D-3: Affidavit of M/WBE Goal Implementation Plan

5. Schedule C-V-3: Letter of Intent from M/WBE to Perform as Subcontractor, Supplier or Consultant

6. Schedule D-V-3: Compliance Plan Regarding VBE Utilization

Exhibit 4 Certification and Compliance (C2) Manual

Exhibit 5 Insurance Requirements

Exhibit 6 Sexual Harassment Policy Affidavit (Section 2-92-612)

Exhibit 7 Company Profile Information

Exhibit 8 Company References

Exhibit 9 Sample City Terms and Conditions

Exhibit 10 My COI

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (“RFQ”)

for

TARGET MARKET PLANNING NEXT PROGRAM CONSULTING SERVICES

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

A. INTRODUCTION

The City of Chicago ("City"), acting through its Chicago Department of Planning and Development (“DPD” or “Department”), seeks to invite the submission of Qualifications to provide the consulting services for Planning Next Program for DPD for the City. The intent of the RFQ is to identify companies that are qualified to perform Planning Next Program Consulting

Services for DPD (“Services”) related to the one or more of the following seven (7) Scope Categories which are described in further detail in Exhibit 1: Scope of Services and Scope Categories. All respondents must be certified in the NAICS codes for which they are submitting proposals. NAICS codes are listed for each category in Exhibit 1: Scope of

Services and Scope Categories.

“Respondent(s)” means the entities that submit a response to this Request for Qualifications (“RFQ”). The Respondent(s) awarded an Agreement pursuant to this RFQ, if any, are sometimes referred to herein as “Contractor(s)”. “Agreement” refers to an Agreement awarded to a Contractor, as defined in Section D herein.

The Services contemplated are professional in nature. It is understood that the selected Respondent(s) acting as an individual, partnership, corporation or other legal entity, will be of professional status, licensed to perform in the State of

Illinois and licensed for all applicable professional discipline(s) requiring licensing and will be governed by the professional ethics in its relationship to the City. It is also understood that all reports, information, or data prepared or assembled by the

Respondent(s) will be confidential in nature and will not be made available to any individual or organization, except the

City, without the prior written approval of the City.

The Respondent(s) must be financially solvent and each of its members if a joint venture, its employees, agents or sub-consultants of any tier shall be competent to perform the Services required under this RFQ document.

The City reserves the right, after advertisement of the RFQ, to refine the Scope of Services, with appropriate notice.

Further, if, upon receipt of Submittals, the City wishes to make refinements to the Scope of Services, it may, depending upon the circumstances, provide the revision to all Respondents and invite revised Submittals from the Respondents based upon the revised Scope of Services.

B. INVITATION

The City of Chicago invites the submission of responses for this RFQ for Target Market Planning Next Program Consulting

Services.

If your firm has demonstrated experience in the areas of Scope Categories (see Exhibit 1) as further described in the Scope of Services, and you are interested in making your Services available to the City of Chicago, you are invited to respond to this RFQ.

The selected Respondent (herein after “Consultant”) awarded an MCA shall perform tasks associated with the Services as required in this RFQ for the applicable seven (7) Scope Categories through a Task Order process described in this RFQ.

The City reserves the right to award multiple contracts in these seven (7) Scope Categories to pre-qualified Respondents who pre-qualify for the MCA vendor pool based on their qualifications and specialized experience as a result of this RFQ.

Respondents may submit Qualifications for either Category 1,2,3,4,5,6, or 7, or submit separate Qualifications for multiple categories to be considered for services. Respondents must attach a copy of a current City of Chicago and/or Cook County MBE/WBE Certification Letter evidencing your company is certified as an MBE and/or WBE in the area of specialty associated with the Scope Category for which you are seeking to be pre-qualified under this

RFQ. The seven (7) Scope Categories include the following: Category 1: Urban Planning and Design, Category 2: Real

Estate Development – Financial Planning and Analysis, Category 3: Real Estate Development Project Management –

Program Administration and Project Oversight, Category 4: Historic Preservation, Category 5: Climate Change, Sustainability and Resiliency Planning, Category 6: Graphic Design and Video, and Category 7: Community

Engagement and Outreach. (See Exhibit 1 for description of each Category)

C. INTERNET ACCESS TO THIS RFQ

All materials related to the RFQ may be downloaded from the Department of Procurement Service's ("DPS") website at the following URL:

https://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/dps/provdrs/contract/svcs/current_bid_opportunities.html

Click on "eProcurement Bid Opportunities " page. In order to receive notice of clarifications and addenda, Respondents must login to iSupplier, search for the solicitation number, open the solicitation for review, and accept the disclaimer.

