Professional Services RFP OPA Mass Appraisal Eval SC.v2.docx

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Consulting services for Office of Property Assessment Mass Appraisal Evaluation
Solicitation number
21260922161045
Issued by
Philadelphia County, Philadelphia City, Pennsylvania

About this file

This is a Professional Services Request for Proposal (RFP) issued by the City of Philadelphia's Office of Property Assessment for consulting services to conduct a comprehensive mass appraisal evaluation. The RFP seeks qualified consulting firms to evaluate the City's current mass appraisal system, processes, and practices, with deliverables including a detailed assessment report, recommendations for improvements, and implementation strategies. The scope of work encompasses a thorough review of the Office of Property Assessment's operations, data management systems, valuation methodologies, and overall organizational effectiveness. The RFP requires interested consultants to submit proposals by the specified deadline, with evaluation criteria focusing on relevant experience, technical qualifications, proposed methodology, and cost. The contract term is anticipated to span twelve months from the notice to proceed, with potential renewal options based on performance and funding availability.

Pricing is to be submitted on a time-and-materials basis or fixed-fee structure, as detailed in the proposal submission requirements. The City seeks to award the contract to the most qualified consultant offering the best value to the municipality. The engagement is intended to support the Office of Property Assessment in enhancing its mass appraisal operations and ensuring equitable property valuations across Philadelphia. Funding for this consulting engagement will be provided through the City's operational budget. The RFP emphasizes the importance of selecting a consultant with demonstrated expertise in mass appraisal systems, property assessment practices, and municipal finance to deliver actionable recommendations that improve the efficiency and accuracy of the City's property assessment processes.

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Cherelle L. Parker, Mayor Rob Dubow, Director of Finance The City of Philadelphia

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR

OFFICE OF PROPERTY ASSESSMENT MASS APPRAISAL WORK SUMMARY:

The Office of the Director of Finance is seeking proposals from qualified firms to produce a comprehensive evaluation of the mass appraisal practices by the City of Philadelphia’s Office of Property Assessment.

PROPOSED COMPENSATION:

Not to exceed $100,000.

RFP ISSUE DATE:

September 29, 2026

RESPONSE DEADLINE:

No later than 5 pm Philadelphia Time on November 12, 2026. A complete proposal must be submitted by this time to be considered. Proposals in-process are incomplete.

OFFICIAL RFP CONTACT:

Sarah Novak Chief of Staff, Office of the Director of Finance Sarah.Novak@phila.gov

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS:

All proposals must be submitted electronically to the correct contract opportunity established for this RFP (identified by opportunity number) through eContract Philly at https://philawx.phila.gov/econtract/

PS RFP Template Rev. Date: August 2026 Page < 1 >

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.INTRODUCTION4
1.1 Values4
1.2 Contracting with the City of Philadelphia4
1.3 Contacting Us5
1.4 Feedback about this RFP5
2. THE OPPORTUNITY6
2.1 Summary6
2.2 Background6
2.3 RFP Schedule7
2.4 Outcome Goals7
2.5 Award Terms8
3. SCOPE OF WORK8
3.1Description of Services8
3.2Performance Metrics, Contract Management & Payments10
4. HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR RESPONSE12
4.1 What You Must Include in Your Proposal12
4.2 How To Submit Your Application15
4.3 Proposal Binding17
5. HOW WE CHOOSE17
6. GENERAL RULES GOVERNING RFPs/PROPOSALS19
6.1 Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)20
6.2 Special Rules Applicable to Joint Ventures20
6.3 Mandatory Political Contribution Disclosures and Penalties21
6.4 Political Contribution Limits for City Contractors21
6.5 City Employee Conflict Provision22
6.6 Reservation of Rights22
6.7 Confidentiality and Public Disclosure22
APPENDICES23
Appendix A – General Provisions23
Appendix B – Small & Local Business Plan24
Appendix C - City of Philadelphia Tax and Regulatory Status and Clearance Statement25

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Values

The City of Philadelphia is committed to ensuring all businesses have access to contracting opportunities with the City and seeks to promote the economic development of small and local businesses.

IF ELIGIBLE, YOU ARE ENCOURAGED TO:

· Apply for Local Business Entity (LBE) certification with City’s Procurement Department. If you provide your LBE status and/or promise to have a Local Impact, this must be used by the contracting department as a positive factor in evaluation and potential selection. Additionally, some opportunities are exclusively reserved for LBE certified businesses.

· Register as a certified Small Business Enterprise (SBE) with the City’s Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO) and be added to the OEO’s registry of certified businesses. The City and prime contractors use this registry to find and solicit small business vendors for contracts and subcontracts.

· Get Paid Faster! Enroll on the Vendor Payment Portal to effortlessly submit electronic invoices and monitor payment progress 24/7. The process of submitting invoices through the Vendor Payment Portal is user-friendly, efficient, and free.

LBEs and SBEs are encouraged to respond directly to this RFP.

1.2 Contracting with the City of Philadelphia

Consistent with our values, the City requires that all contractors and subcontractors comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and policies, including:

CHAPTER 17-1300. PHILADELPHIA 21ST CENTURY MINIMUM WAGE AND BENEFITS STANDARD

CITY BUSINESS LICENSES AND PERMIT REQUIREMENTS

PAYMENT OF CITY BUSINESS TAXES OR OTHER INDEBTEDNESS OWED TO THE CITY

COMPLIANCE WITH OEO’S SMALL & LOCAL BUSINESS PLAN

Please closely review the City’s contract attachments including the standard terms and conditions found in the General Provisions under Appendix A of this RFP. Any contract resulting from this RFP will incorporate and be governed by these documents.

1.3 Contacting Us

For technical assistance with the eContract Philly website, email eContractPhilly@phila.gov or call (215) 686-4914.

· Please note the phone number provided is not a live helpline.

· Allow for two (2) business days prior to any application deadline to receive a response to your request. The City will not extend a deadline even if it has not responded to your question or request.

· All other questions regarding the RFP, including substantive questions, must be submitted in accordance with Section 2.3. Applicants are otherwise prohibited from contacting City representatives concerning this RFP or related matters.

1.4 Feedback about this RFP

The City recently updated the design of the RFP we use for Professional Services and would like feedback from vendors. If you have feedback you would like to share, please complete this voluntary survey. Thank you.

2. THE OPPORTUNITY

2.1 Summary

The Office of the Director of Finance is seeking proposals from qualified firms to produce a comprehensive evaluation of the mass appraisal practices by the City of Philadelphia’s Office of Property Assessment.

2.2 Background

Office of the Director of Finance Overview The Office of the Director of Finance oversees the City of Philadelphia’s financial, accounting, and budgetary functions, including establishing fiscal policy guidelines, overseeing the City’s budget and financial management programs, adding financial capacity throughout the government, and recording and accounting for all City financial activities. Finance administers the City’s payroll activities and risk management functions, issues financial reports, and oversees expenditures and reports on all grants.

The Office of Property Assessment reports to the Office of the Director of Finance. This Request for Proposals (RFP) is being administered by the Office of the Director of Finance.

Office of Property Assessment (OPA) Overview The Office of Property Assessment (OPA) is responsible for determining the value of all real property in Philadelphia for ad-valorum tax purposes through mass appraisal valuation and is dedicated to doing so in a fair, accurate, and equitable manner. OPA’s primary goal, through ongoing revaluations, is to improve the accuracy and uniformity of all property values and to instill confidence in Philadelphia taxpayers regarding the fairness of the property tax system, as well as the competency and professionalism of Philadelphia’s assessment office, OPA formulates assessment policy, establishes market areas, maintains records of assessments and real property data characteristics, conducts surveys and other assessment materials, and provides public and individual notice of assessments. OPA also provides reports to the Mayor, City Council, and Board of Education on the aggregate change of assessments on an annual basis.

Opportunity Statement The City of Philadelphia is committed to ensuring OPA determines the value of real property in a fair, accurate, and equitable manner, consistent with standards established by the International Association of Assessing Officers (IAAO) and recognized industry best practices. Through the RFP process, the Office of the Director of Finance seeks to engage a qualified firm to conduct a comprehensive analysis of OPA’s mass appraisal practices, procedures, and overall operations. The firm shall prepare and deliver both a detailed written report and an oral presentation summarizing its findings, analyses, and recommendations.

2.3 RFP Schedule

RFP Posted
September 29, 2026
Applicant Questions Due
Applicants must submit questions regarding this opportunity by October 13, 2026 at 5:00 PM Philadelphia time. All questions must be submitted via email to Sarah.Novak@phila.gov.
Answers Posted on eContract Philly
October 27, 2026, 5pm Philadelphia time
Proposals Due
November 12, 2026, 5pm Philadelphia time

Applicant Interviews, Presentations (City Discretion) Week of November 16, 2026

Applicant Selection
By November 23, 2026
Contract Execution
By December 23, 2026
Commencement of Work
January 1, 2027

The above dates are estimates only. Notice of changes in any pre-proposal meeting or site visit date, time or location, due date for Applicant questions, or proposal due date will be posted as a notice/Addendum with the original RFP on eContract Philly and will become a part of the RFP.

2.4 Outcome Goals

The Office of the Director of Finance’s goal is to publish an independent, comprehensive evaluation of OPA’s mass appraisal practices, procedures, and overall operations. The evaluation will include a review of OPA’s assessment quality, valuation modeling, data operations, appeals procedures, as well as an analysis of equity and fairness in assessment outcomes. The result of the evaluation will be a complete report, which will include recommendations, comprehensive and comparative analysis, and best practices that OPA may implement for the purpose of improving operations within IAAO guidelines. The selected firm will provide both a detailed written report and oral presentation. The written report and oral presentation will be delivered to the Finance Director, Chief Assessment Officer, the Mayor, City Council, and Board of Education, if required.

2.5 Award Terms

Term
The term of this contract is expected to start on or about January 1, 2026, and end on or about June 30, 2027.

The City may, at its sole option, amend the contract to add up to four (4) additional terms, each not to exceed one year.

Compensation
Contract will state maximum compensation including all expenses not to exceed $100,000.
Terms of Payment
Office of the Director of Finance reserves the right to condition payments on the satisfactory completion of the specified milestones, tasks, services, and/or work products listed under Section 3.1, Description of Services.

Compensation will occur in two 50% payments. The first 50% will be paid upon satisfactory completion of the first draft report as determined by the Office of the Director of Finance. The remaining 50% will be paid upon Office of the Director of Finance’s approval of the final report.

3. SCOPE OF WORK

The RFP is being issued to select a qualified firm to produce a comprehensive evaluation of OPA’s mass appraisal practices. The firm shall prepare and deliver both a detailed written report and an oral presentation summarizing its findings, analyses, and recommendations.

3.1 Description of Services

This Section 3.1, Description of Services includes the requirements for the project, including the services to be performed and the deliverables that must be met by the selected Applicant. The City reserves the right to change certain service requirements or deliverables based on changed circumstances, like a change in the business or technical environment or contract negotiations with Applicant(s) selected for negotiations, without issuing a revised RFP.

Applicants should read this section closely. An Applicant’s proposed scope of work must detail how they will meet the service requirements or achieve the deliverables described in this section. Applicants may also propose additional or revised services or deliverables to achieve the outcomes described in Section 2.3 Outcome Goals of this RFP. However, Applicants must explain why each of these additional services or deliverables are necessary, and when and how they will be completed.

General Requirements Below are general qualifications the selected firm must have:

· Experience in providing consulting services related to mass appraisal systems, property tax assessments, or similar large-scale valuation programs for government entities for jurisdictions similar in size and makeup to Philadelphia

· Strong expertise in statistical analysis, modeling, and evaluating data quality of large, complex datasets

· Demonstrated knowledge of mass appraisal methodologies, including IAAO standards and recognized industry standards, along with appraisal practices of comparable assessment jurisdictions

· Proven ability to analyze equity and fairness in public systems, including knowledge of fair housing laws and the application of disparate impact and Less Discriminatory Alternative (LDA) analyses

· Ability to perform an impartial, independent evaluation free from conflicts of interest

The selected firm shall be responsible for providing all necessary resources to perform the work, including, but not limited to, work materials, electronic equipment, lodging, and transportation.

Service Requirements The selected firm must, at a minimum:

· Provide the Office of the Director of Finance with a bi-weekly status or progress reports detailing completed tasks and, for tasks in progress, the estimated time remaining until completion.

· Assess and recommend improvements to data quality and availability, including identifying opportunities to incorporate additional internal, public, and third-party data sources, particularly related to property characteristics and condition.

· Evaluate and recommend improvements to assessment quality in alignment with IAAO standards and industry best practices, including reviewing valuation models, sales validation processes, and the representativeness of data used in analysis.

· Review and recommend improvements to modeling approaches, including how property condition, location factors, and market dynamics are incorporated into statistical modeling

· Conduct independent analyses of equity and fairness, including identifying any disparities in assessment outcomes across neighborhoods or populations.

· Perform a Less Discriminatory Alternative (LDA) analysis to determine whether modifications to current valuation methods could reduce disparate impacts without compromising accuracy or uniformity.

· Assess and recommend improvements to the role of OPA’s informal appeals, or First Level Review (FLR), process in overall assessment accuracy and fairness, including identifying any patterns or disparities in outcomes.

· Conduct interviews with OPA staff and relevant stakeholders, as necessary.

· Conduct field inspections, as appropriate.

· Provide actionable recommendations to improve uniformity, accuracy, transparency, consistency, and equity in OPA’s mass appraisal practices during interim project status check-ins, including discussion of preliminary findings, emerging issues, and potential opportunities for process improvement and operational enhancements. Deliver written report and oral presentation summarizing findings, analyses, and recommendations on or before June 30, 2027.

The Office of the Director of Finance anticipates the work for this project will be organized into the following milestones (at a minimum), i.e., group of tasks, services, and/or work products, listed below:

· Kick off meeting with Office of the Director of Finance and other stakeholders in August 2026.

· Conduct interim project status check-ins with Office of the Director of Finance and relevant stakeholders in January 2027, February 2027, and March 2027 to review progress, discuss preliminary findings, and address any emerging issues.

· Deliver complete first draft report, including an executive summary, for review before the last business day in April 2027.

· Deliver complete second draft report, including an executive summary, reflecting edits provided by Office of the Director of Finance, for final review before the last business day of May 2027.

· Deliver final written report approved by Office of the Director of Finance for release on or before June 30, 2027. The selected firm should also be prepared to provide an oral presentation by this same date.

City of Philadelphia Responsibilities The Office of the Director of Finance will review the draft report and provide comments and questions to the selected firm.

3.2 Performance Metrics, Contract Management & Payments

Performance Metrics The City of Philadelphia is interested in identifying metrics in order to monitor and improve performance during the life of the contract. The {department} has identified the following metrics and will work with the awarded provider(s) to add to or refine this list during contract negotiations. The final set of performance metrics and frequency of collection will be negotiated by each successful Applicant and the {department} prior to the finalization of an agreement between parties and may be adjusted over time as needed.

Performance Metric
Data Source
Data Collection Responsibility
Data Review Cadence
On-time submission of draft report
Various data sources
Selected firm
Periodic based on draft schedule

On-time submission of final report

Various data sources
Selected firm
Annual

The City expects that the contract resulting from this RFP will include performance and quality standards for the project. Specific performance standards, if applicable, will be detailed within the Provider Agreement.

Contract Performance Monitoring As part of the City of Philadelphia’s commitment to improved outcomes, the City seeks to actively and regularly monitor service delivery to enhance contract management, improve results, and adjust service delivery based on learning what works. Reliable and relevant data is necessary to drive service improvements, ensure compliance, inform trends to be monitored, and evaluate results and performance. As such, the City reserves the right to request/collect other key data and metrics from providers related to the performance of the contract and to reject any item of work that does not meet the performance standards described in the contract.

The Office of the Director of Finance will regularly meet with the selected firm to track progress and answer any questions that may arise.

How We Will Pay the Selected Applicant The contract for each chosen provider will include a contract maximum amount that cannot be exceeded without a written contract amendment. Applicants must provide a detailed cost proposal, with a line-item breakdown of the costs for specific services and work products proposed. Cost proposals must be “fixed price” proposals. The proposed price must include all costs that will be charged to the City for the services and tangible work products the Applicant proposes to perform and deliver to complete the project, including, but not limited to, costs for the following, if the Department is to pay for them: employee compensation and fringe benefits; communication; printing; administrative expenses; bonding; acquisition of real estate; rent, utilities, maintenance and security related to real estate; travel (reimbursable only at rates approved by the Department); project management; development; testing; implementation; maintenance; training; and all other work proposed. Any contract resulting from this RFP will provide for a not-to-exceed amount in the compensation section of the contract.

4. HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR RESPONSE

4.1 What You Must Include in Your Proposal

For your proposal to be considered, proposals must be submitted:

a) electronically;

b) through the City’s designated system (not email);

c) before the deadline; and,

d) signed by an authorized representative of the Applicant.

Additionally, your proposal must include the information listed in the Proposal Requirements below and be organized in the order shown. Failure to submit your proposal in the manner and format required by this RFP may result in your proposal being rejected.

Proposal Requirements:

1. Table of Contents

2. Introduction/Executive Summary (Give a short description of your proposal.)

Provide an overview of your company, the goods or services you offer and how you plan to meet the City’s needs.

3. Applicant Profile (Tell the City about yourself).

Please complete the Applicant information sheet and include it with your proposal submission.

Part 1. Please provide the following for the Applicant’s Business:

1. Name of Business

2. Business Address

3. Telephone Number

4. Fax Number (if applicable)

5. E-mail Address

6. Website Address

7. Federal Taxpayer Identification Number or Federal Employer Identification Number Part 2. Please provide the following for the Applicant’s Primary Contact:

1. Name

2. Job Title

3. Address

4. Telephone Number

5. Fax Number (if applicable)

6. E-mail Address Part 3. Please provide a description of the Applicant’s business background by answering the following:

1. What is the Applicant’s Business Organization type (i.e. corporation, partnership, LLC, for or not for profit, etc.)?

2. Is the Applicant’s Business registered to do business in Philadelphia and/or Pennsylvania?

3. What is the country and state of the Applicant’s business’ formation?

4. How many years has the Applicant’s business been operating?

5. What is the primary mission of the Applicant’s business?

6. What is the Applicant’s significant business experience?

7. Is the Applicant registered with OEO as a certified SBE or certified as an LBE by the Procurement Department?

4. Proposed Scope of Work (Tell the City what you propose to do).

Review Section 3 of this RFP, “Scope of Work” and directly state what services and materials you will provide to meet the City’s described needs. Be specific, and, as necessary, describe your services and materials in plain language for the evaluation team to understand. Include a proposed budget or cost proposal, and a schedule for when the services and materials will be provided.

5. Statement of Qualifications; Relevant Experience (Tell the City why you are the best choice).

Provide a statement of your relevant qualifications and demonstrate how your experience meets or exceeds the City’s requirements. Include a list and description of similar projects you have worked on, including the number of such projects and the amount of time spent on them.

6. References (Tell us who can vouch for similar work you have completed).

Provide at least three references, preferably for projects that are similar to the work sought by this RFP. Include the company/entity, a contact person’s name, the contact person’s title, their address, their email address, and telephone number. The more similar the reference is to the City the better, such as other local government entities.

7. Proposed Subcontractors (Tell the City who will work with you).

Please provide a complete list of prospective subcontractors with whom you plan to work on this project. Include:

· Company Name

· EIN

· Scope of Work

· SBE or LBE Certification (if applicable)

· Percentage of total work allocated to each firm

In addition, as required by OEO pursuant to Mayoral Executive Order 06-25, please complete the Solicitation & Participation Form included as an attachment to Appendix B and submit it as part of your proposal. This captures all S/LBEs you have asked to work on this project with you, whether they have committed to do so, and the amount or percentage of the overall contract anticipated to be paid to each.

8. Requested Exceptions to Contract Terms (Tell the City any changes you would like to the contract).

In exceptional cases, a successful Applicant might be afforded exceptions to the City’s Contract Terms. State if you would like to request exceptions to the City’s Contract Terms, including those contained in this RFP, including Appendix A and any other documents incorporated by link or reference. Identify the location of the proposed change as well as possible (noting the document, section, heading, and page), the reason for the change request, and proposed alternative language. The City may consider your proposed changes or may disqualify your proposal at its option. However, please be aware that exceptions are not made often and so you should thoroughly explain why the change is necessary and appropriate for the contract. Any proposed exceptions to the City’s Contract Terms are subject to various internal review procedures before they can be accepted. Note: Your proposal is a binding offer to contract and failure to propose exceptions binds you to the City’s terms, if your proposal is accepted.

9. Tax and Regulatory Status and Clearance Statement (Certify that you do not owe the City).

Obtain a Tax Clearance Certificate and complete Appendix C attesting to Applicant’s tax and regulatory compliance with the City.

10. Disclosure of Litigation, Administrative Proceedings, and Contract Defaults (Tell the City about any legal proceedings or contract disputes your company or its leaders were involved with).

Provide a description of any legal proceedings or contract disputes in the past five (5) years that might affect your business, finances, or ability to perform the work described by this RFP. Include all instances of litigation, bankruptcy, debarment, suspension, contract default claims, any criminal conviction or indictments, settlements, and court or administrative orders. For each matter, state the name and nature of the matter, the parties involved, and its current status. For contract disputes, provide the name and contact information for the opposing party. Provide the same information for any matter involving an officer, director, principal, partner, or affiliate of the Applicant, and for any intended subcontractor of the Applicant.

11. Statement of Financial Capacity (Demonstrate how stable your business is).

Provide documentation demonstrating fiscal solvency and financial capability to perform the work sought by this RFP. You may include any of the following:

· A general, independent statement of the Applicant’s financial condition, prepared by an external auditor or accountant;

· Applicant’s most recent audited or unaudited financial statements, including:

· Balance Sheet,

· Income Statement, or

· Cashflow Statement;

· Most recent IRS Form 990 (for non-profit organizations only); or,

· Any other documentation that demonstrates your financial capacity to meet the requirements of this RFP.

12. Local Business Entity or Local Impact Certification (Tell the City if you are a local business or how you envision affecting the local economy).

The City is committed to leveraging its buying power to uplift and grow our local economy, which will result in more jobs for Philadelphians, including local and small businesses. For this reason, the City will consider local impact as a significant factor in our proposal evaluation for this contracting opportunity. If you meet the requirements of a certified Local Business Entity (LBE), we strongly recommend that you get certified for free by following the steps found HERE and include a copy of your certification with your proposal and/or include a statement about how you envision impacting the local economy through this work.

13. Disclosure Requirements (Tell the City about your political contributions).

Excess political contributions to City candidates and incumbents can disqualify you from a City contract. Complete the mandatory disclosures required as part of the electronic application process in eContract Philly, including any local political campaign contributions, by selecting “Apply for Contract” from the opportunity information screen (where this RFP was located). Additional information and instructions are located under the “Disclosure/Eligibility” tab on the top of the eContract Philly homepage. Please make sure to review these requirements closely before completing these disclosure forms.

4.2 How To Submit Your Application

Online Submission Required by the Application Deadline You must complete your application through eContract Philly before the deadline to be considered for this contract opportunity. Proposals may be changed at any time up until the submission deadline and the City will not review your proposal until after the deadline. The proposal is not considered submitted until the “submit” button is pressed at the conclusion of the eContract Philly submission process. You will receive a confirmation email that your Application was submitted.

Applicants are encouraged to allow sufficient time to complete the application process in order to become familiar with the requirements of the eContract Philly interface, upload all required documents, and resolve any technical issues prior to the submission deadline. The City need not accept, and may discard, responses that are incomplete, late, or submitted in any other format.

Electronic File Limitations eContract Philly accepts attachments up to 8MB of the following file types: Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Project, Adobe PDF or in a compressed zip file. Larger attachments must be split into smaller attachments to accommodate this file size limitation. There is no limit to the number of attachments that may be uploaded.

Every Entity Applies for Itself Except in the case of Joint Ventures, which follow special rules described below, every entity must apply for itself. If the prospective applicant is not already registered with eContract Philly, you must first register for an account before you can apply to this opportunity. