City Of Chicago Solicitation #69292,1

BRANDON JOHNSON IVAN CAPIFALI

MAYOR Commissioner

Specification Number: 1353758 Type of Funding:

Title: BACP Small Business Technology Enhancement Program - Re-release

Delegate Agency Solicitation #69292,1 (RFP)

BACP Small Business Technology Enhancement Program - Re-release

Specification Number:1353758

Required for use by: DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AFFAIRS AND CONSUMER PROTECTION

Bid/Proposal Submittal Date and Time: 12:00 PM Central Time, 21-JUL-2026

Deadline for Questions: 10:00 AM Central Time, 14-JUL-2026 Buyer: PHILLIPS, MAURICE Email Address: Maurice.Phillips@cityofchicago.org Phone Number: 3127445915 Pre-Solicitation Conference Date and Time: 01:00 PM Central Time, 09-JUL-2026 Pre-Solicitation Conference Location: https://us02web.zoom.

us/webinar/register/WN_getA5OLuSoGA7Ni2__Mbpw 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: 1353758 Page 2 Type of Funding:

Title: BACP Small Business Technology Enhancement Program - Re-release

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

2.2.2 Line 2

2.2.3 Line 3

2.2.4 Line 4

2.2.5 Line 5

2.2.6 Line 6

2.2.7 Line 7

2.2.8 Line 8

2.2.9 Line 9

Specification Number: 1353758 Page 3 Type of Funding:

Title: BACP Small Business Technology Enhancement Program - Re-release

1 Header Information

1.1 General Information

Title BACP Small Business Technology Enhancement Program - Re-release

Description BACP Small Business Technology Enhancement Program - Re-release Amendment Date 16-JUL-2026 16:00:30

Amendment Description

Details can be found within Attachment 03: Amendment 1

Preview Date 16-JUL-2026 16:00:30 Open Date 16-JUL-2026 16:00:30 Close Date 12:00 PM Central

Time, 21-JUL-2026 Award Date Not Specified

Time Zone Central Time Buyer PHILLIPS, MAURICE Quote Style Blind Email Maurice.

Phillips@cityofchicago.org Event Delegate Agency Outcome Delegate Agency Blanket

Agreement

1.2 Terms

Effective Start Date Not Specified Effective End Date Not Specified

Ship-To Address 070-290H ARP

FISCAL RECOVERY

72 East Randolph St, 2nd Floor Chicago, IL 60601 United States

Bill-To Address 070-290H ARP FISCAL

RECOVERY

72 East Randolph St, 2nd Floor Chicago, IL 60601 United States

Payment Terms IMMEDIATE Carrier FOB Freight Terms

Currency USD (US Dollar) Price Precision Any Total Agreement

Amount (USD) Not Specified Minimum Release

Amount (USD) Not Specified

1.3 Requirements

Contact Information First Name

Provide your answer below

Last Name

Provide your answer below

Telephone Number

Provide your answer below

Specification Number: 1353758 Page 4 Type of Funding:

Title: BACP Small Business Technology Enhancement Program - Re-release

Contact Information

E-mail Address

Provide your answer below

Contact Type

Provide your answer below

Organization Information Legal Organization Name exactly as it appears on your State of Illinois business registration documentation.

Provide your answer below

Doing Business As (DBA) Name exactly as it appears on your State of Illinois business registration documentation.

Provide your answer below

Address

City

Specification Number: 1353758 Page 5 Type of Funding:

Title: BACP Small Business Technology Enhancement Program - Re-release

Organization Information

Provide your answer below

State

Provide your answer below

Zip

Provide your answer below

County

Provide your answer below

Organization Telephone Number

Provide your answer below

Website Address and Social Media Handles (i.e. public username of your organization's social media accounts)

Federal Employer Identification Number

Specification Number: 1353758 Page 6 Type of Funding:

Title: BACP Small Business Technology Enhancement Program - Re-release

Organization Information

Provide your answer below

Unique Entity Identification (UEI) Number (Official identifier for doing business with the U.S.

Government as of April 4, 2022; Replaced the DUNS Number)

Provide your answer below

Head of Agency (Executive Director/CEO) Name

Provide your answer below

Head of Agency Title

Provide your answer below

Head of Agency Telephone Number

Provide your answer below

Head of Agency E-mail Address

Board President Full Name

Specification Number: 1353758 Page 7 Type of Funding:

Title: BACP Small Business Technology Enhancement Program - Re-release

Organization Information

Provide your answer below

Board President Phone Number

Provide your answer below

Board President Email Address

Provide your answer below

Program Manager Name

Provide your answer below

Program Manager Telephone Number

Provide your answer below

Program Manager Email Address

Provide your answer below

Year Organization Established

Specification Number: 1353758 Page 8 Type of Funding:

Title: BACP Small Business Technology Enhancement Program - Re-release

Organization Information Provide your answer below

Geographic Service Area Please provide the service area boundaries (i.e. North, South, East, West, street names) for this program.

Provide your answer below

In which City of Chicago ward/s is/are the proposed program located? For a map of Chicago wards, go to https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dgs/supp_info/citywide_maps.html.

Provide your answer below

In which City of Chicago community area/s is/are the proposed program located? For a map of Chicago's community areas, go to https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dgs/supp_info/citywide_maps.html.

Provide your answer below

Organizational Capacity and Experience Please describe how your organization is prepared to implement this program, include your organization's mission, goals, and history.

Provide your answer below

Describe your organization's experience implementing digital equity or inclusion programs, if applicable.

Specification Number: 1353758 Page 9 Type of Funding:

Title: BACP Small Business Technology Enhancement Program - Re-release

Organizational Capacity and Experience

Describe your organization's experience serving small businesses.

Provide your answer below

Describe your organization outcomes and impacts related to digital equity or similar inclusion programs it has implemented.

Provide your answer below

Please provide a copy of your last three Form 990 submissions, or equivalent, filings. If your nonprofit organization is new, please provide a copy of your Illinois Certificate of Good Standing. Please acknowledge submission of required document.

Provide your answer below

Please provide a summary of pending lawsuits, unsatisfied judgements and/or judgement liens currently filed against Respondent or any officer, owner, principal, employee, subsidiary, or affiliate of the Respondent.

Provide your answer below

Program Overview and Implementation Plan Please describe the specific activities your organization will perform, including the location(s) of services and how your proposed program seeks to meet the needs of the community/communities it serves.

Provide your answer below

Please detail your organization's plan to implement the proposed program, including specific roles, expertise, and compensation (salaries or hourly rates for full-time, part-time, and hourly staff) for all individuals, both organizational staff and external partners/consultants, who will support this initiative. For

Specification Number: 1353758 Page 10 Type of Funding:

Title: BACP Small Business Technology Enhancement Program - Re-release

Program Overview and Implementation Plan any roles not yet filled, a title is sufficient. Attach the resumes of all key staff members involved in this program.

Provide your answer below

Please provide a timeline of key milestones in order to meet the deadline of launching the program in the first quarter of 2026.

Provide your answer below

Please describe how your organization will monitor program expenditures and ensure that appropriate fiscal controls and records are in place.

Provide your answer below

Budget Justification What is the total amount you are requesting? (Note: The City expects to award up to $400,000 to one delegate agency to administer this program).

Provide your answer below

Your attached budget will be reviewed for this question. Did you attach your program budget?

Provide your answer below

Please describe your financial capacity (cash-flow) to expend funds prior to reimbursement.

Specification Number: 1353758 Page 11 Type of Funding:

Title: BACP Small Business Technology Enhancement Program - Re-release

Budget Justification

Describe your organization's experience administering federally funded programs, including proper monitoring, record keeping, and accounting.

Provide your answer below

Community Support Please provide evidence of Community support. Community support may be demonstrated through letters of support, committed resources (i.e., space, funding), evidence of community-based planning, program design or input, or other meaningful showcase of support.

Provide your answer below

Conflict of Interest Did you complete and attach the Conflict of Interest Questionnaire?

Provide your answer below

1.4 Attachments

Name Data Type Description

ATTACHMENT 01: RFP

Supplemental Document

File Small Business Technology Enhancement RFP - Re-release

ATTACHMENT 03:

Amendment 1

File

ATTACHMENT 04: FAQ

Document

File

ATTACHMENT 05: RFP

Questions Updated

File

Attachment 02: RFP Questions

File Questions for applicants

1.5 Response Rules

Solicitation is restricted to invited suppliers X Suppliers are allowed to respond to selected lines X Suppliers are allowed to provide multiple responses

Specification Number: 1353758 Page 12 Type of Funding:

Title: BACP Small Business Technology Enhancement Program - Re-release

Buyer may close the solicitation before the Close Date X Buyer may manually extend the solicitation while it is open

Specification Number: 1353758 Page 13 Type of Funding:

Title: BACP Small Business Technology Enhancement Program - Re-release

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 0005 - Personnel 1 USD 2 0044 - Fringe Benefits

1 USD

3 0100 - Operating/Technical

1 USD

4 0140 - Professional and Technical Services

1 USD

5 0200 - Travel 1 USD 6 0300 - Materials and Supplies

1 USD

7 0400 - Equipment 1 USD 8 0801 - Indirect 1 USD 9 0999 - Other 1 USD

2.2 Line Details

2.2.1 Line 1 0005 - Personnel

Category 94855.DA. 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

2.2.2 Line 2 0044 - Fringe Benefits

Category 94855.DA. 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

2.2.3 Line 3 0100 - Operating/Technical

Category 94855.DA. 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

2.2.4 Line 4 0140 - Professional and Technical Services

Category 94855.DA. 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

Specification Number: 1353758 Page 14 Type of Funding:

Title: BACP Small Business Technology Enhancement Program - Re-release

2.2.5 Line 5 0200 - Travel

Category 94855.DA. 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

2.2.6 Line 6 0300 - Materials and Supplies

Category 94855.DA. 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

2.2.7 Line 7 0400 - Equipment

Category 94855.DA. 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

2.2.8 Line 8 0801 - Indirect

Category 94855.DA. 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

2.2.9 Line 9 0999 - Other

Category 94855.DA. 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

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) FOR

Small Business Technology Enhancement Program_Re-release

RFP # 69292

ISSUED BY: CITY OF CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF

BUSINESS AFFAIRS & CONSUMER PROTECTION

All proposals must be submitted via the eProcurement system.

http://www.cityofchicago.org/eprocurement

Questions concerning the RFP should be directed to

Maurice Phillips

Director of Economic Recovery

Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protections

121 N. LaSalle, Room 805

Chicago, Illinois 60602

Email: BACPeconomicrecovery@cityofchicago.org http://www.cityofchicago.org/eprocurement

OVERVIEW OF DEPARTMENT

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

ELIGIBILITY & PROGRAM GUIDANCE

RFP DUE DATE

SELECTION CRITERIA

PROPOSED CONTRACT TERM AND FUNDING SOURCE

REQUIRED PROPOSAL CONTENT

PROGRAM CONTACT

PRE-SUBMITTAL CONFERENCE

E-PROCUREMENT SYSTEM

CANCELLATION

INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

OVERVIEW OF DEPARTMENT

The City of Chicago’s Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) empowers and educates entrepreneurs and business owners to start, grow, and succeed.

BACP supports entrepreneurs through the provision of business education, access to support and the administration of resources through a network of nearly 70 business service organizations. Additionally, BACP licenses businesses and public vehicles, supports consumers, promotes and enforces Chicago’s labor laws.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Notice of Re-release: RFP #63171, BACP Small Business Technology Enhancement Program, was issued on January 23, 2026. Due to a change of scope that has increased the number of potential awardees from a maximum of one up to a maximum of four, Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) is reissuing the current RFP. The current RFP will cover the same service category and community service areas as the prior RFP.

In May 2022, Chicago launched a Digital Equity Council (DEC), a cross-sector, community-driven effort to understand and overcome the nuanced barriers to digital equity by engaging those most burdened by digital inequities. The DEC heard from more than 3,000 Chicagoans through 17 community conversations and solution design workshops, plus a citywide survey. This effort resulted in the publication of the City’s first Digital Equity Plan, and launch of a Chicago Digital Equity Coalition. In parallel, the City has also stood up an Interagency Broadband Task Force to coordinate efforts holistically across departments and City agencies to inform and implement broadband initiatives.

Despite this progress, there is still work to be done to address the racial and economic disparities behind the digital divide and create conditions to close the gap. Digital disparities, including limited access to digital technologies, internet connectivity, and digital literacy training, hinder the growth and development of small businesses owned by under-resourced entrepreneurs. These disparities have a direct impact on workforce development, perpetuating economic inequality and limiting opportunities for social mobility.

The City of Chicago is launching a Small Business Technology Enhancement Program to empower under-resourced small business owners by providing them with the essential skills and resources needed to thrive in today's digital economy. By addressing digital disparities and promoting digital inclusion, we can empower under-resourced entrepreneurs to succeed in the digital age, drive small business growth, and foster more equitable economic development.

https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/sites/digital-equity-council/pdf/Digital-Equity-Plan-2023.pdf https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/digital-equity-council/home.html https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/digital-equity-council/home.html

Under-resourced entrepreneurs often face significant barriers to digital inclusion like limited access to digital technologies, inadequate internet connectivity, digital literacy gaps and cultural and linguistic barriers. And often the consequences of digital disparities for under-resourced entrepreneurs and small business owners are far-reaching. Their inability to leverage digital channels for marketing, sales, and customer engagement limits revenue growth potential.

Digital disparities also hinder the ability of the business to create jobs, contributing to higher unemployment rates in under-resourced communities. This perpetuates economic inequality and reduces social mobility.

This RFP will utilize $400,000.00 in funding provided through the Neighborhood Broadband Connectivity Program of the Chicago Road to Recovery Plan, the City’s plan to amplify a fair investment strategy to catalyze a sustainable economic recovery. It is funded by the American Rescue Plan Act State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (ARPA SLFRF), with Federal Assistance Listing Number 21.027, granted to the City of Chicago, and the selected organizations will serve as Delegate Agencies for the City of Chicago, which is synonymous at the federal level with “Subrecipient” or “Sub awardee” for the purposes of alignment with federal grant guidance.

Funds can go toward non-capital expenses, such as partnerships with community-based non-profits to provide access to digital technologies, digital literacy training, and digital skill building opportunities for small businesses.

Such activities may include:

1. Access to digital technologies: Affordable access to digital devices, internet connectivity, and digital tools.

2. Digital literacy training: Ensuring Chicagoans have the foundational comfort and confidence to access digital tools, information, and services in everyday life. This may include learning how to use a computer, setting up online accounts, and browsing the internet safely.