RFQ Document Holders are listed on the Bid & Bond Room Opportunity Take Out List. The Opportunity Take Out List is public information and is posted to the DPS website at https://www.cityofchicago.org/TOL. To find Opportunity Take Out lists, go to “Get Started Online,” and search by the specification number.

All Respondents are responsible for retrieving all RFQ materials from eProcurement. The City accepts no responsibility for the timely receipt of materials or for alerting Respondents on posting to the DPS website information related to this RFQ in eProcurement.

Respondent must read Appendix I eProcurement for more details regarding electronic access to RFQ abstract and documents to be submitted electronically and uploaded as attachments to your proposed submission.

D. DEFINITIONS

The following defined terms have the meanings specified below.

NOTE: If a defined term is used only once, then it may be defined within the context in which it appears in that paragraph or section.

“Addendum” means an official revision of the Submittal Documents issued by the Chief Procurement Officer prior to the due date for submitting proposals.

“Agreement” means the City of Chicago’s Sample Master Task Order Contract, including all exhibits attached to it and incorporated in it by reference, and all amendments, modifications, or revisions made in accordance with its terms, as attached in this RFQ in Exhibit 8.

“Chief Procurement Officer” or “CPO" means the Chief Procurement Officer of the City of Chicago and any representative duly authorized in writing to act on her behalf.

“Commissioner” means the Chief executive of the City of Chicago Department of Planning and Development and any representative authorized in writing to act on the City Commissioner’s behalf.

“Clarification” means the City’s response to questions submitted by Respondents which do not revise the requirements of the RFQ.

“Contractor” or “Consultant” means the Respondent awarded a contract pursuant to this RFQ process.

“Department” or “DPD” means the City of Chicago Department of Planning and Development.

“EC” means the Evaluation Committee appointed to review and assess all Submittals and make its recommendations to the Comptroller concerning its evaluations.

“eProcurement” refers to the City's computer system utilized for comprehensive electronic procurement.

https://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/dps/provdrs/contract/svcs/current_bid_opportunities.html http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/dps/isupplier/current-bids.html

"iSupplier” refers to the City's eProcurement computer system for electronic bidding and providing Contractors with access to contract, ordering and payment information for their City contracts.

“Master Consulting Agreement (MCA) or Master Task Order Contract” means the task-order based agreement awarded pursuant to this RFQ under which Task Orders are issued.

“Online Discussion” refers to feature in the City's eProcurement’s system that allows for communication between the

Contractor and the City.

“Submittal” is the written content and documents submitted by a Respondent in response to this RFQ.

“Respondent” means the primary entity which submits a Submittal in response to this RFQ and may include subcontractors or other team members.

“Services” means performance of all tasks, activities and deliverables as described in detail in Exhibit 1, Scope of

Services and performed by qualified and licensed personnel of the selected Contractor from this RFQ.

“Task Order Request” (TOR) means the solicitation document issued by a user department for a specific task or tasks pertaining to the scope of services required by the Department during the term of the Agreement. The Contractors will respond to the Department’s TOR by submitting a complete Task Order proposal for the Department’s review and approval.

“Task Order” means the individual project defined by the Department within the scope of the MCA and awarded to the selected Respondent based on their Task Order proposal in response to a Task Order Request.

E. Contract Term

Any contract awarded pursuant to this RFQ shall be for a base contract period of (5) years. The City may, in its sole discretion, elect to extend the Agreement for up to (1) additional period of (3) year(s) each.

II. SUBMITTAL INFORMATION

A. Communications Between the City of Chicago and Respondents

Respondents must communicate only with the Department of Procurement Services. All questions or requests for clarification must be sent through an Online Discussion through iSupplier or via email to Ann.Cortes@cityofchicago.org and must be received no later than 3:00 p.m. Central Time, on May 13, 2026. Respondents are encouraged, but not required, to submit questions.

All questions and requests for clarification must be submitted via Online Discussion on iSupplier or via email to

Ann.Cortes@cityofchicago.org. The subject line of the Online Discussion must clearly indicate that the contents are

“Questions and Requests for Clarification” about the RFQ and are “Not a Submittal” and must refer to “Request for

Qualifications (“RFQ”) Target Market Planning Next Program Consulting Services Various Scope Categories Spec

#1246374B.”

No telephone calls will be accepted unless the questions are general in nature. A Respondent that deviates from any of these restrictions may be subject to immediate disqualification from this RFQ process.

The City of Chicago, Directory of Certified Minority Business Enterprises and Women Business Enterprises and

Disadvantaged Business Enterprises is available at the following online at the following address:

https://chicago.mwdbe.com/?TN=chicago.

B. Pre-Submittal Conference

The Pre-submittal Conference will be conducted in person at 2 N. LaSalle Chicago IL 60602, Mezzanine Conference Center

M-04 Great Fire. Microsoft Teams will be available upon request. All interested attendees must register in advance of the mailto:Ann.Cortes@cityofchicago.org mailto:Ann.Cortes@cityofchicago.org https://chicago.mwdbe.com/?TN=chicago

Pre-Submittal Conference. Same day registration is not allowed. Pre-Registration must be arranged in advance of the scheduled May 07, 2026 Pre-Submittal Conference

Attendees must send an e-mail for pre-registration no later than Tuesday, May 05, 2026 to Ann Cortes, Senior Procurement

Specialist, Ann.Cortes@CityofChicago.org. E-mail Subject line must read: Target Market Planning Next Program

Consulting Services Various Scope Categories of RFQ Conference. Registered Attendees will receive e-mail confirmation with location and time.

The City will answer questions and clarify the terms of the RFQ at the Pre-Submittal Conference. The City may respond both to questions posed on the day of the conference and to questions sent via online discussion in iSupplier prior to conference. Anything stated at this Pre-Submittal Conference is not intended to change the solicitation document. Any changes will be in writing in the form of an addendum issued by the Department of Procurement Services.

C. Deadline and Procedures for Submitting Submittals

1. To be assured of consideration, Submittals must be submitted electronically to the Department of Procurement

Services no later than 3:00 P.M. Central Time on, August 21, 2026. Respondents must submit all required information by uploading as attachments to the electronic RFQ submission in iSupplier. iSupplier vendor portal registration is required. Allow three (3) business days to complete registration.

2. Late Submittals cannot be submitted in eProcurement. Failure to submit responses in eProcurement by the deadline may be subject to rejection by the CPO. It is the Respondent's sole responsibility to ensure that its

Submittal is received in eProcurement on the submission due date on time.

3. The CPO may, but is not obligated to, accept Submittals that are not received by the date and time set forth above.

The CPO reserves the exclusive right to reject any submittal that deviates from the submittal requirements and is empowered to determine whether to accept or return late Submittals.

D. RFQ Information Resources

Respondents are solely responsible for acquiring the necessary information or materials. Information for preparing a response to this RFQ can be located in the following areas of the City’s website:

https://www.cityofchicago.org/eProcurement.

• Search MBE/WBE Directory Database

• Pre-Submittal Conference Attendees

• Addenda and Exhibits, if any

E. Procurement Timetable

The timetable for the RFQ solicitation is summarized below. Note that these are target dates and are subject to change by the City.

Key Activity Target Date

City Issues RFQ April 22, 2026

Pre-Submittal Conference Non-Mandatory but strongly suggested. (Must pre-register)

May 07, 2026

Post-Conference Questions Due May 13, 2026 by 4:00 PM

Submittal Due August 21, 2026 by 3:00 PM mailto:Ann.Cortes@CityofChicago.org

F. Transparency Website: Trade Secrets

Consistent with the City's practice of making available all information submitted in response to a public procurement, all

Submittals, any information and documentation contained therein, any additional information or documentation submitted to the City as part of this solicitation, and any information or documentation presented to City as part of negotiation of a

Contract or other Agreement may be made publicly available through the City's Internet website. However, Respondents may designate those portions of the Submittal which contain trade secrets or other proprietary data ("Data") which

Respondents desires remain confidential.

To designate portions of the Submittal as confidential, Respondent must:

1. Mark the cover page as follows: "This Submittal includes trade secrets or other proprietary data.”

2. Mark each sheet or Data to be restricted with the following legend: "Confidential: Use or disclosure of data contained on this sheet is subject to the restriction on the title page of this RFQ."

3. Upload with your Submittal a redacted copy of the entire Submittal or Submission as one .pdf format file for posting on the City's website. Respondent is responsible for properly and adequately redacting any data which Respondent desires remain confidential. If entire pages or sections are removed, they must be represented by a page indicating that the page or section has been redacted. Failure to provide a redacted copy may result in the posting of an un-redacted copy.

