8-RFP-02-Scope of Services.pdf

CITY OF FORT WORTH - PURCHASING DIVISION

SCOPE OF SERVICES

RFP Ref. #: 26-0165 Doc. Ref#: RFP-02 Page 1 of 20 RFP Title: Economic Development Strategic Plan

1.0 INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE

1.1 The City of Fort Worth (City) seeks proposals from qualified firms or individuals with economic development strategic planning experience to finalize an agreement to provide professional services in developing and administering a strategic plan for the Economic Development Department.

1.2 The City of Fort Worth serves its residents, businesses, and visitors by fostering growth in a dynamic community, reflecting the City’s rich history and forward-looking vision. As one of the fastest growing large cities in the nation, Fort Worth prioritizes investing in resources that support a resilient economy, cultivate a highly skilled workforce, and attract diverse industries. The City is committed to creating an environment where innovation thrives, small businesses grow, and major employers find long-term success.

1.3 Prospective responding proposers should ensure they download all attachments for complete responses and understanding of the agreement the City intends to award from this solicitation. The successful proposer(s) is known hereafter as “Contractor”/ “Vendor.”

2.0 BACKGROUND

2.1 With tremendous growth and change over the past 10 years, the City of Fort Worth is seeking to develop an updated economic development strategic plan that will guide the next 5+ years of economic development projects, programs, and priorities. The City is seeking a Consultant to work as a partner to develop a tailored, strategic approach to assess Fort Worth’s current economic conditions, enhance the City’s economic development programs to increase competitiveness, and provide actionable tools and measurable outcomes to ensure sustainable growth and for the next decade and beyond.

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3.0 STRATEGIC PLAN OVERVIEW

3.1 The City of Fort Worth is looking for a Consultant partner to create an Economic Development Strategic Plan and an accompanying implementation/action plan. The strategic plan must include an assessment of the current economic environment, market conditions and competitive landscape, a strategic vision and goals for various economic development functions and programs, policy recommendations related to the City of Fort Worth organization, economic development programs and incentives, and a short (1-2 years), mid (3-5 years), and long-term (5+ years) implementation/action plan with metrics.

3.2 All plan components will be based on quantitative evidence and data from reputable sources available to the selected Consultant, analytical studies facilitated by the Consultant, and qualitative data gathered from community engagement, market studies, case studies, and facilitated discussions with designated stakeholders.

3.3 The implementation/action plan must provide clear guidance by which projects, programs, initiatives, or tasks will help the City achieve the vision and goals of the strategic plan and must include metrics or key performance indicators (KPIs) that can be tracked, measured, and evaluated.

3.4 Current Organizational Structure and Areas of Focus

3.4.1 The City would like the Economic Development Strategic Plan to address strategies and focus areas across all economic development related activities and programs, including providing guidance for the three primary City of Fort Worth Economic Development divisions: Small Business, Business Attraction and Retention, and Revitalization.

3.4.2 The Small Business division strengthens Fort Worth's small business ecosystem by cultivating competition and collaboration, increasing access to resources, and fostering innovation to ensure the long-term sustainability of the local business community and workforce across industry sectors. The division operates the Devoyd Jennings Business Assistance Center at the James E.

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Guinn Entrepreneurial Campus. The division partners with the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and Fort Worth Metropolitan Black Chamber of Commerce to support small business programming, helps small businesses navigate public sector procurement, provides educational opportunities and resources for small businesses, and hosts the annual Fort Worth Business Plan Competition.

3.4.3 The Business Attraction and Retention division drives Fort Worth’s economic growth by recruiting new businesses, supporting existing companies, and fostering a competitive environment for long-term investment and job creation. The division works collaboratively with the Fort Worth Economic Development Partnership (FWEDP). FWEDP leads the outbound recruitment activities, project coordination and marketing strategies, while the City supports the FWEDP efforts and drives complementary efforts. Collaboratively, the entities collaborate on real estate development projects and business retention support, with the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce also participating in primary business retention activities. This division is also the lead on incentive and contract negotiation.

3.4.4 The Revitalization division focuses on creating economic vitality and resiliency across Fort Worth, while empowering the community and preserving quality of place. Their focus is on redevelopment of key commercial corridors in the City’s Revitalization Target Areas. The division focuses on projects that preserve historical and cultural assets, redevelopment of key sites, business attraction and retention in developing corridors, and building community capacity. This division works collaboratively with community organizations and investment partners to encourage investment driven by community goals and objectives.

3.5 Project Goals

3.5.1 Through this Economic Development Strategic Plan, the City anticipates achieving the following goals:

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3.5.1.1 Improve the economic vitality and attractiveness of

the City;

3.5.1.2 Support efforts in building a stronger economic

base and increase the City’s ability to compete for projects regionally, nationally, and internationally;

3.5.1.3 Build on the City’s existing strengths in advanced

manufacturing, energy, healthcare, aviation/aerospace, information technology, professional services, and transportation and logistics;

3.5.1.4 Identify new business opportunities or emerging

industries and cultivate new business sectors or clusters;

3.5.1.5 Determine appropriate role for the City in broader

economic development activities and engagement with key partners;

3.5.1.6 Promote an economic environment and

development pattern, consistent with the City’s Comprehensive Plan, that will help attract highly skilled and educated professionals;

3.5.1.7 Align economic development efforts to leverage

major infrastructure projects;

3.5.1.8 Support efforts to attract new investment to the

City, particularly in targeted investment areas, and to maximize the impact of such investment on the City;

3.5.1.9 Develop a framework for a sustainable

revitalization program that aligns community needs and encourages appropriate redevelopment and investment; and

3.5.1.10 Develop a formal strategy, metrics, and tools

related to measuring the success of economic development efforts.

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4.0 SCOPE OF SERVICES

4.1 The City has identified three phases to the development of the strategic plan and multiple focus areas that should be addressed throughout the three phases. All respondents should articulate their proposed approach to addressing each focus area throughout all phases outlined below.

Respondents are encouraged to demonstrate how work on each phase can be managed concurrently to create efficiencies while completing the strategic planning process.

4.2 While the City accepts and encourages proposals that include sub-consultants to assist with some of the required tasks, a primary consulting firm must oversee and coordinate all activities and work products prepared by sub-consultants and ensure deliverables are provided on time and in accordance with the direction of the City.

4.3 Project Focus Areas

4.3.1 The Economic Development Strategic Plan must address a set of key focus areas that represent Fort Worth’s priorities for fostering a strong and resilient economy. These areas encompass the full spectrum of economic development activities from attracting new businesses and supporting existing employers to advancing workforce readiness, innovation, and neighborhood revitalization. Each focus area reflects a critical component of Fort Worth’s economic ecosystem and must be integrated throughout the three phases of the plan: Assessment, Vision, and Implementation. The focus areas include:

4.3.1.1 Business Recruitment and Attraction: The Plan

should focus on positioning Fort Worth as a competitive destination for new investment and job creation, which includes both regional, national, and international business recruitments. The Plan should address targeted growth areas for various types of industry clusters and help identify potential emerging sectors that align with the City’s economic development goals. This should include both traditional industry target sectors and creative

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4.3.1.2 Business Retention and Expansion: The Plan

should focus on strengthening relationships with existing employers and supporting their growth.

The Plan should provide clear strategies for business and stakeholder engagement and a tactical plan for ensuring the City’s major and primary employers continue to be successful.

4.3.1.3 Revitalization Program: The Plan should provide

strategies and tactics to drive economic activity and investment in targeted corridors and neighborhoods.

The Plan should include an evaluation of the existing Revitalization Target Areas and revitalization tools, and provide recommended updates and revisions. The Plan should provide a clear, implementable framework for a revitalization program with key metrics and KPIs to measure future investment and success.

4.3.1.4 Incentives and Tools: The Plan should make

recommendations regarding changes to the City’s incentive policies or other tools to ensure the City has competitive, transparent, and effective economic development tools and policies.

4.3.1.5 Innovation Districts: The Plan should provide

guidance to the City on how to create and leverage hubs for research, entrepreneurship, and technology-driven industries, with special focus on the City’s existing Innovation Districts, the Medical Innovation District and the Mobility Innovation Zone, and ways to leverage those assets in broader economic development initiatives.

4.3.1.6 Small Business Development Program: The Plan

should provide the City with a clear strategy to

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4.3.1.7 Workforce Initiatives: The Plan should provide a

framework to assist in building a skilled, adaptable workforce to meet current and future industry needs. Specifically, the Plan should identify what role the City should play in workforce development versus what roles partners and stakeholders should play.

4.3.1.8 Organizational Capacity and Resources: The

Plan should provide guidance on how to best align staff, systems, and processes to deliver on strategic priorities.

4.3.2 These focus areas will guide the Consultant’s work across all phases, ensuring that recommendations are comprehensive, actionable, and aligned with Fort Worth’s vision for sustainable economic growth.

4.4 Project Phase One: Assessment

4.4.1 Phase One will establish the foundation for Fort Worth’s Economic Development Strategic Plan by conducting a comprehensive evaluation of the City’s current economic landscape. This phase should focus on collecting, analyzing, and synthesizing both quantitative and qualitative data to inform the Vision (Phase Two) and Implementation (Phase Three) phases.

Key components of Phase One include:

4.4.1.1 Historical Assessment: Conduct a high-level review

of general values, principles, and priorities that have shaped Fort Worth’s approach to economic development over time, including evolving strategies, tools, objectives, formal and informal practices, internal and external organization, and other factors that have historically defined Fort

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Worth’s approach to economic development.

4.4.1.2 Economic Conditions and Assets: Assess Fort

Worth’s economic strengths, challenges, and unique assets, including infrastructure, workforce, industry presence, tax base, and regional economic conditions.

4.4.1.3 Demographic and Socioeconomic Trends: Analyze

population growth, income levels, educational attainment, and other factors shaping Fort Worth’s competitiveness.

4.4.1.4 Market Competitiveness and Industry Clusters:

Conduct market and industry cluster analyses, including both a comprehensive review of existing industry clusters and potential emerging sectors that have high potential in Fort Worth.

4.4.1.5 Benchmarking and Comparative Analysis: Perform

peer City benchmarking and competitor analysis to understand Fort Worth’s position regionally, nationally, and internationally.

4.4.1.6 Strategic Analyses: Utilize tools such as SWOT, trend analysis, and scenario planning to evaluate current conditions and future outlook.

4.4.1.7 Policy and Planning Review: Examine the City’s

Comprehensive Plan, economic development policies and incentives, and related initiatives to determine alignment with future growth objectives.

4.4.1.8 Program and Organizational Assessment: Evaluate

existing economic development programs for all City divisions, evaluate organizational capacity and stakeholder capacity, programming, and alignment of responsibilities among stakeholders and organizations involved in economic development activities, and identify gaps and opportunities for improvement.

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4.4.2 Phase One should deliver actionable insights that clearly define Fort Worth’s current economic position and set the stage for a bold, forward-thinking vision.

4.4.3 Expected Deliverables for Phase One:

4.4.3.1 Comprehensive economic assessment report

(including data analyses and findings).

4.4.3.2 Assessment of current programs, including the

City’s revitalization programs.

4.4.3.3 SWOT analysis and peer benchmarking summary.

4.4.3.4 Industry cluster and market competitiveness

analysis.

4.4.3.5 Review of City plans and policy alignment report.

4.4.3.6 Organizational capacity assessment.

4.4.3.7 Presentation of key findings to City leadership and

stakeholders.

4.5 Project Phase Two: Vision

4.5.1 Phase Two will focus on developing a clear and actionable vision for Fort Worth’s economic future, grounded in the insights and data gathered during Phase One. This phase should define strategic goals and identify specific opportunities to strengthen and expand the City’s economic development programs. Key elements of Phase Two include:

4.5.1.1 Vision and Goal Setting: Establish a forward-

looking vision and measurable goals that reflect Fort Worth’s unique assets, growth trajectory, and community priorities.

4.5.1.2 Target Industry Profiles and Strategies: Identify and review existing priority industry sectors, provide recommendations related to target industry sectors, and develop strategies to attract, retain, and grow businesses within those clusters or sectors.

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4.5.1.3 Investment and Strategic Priorities: Recommend

where the City should focus time, resources, and energy to maximize economic impact and long-term sustainability. This should include, at a minimum, strategies and priorities for each focus area identified in this RFP.

4.5.1.4 Program Structure and Organization: Provide

guidance on ways to organize and align economic development activities programs for efficiency, effectiveness, operational sustainability, and national competitiveness, including outlining responsibilities and key focus areas of each partner and stakeholder organization.

4.5.1.5 Tools and Resources: Determine which tools should

be applied and how, identify gaps in existing resources, and recommend additional tools or programs needed to achieve strategic objectives.

- This should include a clear strategy for how to use Opportunity Zones to foster development and redevelopment.

4.5.1.6 Actionable Recommendations: Deliver clear, data-

driven recommendations that position Fort Worth with competitive advantages, inclusive economic growth, and long-term economic strength.

4.5.1 Phase Two should result in a cohesive vision and strategic framework that serves as the roadmap for implementation in Phase Three.

4.5.2 Expected Deliverables for Phase Two:

4.5.2.1 Vision statement and strategic goals document.

4.5.2.2 Target industry profiles and recommended

strategies.

4.5.2.3 Investment priority framework for business

attraction, district revitalization, and real estate

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4.5.2.4 Redevelopment or revitalization target area

identification and strategies for targeted investment.

4.5.2.5 Program structure and organizational alignment

recommendations.

4.5.2.6 Economic development tools and resource gap

analysis, with consideration of resources for project incentives and resources for program support and department operations.

4.5.2.7 Draft strategic framework for implementation.

4.5.2.8 Stakeholder engagement summary and feedback

report.

4.5.2.9 Presentation of key findings to City leadership and

stakeholders.

4.6 Project Phase Three: Implementation

4.6.1 Phase Three will translate the vision and strategies developed in Phase Two into actionable steps that drive measurable results.

This phase should outline a practical roadmap for executing the strategic plan, including timelines, responsibilities, and performance metrics. The implementation plan should prioritize initiatives based on economic impact and feasibility, identify funding sources, and establish mechanisms for accountability and progress tracking. Key components of Phase Three include:

4.6.1.1 Action Plan Development: Create a detailed

implementation roadmap that specifies short (1-2 years), medium (3-5 years), and long-term actions (5+ years) aligned with strategic goals.

4.6.1.2 Resource Allocation and Funding Strategies:

Recommend effective allocation of resources and identify potential funding sources, partnerships, and incentives.

4.6.1.3 Organizational Alignment: Define roles and

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4.6.1.4 Performance Metrics and Evaluation Framework:

Establish measurable indicators and reporting mechanisms to track progress and outcomes, including both key economic indicators and key performance indicators.

4.6.1.5 Risk Assessment and Mitigation: Identify potential

challenges and propose strategies to address each proactively.

4.6.1.6 Communication and Engagement Plan: Develop a

strategy for ongoing stakeholder engagement and public communication to maintain transparency and support.

4.6.2 Expected Deliverables for Phase Three:

4.6.2.1 Comprehensive implementation roadmap with

timelines and priorities.

4.6.2.2 Resource allocation and funding strategy report.

4.6.2.3 Organizational roles and governance framework, including strategies and outlines for alignment of roles and responsibilities of various partners in the Fort Worth economic development program.

4.6.2.4 Performance metrics dashboard and evaluation

plan.

4.6.2.5 Communication and stakeholder engagement plan.

4.6.2.6 Final economic development strategic plan

document.

4.6.2.7 Presentation of key findings to City leadership and

stakeholders.

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4.7 Stakeholder Engagement

4.7.1 A successful economic development strategy requires significant stakeholder engagement. Stakeholders for the purpose of developing the plan include, but are not limited to, representatives from the City of Fort Worth, Fort Worth Economic Development Partnership, Tarrant County, Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Fort Worth Metropolitan Black Chamber of Commerce, Cultural District Alliance, East Fort Worth Business Association, Near Southside, Inc., Fort Worth Stockyards, Inc., Downtown Fort Worth, Inc., Real Estate Council of Greater Fort Worth, Commercial Real Estate for Women, Trinity Metro, Fort Worth Film Commission, Workforce Solutions, business leaders from throughout the community, school district leaders, and higher educational institutions.

4.7.2 Through the strategic planning process, the City expects the consultant to engage with stakeholders, as appropriate, through focus groups, surveys, and interviews to inform specific analyses and strategies.

4.8 Timeline of Completion

4.8.1 The City anticipates that the project will be completed within an estimated timeframe of 8 to 12 months. This timeline reflects the expected duration for all phases of the project, including assessment, vision, and implementation.

4.9 Available Funding

4.9.1 The City of Fort Worth Economic Development Department has $300,000.00 of funds available for the initiatives outlined in this Request for Proposal. The City does not have any additional funding available for this purpose, and all proposals must include the services, methods, and other deliverables that the Proposer can provide for this amount or less. Proposal submissions exceeding $300,000.00 will be deemed non-responsive.

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5.0 METHOD OF AWARD - Proposals will be evaluated based on “best value” to the City. Proposals that receive less than 50% of the total available points, excluding price points, will not be considered for award.

6.0 EVALUATION FACTORS

To be considered, the Proposer must submit a complete Proposal by the stated deadline and in accordance with all Proposal requirements. All required documentation must be included for evaluation.

Proposals that meet these requirements will be evaluated based on the criteria listed below.

6.1 Cost – up to 10 points available

6.2 Technical Approach & Methodology – up to 30 points available

6.3 Qualifications, Experience, and References – up to 20 points available

6.4 Relevant Expertise of Key Personnel – up to 15 points available

6.5 Project Schedule/Timing – up to 5 points available

6.6 Small Business Participation – up to 20 points available

6.6.1 Small Business Participation will be evaluated as below:

0% SB Participation = 0 points 1-15% SB Participation = 10 points 16-29% SB Participation = 15 points 30% SB Participation or more (goal met) = 20 points

7.0 AGREEMENT TERM

This section supersedes RFP-01-Instructions to Proposers document, Section

24.0 Agreement Term. The term of the Agreement will be a one (1) year term with no options to renew.

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8.0 CONTRACT AWARD PROCESS

8.1 The Purchasing Division will facilitate and manage the evaluation process.

8.2 An Evaluation Panel consisting of representatives from various City departments and City consultants may be appointed to review and evaluate RFP responses in accordance with this RFP. City reserves the right at its sole discretion to include additional representatives at any point during the evaluation.

8.3 The Evaluation Panel will evaluate responses and may select Proposer for onsite interviews, presentations or demonstrations.

8.4 At its sole discretion, the City may request Best and Final Offers (BAFO) from proposers whose proposals are deemed most advantageous. Contract negotiations will be based on the BAFO submissions.

8.5 The City reserves the right to negotiate all elements that comprise the successful Proposer’s response to ensure that the best possible consideration be afforded to all concerned.

8.6 The City reserves the right to shortlist firms based upon scores/ratings received during the evaluation process.

8.7 The City will notify all proposers in writing of the outcome once an award determination has been made.

9.0 PROPOSAL FORMAT AND ATTACHMENTS

To facilitate and expedite the evaluation process, Proposals should adequately address all evaluation factors and include the following list of required items that will be used as part of the evaluation. A Proposal may be deemed to be non-responsive and may be disqualified, at the City’s discretion, if the Proposal fails to comply with the following instructions.

9.1 Proposal Format Requirements

9.1.1 Proposal format shall be in font no smaller than 12 point, 8.5-inch by 11-inch paper size, with one inch margins and single-spaced for the entire submitted proposal.

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9.1.2 All proposal sections shall be divided by submission titles. All pages within these sections shall be uniquely numbered for purposes of easy reference.

9.2 Response Forms

9.2.1 Completed and signed RFP-04-Authorized Signature and

Questionnaire.

9.2.2 Completed and signed RFP-05-CFW Required Forms.

9.2.3 Completed RFP-06-Reference Sheet

9.2.4 Completed and signed RFP-07-Small Business Utilization Form

9.2.5 Completed RFP-08-Deviations

9.2.6 Cost Breakdown for all Phases

9.2.7 All Signed Addendum(s) acknowledging receipt. Note: If no addendum is issued, please attach a page stating "No Addendum Issued"

9.2.8 Completed Bid Table (BT-06HP)

9.3 Technical Response

9.3.1 Cover Letter (No more than 1 Page)

9.3.1.1 Provide a brief company overview, statement of

interest in this project, years in business, and current and projected workload within the timeframe of this project. The letter must be signed by an officer of the company.

9.3.2 Executive Summary (No more than 2 pages)

9.3.2.1 Provide a summary of the consultant’s vision for

completion of the Economic Development Strategic Plan addressing key phases and project objectives outlined in the RFP.

9.3.3 Team Organization and Resumes (As many pages as necessary)

9.3.3.1 Provide a statement identifying the proposed

project team, including primary project manager, RFP Ref. #: 26-0165 Doc. Ref#: RFP-02 Page 17 of 20 and all persons responsible for the completion of the Economic Development Strategic Plan. Include the resumes and qualifications of proposed project team members as well as primary outside consultants and outline what sections of the strategic plan each individual will work on.

Highlight relevant qualifications of the project team and detail any planned use of sub-consultants and history of past experience working with sub-consultants.

9.3.4 Relevant Experience and Examples of Similar Projects

(No more than 4 pages)

9.3.4.1 Provide references, and summaries of similar

projects completed for clients in similar geographies or of similar population.

9.3.5 Detailed Technical Proposal (No more than 20 pages)

9.3.5.1 Provide detailed approach for addressing all

outlined project focus areas and phases outlined in the RFP, including any detailed analyses or modeling that may be required and a Gantt chart or timeline that outlines the project schedule (anticipated at 8 to 12 months). Include specific plans for how consultant team will address each focus area and deliverable, or provide suggested changes to focus areas, phases, or deliverables.

Include plans for stakeholder engagement, project milestones, and key deliverables.

9.3.6 List of Exceptions/Substitutions/Clarifications/Additions

9.3.6.1 Although the Scope of Services included Project

Requirements of the solicitation represents the City’s anticipated needs, there may be instances in which it is in the City’s best interest to permit exceptions to requirements and accept proposed

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9.3.6.2 If no exceptions are taken, please include a single

document stating “No Exceptions taken” in the Required section.

9.3.6.3 It is extremely important for the Proposer to make

clear where exceptions, clarifications substitutions and/or additions to the Scope of Services, Draft Vendor Service Agreement and General Terms and Conditions are taken and how substitutions shall be provided. The City does not recognize strikeouts, deletions, or changes to Solicitation documents. Therefore, exceptions, conditions, clarifications and/or substitutions to the provisions of the City’s requirements must be clearly identified along with the proposed addition or modification. If the Proposer does not make it clear that an addition, exception or clarification is taken, the City shall assume the Proposer is responding to and shall meet the City’s stated requirements.

9.3.6.4 Identify each exception, clarification, substitution

and/or addition by specifically referencing the page number, section number, subsection number, item number or letter, and, if necessary, paragraph, or line number.

9.3.6.5 Identify each item clearly as an addition, exception, clarification or substitution. It is not necessary to include the entire text of a particular section or subsection. However, for ease of reference, Proposers may use portions of the solicitation’s text, if helpful in explanation.

9.3.6.6 For substitutions/clarifications, provide an

explanation of the difference between what the solicitation requests and what is proposed. The City is open to other means of accomplishing the

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9.3.6.7 For any addition(s) proposed or exception(s) taken, provide a rationale in as much detail as possible.

9.3.6.8 Begin responses to the major sections of the

solicitation on a new page.

9.3.6.9 The City shall consider the number and substance

of alterations to the City’s stated requirements as a factor in determining the most advantageous response.

9.3.7 Pricing

9.3.7.1 Proposal pricing shall be assembled and presented

in accordance with the format and instructions of this solicitation.

10. PROPSER REQUIREMENTS IN OFDER TO BE EVALUATED –

Proposer shall:

10.1 Have a minimum of 5 years of experience in developing and administering programs that are same or similar to the scope of services. Proposals that don’t meet this requirement will be deemed non-responsive.

SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM – The City of Fort Worth has established a 30% Small Business (SB) participation goal for this solicitation. This goal reflects the City’s determination that certified Small Business Firms are available to provide the goods and/or services required under this bid. Accordingly, at least 30% of the total awarded contract value must be subcontracted or spent with a certified Small Business Firm. All provisions and requirements outlined in City Ordinance No. 27832-08-2025 apply to this solicitation. Bidders are required to submit the following documentation with their proposal:

a. Small Business Utilization form V1 (RFP-07), detailing how the

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Small Business goal will be achieved.

b. Current Small Business Certification issued by a certifying entity approved by the City Manager.