Addendum1-QuestionsandAnswers.pdf

Addendum #1 to RFP No. C2024446

OregonBuys Open Market Bid S-12300-00012364

“Foreign Direct Investment Representative for Western Europe”

Oregon Business Development Department (OBDD or Business Oregon) has received questions regarding the requested services. This addendum serves to answer the questions received. None of the answers in this Addendum #1 modify or add to the directions in the RFP document but may provide useful information for drafting a proposal.

Thank you for your continued interest in this Project.

1. Will the UK be included in another bid, or could we include the UK and exceed the maximum budget of $210k USD?

Answer #1 – RFP responses cannot exceed the maximum budget of $210,000/annually.

The UK should not be included in responses to this RFP.

If in the future our agency has additional budget, we may release an RFP for similar services covering the UK.

2. Is there a minimum size of the company or minimum investment size?

Answer #2- A minimum project would result in 20 jobs minimum at 36 months after initial investment. There is no minimum investment (capital expenditure) required.

3. What is the timeline of the valid projects; 12 to 24 months or more?

Answer #3- 12-24 months for the majority (75%) and 24-36 months for the balance (25%) or similar would be acceptable.

4. Can a company with a European HQ already be in the US but not in Oregon, looking to expand/invest further?

Answer #4- Yes, companies with pre-existing US headquarters that have an interest in job creation projects in the Oregon would be considered viable targets.

Companies that do business in Oregon, must be registered with Oregon Secretary of State.

5. Regarding the outbound/inbound mission, are additional costs reimbursed based on actual expenses, or are they included in the up to $21k USD (10% of $210k USD) mentioned for events? What does this include: flights, hotels, transportation, food, etc.?

Answer #5- Additional consultant travel costs within Europe will be reimbursed based upon actual expenses up to $21K per year (trains/flights/meals/lodging).

Maximum allowed costs will be pre-approved by the agency’s contract manager on a monthly or per trip basis (details will be developed in final contract).

For outbound missions to Europe, Business Oregon will cover flights, hotel, transportation, meals for all participating agency staff.

6. Would Business Oregon consider a proposal for a virtual FDI consultant role rather than full in-market representation?

Answer #6- No, virtual a consultant will not be considered.

7. Would this contract require exclusivity in FDI consulting, or would I be able to work with other economic development organizations in a similar capacity? If there are any exclusivity requirements, could you clarify their scope?

Answer #7 – We are seeking an arrangement where staff will not be representing multiple states and/or provinces. Consulting firms competing for the contract may represent multiple states and/or provinces but we would like respondents to explain how they will avoid conflicts of interest in their RFP responses,

8. With regards to Lead & Project qualifications terminology:

a. How does Business Oregon define and differentiate a solid lead/quality lead and concrete project?

b. What qualifies as a concrete project? Must the company be in an active site selection process, or is a formal expression of interest sufficient?

c. Is there a standard qualification process for leads and projects that we should follow?

Answer #8 - A solid lead/quality lead can be defined as a targeted business entity that is planning an expansion within 12-36 months. A concrete project can be defined as a project where funding has been acquired or approved and site selection has begun with a decision anticipated in less than 24 months. The standard qualification process will be developed in consultation with the selected contractor team after contract is awarded.

9. With regards to FDI Missions and Lead Engagement:

a. What is the minimum number of meetings or company engagements required per mission for it to be considered successful?

b. Should missions focus exclusively on companies with investment plans, or can they also include industry associations and other ecosystem stakeholders that could facilitate FDI opportunities?

Answer #9 – There is no minimum number of meetings or company engagements required for a successful mission. A successful mission will be planned well in advance (generally 4-6 months or more) and may include industry associations and other ecosystem stakeholder meetings that may lead to future FDI opportunities.

10. With regards to Scope Clarification – FDI vs. Trade

a. Does the proposer need to address both FDI and trade needs, or is it acceptable to focus exclusively on FDI?

b. Given that our firm specializes in FDI services in Europe and does not provide trade-related services, would Business Oregon consider a proposal that solely focuses on FDI lead generation and investment attraction?

Answer #10 – This RFP is focused solely on FDI services in Europe. While our agency also focuses on trade and export promotion assistance, we have not included those services in this RFP. If in the future our agency has additional budget, we may release an RFP for export promotion services in Europe.