Indiscriminate labeling of material as "Confidential" may be grounds for deeming a Submittal as non-responsive.

All Submittals submitted to the City are subject to the Freedom of Information Act. The City will make the final determination as to whether information, even if marked "confidential," will be disclosed pursuant to a request under the Freedom of

Information Act or valid subpoena. Respondent agrees not to pursue any cause of action against the City with regard to disclosure of information.

G. False Statements

1. 1-21-010 False Statements

Any person who knowingly makes a false statement of material fact to the city in violation of any statute, ordinance or regulation, or who knowingly falsifies any statement of material fact made in connection with an application, report, affidavit, oath, or attestation, including a statement of material fact made in connection with a bid, proposal, contract or economic disclosure statement or affidavit, is liable to the city for a civil penalty of not less than $500.00 and not more than $1,000.00, plus up to three times the amount of damages which the city sustains because of the person's violation of this section. A person who violates this section shall also be liable for the city's litigation and collection costs and attorney's fees.

The penalties imposed by this section shall be in addition to any other penalty provided for in the municipal code.

(Added Coun. J. 12-15-04, p. 39915, § 1)

2. 1-21-020 Aiding and Abetting

Any person who aids, abets, incites, compels or coerces the doing of any act prohibited by this chapter shall be liable to the city for the same penalties for the violation.

3. 1-21-030 Enforcement

In addition to any other means authorized by law, the corporation counsel may enforce this chapter by instituting an action with the department of administrative hearings.

Any false statement(s) made by the Respondent(s) will void the response and eliminate the Respondent(s) from further consideration.

H. Protests

The Respondent must submit any protests or claims regarding this solicitation to the office of the City’s Chief

Procurement Officer located at City Hall, Room 806, 121 N. LaSalle Street, Chicago, Illinois 60602. A pre-submittal protest must be filed no later than 5 days before the due date. A pre-award protest must be filed no later than 10 days after the due date, and a post-award protest must be filed no later than 10 days after the award of the contract.

All protests and claims must set forth the name and address of the protester, the specification number, the grounds for the protest or claim and the course of action that the protesting party desires that the Chief Procurement Officer take.

Copies of the Protest Procedures are available on the DPS website at https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/dps/RulesRegulations/BidProtestRules.DPS.12.2018.pdf.

I. Task Order Requests/Work Order Requests

From time to time the Commissioner and/or the CPO may issue Task Order Requests which are within the scope of the awarded Master Task Order Contract. Task Order Requests (TOR), if any, will set forth the project for which services are to be performed pursuant to the proposed Task Order and a desired completion date. Contractor must respond by proposing a work plan, time schedule, budget, deliverables, list of key personnel, and MBE/WBE involvement, all of which conform to the terms of the TOR and the terms and conditions of the Master Task Order Contract. Contractor must not respond to any TOR not approved in writing by the Commissioner and the Chief Procurement Officer or designee and/or not within the scope of service for the category awarded in the Master Task Order Contract. Costs associated with the preparation of Task Order Proposals are not compensable under the Master Task Order Contract and the City is not liable for any additional costs.

In the event that a project is funded in whole or part with state or federal funds, the Task Order Request may also set forth additional conditions required by the particular source of funds and such additional conditions will become part of the

Master Task Order Contract with respect to that specific project. By accepting a Task Order proposal in response to a particular Task Order Request, the Master Task Order Contract will be deemed to have been amended to include such special conditions pursuant to amendment provision in the Master Task Order Contract, but with respect to that project only. The

Contractor will not respond to Task Order Requests which are not within the scope of the Master Task Order Contract.

Following Contractor’s submission of a Task Order proposal in response to the TOR, the Commissioner and the Chief

Procurement Officer will review the Task Order proposal and may elect to approve it, reject it, or use it as a basis for further negotiations with the Contractor regarding the scope or fee of the project and the project completion date. If the City and the Contractor negotiate the scope or fee of the project and the project completion date, the Contractor must submit a signed, revised Task Order Proposal (based upon such negotiations) to the City for approval.

All Task Orders are subject to the approval of the Chief Procurement Officer and no Task Order will become binding upon the City until it is approved, in writing, by the Chief Procurement Officer. Absent approval of a Task Order by the Chief

Procurement Officer, the City will not be obligated to pay or have any liability, under the theory of recovery or any other theories for that matter (whether under the Master Task Order Contract, at law or in equity), to Contractor for any Services provided by Contractor pursuant to a Task Order, or otherwise.

The Contractor acknowledges and agrees that the City is under no obligation to issue any Task Order Requests to the

Contractor; that the level of services requested may vary by project; and that the City has entered into similar agreements with other Contractors and, in the CPO’s sole discretion, the City may issue a Task Order Request to only one Contractor or may issue the same Task Order Request to more than one Contractor in order to obtain competitive proposals.

Task Order Proposals

The Contractor shall respond to a Task Order Request by submitting a Task Order proposal to the Department which describes the Contractor’s approach and plan for performing those services and contains a time schedule for completion of services, deliverables to be provided and a schedule for delivery, a staffing schedule, a cost proposal, and MBE/WBE utilization all of which conform to the terms of the Task Order Request and the terms and conditions of the Master Task

Order Contract. Task Order proposals will constitute irrevocable offers for a period of sixty (60) calendar days after receipt by the City. Any and all costs associated with the preparation of Task Order proposals will not be a reimbursable cost under the Agreement.

https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/dps/RulesRegulations/BidProtestRules.DPS.12.2018.pdf

Task Order proposals satisfactory to the Commissioner must be signed on behalf of the City by the CPO before binding the City and Contractor. The City’s acceptance will be demonstrated by a Notice-to-Proceed issued by the

Department. The Contractor will not commence services, and the City will not be liable for any costs incurred by or payments to the Contractor, without a Notice-to-Proceed so executed.

The Contractor acknowledges and agrees that the City either may select from among those proposals submitted in response to a Task Order Request that Task Order proposal which is in the best interests of the City or may reject any and all Task Order proposals submitted in response to a Task Order Request. The Contractor further acknowledges and agrees that the Master Task Order Contract

J. Terms of Services

It is anticipated that the Initial Contract Term will be 5 years (60 months) starting on the date on which a Contract is awarded by the City. The CPO may exercise the City's right to extend this Contract following the expiration of the Initial Contract

Term for up to 3 years (36 months).

K. Description of Services

A broad description of the Services that the City seeks to acquire are described in the Scope of Services, which is attached to this agreement as Exhibit 1, various scope categories.

L. Insurance Coverage

Prior to the award of a Contract, the successful Respondent will be required to provide the City with proof of the insurance coverage specified in this RFQ in Exhibit 4.

M. Policy Prohibiting Sexual Harassment (Section 2-92-612 of the Chicago Municipal Code)

Respondent shall, as prescribed by the Chief Procurement Officer, attest by affidavit (in the form of the “Sexual

Harassment Policy Affidavit” Exhibit 5 attached hereto) that Respondent has a written policy prohibiting sexual harassment that shall include, at a minimum, the following information: (i) the illegality of sexual harassment; (ii) the definition of sexual harassment; and (iii) the legal recourse available for victims of sexual harassment.

N. Clarifications and Addenda

If it becomes necessary to revise or expand upon any part of this RFQ, the City will send an online-discussion notification to prospective Respondents who have indicated intent to propose in this RFQ that an addendum or clarification has been issued. The Clarifications and Addenda will be available at the following URL: www.cityofchicago.org/eProcurement.

Prospective Respondents that have indicated interest in this RFQ will receive an eProcurement system notification that an

Addendum or Clarification has been issued. There may be multiple Clarifications and Addenda. Failure to obtain

Clarifications and/or Addenda, for whatever cause, will not relieve Prospective Respondents from the obligation to comply with any changed or additional terms and conditions contained in the Clarifications and Addenda.

Electronic acknowledgement of Clarifications and/or Addenda is mandatory to submit an electronic Submittal.

Any harm to the prospective Respondent resulting from failure to obtain all necessary documents, for whatever cause, will not be valid grounds for a protest against award(s) made under this RFQ solicitation.

Each addendum is incorporated as part of the RFQ documents, and the prospective Respondent should acknowledge receipt. Respondents are solely responsible for acquiring the necessary information or materials available at the following

URL: www.cityofchicago.org/eProcurement.

A copy of Addenda associated with this RFQ specification number will also be posted on the City of Chicago Department of Procurement Services’ website. Prospective Respondents are listed on the Take-Out List.

An Addendum may include, but will not be limited to, the following:

1. Responses to questions and requests for clarification sent to the Department of Procurement Services; or

2. Responses to questions and requests for clarification raised at the Pre-Submittal Conference; or

3. Responses to questions and requests for clarification which were sent in by the deadline for submission of questions; all in accordance with the provisions of Section II.A. herein.

O. City’s Rights to Reject Submittals

The City of Chicago, acting through its Chief Procurement Officer, reserves the right to reject any and all Submittals that do not conform to the requirements set forth in this RFQ; or that do not contain at least the information required by this

RFQ. If no Respondent is selected through this RFQ process, then the Chief Procurement Officer may utilize any other procurement method available under the Municipal Purchasing Act and the Municipal Code of Chicago, to obtain the

Services described in this RFQ or as may otherwise be so required.

P. No Liability for Costs

The City is not responsible for costs or damages incurred by Respondents, member(s), partners, subcontractors, or other interested parties in connection with the RFQ process, including but not limited to costs associated with preparing the

Submittal and/or participating in any conferences, site visits, demonstrations, oral presentations or negotiations.

Q. Prohibition on Certain Contributions - Mayoral Executive Order No. 2011-4

No Respondent or any person or entity who directly or indirectly has an ownership or beneficial interest in Respondent of more than 7.5% ("Owners"), spouses and domestic partners of such Owners, Respondent’s Subcontractors, any person or entity who directly or indirectly has an ownership or beneficial interest in any Subcontractor of more than 7.5% ("Sub-owners") and spouses and domestic partners of such Sub-owners (Respondent and all the other preceding classes of persons and entities are together, the "Identified Parties"), shall make a contribution of any amount to the Mayor of the City of Chicago (the "Mayor") or to his political fundraising committee during (i) the bid or other solicitation process for this

Contract or Other Contract, including while this Contract or Other Contract is executory, (ii) the term of this Contract or any

Other Contract between City and Contractor, and/or (iii) any period in which an extension of this Contract or Other Contract with the City is being sought or negotiated.

Respondent represents and warrants that since the date of public advertisement of the specification, request for qualifications, request for proposals or request for information (or any combination of those requests) or, if not competitively procured, from the date the City approached the Respondent or the date the Respondent approached the City, as applicable, regarding the formulation of this Contract, no Identified Parties have made a contribution of any amount to the

Mayor or to his political fundraising committee.

Respondent shall not: (a) coerce, compel or intimidate its employees to make a contribution of any amount to the Mayor or to the Mayor’s political fundraising committee; (b) reimburse its employees for a contribution of any amount made to the

Mayor or to the Mayor’s political fundraising committee; or (c) bundle or solicit others to bundle contributions to the Mayor or to his political fundraising committee.

The Identified Parties must not engage in any conduct whatsoever designed to intentionally violate this provision or Mayoral

Executive Order No. 2011-4 or to entice, direct or solicit others to intentionally violate this provision or Mayoral Executive

Order No. 2011-4.

Violation of, non-compliance with, misrepresentation with respect to, or breach of any covenant or warranty under this provision or violation of Mayoral Executive Order No. 2011-4 constitutes a breach and default under this Contract, and under any Other Contract for which no opportunity to cure will be granted. Such breach and default entitles the City to all remedies (including without limitation termination for default) under this Contract, under Other Contract, at law and in equity.

This provision amends any Other Contract and supersedes any inconsistent provision contained therein.

If Respondent violates this provision or Mayoral Executive Order No. 2011-4 prior to award of the Contract resulting from this specification, the CPO may reject Respondent’s submittal.

For purposes of this provision:

"Other Contract" means any agreement entered into between the Contractor and the City that is (i) formed under the authority of MCC Ch. 2-92; (ii) for the purchase, sale or lease of real or personal property; or (iii) for materials, supplies, equipment or services which are approved and/or authorized by the City Council.

"Contribution" means a "political contribution" as defined in MCC Ch. 2-156, as amended.

"Political fundraising committee" means a "political fundraising committee" as defined in MCC Ch. 2-156, as amended.

R. No Guarantee of Awarded Work

If a Respondent is selected and an agreement is fully executed, the City of Chicago does not guarantee that any work will be awarded. Responses to Task Order Requests submitted by pre-qualified Respondents in the pool will undergo an evaluation and selection process for each Task Order Request. Pre-qualified Respondents must respond to Task Order Request and undergo the evaluation and selection process to be eligible for awarded work.

S. Date, Time and Place

Submittals are to be submitted electronically to the Department of Procurement Services on the date and prior to the time stated on the Cover Page of the RFQ Documents, or any addendum issued by the City to change such Submittals Due

Date. No Submittals will be accepted after the Submittals Due Date. The time of the receipt of the Submittals will be determined solely by the “Time of Quote” generated by the iSupplier system.

III. SOLICITATION NOTICE

Title VI Solicitation Notice:

The City, in accordance with the provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (78 Stat. 252, 42 U.S.C. §§ 2000d to

2000d-4) and the Regulations, hereby notifies all Respondents that it will affirmatively ensure that any Contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, disadvantaged business enterprises will be afforded full and fair opportunity to submit a response to this advertisement and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, or national origin in consideration for an award.

IV. SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS

Submittal content must be clear, concise and well organized. Respondent is strongly discouraged from including marketing or promotional materials not related specifically to the focus of this RFQ. Respondents are advised to adhere to the submittal requirements of the RFQ. Failure to comply with the instructions of this RFQ may be cause for rejection of the non-compliant Submittal. Respondent must provide information in the appropriate areas throughout the RFQ. By submitting a response to this RFQ, you are acknowledging that if your Submittal is accepted by the City, your Submittal, or any parts of the Submittal, may become part of the Agreement.

A. Submittal Items

At a minimum, the Submittal must include the following items:

1. Cover Letter

A statement must be signed by an authorized representative of the firm committing to provide the Services for the various Scope Categories as described in this RFQ. The cover letter must provide the contact person for this RFQ, their phone number and email address. Indicate number of years the company/organization has been in business.

Identify legal name of the company/organization. The cover letter must also:

a) Indicate the Scope Categories your company has submitted for and Description of the Scope Categories in the Qualification submission.

b) Indicate the number of years the company/organization has been in business and provide an overview of the experience and background of the company/ organization and its key personnel committed to this project.

c) Identify the legal name of the company/organization, its headquarters address, its principal place of business, its legal form (i.e., corporation, joint venture, limited liability company or partnership, etc.), and the names of its principals or partners and authority to do business in Illinois with the most recent documents filed with and obtained from the Secretary of State.

d) Indicate the name, telephone number(s) and e-mail address of the principal contact for this submittal, oral presentation or negotiations.

e) Acknowledge receipt of Addendum and/or Clarification issued by the City, if any.

2. Table of Contents

A table of contents for the Qualification should follow the cover page.

3. Acceptance of City Terms and Conditions

The City will require the selected Respondent to accept the terms and conditions as detailed in the Master Task

Order Contract, attached to this RFQ as Exhibit 8. Respondents may not take exception to these terms and conditions. Respondent must submit a letter addressed to the CPO with a statement accepting the City’s terms and conditions to be adhered to during the Contract term, if awarded a Master Task Order Contract.

The City does not anticipate negotiation of any of its terms and conditions but reserves the right to modify them at its discretion and make such edits available to all companies being awarded Master Task Order Contracts. All selected

Respondents will receive a final Master Task Order Contract, to be executed based on the Master Task Order Contract attached as Exhibit 8.

This is necessary to ensure that all selected Respondents submitting proposals in response to Task Order

Requests, issued by City Departments, will be governed by like terms and conditions for consistency. Respondent’s failure to indicate acceptance of the Master Task Order Contract will result in rejection of its Submittal.

4. Executive Summary

A brief narrative must delineate the general understanding of the scope and expected duties and the approach/methodology that the Respondent is proposing to complete the required Services. Please include information detailing relevant past projects of comparable size, scope, and magnitude where the proposed approach/methodology were successfully implemented.

Respondent must provide an executive summary for each category, its general understanding of the scope and expected duties. The summary must also indicate

Respondent’s strategy and methodology Respondent proposes to utilize to complete the required Services. The summary should further indicate Respondent’s approach for successfully implementing and managing projects for the City of Chicago; capacity to perform, and approach to project management, and any additional factors for the City’s consideration.

The summary should outline the Respondent’s overall plan to perform Planning Next

Program Consulting Services in Various Scope Categories for Planning and

Development; general approach to project management and expected deliverables and reports; and any relevant additional added value benefits the Respondent may provide to the City for its consideration.

5. Key Personnel & Company Experience

Identify the project manager and key personnel committed to provide the Services within the proposed schedule. Define their role and areas of responsibility/activities. Include resumes, qualifications, and experience of key personnel and local availability of key personnel who will be dedicated to the services for each scope category that Respondent…