65260_2.pdf
PDF 4 MB Posted
- Solicitation number
- 65260,1
- Issued by
- Cook County, Illinois
About this file
This is a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) issued by the City of Chicago Department of Planning and Development for Target Market Planning Next Program Consulting Services. The solicitation seeks to establish a prequalified vendor pool of qualified consulting firms through a Master Task Order Agreement to provide services across seven scope categories: urban planning and design, real estate development financial planning and analysis, real estate development project management, historic preservation, climate change sustainability and resiliency planning, graphic design and video, and community engagement and outreach. Respondents may submit qualifications for one or more categories and must be currently certified as Minority-Owned Business Enterprises (MBEs) and/or Women-Owned Business Enterprises (WBEs) by the City of Chicago or Cook County in the applicable NAICS codes for their chosen category. A mandatory pre-submittal conference is scheduled for May 7, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. CST at 2 North LaSalle Street, Chicago, Illinois, with pre-registration required by May 5, 2026. The deadline for submitting questions is May 13, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. Central Time, and electronic qualifications submissions are due August 21, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. Central Time through the City's iSupplier portal. The initial contract term is five years (60 months) with an optional extension of up to three additional years at the City's discretion. No site visits are scheduled. The solicitation is restricted to invited suppliers.
This is a city-funded procurement with no specific total contract value stated, as compensation will be determined on a project-by-project basis through individual task order awards. Respondents must demonstrate financial capacity by submitting audited financial statements for the past three years and must commit to compliance with Target Market requirements, including minimum participation goals of not less than 25 percent MBE and 5 percent WBE utilization on awarded task orders, though the City encourages maximum participation. Prime contractors must self-perform at least 51 percent of task order work but may subcontract to other certified firms. Professional liability insurance with limits of not less than $5,000,000 per claim is mandatory, along with general liability, workers compensation, automobile liability, and umbrella coverage as specified in Exhibit 4. Respondents must submit comprehensive documentation including cover letters, executive summaries, key personnel resumes and organizational charts, implementation and management plans, commitment statements to Target Market goals, Economic Disclosure Statements, legal action disclosures, insurance certificates, sexual harassment policy affidavits, conflict of interest disclosures, and three years of financial statements. No work volume or budget range is guaranteed, and the City retains the right to issue task orders to multiple prequalified contractors or reject all qualifications submitted.
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Text version
City Of Chicago Solicitation #65260,2
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 #65260,2 (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 10-JUN-2026 09:41:54
Amendment Description
Addendum No. 1 - Questions/Clarifications
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:
ADDENDUM NO. 01
File ADDENDUM FOR RESPONSES TO
QUESTIONS RECEVIED FOR RFQ.
ATTACHMENT 01:
CLARIFICATION NO. 1
File ATTACHMENT 01: CLARIFICATION NO. 1
ATTACHMENT 02: 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
CITY OF CHICAGO - DEPARTMENT OF PROCUREMENT SERVICES
ADDENDUM NO. 1
FOR
REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ) FOR
TARGET MARKET PLANNING NEXT PROGRAM CONSULTING SERVICES
VARIOUS SCOPE CATEGORIES
Specification No. 1246374B – RFQ # 65260,2
Required for use by:
CITY OF CHICAGO
Chicago Department of Planning and Development
This Addendum is distributed by:
Department of Procurement Services
Respondent must acknowledge receipt of Addendum No. 1 in the Cover Letter of its Proposal.
Ann Cortes, Senior Procurement Specialist
Ann.Cortes@cityofchicago.org
The information contained in this Addendum 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
June 10, 2026
ADDENDUM NO. 1
REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ) FOR TARGET MARKET PLANNING NEXT
PROGRAM CONSULTING SERVICES VARIOUS SCOPE CATEGORIES
SPECIFICATION NO. 1246374B - RFQ 65260,2
For which Proposals are scheduled to be received electronically on the eProcurement site, http://www.cityofchicago.org/eProcurement no later than 3:00 p.m., Central Time on August 21, 2026 (pursuant to the Request for Qualification advertised April 22, 2026).
The following questions/answers will be incorporated in the above-referenced Specification (the “Contract Documents”) as noted. All other provisions and requirements as originally set forth, except as amended by previous addenda, remain in full force and are binding. Any additional work required by this Addendum shall conform to the applicable provisions of the original Contract Documents. Any and all addenda must be acknowledged by the Respondent in the Cover Letter of its proposal by referencing receipt of each Addendum number.
RESPONDENT MUST ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF THIS ADDENDUM IN THE
COVER LETTER OF ITS PROPOSAL
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS/CLARIFICATIONS
The following questions and requests for clarification were submitted in accordance with the instructions provided in the Contract Documents. The City’s response follows each question or request for clarification in the table below:
Question 1: As it relates to EXHIBIT 1: Scope of Service and Scope Categories - Category 4: Historic Preservation - Bullet Point 4:
Support the restoration of historic properties, including researching applicable codes and guidelines to which the restoration must adhere, drafting architectural and engineering documents, and preparing supporting documentation such as design guidelines;
The bolded task would typically be performed by an architectural firm. Our firm does not prepare architectural or engineering drawings. Please clarify the deliverables that may be sought under this RFQ through DPD task orders.
Answer: For all categories, if the prime vendor and/or contractor is not able to perform specific task(s) in the stated scope category, in your RFQ submission, please identify subcontractor(s) who would provide those task(s) and associated deliverable(s) for such category(ies).
Question 2: Exhibit 1: Scope of Services and Scope Categories lists numerous NAICS codes for each Category. Do firms need to be certified in ALL NAICS codes listed for a Category?
Answer: No, only prime contractor or Respondent must be the City of Chicago and/or Cook County certified in one of the NACIS codes listed for the scope category(ies) they are submitting response for at the time of RFQ submission.
Please Refer to Exhibit 1, Scope of Services and Scope Categories, Section I. Description of Services, for detailed information regarding NAICS codes.
Section 1. Description of Services, in relevant part, states the following:
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.[] Respondent must be certified in the NAICS codes at the time of Submittal as specified in this RFQ. Certification or re-certification can be done on our website at Chicago.mwbe.com.
Please also see Section I. General Information, A. Introduction, of the RFQ, which in relevant part states “[a]ll respondents must be certified in the NAICS codes for which they are submitting proposals.”
Question 3: Would a public-facing ambassador pilot focused on community engagement, outreach, wayfinding, de-escalation, rider assistance, City event/public information, field reporting, and public-service support be considered responsive under Category 7: Community Engagement and Outreach?
Answer: The RFQ is not requesting submissions to establish a specific pilot or program. The submissions should identify your firm’s qualifications for one, or more, of the seven (7) scope categories for the City to establish a qualified vendor pool who can then respond to future Task Order Request (“TORs”).
For requirements and qualifications under each category, please refer to Exhibit 1, Scope of Services and Scope Categories, Section I. Description of Services, categories 1 through 7.
Question 4: If the concept is not appropriate as a prime submittal under this RFQ, would it be appropriate to pursue as a subcontractor/team member with a City-certified MBE/WBE firm that is responding under Category 7?
Answer: To the extent this question is inquiring about performance of specific tasks within each category by subcontractor, please see answer to Question No. 1.
To the extent this question is inquiring about MBE and/or WBE certification, the answer is no. Prime Contractor or Respondent must be an MBE and/or WBE certified firm at the time of RFQ submission.
Please Refer to Exhibit 1, Scope of Services and Scope Categories, Section I. Description of Services, for detailed information regarding MBE/WBE requirements.
Section 1. Description of Services, in relevant part, states the following:
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 and corresponding NAICS codes for which you are seeking to be prequalified under this RFQ.
Question 5: Because this RFQ is identified as a Target Market opportunity, should a non-certified vendor seek to participate only as a subcontractor/team member unless or until City of Chicago or Cook County MBE/WBE certification is obtained?
Answer: No. Only certified Respondents as an MBE/WBE who are also certified in the NAICS codes associated with the category(ies) can submit Qualifications for this RFQ.
Please see answer to Questions No. 2 and 4.
Question 6: For a service model involving field ambassadors, tablets, QR/manual reports, rider assistance requests, and weekly KPI reporting, would the City expect cyber liability insurance to apply only if personally identifiable information, City systems, or City data access are involved?