3. Digital skill building: Equipping Chicagoans with specialized skills that can grow businesses or open doors to new economic opportunities. This may include hosting workshops and classes focusing on practical technology applications for small business owners like search engine optimization, Yelp, eCommerce, Canva, Point of Sale system, leveraging social media for marketing, leveraging Artificial Intelligence tools etc.

Target Community Areas

Target Community Areas are those within the top 25 Chicago Community Areas identified as having the lowest levels of digital connectivity. While these figures are measured at the household level, they reflect broader digital inequities that directly affect the small business landscape in these neighborhoods, limiting access to online tools, digital markets, essential business services, and technology-enabled opportunities. These areas are predominantly Low-or Moderate-Income Community Areas, where many small businesses and entrepreneurs face compounded barriers to digital adoption. The size of the digitally disconnected population suggests a substantial pool of potential small business owners or entrepreneurs who may lack https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/chicago-recovery-plan/home.html essential digital skills to grow their business. Proposals that deliver programming within or adjacent to these Target Community Areas may be prioritized, as they help ensure that support reaches business corridors and commercial districts most impacted by the city’s digital divide.

This data is publicly available through the U.S. Census and at the City of Chicago’s Digital Equity data set, which is linked here.

Target Community Areas include:

Community Area Percent (%) of Households without Home Internet

West Englewood 31.77

Englewood 29.42

Fuller Park 28.67

Auburn Gresham 26.78

Chatham 26.07

Greater Grand Crossing 25.92

Gage Park 25.70

North Lawndale 25.59

Avalon Park 25.34

Chicago lawn 25.27

East Garfield Park 25.21

Archer Heights 24.40

South Lawndale 24.21

Roseland 23.48

Austin 23.31

Armour Square 23.22

New City 22.42

Montclare 21.71

Belmont Cragin 21.14

West Garfield Park 20.86

Burnside 20.83

Humboldt Park 20.77

West Pullman 20.58

Pullman 19.76

Woodlawn 19.65

ELIGIBILITY & PROGRAM GUIDANCE

The City of Chicago’s Small Business Technology Enhancement Program seeks to award up to four delegate agencies for this contract. Applicants must demonstrate existing organizational capacity, operational infrastructure, service area coverage, and relevant experience necessary https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/digital-equity-council/home/the-data.html to successfully deliver program services within the required implementation timeline.

Additionally, the selected delegate agencies will conduct localized outreach and deliver direct services, including workshops, individualized assistance and language or community-specific support.

All completed proposals must include the following: examples of digital literacy course materials; documentation confirming that locations for any in-person trainings have been secured for the full duration of the program; and resumes of the professionals proposed to facilitate the trainings.

Funds can be used for all direct and indirect program management expenses involved in administering the program. The City of Chicago encourages applicants to allocate funds in their budget for program reporting, economic impact data collection and evaluation.

Indirect costs could be up to 10% of the direct costs or in agreement with the Delegate Agency’s Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA). For more information on allowable and unallowable expense under the terms of the ARPA – SLFRF grant and 2 CFR Part 200, please review the U.S. Treasury’s ARPA-SLFRF Final Rule and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) guidelines.

Successful proposals will clearly demonstrate the ability to launch programs as early as the third quarter of 2026. Proposals should also reflect a deep understanding of the local digital inclusion ecosystem, digital literacy and skill building standards, and small business sector needs. Successful proposals will also demonstrate the capacity to implement culturally relevant programs, which includes the ability to translate materials in languages requested by the City of Chicago, which include but is not limited to Spanish.

Competitive proposals will demonstrate how existing community partnerships, digital literacy programming, and digital skill building opportunities will support small businesses and entrepreneurs. Factors to consider include content delivery (scheduled one-on-one, classroom based, drop-in clinics), type of curriculum (digital fundamentals, online marketing, digital payments, AI and automation), availability of assets (devices for participants, shared community space for learning, free and reliable internet), applications or programs (Google, Yelp, Canva), as well as meaningful measurement and impact of the program (pre/post skill assessments, application of skills, business engagement).

All successful respondents of this RFP will be required to undergo assessment of risk potential in accordance with Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200). Program staff will monitor subrecipient performance to ensure compliance with Federal grant standards and successful program implementation.

REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/136/2023-Interim-Final-Rule.pdf https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200?toc=1

Grantee(s) will be required to maintain requested data using a City-approved platform and to submit reports, including impact data, to the City. Grantee(s) will also be required to participate in a cohort with other grantees to share and communicate best practices.

Requested data to be reported monthly and include, at minimum:

Total # of unique small businesses served.

Total # of 1:1 technical assistance hours.

Total # of Digital Skills taught.

Total # of cohorts hosted.

Total # of webinars hosted.

Total # of webinar attendees.

Success stories.

Business information from participants including but not limited to business address and business type (inclusive of Ward, ZIP Code, and Community Area data).

Business owner demographic information from participants; providing such information is voluntary for business owner and not a condition to receive services.

Pre- and post-program surveys to capture economic impact and gains in digital competency.

Lessons learned.

The grantee(s) will be required to keep detailed records on costs, in addition to any other record keeping required for compliance with federal requirements related to the American Rescue Plan Act and 2 CFR Part 200.

RFP DUE DATE

APPLICATION DUE DATE: July 21, 2026, at 12:00 PM CDT. (NOON)

SELECTION CRITERIA

All proposals received by the deadline will undergo a technical review to determine whether all required components have been addressed and included. Proposals determined by BACP to be incomplete will not be considered. BACP reserves the right to waive irregularities that, within its sole discretion, BACP determines to be minor. If such irregularities are waived, similar irregularities in all proposals will be waived.

SCORING CRITERIA

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200?toc=1

Proposals will be scored based on the following, with 100 being the maximum score.

Category Available Points

Organizational Capacity and Experience 25

Program Overview, and Implementation Plan 45

Budget Justification 15

Community Support 10

Overall Responsiveness 5

Total Points 100

PROPOSED CONTRACT TERM AND FUNDING SOURCE

The anticipated contract period will be August 1,2026 through December 31, 2026. The total amount for this program is $400,000.00 and up to four awards will be granted to selected delegate agencies to administer the Small Business Technology Enhancement Program. Payment for services will be made on a reimbursement basis. No advances will be made. Respondents must demonstrate capacity to fund program expenditures from the start date until they are reimbursed by the City.

This initiative is administered by the City of Chicago Department of Business Affairs. It is funded by the Chicago Road to Recovery Plan using funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (SLFRF) (ALN 21.027). Consequently, all guidelines and requirements of the City of Chicago and federal guidelines and requirements must be met.

Additionally, all delegate agencies must comply with the Single Audit Act if applicable.

REQUIRED PROPOSAL CONTENT

Applicants are advised to adhere to the applications requirements of the RFP. Failure to comply may be cause for rejection of the non-compliant proposal. Applicants must provide information in the appropriate areas throughout the RFP. By submitting a response to this RFP, you are acknowledging that if your proposal is accepted by the city, the proposal and related submittals may become part of the contract.

The City reserves the right to request clarification and/or additional information from the respondents during the evaluation and selection process. Any respondent that makes a material misrepresentation will be eliminated from further consideration. The City reserves the right to disregard any informality in the submission. All submitted materials are the property of the City.

PROGRAM CONTACT

Maurice Phillips, Director of Economic Recovery

Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protections

121 N. Lasalle, Room 805

Chicago, Illinois 60602

Email: BACPeconomicrecovery@cityofchicago.org

PRE-SUBMITTAL CONFERENCE

A virtual pre-submittal conference will be held on the following date:

July 9th, 2026, from 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM, Registration is available by clicking here.

The purpose of the pre-submitting event is to clarify the RFP process and the scope of the required services. Attendance is not mandatory, but it is strongly suggested the interested applicants attend. Questions can be emailed to BACPeconomicrecovery@cityofchicago.org

E-PROCUREMENT SYSTEM

Proposals must be submitted via online application. Emailed or faxed proposals will not be accepted.

To complete an application for this RFP, applicants will need to set up an account in the new eProcurement/iSupplier system.

The Department of Procurement Services (DPS) manages the iSupplier registration process. All delegate agencies are required to register in the iSupplier portal at www.cityofchicago.org/eProcurement. All vendors must have a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) and an IRS W9 for registration and confirmation of vendor business information.

1. New Vendors – Must register at www.cityofchicago.org/eProcurement. Registration in iSupplier is the first step to ensuring your agency’s ability to conduct business with the City of Chicago and DPD. Please allow five to seven days for your registration to be processed.

mailto:BACPeconomicrecovery@cityofchicago.org https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_getA5OLuSoGA7Ni2__Mbpw mailto:BACPeconomicrecovery@cityofchicago.org http://www.cityofchicago.org/eProcurement http://www.cityofchicago.org/eProcurement

2. Existing Vendors – Must request an iSupplier invitation via email. Include your Complete Company Name and City of Chicago Vendor/Supplier Number (found on the front page of your contract) in your email to customersupport@cityofchicago.org . You will then receive a response from DPS so you can complete the registration process.

Please check your junk email folder if you have made a request and not heard back as many agencies have reported responses going their junk folder.

To receive training in all aspects of the eProcurement system, register using the link below and include the name of the agency which you will represent. Training will cover eProcurement functions such as iSupplier registration and overview, responding to RFPs, creating invoices and reviewing / tracking payments.

For further eProcurement help use the following contacts:

Questions on Registration: customersupport@cityofchicago.org

Questions on eProcurement for Delegate Agencies including:

CustomerSupport@cityofchicago.org or contact the eProcurement hotline at 312-744-

4357 (HELP)

Online Training Materials:

https://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/dps/isupplier/online-training-materials.html

If you are having difficulty registering additional people, please refer to this handout:

https://www.cityofchicago.org/content/dam/city/depts/dps/isupplier/training/Vendor_Create _New_Address_and_Contact.pdf

Here is a link to all additional technical assistance videos and handouts:

https://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/dps/isupplier/online-training-materials.html

Additionally, respondents may e-mail CustomerSupport@cityofchicago.org to receive more specific advice and troubleshooting.

Respondents must submit an application for the request for proposal via eProcurement.

For this application, all answers to application questions are limited to 4,000 characters, including spaces and punctuation.

CANCELLATION

The City reserves the right, at any time and in its sole and absolute discretion, to reject any or all submissions, or to withdraw the RFP without notice. In no event shall the City be liable to mailto:customersupport@cityofchicago.org mailto:customersupport@cityofchicago.org mailto:CustomerSupport@cityofchicago.org https://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/dps/isupplier/online-training-materials.html https://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/dps/isupplier/online-training-materials.html https://www.cityofchicago.org/content/dam/city/depts/dps/isupplier/training/Vendor_Create_New_Address_and_Contact.pdf https://www.cityofchicago.org/content/dam/city/depts/dps/isupplier/training/Vendor_Create_New_Address_and_Contact.pdf https://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/dps/isupplier/online-training-materials.html mailto:CustomerSupport@cityofchicago.org respondents for any cost or damages incurred by respondents, team members, consultants, or other interested parties in connection with the RFP process, including but not limited to any and all costs of preparing the preliminary cost budget, architectural drawings and renderings or other submitted materials, and participation in any conferences, oral presentations, or negotiations.

INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

BACP [Digital Literacy Grant Program]

Contractor must provide and maintain at Contractor’s own expense, during the term of the Agreement and during the time period following expiration if Contractor is required to return and perform any work, services, or operations, the insurance coverages and requirements specified below, insuring all work, services, or operations related to the Agreement.

A. INSURANCE REQUIRED FROM CONTRACTOR

1) Workers’ Compensation and Employer’s Liability

Workers’ Compensation Insurance, as prescribed by applicable law covering all employees who are to provide a service under this Agreement and Employer’s Liability coverage with limits of not less than

$1,000,000 each accident; $1,000,000 disease-policy limit and $1,000,000 disease-each employee, or the full per occurrence limits of the policy, whichever is greater.

The Contractor may use a combination of primary and Excess/Umbrella policy/policies to satisfy the limits of liability required herein. The Excess/Umbrella policy/policies must provide the same coverages/follow form as the underlying policy/policies.

2) Commercial General Liability

Commercial General Liability Insurance or equivalent must be maintained with limits of not less than

$1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate. The policy shall be written on an occurrence basis, with coverage at least as broad as the Insurance Services Office (ISO) Commercial General Liability Form

CG 00 01 (current edition), or equivalent. This insurance shall include, but not be limited to, coverage for bodily injury, personal injury, and property damage liability (including loss of use), personal and advertising injury, products and completed operations (for a minimum of two (2) years following project completion), premises and operations liability, contractual liability, no exclusion for damage to work performed by subcontractors, any limitation of coverage for designated premises or project is not permitted, and any endorsement modifying or deleting the exception to the Employer’s Liability exclusion is not permitted. Where the general aggregate limit applies, the general aggregate must apply per project/location and once per policy period if applicable, or Contractor may obtain separate insurance to provide the required limits which will not be subject to depletion because of claims arising out of any other work or activity of Contractor. If a general aggregate applies to products/completed operations, the general aggregate limits must apply per project and once per policy period.

The City must be provided additional insured status with respect to liability arising out of Contractor’s work, services or operations and completed operations performed on behalf of the City. The City’s additional insured status must apply to liability and defense of suits arising out of Contractor’s acts or omissions, whether such liability is attributable to the Contactor or to the City. The full policy limits and scope of protection also will apply to the City as an additional insured, even if they exceed the City’s minimum limits required herein. A copy of the physical 'Additional Insured' endorsement must accompany the Certificate of Insurance when submitted. Contractor’s liability insurance must be primary without right of contribution by any other insurance or self-insurance maintained by or available to the City.

The Contractor may use a combination of primary and Excess/Umbrella policy/policies to satisfy the limits of liability required herein. The Excess/Umbrella policy/policies must provide the same coverages/follow form as the underlying policy/policies.

3) Automobile Liability

A Business Auto Policy covering any motor vehicles (owned, non-owned and hired) which are used in connection with work, services, or operations to be performed, must be maintained by the Contractor.

Limits of not less than $1,000,000 per accident for bodily injury and property damage and covering the ownership, maintenance, or use of any auto whether owned, leased, non-owned or hired used in the performance of the work or services. The City is to be added as an additional insured on a primary, non-contributory basis. A copy of the physical 'Additional Insured' endorsement must accompany the

Certificate of Insurance when submitted.

The Contractor may use a combination of primary and Excess/Umbrella policy/policies to satisfy the limits of liability required herein. The Excess/Umbrella policy/policies must provide the same coverages/follow form as the underlying policy/policies.

4) Umbrella or Excess Liability

Umbrella or Excess Liability Insurance must be maintained with limits of not less than $2,000,000 per occurrence, or the full per occurrence limits of the policy, whichever is greater. The policy/policies must provide the same coverages/follow form as the underlying Commercial General Liability, Automobile

Liability, Employers Liability and Completed Operations coverage required herein and expressly provide that the Excess or Umbrella policy/policies will drop down over reduced and/or exhausted aggregate limit, if any, of the underlying insurance. The Excess/Umbrella policy/policies must be primary without the right of contribution by any other insurance or self-insurance maintained by or available to the City.

The Contractor may use a combination of primary and Excess/Umbrella policies to satisfy the limits of liability required under Workers’ Compensation, Employer’s Liability, Commercial General Liability, and

Automobile Liability.

5) Professional Liability

Professional Liability Insurance covering acts, errors, or omissions must be maintained with limits of not less than $2,000,000 per claim. Coverage must include, but not be limited to, technology errors and omissions, and/or pollution liability if environmental site assessments are conducted, when applicable.

When policies are renewed or replaced, the policy retroactive date must coincide with, or precede start of work under the Agreement. A claims-made policy which is not renewed or replaced must have an extended reporting period of two (2) years.

6) Cyber Liability

Cyber Liability must be maintained with limits of not less than $1,000,000 for cyber incident, and coverage must include the following:

• Liability for system failure, network failure, security breaches, including loss or unauthorized access, use or disclosure of sensitive data or proprietary data, whether by Contractor or any subcontractor or cloud service provider used by Contractor;

• Costs associated with a privacy breach, including notification of affected individuals, customer support, forensics, crises management / public relations consulting, legal services of a privacy attorney, credit monitoring and identity fraud resolution services for affected individuals;

• Expenses related to regulatory compliance, government investigations, fines, fees, assessments, and penalties where insurable by law;

• Liability for technological products and/or services provided by or created by Contractor, including intellectual property infringement or misappropriation.

• Liability for professional services provided by Contractor;

• PCI fines, fees, penalties, and assessments;

• Costs associated with social engineering fraud loss, and cyber extortion payment and response costs;

• First and Third-Party Business Interruption Loss resulting from a network security failure or system failure;

• Costs of restoring, updating, or replacing data; and

• Liability losses connected to network security, privacy, and media liability.

The City must be named as an additional insured. A copy of the physical 'Additional Insured' endorsement must accompany the Certificate of Insurance when submitted. Certificates of Insurance and Additional

Insured Endorsements reflecting applicable limits, sub-limits, self-insured retentions and deductibles must be provided upon request. The certificate must confirm the required coverages in the 'Additional

Comments' section or Contractor must provide a copy of the declarations page confirming the details of the cyber insurance policy. Contractor will be responsible for all deductibles, self-insured retentions or waiting period requirements. Contractor shall provide any coverage sublimits under the policy. In the event Contractor maintains broader coverage and/or higher limits than the minimums shown above, the

City of Chicago shall be entitled to the broader coverage and/or higher limits maintained by Contractor.

Any available insurance proceeds in excess of the specified minimum limits of insurance and coverage shall be available. If the Cyber Liability policy is written on a claims-made basis, the retroactive date should be prior to the commencement of this agreement/addendum. If the policy is written on a claims-made basis and non-renewed at any time during and up until the completion of the project or services, Contractor shall maintain coverage that meets these requirements for a period of not less than two (2) years from the date of completion of the project or services with a retroactive date prior to the commencement of the project or services or shall purchase an Extended Reporting Period for at least a two year period. All insurance carrier(s) must carry an A.M. Best rating of at least A-, Class VI.

7) Blanket Crime

Contractor must maintain Crime Insurance or equivalent covering all persons handling funds under this

Agreement, against loss by employee dishonesty, forgery or alteration, funds transfer fraud, robbery, theft, destruction or disappearance, computer fraud, credit card forgery, and other related crime risks.

The policy limit shall be written to cover losses in the amount of the maximum monies collected or received and in the possession of Contractor at any given time under this Agreement.

8) Property

Contractor is responsible for all loss or damage to City property at full replacement cost as a result of the Agreement.

Contractor is responsible for all loss or damage to personal property (including materials, equipment, tools and supplies) owned, rented or used by Contractor.

B. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Evidence of Insurance. Contractor must furnish the City of Chicago, Certificates of Insurance (COI) and additional insured endorsement, or other evidence of insurance, to be in force on the date of this

Agreement, and renewal COIs and endorsement, or such similar evidence, if the coverages have an expiration or renewal date occurring during the term of this Agreement. The Contractor must submit evidence of insurance prior to execution of Agreement. The receipt of any COI does not constitute agreement by the City that the insurance requirements in the Agreement have been fully met or that the insurance policies indicated on the COI are in compliance with all requirements of the Agreement. The failure of the City to obtain, nor the City’s receipt of, or failure to object to a non-complying insurance certificate, endorsement or other insurance evidence from Contractor, its insurance broker(s) and/or insurer(s) will not be construed as a waiver by the City of any of the required insurance provisions.

Contractor must advise all insurers of the Agreement provisions regarding insurance. The City in no way warrants that the insurance required herein is sufficient to protect the Contractor for liabilities which may arise from or relate to the Agreement. The City reserves the right to obtain complete, certified copies of any required insurance policies at any time.

Failure to Maintain Insurance. Failure of the Contractor to comply with required coverage and terms and conditions outlined herein will not limit Contractor’s liability or responsibility nor does it relieve

Contractor of the obligation to provide insurance as specified in this Agreement. Nonfulfillment of the insurance conditions may constitute a violation of the Agreement, and the City retains the right to suspend this Agreement until proper evidence of insurance is provided, or the Agreement may be terminated.

Notice of Material Change, Cancellation or Non-Renewal. Consistent with State law, Contractor must provide for sixty (60) days prior written notice to be given to the City in the event coverage is substantially changed, canceled or non-renewed and ten (10) days prior written notice for non-payment of premium.

See 215 ILCS 5/143.16 and 143.17(a). A copy of the physical endorsements must accompany the

Certificate of Insurance for General Liability, Automobile Liability and Workers Compensation in order to comply with the insurance requirements.

Deductibles and Self-Insured Retentions. Any deductibles or self-insured retentions on referenced insurance coverages must be borne by Contractor.

Waiver of Subrogation. Contractor hereby waives its rights and its insurer(s)’ rights of, and agrees to require their insurers to waive their rights of, subrogation against the City under all required insurance herein for any loss arising from or relating to this Agreement. The Contractor agrees to obtain any endorsement that may be necessary to affect this waiver of subrogation, but this provision applies regardless of whether the City receives a waiver of subrogation endorsement for Contractor’s insurer(s).

Contractors Insurance Primary. For any claims related to this contract, the Contractor’s insurance coverage shall be primary and non-contributory. Any insurance or self-insurance maintained by the City shall be excess of the Contractor’s insurance and shall not contribute with it. This also applies to any Excess or Umbrella liability policies.

Acceptability of Insurers. Insurance is to be placed with insurers authorized to conduct business in the state with a current A.M. Best rating of no less than A-, Class VIII, unless otherwise approved by the City.

No Limitation as to Contractor’s Liabilities. The coverages and limits furnished by the Contractor in no way limit the Contractor’s liabilities and responsibilities specified within the Agreement or by law.

Insurance not Limited by Indemnification. The required insurance to be carried is not limited by any limitations expressed in the indemnification language in this Agreement or any limitation placed on the indemnity in this Agreement given as a matter of law.

Insurance and Limits Maintained. If Contractor maintains higher limits and/or broader coverage than the minimums shown herein, the City requires and shall be entitled the higher limits and/or broader coverage maintained by Contractor. Any available insurance proceeds in excess of the specified minimum limits of insurance and coverage shall be available to the City.

Joint Venture or Limited Liability Company. If Contractor is a joint venture or limited liability company, the insurance policies must name the joint venture or limited liability company as a named insured.

Other Insurance obtained by Contractor. If Contractor desires additional coverages, the Contractor will be responsible for the acquisition and cost.

Insurance Required of Subcontractors. Contractor shall name the Subcontractor(s) as a named insured(s) under Contractor’s insurance or Contractor will require each Subcontractor(s) to provide and maintain

Commercial General Liability, Commercial Automobile Liability, Worker’s Compensation, Employers

Liability, and when applicable Excess/Umbrella Liability, Professional Liability, Cyber Liability, and/or

Pollution Liability Insurance with coverage at least as broad as in outlined in Section A, Insurance

Required. Contractor must ensure that coverage(s) is sufficient to cover any potential risks or damages arising from Subcontractor's work. Unless otherwise specified, the appropriate coverage limits for

Subcontractor(s) may be determined by Contractor, but these limits must be adequate to cover all potential liabilities. Should Contractor accept coverage limits from Subcontractor(s) less than those outlined in Section A, Contractor shall be responsible for any gap in the required coverage limits in the event of a loss. Contractor shall determine if Subcontractor(s) must also provide any additional coverages.

Contractor is responsible for ensuring that each Subcontractor has named the City of Chicago as an additional insured where required and provide evidence of additional insured status on an endorsement form acceptable to the City. Contractor is also responsible for ensuring that each Subcontractor has complied with the required coverage and terms and conditions outlined in Section B, Additional

Requirements. When requested by the City, Contractor must provide to the City all physical copies of

Certificates of Insurance and additional insured endorsements or other evidence of insurance. The City reserves the right to obtain complete, certified copies of any required insurance policies at any time.

Failure of Subcontractor(s) to comply with required coverage(s) and terms and conditions outlined herein will not limit Contractor’s liability or responsibility.

City’s Right to Modify. Notwithstanding any provisions in the Agreement to the contrary, the City, Department of Finance, Risk Management Division maintains the right to modify, delete, alter or change these requirements.

myCOI

Respondent, if selected, shall register with the City’s online insurance certificate portal using the designated email registration link provided at [web address] and as specified in [Exhibit ____].