9-RFQ-26-226.pdf

PDF 674 KB Posted

Attached to
RFQ-26-226 Partnership Development & Implementation Management Services for Yuma Innovation District
Solicitation number
RFQ-26-226 Partnership Dev & Implementation Mgmt Svcs for Yuma Innovation District
Issued by
Yuma County, Arizona

About this file

Summary of RFQ-26-226: Partnership Development & Implementation Management Services

This is a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) issued by the City of Yuma, Arizona, seeking a qualified firm or team to provide district management, project oversight, and partnership development services for the Yuma Innovation District. The City seeks an experienced partner to structure work, coordinate stakeholders, and accelerate results in developing a walkable, mixed-use downtown district that blends innovation and entrepreneurship space, workforce development, commercial opportunities, and residential components. The firm will be responsible for translating the City's "Brownfields to Innovation District" EPA-funded planning effort into an actionable implementation program focused on attracting private investment, anchor tenants, and mixed-use development. Key deliverables include a district implementation plan, public-private partnership (P3) opportunity pipeline with concept-level term sheets, tenant recruitment strategy with prospect pipeline management, site readiness frameworks, investor marketing materials, and governance/sustainability recommendations. Statements of Qualifications must be submitted through the City's Procurement Portal by 11:00 a.m. MST on March 26, 2026, with public opening via Microsoft Teams at 11:10 a.m. MST the same day. Questions must be submitted by March 5, 2026, with addenda responses by March 10, 2026. Notification of finalists and request for fee proposals is estimated for April 9, 2026, with target City Council approval on June 3, 2026, and fully executed contract by June 15, 2026.

The RFQ does not specify a contract amount or establish pricing in the qualifications phase; fee proposals will be negotiated with the highest-ranked firm after SOQ evaluation. Respondents must demonstrate minimum qualifications in innovation district or place-based economic development experience, multi-workstream program/project management capability, P3 and partnership development experience, tenant/anchor/investor recruitment track record, and financial feasibility analysis capability. Preferred experience includes brownfields redevelopment readiness, downtown mixed-use development coordination, higher education and workforce partnerships, and cross-border or Tribal Nations collaboration. Required team roles include a Project Director/Principal-in-Charge, Program Manager, P3/Real Estate Partnership Lead, Tenant/Investor Recruitment Lead, Communications/Marketing Support, and Financial/Analyst Support. Submissions are limited to a one-page cover letter and maximum 25 searchable PDF pages (excluding required attachments) with 11-point minimum font. Evaluation criteria include understanding of the project and guiding plan (20 points), approach and work plan implementation readiness (25 points), P3 and deal development capability (20 points), tenant/anchor recruitment and ecosystem building (15 points), governance and sustainability planning (10 points), and team qualifications and capacity (10 points). The City reserves the right to terminate the contract with 30 days' written notice and requires all work product to become City property upon completion.

View the file

Other files

On GovTribe

Work with this file

  • Download the original file
  • Contacts named in this file
  • Similar government files
  • Ask GovTribe AI about this file

Text version

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

RFQ-26-226

Partnership Development & Implementation Management Services for the Yuma Innovation District

The City of Yuma invites qualified and experienced firms or teams to provide district management, project oversight, and partnership development services for the Yuma Innovation District. This RFQ is intended to secure an experienced partner to assist the City structure the work, coordinate stakeholders, and accelerate results.

All respondents must register with City’s Procurement Portal in order to obtain all the documents and submit a Response to the Request for Proposal. All documentation is located in the City’s Procurement Portal at: https://yumaaz.bonfirehub.com Responses from qualified firms will be received through the City’s Procurement Portal https://yumaaz.bonfirehub.com by 11:00 a.m., AZ time, 3/26/26 unless changed by Addendum.

Proposals must be submitted in accordance with the requirements of the Request for Qualifications

(RFQ).

Public opening to be conducted via Microsoft Teams on 3/26/26 at 11:10 AM MST at: Microsoft Teams Click here to join the meeting Meeting ID 250 375 466 245 Passcode: GNHyjB

CONSULTANTS ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO

READ THE ENTIRE SOLICITATION

https://yumaaz.bonfirehub.com/ https://yumaaz.bonfirehub.com/ https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_ZTNlNWExZGYtZDJkYS00YWZlLTkxODEtMWZkYTFlZGIzZDVm%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%224e49d791-03db-4828-89dc-e44f935572f2%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22b41e605e-c234-470e-9208-b74f9b491bb8%22%7d

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Section Title Page

Title and Information Page 1

Table of Contents 2

1.0 Request for Qualifications 3

2.0 Instructions 3

3.0 General Description of Project 3

4.0 Background 3

5.0 Qualifications & Firm Requirements 4

6.0 Scope of Work (Guiding Plan Document) 5

7.0 SOQ Format and Scoring 11

8.0 Contents of SOQ 11

9.0 SOQ Scoring Criteria 12

10.0 Selection Process 13

11.0 Communication with the City 13

12.0 Terms and Conditions 14

13.0 Equal Opportunity 15

14.0 Protest Policy 15

15.0 Public Record/Confidential Information 15

16.0 Additional Information 15

Attachments: (Located in Procurement Portal)

*2CFR Section 200 Form *Authorization for Release of Performance Information and Waiver *Certification of Insurability *Certification & Addenda Acknowledgement Form *Offer and Acceptance Attachment A Innovation District Site Selection Analysis Attachment B Yuma Innovation District Concept Plans Attachment C Yuma Coalition Closeout Report-Ayres

*Required to be sign, completed and submitted in the Procurement Portal

1.0 REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

The City of Yuma invites qualified firms to submit a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) to provide partnership development, district implementation management, P3 structuring, tenant/anchor recruitment, and related advisory services for the Yuma Innovation District.

2.0 INSTRUCTIONS

Statements of Qualifications will be received through the City’s Procurement Portal https://yumaaz.bonfirehub.com by 11:00 am MST on March 26, 2026. Public reading will be held March 26, 2026 11:10am AZ Time via Microsoft Teams, Meeting ID: 250 375 466 245 Passcode: GNHyjb.

The Respondent’s Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) must be clear, concise, and directly responsive to this Request for Qualifications (RFQ) and the Scope of Work. A one-page cover letter (8 ½” x 11”) and a maximum of 25 searchable PDF pages are allowed, excluding required attachments. The minimum font size should be 11 pt. Pages containing photos, charts, or graphics will count toward the page limit. Failure to adhere to content or page requirements may result in disqualification. See Section 7 and 8 for additional instructions.

3.0 GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT

The Yuma Innovation District is a City-led effort to accelerate downtown reinvestment by organizing planning, partnerships, and market activity to attract private investment, anchor tenants, and mixed-use development. This RFQ seeks a partner with proven experience in:

1) Innovation district strategy and governance

2) Public-private partnerships (P3) and deal structuring

3) Tenant/anchor recruitment and ecosystem building

4) Developer/investor engagement and implementation management The selected firm will help move the Yuma Innovation District from concept to execution, aligning stakeholders, building momentum, and delivering an actionable path to investment and occupancy.

4.0 BACKGROUND (About the Yuma Innovation District)

A. The Yuma Innovation District is envisioned as a walkable, mixed-use district in downtown

Yuma that blends:

1) Innovation and entrepreneurship space (including an Innovation Hub)

2) Workforce development and higher education partnerships

3) Commercial and light R&D opportunities

4) Housing, retail, and public realm improvements that support a “live-work-learn” environment The City is coordinating this effort with key partners across City departments, private industry, and education, with the goal of creating a district that can attract employers, support startups, and increase investment in underutilized properties.

B. Purpose of this RFQ Delivering an innovation district requires more than planning. It requires a single team focused on implementation, including:

1) Organizing the district’s development and management strategy

2) Converting concepts into investment ready opportunities https://yumaaz.bonfirehub.com/

3) Building a pipeline of developers, anchor tenants, and partners

4) Supporting early-stage P3 discussions and concept-level deal frameworks

5) Helping the City maintain momentum, accountability and measurable progress

C. Foundational Planning Document (EPA Brownfields Planning Effort) The City’s framework for this project is the “Brownfields to Innovation District” planning effort funded through an EPA Coalition Brownfield Assessment Grant. This planning work establishes the district vision, identifies priority opportunity areas, and addresses environmental and redevelopment barriers that impact reinvestment. The selected firm will use this planning effort as the baseline roadmap—translating its recommendations into an implementation program, partnership strategy, and investment-ready projects.

D. Strategic Vision and Focus Areas The Yuma Innovation District is guided by a regional strategy focused on four connected priorities: (1) education and workforce development to expand STEM exposure and strengthen employer-aligned training pathways; (2) economic growth and community alignment that supports investment while reinforcing Yuma County’s quality of life and identity; (3) target sectors and sustainable development that advances innovation in areas aligned to Yuma’s strengths (including aerospace, defense, and agriculture technology) while promoting responsible land use and long-term district viability; and (4) cross-border and cultural synergy that strengthens collaboration with Mexico and Tribal Nations and leverages the region’s diversity to support shared prosperity.

E. City’s Intent and Role The City of Yuma will serve as a facilitator, coordinator, and steward of the Yuma Innovation District. The City’s role is not to be the developer; it is to act as a catalyst—aligning stakeholders, supporting zoning and infrastructure readiness, and helping establish durable governance that enables private investment.

Through this RFQ, the City intends to engage a qualified firm to manage implementation, develop public-private partnership (P3) structures, and build a pipeline of anchor tenants, investors, and institutional partners. The City expects a practical approach that delivers measurable progress, minimizes reliance on public subsidy, and advances downtown reinvestment, innovation-led economic diversification, and workforce development for Southwest Arizona.

5.0 QUALIFICATIONS AND FIRM REQUIREMENTS

The City of Yuma is seeking a qualified firm or team with demonstrated experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives that involve implementation management, public private partnerships (P3), and tenant/investor recruitment.

Firm may be a single firm or a joint venture and must show evidence of its professional capability in this work. Firm shall also be knowledgeable in all applicable federal, state, and local government laws and regulations governing the scope of work. Services will be accomplished in conformance with current professional practices in the State of Arizona.

5.1 Minimum Qualifications

Respondents must demonstrate:

A. Innovation district or place-based economic development experience

1) Experience leading or managing an innovation district, downtown redevelopment program, or comparable multi-site initiative.

B. Program / project management capability

1) Proven ability to manage multi-workstream efforts, coordinate stakeholders, and deliver measurable progress on schedule.

C. P3 and partnership development experience

1) Experience identifying, structuring, and advancing partnerships that include public-sector and private-sector roles.

D. Tenant / anchor / investor recruitment experience

1) Track record of building pipelines, conducting outreach, and converting prospects into commitments (e.g., LOIs, MOUs, term sheets, leases, or operating agreements).

E. Financial and market feasibility capability

1) Ability to develop concept-level financial models, evaluate deal structures, and support investment-ready packaging.

5.2 Preferred Experience

Respondents should describe experience with:

A. Brownfields and redevelopment readiness

1) Familiarity with brownfield assessment processes, redevelopment constraints, and reinvestment barrier removal.

B. Downtown mixed-use development

1) Experience coordinating housing, retail, public realm, and commercial components in a unified implementation strategy.

C. Higher education and workforce partnerships

1) Experience aligning education/training partners with employer needs and district programming.

D. Cross-border and regional collaboration

1) Experience engaging binational partners and/or Tribal Nations in economic development initiatives.

5.3 Required Team Roles

1) Project Director / Principal-in-Charge (executive accountability)

2) Program Manager (day-to-day delivery lead)

3) P3 / Real Estate Partnership Lead (deal structuring, term sheets)

4) Tenant / Investor Recruitment Lead (pipeline development, outreach)

5) Communications / Marketing Support (pitch materials, prospectus)

6) Financial / Analyst Support (concept modeling, tracking metrics) (Respondents may combine roles if clearly justified and supported by experience.)

5.4 Capacity and Availability

Identify the lead point of contact and proposed level of effort by role.

Describe the team’s ability to begin work promptly and maintain consistent availability throughout the term of the contract.

6.0 SCOPE OF WORK (Guiding Plan Requirement)

The selected firm will serve as the City’s advisor and program manager to move the Yuma Innovation District from concept to execution. Work includes strategy, partnerships, tenant recruitment, and implementation oversight.

The selected firm shall follow and operationalize the City’s “Brownfields to Innovation District” planning effort funded through an EPA Coalition Brownfield Assessment Grant as the primary guiding document for district vision, catalyst site priorities, and reinvestment readiness. The firm will be expected to convert plan direction into actionable workplans, partner engagements, P3 concepts, and investment-ready opportunities.

6.1 District Strategy, Governance, and Program Management

A. Develop a District Implementation Plan that includes:

1) Workplan, timeline, dependencies, decision points, and phasing

2) Defined roles for City departments, partners, and project stakeholders

3) Near-term “quick wins” and longer-term milestones

B. Recommend a district governance/operating model (near-term operating cadence):

1) Steering group structure, meeting cadence, and decision authority

2) Partner engagement model (education, industry, nonprofits)

C. Maintain a master action tracker and risk register D. Facilitate ongoing coordination across City departments and external partners Deliverables

1) District Implementation Plan (initial + quarterly refresh)

2) Governance recommendation memo + operating cadence

3) Master action tracker + risk register

6.2 Public-Private Partnerships (P3) and Deal Development

A. Identify and evaluate district-aligned P3 opportunities, including:

1) Innovation Hub operations/management

2) Catalyst redevelopment sites and mixed-use projects

3) Shared infrastructure strategies (as applicable)

B. Develop partner/developer-ready deal concepts, including:

1) Concept-level, non-binding term sheet drafts

2) Roles, responsibilities, value exchange, and risk allocation

C. Develop concept-level financial models to support decision-making D. Support early negotiations and partner conversations Deliverables

1) P3 Opportunity Pipeline (ranked list + next actions)

2) Concept term sheets (as directed)

3) Concept-level financial model templates (repeatable)

4) At the City’s direction, support drafting procurement documents (RFQ/RFP) for implementation partners tied to prioritized P3 opportunities.