Answer: No. Cyber Liability insurance applies if “any personal identifiable information, personal identifiable credit information, or protected health information is collected, processed, stored or maintained by Contractor, or the City's network, computers, systems or data, including data hosted by third party, is accessed by Contractor[.]
Please refer to Exhibit 5, Insurance Requirements, 6. Cyber Liability, of the RFQ, for detailed information regarding Cyber Liability insurance requirements.
Question 7: Are there any recommended NAICS codes or specialty-area designations that best align with community engagement, outreach, public-facing ambassador staffing, field operations, public information support, and tablet-based reporting?
Answer: For recommended NAICS codes for Category 7, Community Engagement and Outreach, and other scope categories for that matter, please refer to Exhibit 1, Scope of Services and Scope Categories, categories 1 through 7.
Please also see answer to Questions No. 3 and 29.
Question 8: Is there a deadline date for the MBE/DBE certification?
Answer: For this RFQ, there is no federal funding requiring DBE participation goals and thereby DBE certification is not allowed under the City’s Target Market program. The RFQ, however, requires firms to be certified as an MBE/WBE at the time of Submittal.
Respondents should submit their MBE/WBE Certification Letter and/or Expansion application as soon as possible to allow time for the City’s review and determination prior to the Submittal due date. Respondent must also be certified in the NAICS codes for the scope category(ies) at time of Submission.
Please also see answer to Questions No. 2 and 4.
Question 9: Would you be able to clarify whether any company needs to a for profit or nonprofit entity?
Answer: There is no preference as long as Respondent is an MBE/WBE certified in the NAICS codes provided under each scope category.
Please see answer to Question No. 5.
Question 10: Can we provide a statement of M/W/DBE commitment to percentages required alone, or must we also include specific firms and their qualifications if they are not being evaluated?
Answer:
Under the City’s Target Market program, the prime vendor must self-perform at least 51% of the Task Order work with their own work force but can subcontract to other City of Chicago and/or Cook County firms currently certified in the NACIS code for the scope category. Only the prime vendor or Respondent qualifications will be evaluated for the RFQ vendor selection, Once the City has selected a qualified vendor pool and awarded Master Task Order Contracts to eligible firms to respond to TORs in each scope category, the City will evaluate subcontractors proposed at the Task Order level to determine the best qualified prime and Team members on a project by project basis in the applicable scope category.
Please also see answer to Questions No. 2, 4, and 5.
Question 11: Will task order contracts be awarded as direct contracts with the prime entity?
Answer: Yes, the City will award Master Task Order Contracts directly to the qualified prime vendor(s) in one or more proposed scope categories for which they qualify for. Task Order work for individual projects within a scope category as defined by Department of Planning and Development (DPD) will be competed to the Master Agreement vendor pool for the particular scope category through the City’s Task Order procedures.
Please refer to Section II, Submittal Information, I. Task Order Requests/Work Order Requests, of the RFQ, for detailed information in this regard.
Question 12: As task orders are released, are prime consultants limited only to the firms listed on the original proposal for the M/W/DBE firms, or may additional firms/subconsultants be added later as needed to address specific tasks in the task order?
Answer: The prime vendor can utilize both Team members in the original RFQ submission and add a mix of firms and their qualifications, expertise and experience at the Task Order level if necessary to meet specific project requirements when responding to a TOR solicitation received from the City.
Please refer to Exhibit 3, Special Conditions Regarding Minority Business Enterprise Commitment and Women Business Enterprise Commitment for Target Market Task Order Contracts, Eligibility, Sections A and C, for detailed information regarding Task Orders included in the Target Market Program.
Exhibit 3, Special Conditions Regarding Minority Business Enterprise Commitment and Women Business Enterprise Commitment for Target Market Task Order Contracts, Eligibility, Section A, states the following:
Task Orders included in the Target Market Program can be either MBE Target Market Task Orders, WBE Target Market Task Orders or designated as open to all certified MBE and WBE firms. Only MBE and MBE Joint Ventures are eligible to bid on or participate in MBE Target Market Task Orders, while only WBE and WBE Joint Ventures are eligible to bid on or participate in WBE Target Market Task Orders. On solicitations open to both MBEs and WBEs joint ventures are allowed between both MBEs and WBEs.
Exhibit 3, Special Conditions Regarding Minority Business Enterprise Commitment and Women Business Enterprise Commitment for Target Market Task Order Contracts, Eligibility, Section C, states the following:
The Contractor may not subcontract more than fifty percent (50%) of the dollar value of this Target Marget Task Order to subcontractors who are not MBEs or WBEs. The purchase of goods by a vendor from a manufacturer or supplier for sale to the City in a Task Order consisting solely of the sale of goods shall not be deemed subcontracting.
However, in appropriate cases the Chief
Procurement Officer may initiate discussions with a contractor subcontracting with non-certified firms in order to maximize the overall participation of MBEs and WBEs at all contracting levels.
Question 13: Please confirm that only the prime needs to be registered for the NAICS codes listed in the RFQ.
Answer: Please see answer to Questions No. 2 and 5.
Question 14: Scope Category 4: Historic Preservation The scope of work for this category includes "Support the restoration of historic properties, including... drafting architectural and engineering documents." Should we have an engineering subconsultant on our team, or are we able to engage an engineering subcontractor to support a specific task order with this type of scope if it is ever assigned to us?
Answer: Please see answer to Question No. 1.
Question 15: Under A. Submittal Items (Page 11) Is it preferred that the submittal items (1-15) requested be presented in our responses in the order that they are listed in the RFQ?
Answer: Yes. Please present submittal items 1 through 16 in the order in which is listed in Section IV, Submittal Requirements, A.
Submittal Items, 1 through 16.
Question 16: Under 5. Key Personnel & Company Experience (Page 12) For the references and description of work history for each key personnel, can you please confirm whether these items are referring to previous employers?
Answer: The items in Key Personnel Section refer to Respondent’s current key personnel and their roles, background, and responsibilities.
Please refer to Section IV, Submittal Requirements, A.5, Key Personnel & Company Experience, for detailed information in this regard.
Question 17: If a firm wanted to submit for Category 1, do they have to be certified in all 4 NAICS codes listed in the Exhibit 1: Scope of Services and Scope Categories? Or can they be certified in one code only?
Answer: No. Respondent must be certified in the NAICS codes for the scope category(ies) they submit Qualifications for.
Please see answer to Questions No. 2 and 5.
Question 18: If they are not approved for any of the 4 codes, what is the process to get approved in a new NAICS code category?
Answer: Please Refer to Exhibit 1, Scope of Services and Scope Categories, Section I. Description of Services, for detailed information regarding certifications and re-certification for NAICS codes.
Please see answer to Question No. 2.
Question 19: If we are the prime consultant and a certified MBE/WBE firm, and can perform 51% or more of the scope, do we still need to list any subcontractors for this RFQ response?
Answer: No. Under the City’s Target Market program if the prime vendor is self-performing the Task Order work, then they can utilize their own MBE or WBE certification to receive credit toward either the MBE or WBE goal and do not have to subcontract to meet the other goal.
Please also see answer to Questions No.10 and 12.
Question 20: Can subcontractors be added to our team in the future when we respond to specific TORs?
Answer: Please see answer to Questions No. 10 and 12.
Question 21: Is it best to get the minimum MBE and WBE? Trying to estimate the percentage for a future project.
Answer: The City seeks to maximize business opportunities for City of Chicago and/or Cook County certified MBE/WBE firms to the maximum extent possible and the highest percentage participation is encouraged when responding the TORs.
Question 22: Does the average spread throughout the contract?
Answer: This question is vague on its face and as applied to this RFQ. To the extent an answer can be provided, the level of MBE/WBE participation will be evaluated on a project by project basis at the Task Order response level.
Question 23: Can we just bid for one category?
Answer: Yes, you can.
Please see Exhibit 1, Scope of Services and Scope Categories.
I. Description of Services, which states “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.”
Please also see answer to Question No.2.
Question 24: In the case of a very small WBE firm (e.g., 1–2 staff) serving as the prime responder, is the firm required to self-perform a minimum of 51% of each task order? Alternatively, may the prime engage other MBE or WBE firms to support delivery of the full scope?
Answer: Under the City’s Target Market program, the prime vendor must self perform at least 51% of the Task Order work with their own work force, but can subcontract to other City of Chicago and/or Cook County firms currently certified in the NACIS code for the scope category to fulfill the full Task Order project scope.
Please also see answer to Questions No. 10 and 12.
Question 25: If an MBE or WBE-certified firm submits a proposal with one or more MBE/WBE subconsultants, will the City consider the qualifications and experience of the entire team during evaluation, or only those of the proposed prime?
Answer: Only Respondent’s Qualifications.
Section V. Evaluation Process, B. Evaluation Criteria, of the RFQ, in relevant parts, states the following:
The Evaluation Committee will review the Respondent’s Qualifications to determine overall responsibility of the Respondent and responsiveness and completeness of the Qualification with respect to the components outlined in the RFQ for each Scope Category[.]
Please refer to Section V.B. Evaluation Criteria, for detailed information in this regard.
Question 26: If the company is a startup and does not have three years of financial statements, is there alternative documentation that may be submitted?
Answer: For start ups or firms who do not have three years of financial statements, to be considered responsive, submit Balance Sheets or other financial documents currently available for the City to assess financial condition.
Please refer to Section IV. A.14, Financial Capacity, of the RFQ, for detailed information regarding financial statements.
Question 27: It is our understanding that responses will be evaluated based on the prime consultant’s qualifications. Should we exclude qualifications for any proposed subconsultants?
Answer: Please see answer to Question No. 25.
Question 28: Can you clarify how/whether subconsultant qualifications and resumes will impact evaluation scores?
Answer: Please see answer to Question No. 25.
Question 29: Is there a process for firms to request that a NAICS code be added to a category?
Answer: The NAICS codes that are listed in the published RFQ will be the ones utilized. No further additions will be added.
Refer to Section Exhibit 1, Scope of Services and Scope Categories, for the NAICS codes for each scope category.
Please also see answer to Questions No 3 and 7.
Question 30: What is the anticipated task order volume and average size by category, based on the prior pool’s history?
Answer: There is no direct correlation of Task Order activity from year to year and thereby this information is not relevant to responding to this RFQ.
Question 31: Can you submit as a prime and a sub in a single category?
Answer: Yes. The City of Chicago seeks to maximize business opportunities for City of Chicago and/or Cook County certified MBE/WBE firms for the NACIS codes in each scope category.
Certified firms may submit as prime and/or participate as a subcontractor on one or more submissions from other Respondents to this RFQ solicitation.
Question 32: Is the 50% non-MBE/WBE subcontracting cap calculated per task order or contract-wide?
Answer: Both.
Question 33: Is the mentor-protégé bonus credit (up to 5%) applied at submittal evaluation or only at task order award?
Answer: The Mentor Protégé credit is applied to the overall contract goal commitment. Mentor Protégé agreements will need to be submitted at the time the full compliance plan schedules are requested.
Question 34: As a WBE consultant, can you please clarify which exhibits/forms are required to be completed and submitted at the RFQ stage?
Answer: The required forms are Schedule D-3, C-3, Letter of Certification, Target Market Joint Venture Agreements.
Please also refer to Exhibit 3, Special Conditions Regarding Minority Business Enterprise Commitment and Women Business Enterprise Commitment for Target Market Task Order Contracts, Procedure to Determine Bid Compliance, for detailed information regarding forms that need to be completed with your Submittal.
Question 35: Should our responses include qualifications for all anticipated subconsultants necessary to complete the scope of work, or just the prime firm's qualifications?
Answer: Please see answer to Question No. 25.
Question 36: Will there be an anticipated range or cap for Task Order sizes/projects/budgets?
Answer: No.
Please also see answer to Question No. 30.
RFQ for Target Market Planning Next Program
Specification 1246374B/RFQ 65260
CITY OF CHICAGO - DEPARTMENT OF PROCUREMENT SERVICES
CLARIFICATION NO. 1
TARGET MARKET REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATION (RFQ) FOR
PLANNING NEXT PROGRAM CONSULTING SERVICES
Specification No. 1246374B – RFQ # 65260, 1
(Department of Planning and Development)
This Clarification is distributed by:
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
RFQ for Target Market Planning Next Program
Specification 1246374B/RFQ 65260
CLARIFICATION NO. 1
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
DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT
This RFQ distributed by:
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
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.
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