2026-RFP-137

CLEVELAND DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH - 2027-2029

STRATEGIC PLAN

City of Cleveland

Department of Public Health

601 Lakeside Ave

Cleveland, OH 44114

RELEASE DATE: July 27, 2026

DEADLINE FOR QUESTIONS: August 10, 2026

RESPONSE DEADLINE: August 17, 2026, 12:00 pm

RESPONSES MUST BE SUBMITTED ELECTRONICALLY TO:

https://secure.procurenow.com/portal/clevelandoh

City of Cleveland

Cleveland Department of Health - 2027-2029 Strategic Plan

I. INTRODUCTION

II. SCOPE OF SERVICES

III. COMPENSATION AND INVOICING

IV. THE CITY’S RIGHTS AND REQUIREMENTS

V. OFFICE OF EQUAL OPPORTUNITY (OEO) FORMS

VI. AGREEMENT PROCESS

VII. TERMS AND CONDITIONS

VIII. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY REQUIREMENTS

IX. INSURANCE LIMITS

X. CONSTRUCTION OF AGREEMENT

XI. PROPOSER QUALIFICATIONS

XII. PROPOSAL CONTENTS

XIII. PROPOSAL SUBMITTALS

XIV. PROPOSAL SECTION CRITERIA

Attachments:

A - W-9 Tax Form

B - Vendor ID Form

C - Reimbursables Policy

D - OEO Forms

E - 2026 Non-Comp Form

#2026-RFP-137

Title: Cleveland Department of Health - 2027-2029 Strategic Plan

1. INTRODUCTION

LATE PROPOSALS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED

The City of Cleveland invites responses to the Request for Proposal (RFP) for Cleveland Department of

Health - 2027-2029 Strategic Plan.

We ask that you strictly adhere to the following critical guidelines outlined in this document.

1.1. Summary

The City of Cleveland (“City”), Department of Public Health (CDPH), through its Director (“Director”), is soliciting proposals from qualified firms interested in providing strategic planning services to CDPH.

These services are needed to assist in updating the current CDPH Strategic Plan for 2027-2029.

1.2. Background

CDPH is the City of Cleveland’s public health agency, with the mission to promote and protect the health and well-being of residents, communities, and partners across the City of Cleveland. Its vision is to be the most responsive, trusted, and impactful health department in the country.

CDPH works to address both immediate public health threats and long-term health inequities across the city. The department plays a central role in disease surveillance and response, environmental health enforcement, emergency preparedness, and promoting healthier neighborhoods through policy and outreach initiatives. CDPH also collaborates with hospitals, schools, nonprofits, and community organizations to advance public health goals and improve quality of life for all Clevelanders.

CDPH employs approximately 180 full- and part-time staff members and serves Cleveland’s population of roughly 360,000 residents. Its core programs include immunization and communicable disease prevention, lead poisoning prevention and healthy homes initiatives, food safety inspections, air quality monitoring, maternal and infant health services through MomsFirst, sexual health and HIV/STI prevention, tobacco cessation, behavioral health and overdose prevention, and health equity initiatives focused on reducing disparities in underserved communities. Through clinics, inspections, health education, and emergency response operations, the department provides essential services that impact residents in every Cleveland neighborhood.

In 2023, CDPH conducted a comprehensive review of its Strategic Plan, resulting in a new mission and vision for the organization, along with strategic priorities for 2023–2025 designed to drive organizational improvements and strengthen programming. In 2026, CDPH updated these strategic priorities to reflect current programs and evolving community needs. CDPH is now seeking to conduct a full review of the department’s strategies, priorities, and impact to guide the 2027–2029 strategic planning process.

1.3. Contact Information

Alyse Kittner Bowen Performance Improvement Coordinator - Public Health 75 Erieview Plaza 2nd Floor Cleveland, OH 44114 Email: akittner@clevelandohio.gov Phone: (216) 420-8504

Department:

Public Health mailto:akittner@clevelandohio.gov tel:(216)420-8504

Department Head:

Dr. David Margolius Director

1.4. Timeline

RFP Published on City website July 27, 2026

Pre-Proposal Conference (Non-

Mandatory)

August 3, 2026, 10:00am

Microsoft Teams:

https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/28940953412189

6?p=3vMWgqUzNjsbJiBVjS

Last Day to Submit Provider Questions August 10, 2026, 5:00pm

Publish RFP Addendum August 12, 2026

Proposal Submission Deadline August 17, 2026, 12:00pm

Contractor Selection Date August 25, 2026 https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/289409534121896?p=3vMWgqUzNjsbJiBVjS https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/289409534121896?p=3vMWgqUzNjsbJiBVjS

2. SCOPE OF SERVICES

2.1. Scope of Services

CDPH is seeking professional services to facilitate multiple stages of the strategic planning process as set forth below. The scope of this Request for Proposal encompasses all tasks associated with the development and implementation of the following.

2.2. Project Initiation and Planning

A. Conduct project kickoff meetings with CDPH leadership and key staff.

B. Develop a project work plan, timeline, engagement strategy, and communication approach.

C. Hold ongoing status meetings with key CDPH points of contact.

2.3. Environmental Scan

A. Conduct interviews and/or focus groups with internal and external stakeholders, including CDPH leadership, staff, community partners, healthcare organizations, elected officials, and other key partners.

B. Review relevant plans, reports, performance data, community health assessments, accreditation requirements, and demographic information.

C. Assess alignment between current organizational priorities, programs, and long-term goals.

D. Summarize themes, opportunities, and strategic considerations based on the local, regional and national public health landscape.

2.4. In-Person Strategic Planning Working Session

Facilitate at least one in-person, full day strategic planning working session with CDPH leadership and key stakeholders to:

i. Review and confirmation of the department’s mission, vision, and organizational values.

ii. Review key themes from Environmental Scan.

iii. Guide participants through strategic priority setting, goal development, and action planning exercises.

iv. Develop recommended strategic priorities, goals, objectives, and measurable outcomes based on findings from the planning process.

v. Identify implementation considerations, timelines, and performance indicators.

2.5. Strategic Plan and Action Plan Development

A. Prepare a draft strategic plan and accompanying action plan for review by CDPH stakeholders.

B. Incorporate feedback and revisions into a final plan.

C. Deliver final electronic copies of all plans, summaries, presentation materials, and supporting documentation.

2.6. Key Features of a Successful Proposal

A. Key features of a successful proposal

i. Engagement activities designed to gather input from staff and external stakeholders.

ii. Engagement processes are inclusive, collaborative, and reflective of community priorities and health equity considerations.

iii. Process is informed by PHAB Accreditation best practices and requirements.

iv. Deliverables are finalized on or before January 31, 2027.

B. The City reserves the right to modify the scope of services at any time before execution of a contract to add, delete, or otherwise amend any item(s), as it deems necessary, in its sole judgment, and in the best interest of the City.

C. Unless otherwise expressly provided, the term of the Agreement shall begin upon its date of execution and, unless extended by The City or unless sooner canceled or terminated under the provisions of the Agreement, shall expire when all required deliverables have been submitted to and approved by the

Director and all other Services have been satisfactorily performed and accepted by the Director (“Term”).

2.7. Project Schedule and Deliverables

The City has established the following list that the consultant will be required to provide as deliverables.

A. Exact deadlines will be determined upon contract agreement. All work must be completed by

January 31, 2027.

B. The Deliverables are as follows:

Deliverable Deadline

Kickoff Meeting On or about 9/1/2026

Environmental Scan Summary

-Key informant interviews

-Past CDPH assessments

-Cleveland public health data

On or about 11/1/2026

In-person workshop On or about 11/15/2026

Draft Strategic Plan On or about 12/15/2026

Draft Action Plan On or about 12/31/2026

Final Strategic Plan and Action Plan On or about 1/31/2027

2.8. Discrepancies or Omissions

If you find discrepancies or omissions in this RFP, or if the intended meaning of any part of this RFP is unclear or in doubt, send a written request to clarification to Alyse Kittner Bowen akittner@clevelandohio.gov.

mailto:akittner@clevelandohio.gov

3. COMPENSATION AND INVOICING

A. General Services

Compensation for general services shall be based on hourly billing rates or fixed price based on support category of the individuals assigned to each task and approved reimbursable expenses as agreed upon during negotiation of the Agreement.

Billing rates shall remain unchanged throughout the life of this contract.

The Consultant shall be compensated for reimbursable expenses incurred in the interest of the work in accordance with the City Reimbursable Policy (Appendix C).

The Consultant shall be paid for services on a simple time-based method, or mutually agreed upon fee schedule based on project deliverables. The Consultant shall invoice each month based on the actual hours, and approved hourly billing rates expended for the services. The invoice shall include only the staff titles listed in the Fee Proposal.

The Consultant shall submit its invoice for progress payment to the Department of Public

Health no later than the close of business on the Thirtieth (30th) Calendar Day of the Month following the month for which payment is requested. If the 30th calendar day would fall on a

Saturday, Sunday, or Holiday then the submittal shall be on the previous working day. The

Consultant shall not submit invoices more frequently than once per month.

Invoices shall include a cover page, summary table, detailed invoice per task, summary table of labor costs, timesheets, summary table of reimbursable, original receipts, and other information as deemed appropriate. Invoices shall include specific activities worked, on an hourly and daily basis by resource or task/deliverables.

Supporting information (receipts, timesheets, etc.) shall be attached in the appropriate section of the invoice in alphabetical then chronological order. For example, timesheets shall be attached alphabetically by individual name and chronologically by individual.

Each approved task shall be specifically identified and tracked.

Invoices not submitted in the approved format may be rejected and returned to the Consultant.

This includes incomplete information and missing documentation.

B. Payments To Subconsultants

Consultant is obligated to pay subconsultants within 45 days of Consultant’s receipt of subconsultant’s invoice (unless specific written exceptions are authorized by the City on a case-by-case basis).

4. THE CITY’S RIGHTS AND REQUIREMENTS

A. The Director, at his/her sole discretion, may require any proposer to augment or supplement its proposal or to meet with the City’s designated representatives for interview or presentation to further describe the proposer’s qualifications and capabilities. The requested information, interview, meeting, or presentation shall be submitted or conducted, as appropriate, at a time and place the Director specifies.

B. The City reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to reject any proposal that is incomplete or unresponsive to the requests or requirements of this RFP. The City reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and to waive and accept any informality or discrepancy in the proposal or the process as may be in the City’s best interest.

C. Proposal as a Public Record

Under the laws of the State of Ohio, all parts of a proposal, other than trade secret or proprietary information and the fee proposal may be considered a public record which, if properly requested, the City must make available to the requester for inspection and copying. Therefore, to protect trade secret or proprietary information, the proposer should clearly mark each page - but only that page - of its proposal that contains that information. The City will notify the proposer if such information in its proposal is requested, but cannot, however, guarantee the confidentiality of any proprietary or otherwise sensitive information in or with the proposal. Blanket marking of the entire proposal as “proprietary” or “trade secret” will not protect an entire proposal and is not acceptable.

D. Cleveland Area Business Code

Requirements During performance of this Agreement, Contractor shall comply with all applicable requirements of the Cleveland Area Business Code, Chapter 187 of the Codified

Ordinances of Cleveland, Ohio, 1976 (“C.O.”), and any Regulations promulgated under the Code, which Code and Regulations are incorporated into and made part of this RFP by this reference as fully as if rewritten in it or attached. Specifically, compliance under any resulting agreement shall include, but not be limited to, the Contractor’s:

o Compliance with its proposal representations regarding CSB, MBE, and/or FBE participation in performance of the Agreement;

o Compliance and cooperation with Project Monitors, whether from the Mayor’s Office of

Equal Opportunity (the “OEO”) or the contracting department;

o Accurate, complete, and on-time submission of all reports, forms, and documents including, but not limited to, employment reports, certified payrolls, monitoring forms, and other information the Director of the OEO may require, whether in printed or electronic form, to ascertain and verify Contractor’s compliance; and o Attendance at and participation in all required project meetings, including OEO compliance meetings, and progress meetings called by the contracting department director(s) at key intervals during performance of the contract services.

Failure to Comply When determining the contractor’s future eligibility for a City contract, the City shall consider a contractor’s failure to comply with the representations of its proposal and the requirements under the Code as a failure to faithfully perform a contract.

a. Under the Cleveland Area Business Code, the City of Cleveland is firmly committed to assisting Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs), Female Business Enterprises

(FBEs), and Cleveland- area small businesses (CSBs) by providing and enhancing economic opportunities to participate in City contracts. The successful proposer for a contract will be a firm that shares that commitment. Accordingly, a proposer is strongly encouraged to utilize the services of qualified MBE/FBE/CSB sub-consultants that are certified by the Mayor’s Office of Equal Opportunity (the

“OEO”) in its proposal.

b. The standard subcontracting goal for professional services contracts is 10%

Cleveland Area Small Business (“CSB”) subcontractor participation. Please review the attached Office of Equal Opportunity documents to ascertain the goal for the proposed contract. Proposers are required to make a good-faith effort to subcontract portions of the work to certified Minority Business Enterprise (“MBE”), Female

Business Enterprise (“FBE”), and CSB firms, consistent with the subcontracting goal(s) applicable to this RFP.

c. To document its good-faith effort to utilize certified MBE, FBE and CSB sub-consultants, each proposer must complete Schedules 1 through 4 found in the Cleveland Area Business Code - Notice to Bidders and Schedules. These schedules identify the proposer’s proposed use of MBE, FBE and CSB sub-consultants on the project, which evidences the proposer’s good-faith effort to obtain the participation of certified sub-consultants. The proposer shall submit the completed forms with its proposal and they will be forwarded to the City’s Office of

Equal Opportunity for evaluation. Failure to submit complete schedules may result in the rejection of a proposal.

Proposers may obtain a listing of firms certified by the OEO as CSBs, MBEs and

FBEs by checking the City’s website at http://www.city.cleveland.oh.us. On the home page, select “Office of Equal Opportunity” from the drop-down menu of City departments. On the Office of Equal Opportunity page, you will find a selection in the left-hand column for “CSB/MBE/FBE Registry”.

Proposers are responsible for obtaining the most current list and for contacting potential CSB/MBE/FBE sub-consultants. The City assumes no responsibility for matching prime consultants with qualified, certified MBE, FBE, and/or CSB sub-consultants.

The City Office of Equal Opportunity will monitor participation of MBE, FBE, http://www.city.cleveland.oh.us/ and/or CSB sub-consultants throughout the duration of the engagement or project. The successful proposer, as contractor, will be responsible for providing the

OEO with all information necessary to facilitate this monitoring.

The Cleveland Area Business Code, any Regulations promulgated under the Code, and the OEO Notice to Bidders & Schedules are, by this reference, incorporated in and made part of this solicitation and any resulting contract as fully as if written in it or attached.

d. The successful proposer, as contractor, will be required to comply with all terms, conditions, and requirements imposed on a “contractor” in the following Equal

Opportunity Clause, Section 187.22(b) of the Cleveland Codified Ordinances, and shall make the Clause part of every subcontract or agreement entered into for services or goods and binding on all persons and firms with which the proposer may deal, as follows: No Contractor shall discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, ethnic group or Vietnam-era or disabled veteran status. Contractors shall take affirmative action to ensure that applicants are employed and that employees are treated during employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, ethnic group or Vietnam-era or disabled veteran status. As used in this chapter, “treated” means and includes without limitation the following: recruited whether by advertising or other means;

compensated, whether in the form of rates of pay or other forms of compensation;

selected for training, including apprenticeship, promoted, upgraded, demoted, transferred, laid off and terminated. Contractors shall post in conspicuous places available to employees and applicants for employment, notices to be provided by the hiring representative of contractors setting forth the provisions of this nondiscrimination clause.

E. Term of Proposal’s Effectiveness.

By submission of a proposal, the proposer agrees that its proposal will remain effective and eligible for acceptance by the City until the earlier of the execution of a final contract or 180 calendar days after the proposal submission deadline (the “Proposal Expiration Date”).

F. Execution of a Contract.

The successful proposer shall, within ten (10) business days after receipt of a contract prepared by the City Director of Law, exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, execute and return the contract to the City together with evidence of proper insurance and intent to conform to all requirements of the contract. Attached hereto or which are a part hereof and all applicable federal, state and local laws and ordinances prior to or at the time of execution of the contract.

G. Short-listing

The City reserves the right to select a limited number (a “short list”) of proposer’s to make an oral presentation of their qualifications, proposed services, and capabilities. The City will notify the proposers selected for oral presentations in writing.

H. Proposer’s Familiarity with RFP; Responsibility for Proposal

By submission of a proposal, the proposer acknowledges that it is aware of and understands all requirements, provisions, and conditions in and of this RFP and that its failure to become familiar with all the requirements, provisions, conditions, and information either in this RFP or disseminated either at a pre-proposal conference or by addendum issued prior to the proposal submission deadline, and all circumstances and conditions affecting performance of the services to be rendered by the successful proposer will not relieve it from responsibility for all parts of its

Proposal and, if selected for contract, its complete performance of the contract in compliance with its terms. Proposer acknowledges that the City has no responsibility for any conclusions or interpretations made by proposer on the basis of information made available by the City. The City does not guarantee the accuracy of any information provided and proposer expressly waives any right to a claim against the City arising from or based upon any incorrect, inaccurate, or incomplete information or information not otherwise conforming to represented or actual conditions.

I. Interpretation

The City is not responsible for any explanation, clarification, interpretation, representation or approval made concerning this RFP or a Proposal or given in any manner, except by written addendum. The City will mail, e-mail, or otherwise deliver one copy of each addendum issued, if any, to each individual or firm that requested and received a RFP. Any addendum is a part of and incorporated in this RFP as fully as if originally written herein.

5. OFFICE OF EQUAL OPPORTUNITY (OEO) FORMS

Submit Office of Equal Opportunity (OEO) Schedules. These schedules are contained within the document “Notice to Bidders and Schedules” which are included in Proposal Submittals section and can also be found on the City of Cleveland website in the OEO section.

The schedules shall be fully completed and should be designed to meet or exceed the participation goal of

10%.

Each and every CSB firm should complete and sign the Statement of Intent to perform as a subconsultant

(Schedule 3).

Required City Forms

Proposer shall complete, execute, and return with its fee proposal the following documents, blank copies of which are included in section, Proposal Submittals. They can also be found online on the City of

Cleveland website.

• The Office of Equal Opportunity Notice to Bidders and Schedules;

• Federal Form W-9 including Taxpayer Identification Number;

• Non-Competitive Bid Contract Statement for Calendar Year 2026;

• Northern Ireland Fair Employment Practices Disclosure.

6. AGREEMENT PROCESS

The Vendor whose proposal is found to be the “Most Advantageous” to the City will be selected and offered the opportunity to enter into an Agreement with the City. The scope, terms and conditions of that

Agreement shall be in conformance with the terms, conditions and specifications described in this RFP, and the proposal submitted by the Vendor shall become part of the Agreement with the City.

The selected Vendor must be prepared to begin contract negotiations immediately upon notification of selection. If the Vendor is not able to begin contract negotiations, the City may disqualify the Vendor.

The City reserves the right to negotiate the contract to include any portion or portions of the proposal.

The City shall not be responsible for any vendor costs incurred in relation to preparation of the proposal, travel to any meetings, or any other Vendor costs associated with proposal preparation.

The City of Cleveland’s Law Department will prepare the contract. Vendor responses must identify a designated contact, authorized to negotiate the final terms and conditions with the Law Department. It should be noted that the Law Department uses City of Cleveland prepared contract forms and not standard vendor contract forms.

7. TERMS AND CONDITIONS

The following terms and conditions, substantially in the form contained herein, shall be included in the agreement between the City and the successful respondent. Please carefully review these terms and conditions. No specific response to this section is required.

7.1. Term

The term of this Agreement shall begin on the effective date of this Agreement and, unless sooner cancelled in accordance with the terms of the Agreement, shall terminate upon completion of and approval by the City of all work to be performed.

7.2. Cancellation

This agreement may be canceled by the City at any time upon written notice to the Consultant.

7.3. Independent Contractor

Consultant and the City agree that Consultant is an independent contractor and not an employee of the

City and further agrees that Consultant shall be considered as such for all purposes. As such Consultants shall retain sole financial responsibility for all taxes due to federal, state or local governments or agencies on account of themselves, their employees, representatives or agents.

7.4. Equal Opportunity, MBE/FBE

The Consultant shall comply with all terms, conditions, and requirements imposed on a “Contractor” in the Equal Opportunity Clause, Section 187.22(b) of the Cleveland Codified Ordinances, (Attachment F) and shall make the Clause part of every subcontract or agreement entered into for services or goods and binding on all persons and firms with which the proposer may deal, as follows: No Contractor shall discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, ethnic group or Vietnam-era or disabled veteran status.

Contractors shall take affirmative action to ensure that applicants are employed and that employees are treated during employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, ethnic group or Vietnam-era or disabled veteran status. As used in this chapter, “treated” means and includes without limitation the following: recruited whether by advertising or other means;

compensated, whether in the form of rates of pay or other forms of compensation; selected for training, including apprenticeship, promoted, upgraded, demoted, transferred, laid off and terminated. Contractors shall post in conspicuous places available to employees and applicants for employment, notices to be provided by the hiring representative of Contractors setting forth the provisions of this nondiscrimination clause.

A copy of this Clause shall be made a part of every subcontract or agreement entered into for goods or services and shall be binding on all persons, firms, and corporations with whom the Contractor may deal.

Within 60 calendar days after entering into a contract, the successful Proposer, as Contractor, shall file a written affirmative action program with the OEO containing standards and procedures and representations assuring that the Contractor affords all qualified employees and applicants for employment equal opportunities in the Contractor’s recruitment, selection, and advancement processes. The forms can be found at: City of Cleveland OEO Forms http://www.city.cleveland.oh.us/CityofCleveland/Home/Government/CityAgencies/Finance/PurchasesSupplies/VendorInformation

7.5. Cleveland Area Business Code

During performance of this contract, Consultant shall comply with any and all applicable requirements of the Cleveland Area Business Code, Chapter 187 and 187a. of the Codified Ordinances of Cleveland, Ohio, 1976 (“C.O.”), and any Regulations promulgated under the Code, which Code and Regulations are incorporated into and made part of this RFP by this reference as fully as if rewritten in it or attached.

There is a 10% CSB subcontractor participation goal for this contract.

7.6. Subcontracts and Assignments

Consultant shall not subcontract nor shall any subcontractor commence performance of any part of the work or services included in this Agreement without the prior written consent of the City. Subcontracting, if permitted, shall not relieve Consultant of any of its obligations under this Agreement.

Consultant shall be and remain solely responsible to the City for the acts or faults of any such subcontractor and of such subcontractor's officers, agents and employees, each of whom shall for this purpose, be deemed to be an agent or employee of Consultant to the extent of its subcontract. Consultant and any subcontractor shall jointly and severally agree that the City of Cleveland is not obligated to pay or to be liable for the payment of any sums due to any subcontractor.

7.7. Assignment

Consultant shall not assign any interest in this Agreement, and shall not transfer any interest in the same, whether by assignment or notation, without the prior written consent of the City.

7.8. Confidentiality

In rendering the Services to be performed pursuant to this Agreement, Consultant agrees to treat and maintain confidential information and data as the City’s confidential property and from the date hereof, and agrees not to divulge it to any third party at any time or use it for Consultant’s personal benefit or otherwise, except as such use or disclosure may be required in connection with the performance of the

Services or may be consented to, in writing by the City.

7.9. Compliance with Laws and Policies

This Agreement is subject to, and Consultant shall comply with, all statutes, ordinances, regulations and rules of the Federal government, the State of Ohio, the County of Cuyahoga, and the City of Cleveland.

7.10. Indemnification and Insurance

Consultant shall indemnify and hold harmless the City and its respective officers, agents and employees from and against all losses, damages, expenses, suits or claims, liabilities and costs, including reasonable attorney's fees, that may be based upon any negligent error or omission by Consultant or any injury to persons or property arising out of an error, omission or negligent act of Consultant or its subconsultant.

Consultant shall, at its own expense, defend the City in all litigation, pay all attorney's fees, damages, court costs and other expenses arising out of such litigation or claims incurred in connection therewith and shall, at its own expense, pay all claims and related expenses and satisfy and cause to be discharged such judgments as may be obtained against the City, or any of its officers, agents or employees, arising out of such litigation. Such indemnification shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

7.11. State Industrial Compensation

Consultant shall be required at all times during the term of this Agreement, if required by law, to subscribe to and comply with the Workers' Compensation Laws of the State of Ohio and pay such premiums as may be required thereunder and to save the City harmless from any and all liability from or under said act. Consultant shall also furnish, if applicable, upon the request of the City, a copy of the official certificate or receipt showing the payments referred to herein.

7.12. Social Security Act

Consultant shall be and remain an independent contractor with respect to all services performed hereunder and agrees to and does hereby accept full and exclusive liability for the payment of any and all contributions or taxes for social security, unemployment benefits, pensions and annuities now or hereafter imposed under any state or federal laws which are measured by the wages, salaries or other remuneration paid to persons employed by Consultant on work performed under the terms of this Agreement and further agrees to obey all lawful rules and regulations and to meet all lawful requirements which are now or hereafter may be issued or promulgated under said respective laws by any duly authorized state or federal officials and said Consultant also agrees to indemnify and save harmless the City of Cleveland from any such contributions or taxes or liability therefore.

7.13. Interest of Consultant

Consultant covenants that it has no interest and shall not acquire any interest, direct or indirect, which would conflict in any manner or degree with the performance of services required to be performed under this Agreement. Consultant further covenants that no person having any such interest shall be employed in the performance of this Agreement.

7.14. Defaults and Remedies

A. Consultant shall be in default of this Agreement upon the happening of any of the following events:

1. Consultant fails to observe or perform any of the covenants or agreements to be observed or performed by it hereunder and such failure continues for a period of five (5) days after written notice thereof is given to the Consultant by the City.

2. The filing, execution or occurrence of: (i) a petition or other proceeding by, or a finding against, Consultant for its dissolution, reorganization or liquidation; (ii) a petition in bankruptcy by Consultant; (iii) an adjudication of Consultant as bankrupt or insolvent; (iv) an assignment or petition for assignment for the benefit of creditors.

3. Consultant abandons or discontinues its operations for the City except when such abandonment or discontinuance is caused by fire, earthquake, war, strike or other calamity beyond its control.

B. Upon the happening of any one or more of the events as set forth in Paragraph A of this Article, or upon any other default or breach of this Agreement, the Finance Director may, at her option, exercise concurrently or successively any one or more of the following rights and remedies:

1. Enjoin any breach or threatened breach by Consultant of any covenants, agreements, terms provisions or conditions hereof.

2. Sue for the performance of any obligation, promise or agreement devolving upon Consultant for performance or for damages for the nonperformance thereof, all without terminating this

Agreement.

3. Terminate this Agreement.

C. All rights and remedies granted to the City herein and any other rights and remedies that the City may have at law and in equity are hereby declared to be cumulative and not exclusive and the fact that the City may have exercised any remedy without terminating this Agreement shall not impair the City's rights thereafter to terminate or to exercise any other remedy herein granted or to which it may be otherwise entitled.

8. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY REQUIREMENTS

During performance of this Agreement, Contractor shall comply with all applicable requirements of the

Cleveland Area Business Code, Chapter 187 of the Codified Ordinances of Cleveland, Ohio, 1976

(“C.O.”), and any Regulations promulgated under the Code, which Code and Regulations are incorporated into and made part of this RFP by this reference as fully as if rewritten in it or attached. Specifically, compliance under any resulting agreement shall include, but not be limited to, the

Contractor’s:

• Compliance with its proposal representations regarding CSB, MBE, and/or FBE participation in performance of the Agreement;

• Compliance and cooperation with Project Monitors, whether from the Mayor’s Office of Equal

Opportunity (the “OEO”) or the contracting department;

• Accurate, complete, and on-time submission of all reports, forms, and documents including, but not limited to, employment reports, certified payrolls, monitoring forms, and other information the Director of the OEO may require, whether in printed or electronic form, to ascertain and verify Contractor’s compliance; and

• Attendance at and participation in all required project meetings, including OEO compliance meetings, and progress meetings called by the contracting department director(s) at key intervals during performance of the contract services (e.g. 25% completion, 50% completion, 75% completion).

Failure to Comply- When determining the contractor’s future eligibility for a City contract, the City shall consider a contractor’s failure to comply with the representations of its proposal and the requirements under the Code as a failure to faithfully perform a contract.

• Under the Cleveland Area Business Code, the City of Cleveland is firmly committed to assisting

Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs), Female Business Enterprises (FBEs), and Cleveland- area small businesses (CSBs) by providing and enhancing economic opportunities to participate in

City contracts. The successful proposer for a contract will be a firm that shares that commitment. Accordingly, a proposer is strongly encouraged to utilize the services of qualified

MBE/FBE/CSB sub consultants that are certified by the Mayor’s Office of Equal Opportunity

(the “OEO”) in its proposal.

• The standard subcontracting goal for professional services contracts is 10% Cleveland Area Small

Business (“CSB”) subcontractor participation. Please review the attached Office of Equal

Opportunity documents to ascertain the goal for the proposed contract. Proposers are required to make a good-faith effort to subcontract portions of the work to certified Minority Business

Enterprise (“MBE”), Female Business Enterprise (“FBE”), and CSB firms, consistent with the subcontracting goal(s) applicable to this RFP.

• To document its good-faith effort to utilize certified MBE, FBE and CSB sub consultants, each proposer must complete Schedules 1 through 4 found in the Cleveland Area Business Code -

Notice to Bidders and Schedules. These schedules identify the Proposer’s proposed use of MBE, FBE and CSB sub-consultants on the project, which evidences the proposer’s good-faith effort to obtain the participation of certified sub-consultants. The Proposer shall submit the completed forms with its proposal and they will be forwarded to the City’s Office of Equal Opportunity for evaluation. Failure to submit complete schedules may result in the rejection of a proposal

• Proposers may obtain a listing of firms certified by the OEO as CSBs, MBEs and FBEs by checking the City’s website at roposers are responsible for obtaining the most current list and for contacting potential CSB/MBE/FBE sub consultants. The City assumes no responsibility for matching prime consultants with qualified, certified MBE, FBE, and/or CSB sub-consultants.

• The City Office of Equal Opportunity will monitor participation of MBE, FBE, and/or CSB sub-consultants throughout the duration of the engagement or project. The successful proposer, as contractor, will be responsible for providing the OEO with all information necessary to facilitate this monitoring.

• The Cleveland Area Business Code, any Regulations promulgated under the Code, and the OEO

Notice to Bidders & Schedules are, by this reference, incorporated in and made part of this solicitation and any resulting contract as fully as if written in it or attached.

• The successful proposer, as contractor, will be required to comply with all terms, conditions, and requirements imposed on a “contractor” in the following Equal Opportunity Clause, Section

187.22(b) of the Cleveland Codified Ordinances, and shall make the Clause part of every subcontract or agreement entered into for services or goods and binding on all persons and firms with which the proposer may deal, as follows: No Contractor shall discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, ethnic group or Vietnam-era or disabled veteran status. Contractors shall take affirmative action to ensure that applicants are employed and that employees are treated during employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, ethnic group or Vietnam-era or disabled veteran status. As used in this chapter, “treated” means and includes without limitation the following: recruited whether by advertising or other means; compensated, whether in the form of rates of pay or other forms of compensation; selected for training, including apprenticeship, promoted, upgraded, demoted, transferred, laid off and terminated. Contractors shall post in conspicuous places available to employees and applicants for employment, notices to be provided by the hiring representative of contractors setting forth the provisions of this nondiscrimination clause.

• Within 60 calendar days after entering into a contract, the successful Proposer, as Contractor, shall file a written affirmative action program with the OEO containing standards and procedures and representations assuring that the Contractor affords all qualified employees and applicants for employment equal opportunities in the Contractor’s recruitment, selection, and advancement processes.

9. INSURANCE LIMITS

The Successful Proposer, at its expense, shall at all times during the term of the contract resulting from this RFP, maintain the following insurance coverage. The insurance company(ies) providing the required insurance shall be authorized by the Ohio Department of Insurance to do business in Ohio and rated “A” or above by A. M. Best Company or equivalent. The Successful Proposer, as contractor, shall provide a copy of the policy or policies and any necessary endorsements, or a substitute for them satisfactory to and approved by the Director of Law, evidencing the required insurances upon execution of the contract.

A. Professional liability insurance with limits of not less than $100,000.00 for each occurrence and subject to a deductible for each occurrence of not more than $25,000.00 per occurrence and in the aggregate, and if not written on an occurrence basis, shall be maintained for not less than two (2) years after satisfactory completion and written acceptance of the services under the contract.

B. Workers’ compensation and employer’s liability insurance as provided under the laws of the State of Ohio.

C. Statutory unemployment insurance protection for all of its employees.

D. Such other insurance coverage(s) as the City may reasonably required.

10. CONSTRUCTION OF AGREEMENT

A. The validity, interpretation, construction and performance of this Agreement shall be in accordance with the laws of the State of Ohio.

B. This Agreement and the agreement between the City of Cleveland sets forth the entire understanding of the parties and supersedes any and all prior agreements, arrangements and understandings, oral or written, of any nature whatsoever between the parties regarding the subject matter hereof. The waiver of any breach of any term of this Agreement does not waive any subsequent breach of that or any other term of this Agreement.

C. No modifications or amendments to this Agreement will be valid unless in writing and signed by each of the parties hereto.

D. All terms and words used in this Agreement, regardless of the number and gender in which they are used, shall be deemed and construed to include any other number, singular or plural, and any other gender, masculine or feminine or neuter, as the context or sense of this Agreement or any paragraph or clause herein may require, the same as if such words have been fully and properly written in the number and gender.

E. Consultant agrees that no representation or warranties of any type shall be binding upon the City, unless expressly authorized in writing herein.

F. The headings of sections and paragraphs to the extent used herein are used for reference only, and in no way define, limit or describe the scope or intent of any provisions hereof.

G. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which when so executed and delivered, shall be deemed original, but such counterparts together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

11. PROPOSER QUALIFICATIONS

Each Proposer, regardless of the form of its business entity, must meet the following requirements.

Failure to meet all requirements may be cause for rejection of a proposal. If Proposer is a partnership or a joint venture, at least one general partner or constituent member must meet the requirements. Each

Proposer must:

• Provide evidence that it has a minimum of two continuous years of experience within the last five years of providing and implementing Consultation Services relating to the required services and deliverables described in this RFP.

o Required Qualifications:

a. Proven experience as a Strategic Planner or Business Consultant

b. Understanding of research and data analysis

c. Knowledge of government, social service or non-profit operations and procedures

d. Demonstrable strategic thinking abilities

e. Demonstrable meeting facilitation abilities

f. Analytical mind with problem-solving aptitude

g. Organizational and leadership skills

h. Excellent communication skills

i. Working knowledge of public health sector o Preferred Qualifications

a. Knowledge or familiarity of the City of Cleveland and surrounding areas

b. Commitment to building anti-racist and pro-equity spaces

c. Ability to accommodate in-person and virtual work processes as needed

• Be authorized to conduct business in the State of Ohio, County of Cuyahoga and the City of

Cleveland.

• Possess or demonstrate it qualifies for all applicable licenses, certificates, permits, or other authorizations required by any governmental authority, including the City, having jurisdiction over the operations of the Successful Proposer and the proposed services.

• Submit with its proposal at least three (3) written, verifiable, references dated within the last six months from clients for which the Proposer has rendered services substantially similar to those sought by this RFP, and recommending Proposer for selection for such services.

12. PROPOSAL CONTENTS

Technical Proposal

A. Table of contents: Include the section header and page number for each criterion below.

B. Cover Letter: The cover letter shall identify and introduce the Proposer and provide other general information about Proposer’s business organization including, at least, in one or more attachments or in the Proposal, Proposer’s name, principal address, federal ID number, telephone and facsimile numbers, and e-mail address.

1. If a corporation, provide the state of incorporation, and the full name, title, and experience of each high level corporate officer. If the Proposer is not an Ohio corporation, please state whether or not the Proposer is qualified to do business in the State of Ohio as a foreign corporation. A foreign corporation must provide evidence, prior to execution of a contract, that is qualified to do business in the State of Ohio or it must register with the Ohio Secretary of State.

2. If the Proposer is a sole proprietorship, state the name of the proprietor doing business.

3. If a partnership, state the full name, address and other occupation, if any, of each partner;

whether the partner is a general or limited partner, and whether active or passive; state each partner’s experience and the proportionate share of the business owned by each partner.

4. If a joint venture, state the name of each firm participating in the joint venture and each principal officer of each firm; each officer’s experience and the proportionate share of the joint venture owned by each joint venture partner.

C. Executive Summary: A maximum two-page summary of key proposal features. The Executive

Summary should provide a complete and concise summary of Proposer’s background, area(s) and level(s) of expertise, relevant experience and ability to meet the requirements of this RFP. The

Executive Summary should briefly state why Proposer is the best candidate for the engagement. The Summary should be organized so it can serve as a stand-alone summary apart from the remainder of the proposal.

D. Exceptions: Proposer shall itemize any exceptions it has to the RFP. If it has no exceptions to or deviations from any part of this RFP, it shall so state on an “Exceptions” page. If no deviations or exceptions are identified, Proposer understands that if the City accepts the Proposer’s proposal, it must comply with and conform to all of the requirements of the RFP.

E. Qualifications: Description of experience and capabilities in the applicable field(s), responsive to minimum qualifications described in Section 5 above, including:

1. A description of the nature of the firm’s experience in providing the service(s) and/or product(s) sought by this RFP and state the number of persons currently employed for such purpose.

2. The total number of such engagements and the clients comparable to the City for which the firm has provided like or similar services within the last five (5) years.

3. The name, location, and date of all Proposer’s agreements for like services that have been terminated, canceled, or suspended prior to completion of the engagement or expiration of the full term within the past five (5) years, and any judgment terminating, or any pending lawsuits or unresolved claims or disputes for damages or termination of such agreements within the past five (5) years.

F. Proposed Services/Solution: Detailed narrative describing proposer’s project approach. This should not be a restatement of the RFP Scope of Services.

1. Proposer shall describe in detail how Proposer’s management and operating plan for delivery of the services for the engagement or project will achieve the intent and goal(s) of the

RFP. In its response to this sub-section, Proposer shall provide or describe:

a. An organizational chart specific for the proposed engagement or project;

b. Resumes of key management personnel;

c. An operational plan describing in detail how Proposer will achieve the intent and purpose(s) of the engagement or project;

d. If applicable, a detailed description of the professional services/training to be provided;

e. Trouble shooting/follow-up protocols;

f. One or more charts setting forth project tasks or services, identifying team member(s) responsible for each task, by name or position/job title, and timelines for completion of each task and delivery of deliverable(s) for each task, and the overall project.

Price Proposal

A. Fees and Expenses. Fee proposals should be submitted in a separate pdf and will not be scored

1. Itemize the fee by project phase or other divisible unit completed, in dollars and percentage, or by deliverable.

2. Proposer shall provide its best estimate of expenses including, but not limited to, travel and associated expenses.

3. No qualification of the financial offer will be accepted. The fee proposal shall be a firm and final amount including…