6.3 Tenant, Anchor, and Ecosystem Recruitment

A. Create a tenant/anchor targeting strategy aligned with district vision, including:

1) Priority sectors, space types, and use cases

2) Requirements related to infrastructure, workforce, and partnerships

B. Build and manage a recruitment pipeline, including:

1) Prospect identification, outreach plan, and meeting facilitation

2) Tracking of stage, blockers, next actions, and conversion steps

C. Coordinate outreach with brokers, associations, and networks, including:

1) Industry groups, innovation networks, developers, and site selectors

D. Define the district “ecosystem offer”, including:

1) Programming partners, workforce alignment, entrepreneurship support

2) Pathways for startups, scale-ups, and established employers

Deliverables

1) Target tenant profiles + prospect pipeline list

2) Recruitment playbook (messaging, outreach, cadence)

3) Monthly pipeline report (contacts, meetings, stage, blockers)

6.4 Site and Project Implementation Oversight

A. Provide advisory support for district phasing and site readiness, including:

1) Priority catalyst sites and sequence logic

2) Infrastructure phasing considerations (utilities, streets, broadband)

B. Coordinate across City functions to remove blockers, including:

1) Zoning/entitlement readiness, permitting pathways, and approvals

2) Public Works alignment for infrastructure dependencies

C. Review conceptual designs, proposals, and partner concepts for:

1) Alignment to the guiding plan and district goals

2) Implementation readiness and feasibility

D. Track property readiness items, including:

1) Property control status, environmental/brownfield steps, access/parking

Deliverables

1) District phasing framework (catalyst-first approach)

2) Site readiness checklists for priority sites

3) Proposal/design review memos (as needed)

6.5 Marketing, Investor Materials, and Outreach Support

A. Create practical developer- and investor-facing materials, including:

1) District overview 1-pager and pitch deck

2) Investment prospectus and opportunity sheets for priority sites

3) Data room outline and content recommendations

B. Support outreach activities, including:

1) Developer roundtables, partner briefings, and site tours

C. Align district messaging across stakeholders with:

1) A consistent narrative, benefits, and “why now” case

Deliverables

1) District 1-pager + pitch deck

2) Opportunity sheets (as directed)

3) Outreach plan + event templates

6.6 Reporting, Key Performance Indicators (KPI)s, and City Council Readiness A. Establish and track simple, measurable KPIs, including:

1) Activity measures (outreach, meetings, proposals)

2) Conversion measures (pipeline movement, term sheets, LOIs)

3) Implementation measures (milestones completed, blockers cleared)

B. Provide routine reporting, including:

1) Monthly one-page status update

2) Quarterly progress briefing (slides + talking points)

C. Prepare decision support for key milestones, including:

1) Options, tradeoffs, recommendations, and next actions

Deliverables

1) KPI dashboard (monthly)

2) Monthly report (one-page) + quarterly briefing package

3) Decision memos for major milestones (as needed)

6.7 Governance and Sustainability Planning

A. Recommend governance models for long-term district management, such as:

1) Nonprofit or 501(c)(3) structure

2) Innovation authority / special purpose entity (where feasible)

3) P3 operating entity or management agreement

4) Hybrid approach aligned with City capabilities and partner roles

B. Propose sustainable financial and operational structures, including:

1) Funding sources and reinvestment mechanisms (e.g., sponsorships, leases, service contracts, programming revenue, grants where appropriate, assessment options if applicable)

2) Staffing/operating model and responsibilities over time

3) Budget framework with startup vs. steady-state considerations

C. Develop a performance-based roadmap to measure ongoing success, including:

1) Outcomes, KPIs, governance milestones, and accountability checkpoints

2) Transition plan from City-led implementation to long-term operations

Deliverables

1) Governance options memo (recommended model + rationale)

2) Sustainability plan (funding + operating model + transition approach)

3) Performance roadmap (multi-year KPIs + milestones) 4)

6.8 KPI Dashboard Specification

The selected firm will propose final KPI definitions with the City. The dashboard shall track activity, conversion, execution, and outcomes using clear definitions, consistent data sources, and a predictable cadence.

Dashboard Requirements

1) Include KPI definitions, sources, cadence, and owners (see Exhibit table).

2) Show current month, YTD, and since contract start.

3) Provide a simple status indicator (on track / watch / off track) for priority KPIs.

4) Set KPI targets within the first 30–60 days after confirming baselines.

Exhibit 6.8-A: KPI Table (Dashboard Specification)

KPI Definition (What counts) Primary Source

Cadence Owner

Qualified Partner/P3 Conversations Initiated

Meetings with developers/investors/operators where there is a credible district fit and next step scheduled

CRM /

pipeline log

Monthly Firm

P3 Concepts in Active Development

Distinct P3 concepts being advanced with defined scope, parties, and next actions

P3 pipeline tracker

Monthly Firm

Draft Term Sheets Produced

Non-binding term sheets or deal concept memos prepared for City/partner review

Deal files / term sheet log

Monthly Firm

Executed Partnership Documents

MOUs, LOIs, operating agreements, management agreements executed (as applicable)

City + firm records

Monthly City + Firm

Estimated Private Capital in Pipeline

Concept-level estimate tied to active projects (range acceptable)

Pro formas / developer inputs

Quarterly Firm

Target Tenant/Anchor Meetings

Meetings with pre-defined target tenants/anchors or their reps;

includes virtual if substantive

CRM /

pipeline log

Monthly Firm

Site Tours / District Walkthroughs

Tours completed with prospective partners/tenants/developers

Calendar log / notes

Monthly Firm

Prospect Stage Conversions

# moving from intro → tour → proposal → LOI/commitment

Recruitment pipeline

Monthly Firm

Commitments Secured

LOIs, leases, operating agreements, or programming commitments secured

Signed docs / City records

Monthly City + Firm

Milestone Completion %

Completed milestones ÷ planned milestones in Implementation Plan (by reporting period)

Action tracker Monthly Firm

Priority Site Readiness Progress

# of priority sites advancing at least one readiness step (entitlements, environmental, design, control)

Site readiness checklists

Monthly Firm + City

Blockers Cleared # of documented barriers resolved (entitlements, infrastructure dependencies, environmental steps, access/parking)

Risk register / action tracker

Monthly Firm + City

KPI Definition (What counts) Primary Source

Cadence Owner

City Action Item Cycle Time

Average days from assignment to decision/closure for City-owned tasks (where measurable)

Action tracker Monthly City (with firm tracking)

Opportunity Sheets Completed

# of investment-ready one-pagers completed for priority sites/projects

Marketing deliverables log

Monthly Firm

Outreach Events Executed

# of roundtables, briefings, tours, and targeted outreach sessions delivered

Outreach plan log

Monthly Firm

Qualified Leads Generated

Leads meeting basic criteria (fit + contact + next step) originating from outreach

CRM / lead list

Monthly Firm

Governance Options Delivered

Governance options memo delivered by target date (yes/no + date)

Deliverables log

Quarterly Firm

Sustainability Plan Delivered

Sustainability plan delivered by target date (yes/no + date)

Deliverables log

Quarterly Firm

Operating Funding Sources Identified

Count and concept-level value of identified sources (sponsorships, leases, services, etc.)

Sustainability plan inputs

Quarterly Firm

Square Footage Activated / Under Negotiation

Sq ft leased/activated + sq ft with active LOI/negotiation (where verified)

Broker/tenant inputs

Quarterly Firm + City

Jobs Announced / Committed

Verified job counts tied to commitments or public announcements

Partner confirmations

Quarterly City + Firm

Private Investment Announced / Committed

Verified $ tied to announcements/commitments (ranges acceptable)

Partner confirmations

Quarterly City + Firm

Housing Units Planned / Under Development

Units in entitlement, permitting, or construction (as applicable)

Development tracking

Quarterly City + Firm

7.0 SOQ FORMAT AND SCORING

The selection criteria and relative weights for determining the order of firms on the final list are as follows:

8.0 CONTENTS OF SOQ

Statements of Qualifications shall be scored in accordance with Section 7.0 and contain the following information: The following information shall be provided in the Procurement Portal in order to be evaluated.

A. Cover Letter shall include the following:

1) Firm name, address, primary contact information

2) Statement of interest and understanding of the assignment

3) Acknowledgement of the Guiding Plan Requirement

4) Signature by an authorized representative

B. Firm/Team Overview

1) Prime firm overview and key differentiators

2) Team structure (prime + subs) and roles

3) Office locations and local Arizona presence (if applicable)

4) Any anticipated use of subcontractors and the division of responsibilities

C. Understanding of the Yuma Innovation District and Guiding Plan

1) Your understanding of the City’s intent and the District’s goals

2) How you will use the “Brownfields to Innovation District” planning effort as the implementation baseline

3) Key success factors and risks (and how you would manage them)

D. Approach and work Plan Provide your proposed approach mapped to Section 6.

1) District Strategy, Governance, and Program Management

a) Implementation plan approach, stakeholder coordination, action tracking

2) P3 and Deal Development

a) How you source, structure, and advance P3 concepts and term sheets

3) Tenant/Anchor and Ecosystem Recruitment

a) Pipeline process, targeting strategy, conversion approach

4) Site and Implementation Oversight

a) Readiness framework, phasing logic, barrier removal approach

5) Marketing and Investor Materials

a) What you will produce and how you will use it for outreach

Evaluation Criteria Maximum Points

1. Understanding of the Project and Guiding Plan 20

2. Approach, Work Plan, and Implementation Readiness 25

3. P3 and Deal Development Capability 20

4. Tenant/Anchor Recruitment and Ecosystem Building 15

5. Governance and Sustainability Planning 10

6. Team Qualifications and Capacity 10 Total 100

6) Reporting, KPIs, and Council Readiness

a) Your reporting cadence and how you communicate decisions/tradeoffs

7) Governance and Sustainability Planning

a) Governance options, sustainable operations funding, transition approach Include the following:

i) A 90-day plan (what you will deliver first)

ii) A proposed 12-month milestone schedule (high-level)

E. Key Personnel and Capacity

1) Organizational Chart with named staff and role assignments

2) Resumes (1 page per key person recommended)

3) Proposed level of effort by role (high-level)

4) Availability and approach to continuity (backup coverage)

F. Relevant Experience and Past Performance

1) Provide three to five relevant projects, including:

2) Client name and contact (if permitted)

3) Project description and your role

4) Outcomes/results (quantifiable where possible)

5) Relevance to: innovation districts/downtown redevelopment, P3, tenant recruitment, governance/sustainability planning, implementation management G. References

1) Provide three (3) references for similar work (name, title, organization, phone, email)

2) At least one reference should relate to P3/deal development and one to district/implementation management.

9.0 SOQ SCORING CRITERIA

A. Understanding of the Project and Guiding Plan (20%) Demonstrates understanding of the Yuma Innovation District, the City’s intent, and how the firm will operationalize the “Brownfields to Innovation District” planning effort as the implementation baseline.

B. Approach, Work Plan, and Implementation Readiness (25%) Clear, practical plan aligned to Section 6.1-6.6, including a credible 90-day plan, milestones, stakeholder coordination approach, and reporting cadence.

C. P3 and Deal Development Capability (20%) Demonstrated ability to identify, structure, and advance P3 concepts, including term sheet development and concept-level financial modeling (Section 6.2) D. Tenant/Anchor Recruitment and Ecosystem Building (15%):

Demonstrated ability to build and manage a recruitment pipeline and convert prospects into commitments (Section 6.3) E. Governance and Sustainability Planning (10%) Strength and practicality of governance options, sustainable operating/funding approach, and transition roadmap (Section 6.7) F. Team Qualifications and Capacity (10%) Qualifications of key personnel, role coverage, relevant experience, and ability to perform the work with adequate availability (Section 8 E).

10.0 SELECTION PROCESS

10.1 Selection Committee: A Selection Committee will review the Statements of Qualifications and develop a final list. The criteria to be used to determine the order of firms on the final list are set forth in Section 7.0. Interviews will not be conducted. Final selection will be based upon total point scores from the SOQs alone.

10.2 Contract Negotiation: Upon completion of the final rankings, the City of Yuma will enter into negotiations with the highest ranked firm for this project. If a contract cannot be successfully negotiated with the highest ranked firm, then negotiations will be terminated with that firm and the City of Yuma may enter into negotiations with the next highest ranked firm until an agreement is reached or an impasse is declared.

10.3 Key Personnel: The Firm shall ensure that Key Personnel identified in its SOQ shall be the Key Personnel assigned to the Project. Such Key Personnel shall not be replaced without prior written acceptance of the City of Yuma. Unauthorized replacements will result in disqualification of the proposal or breach of the agreement.

10.4 Conflicts of Interest

Respondents must disclose any actual or potential conflicts of interest, including relationships with property owners, developers, brokers, or prospective tenants within the Yuma Innovation District. The City may consider conflicts of interest in its evaluation and may requirement mitigation actions as a condition of award.

10.5 Insurance and Licensing

The selected firm will be required to meet applicable City insurance requirements and maintain any necessary business registrations and professional licenses to perform the work.

10.6 Submittal Requirements

Respondents shall submit a complete Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) that is clear, concise, and directly responsive to this RFQ and the Scope of Work (Section 6).

11.0 COMMUNICATION WITH THE CITY

All communications concerning this solicitation must be directed to the Procurement Division.

All questions must be submitted via the Portal.

No other City official or City employee is empowered to speak for the City with respect to the RFQ. Any firm seeking to obtain information, clarification, or interpretations from any other City official or City employee other than identified above, is advised that such material is used at the firm’s own risk. The City will not be bound by any such information, clarification, or interpretation.

Firms are specifically instructed to not contact any design professional for information, clarification or interpretation concerning this project. Any such contact may result in the RFQ being disqualified.

At no time prior to award of the SOQ firms shall not have any communication with any City employee. Contact by a Firm regarding this RFQ with a City employee other than a Purchasing Division representative may be considered grounds for rejection of the SOQ submitted.

As questions submitted require adequate time for response preparation, Firms are asked to submit all questions by the date and time indicated in this solicitation.

Questions must be received through the Procurement Portal by 11:00 am MST on March 5, 2026 so that a response may be posted as an addendum to the RFQ through the Procurement Portal.

12.0 TERMS AND CONDITIONS

12.1 This RFQ does not commit the City of Yuma to award a contract, to defray any costs incurred in the preparation of a response to this request, or to procure or contract for services.

12.2 The City of Yuma reserves the right to extend the date by which the submittals are due.

12.3 The City of Yuma reserves the right to cancel, in part or in its entirety, this RFQ including but not limited to: selection schedule, submittal date, and submittal requirements. If the City of Yuma cancels or revises the RFQ all potential Respondents of record will be notified.

12.4 All submittals become the property of the City of Yuma. Except for the names of firms on the final list, no information contained in the Statement of Qualifications shall be made public until after award and execution of a contract with a firm.

12.5 The City of Yuma reserves the right to request additional information and/or clarifications from any or all Respondents to this RFQ.

12.6 During the course of the contract, the Firm may invoice the City for services rendered no more than once per month. (Note: Invoices for work performed during the month of June must be received no later than the end of the first week in July, for City of Yuma fiscal year end closing purposes).

12.7 Firm recognizes that all work completed under this contract will be considered property of the City and may be used or reproduced by the City for any purpose. All reports, research, calculations, and other work performed under this scope of work will become property of the City and will be delivered to the City within 30 days following completion of the work or termination of the contract.

12.8 The City logo is copyrighted and registered with the US Copyright Office, and all rights are reserved. The City logo may not be used without prior written permission and that permission is not offered or extended for the purpose of this RFQ. The City will vigorously pursue any and all infringements on our copyrighted materials.

12.9 Immigration Compliance / Employment Verification

a) Firm warrants, and shall require Firms sub-contractors to warrant, that it is in compliance with all federal immigration laws and regulations that relate to its employees and with A.R.S. § 23-214 relating to verification of employment eligibility.

b) A breach of this clause shall be deemed a material breach of the Contract and is subject to penalties up to and including termination of this contract.

c) City retains the legal right to inspect the documents of any Firm or sub-Contractor employee who works on this Agreement to ensure that the Firm or sub-Contractor is complying with this warranty.

d) Firm warrants that this company is in full compliance of this requirement and further represents and warrants that all Firms or sub-Contractors are also in full compliance of this requirement.

12.10 Compliance with Federal and State Employment Laws:

By submitting a response to the RFQ, the Firm warrants that it is in compliance with all federal immigration laws and regulations that relate to its employees and with A.R.S. § 23-214 relating to verification of employment eligibility. A breach of this clause shall be deemed a material breach of the Contract and is subject to penalties up to and including termination of the Contract.

The City retains the right to inspect the documents of any Firm who works on this Contract to ensure that the Firm is complying with this warranty.

12.11 Subcontractors

The use of subcontractors must be clearly identified in the SOQ. The prime consultant will remain responsible for the performance of all services, including services provided by subcontractors.

13.0 EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

The City of Yuma is an equal opportunity employer. Minority and women’s business enterprises are encouraged to submit Statements of Qualifications on the Project.

14.0 PROTEST POLICY

14.1 Respondents may file a protest regarding the selection process and/or award of the associated contract to the City Council in accordance with City of Yuma Code § 36-55. The protest shall be submitted in writing to the City Administrator within ten days after the proposer knows or should have known of the facts giving rise to the protest. The Administrator shall place the protest on the next Council agenda if not resolved prior to that time.

14.2 The City Council shall have the authority, prior to the commencement of an action in court concerning the controversy, to settle and resolve a protest of an aggrieved proposer, offeror, contractor, actual or prospective, concerning the solicitation or award of a contract.

14.3 If the protest is not resolved by mutual agreement, the Purchasing Agent shall issue notice in writing of the Council's decision. The notice shall:

14.3.1.1 State the reasons for the action taken; and

14.3.1.2 Inform the protestant of right to judicial review

14.4 A copy of the decision under this section shall be mailed or otherwise furnished immediately to the protestant and any other party intervening.

14.5 A decision under this section shall be final and conclusive unless fraudulent, or unless any person adversely affected by the decision commences an action in court.

15.0 PUBLIC RECORD/CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION

This contract is a public record and must be retained by the City for a minimum of six (6) years.

All contracts are open to public inspection after contract award, except for any portions determined to be confidential by law. This is the only notification concerning confidential information that will be given to potential respondents. This provision should be taken into consideration prior to submitting a response to ensure the information submitted does not contain confidential information the respondent wishes to remain confidential.

16.0 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

A. Late Responses/Modifications/Withdrawals Responses, modifications of Responses, and withdrawals may be withdrawn if the project deadline has not passed.

B. Response Acceptance Period To allow for an adequate evaluation, the City requires an RFQ in response to this Solicitation to be valid for 120 days after the opening time and date.

C. Personnel It is essential that the Firm provide adequate experienced personnel, capable of and devoted to the successful accomplishment of the work to be performed in this solicitation. The Firm agrees that those persons identified in their submittal shall not be removed or replaced without a written request to and approval from the City.

D. Business Registration Permit (Business License) All Firms awarded contracts with the City that come on City property to conduct business or perform services shall be required to obtain a City of Yuma Business License. For further information email businesslicenses@YumaAz.gov or call (928) 373-5074.

E. Results Responses to the RFQ will be opened on the stated due date, time and location indicated in this solicitation or if changed via addenda, at which time the name of each respondent shall be read. Information received in response to the RFQ shall be shown only to authorized City personnel having a legitimate interest in them or persons assisting the City in the evaluation.

Responses and scoring are not available for public inspection until after an executed contract has been issued.

After the opening, a list of the firm’s name, date and time received will be posted on the City’s Procurement Portal, which each respondent will be notified through the Procurement Portal of Opening Results. (Past Public Opportunities) https://yumaaz.bonfirehub.com/portal/?tab=pastOpportunities (View Opportunity, Opening Results) within three (3) business days of the RFQ opening. The information will be posted as it was read during the opening. Once the responses have been evaluated and the City has an executed contract, a notification will be posted on the City’s Procurement Portal.

F. Estimated RFQ Timeline/Event Sequence The following RFQ sequence of events represents the City’s best estimate of the schedule that will be followed. Exact due dates and times for questions and answers are noted in this document and will be published in the City’s Procurement Portal (Bonfire).

Event Estimated Date RFQ released 2/9/2026

Deadline for Questions in Procurement Portal 3/5/2026

Addenda responding to questions 3/10/2026

SOQ Submission Deadline 3/26/2026

Notifications of finalist and Request Fee Proposal 4/9/2026

Negotiate Fee Proposal 4/10/2026

Target date for council approval 6/3/2026

Fully executed contract 6/15/2026

G. Termination of Contract The City reserves the right to terminate any part of or the entirety of any Contract that may result from this RFQ, with or without cause, at any time with 30 calendar-days’ written notice by the City. In such case, the Firm shall be paid for services rendered through the date of the termination notice, and the results of all such work, including all documents and files, through that date will become the property of the City.

H. Policy on Non-Discrimination on the Basis of Disability

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the City of Yuma does not discriminate on the basis of disability in the admission of or access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs, activities, or services.

For information regarding rights and provisions of the ADA or Section 504, or to request reasonable accommodations for participation in City programs, activities, or services contact:

ADA/Section 504 Coordinator City of Yuma Human Resources One City Plaza Yuma, Arizona 85364-1436

(928) 373-5125, (928) 373-5149 (TTY)

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS
CONSULTANTS ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO READ THE ENTIRE SOLICITATION
1.0 REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS
2.0 INSTRUCTIONS
3.0 GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT
A. The Yuma Innovation District is envisioned as a walkable, mixed-use district in downtown Yuma that blends:
B. Purpose of this RFQ
Delivering an innovation district requires more than planning. It requires a single team focused on implementation, including:
1) Organizing the district’s development and management strategy
2) Converting concepts into investment ready opportunities
3) Building a pipeline of developers, anchor tenants, and partners
4) Supporting early-stage P3 discussions and concept-level deal frameworks
5) Helping the City maintain momentum, accountability and measurable progress
C. Foundational Planning Document (EPA Brownfields Planning Effort)
6.0 SCOPE OF WORK (Guiding Plan Requirement)
6.1 District Strategy, Governance, and Program Management
6.2 Public-Private Partnerships (P3) and Deal Development
6.3 Tenant, Anchor, and Ecosystem Recruitment
6.4 Site and Project Implementation Oversight
6.5 Marketing, Investor Materials, and Outreach Support
6.6 Reporting, Key Performance Indicators (KPI)s, and City Council Readiness
6.7 Governance and Sustainability Planning
6.8 KPI Dashboard Specification
7.0 SOQ FORMAT AND SCORING
Statements of Qualifications shall be scored in accordance with Section 7.0 and contain the following information: The following information shall be provided in the Procurement Portal in order to be evaluated.
A. Cover Letter shall include the following:
1) Firm name, address, primary contact information
2) Statement of interest and understanding of the assignment
3) Acknowledgement of the Guiding Plan Requirement
4) Signature by an authorized representative
B. Firm/Team Overview
1) Prime firm overview and key differentiators
2) Team structure (prime + subs) and roles
3) Office locations and local Arizona presence (if applicable)
4) Any anticipated use of subcontractors and the division of responsibilities
C. Understanding of the Yuma Innovation District and Guiding Plan
1) Your understanding of the City’s intent and the District’s goals
2) How you will use the “Brownfields to Innovation District” planning effort as the implementation baseline
3) Key success factors and risks (and how you would manage them)
D. Approach and work Plan
Provide your proposed approach mapped to Section 6.
1) District Strategy, Governance, and Program Management
a) Implementation plan approach, stakeholder coordination, action tracking
2) P3 and Deal Development
a) How you source, structure, and advance P3 concepts and term sheets
3) Tenant/Anchor and Ecosystem Recruitment
a) Pipeline process, targeting strategy, conversion approach
4) Site and Implementation Oversight
a) Readiness framework, phasing logic, barrier removal approach
5) Marketing and Investor Materials
a) What you will produce and how you will use it for outreach
6) Reporting, KPIs, and Council Readiness
a) Your reporting cadence and how you communicate decisions/tradeoffs
7) Governance and Sustainability Planning
a) Governance options, sustainable operations funding, transition approach
Include the following:
i) A 90-day plan (what you will deliver first)
ii) A proposed 12-month milestone schedule (high-level)
E. Key Personnel and Capacity
1) Organizational Chart with named staff and role assignments
2) Resumes (1 page per key person recommended)
3) Proposed level of effort by role (high-level)
4) Availability and approach to continuity (backup coverage)
F. Relevant Experience and Past Performance
1) Provide three to five relevant projects, including:
2) Client name and contact (if permitted)
3) Project description and your role
4) Outcomes/results (quantifiable where possible)
5) Relevance to: innovation districts/downtown redevelopment, P3, tenant recruitment, governance/sustainability planning, implementation management
G. References
1) Provide three (3) references for similar work (name, title, organization, phone, email)
2) At least one reference should relate to P3/deal development and one to district/implementation management.
A. Understanding of the Project and Guiding Plan (20%)
C. P3 and Deal Development Capability (20%)
11.0 COMMUNICATION WITH THE CITY
12.0 TERMS AND CONDITIONS
13.0 EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
14.0 PROTEST POLICY

File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .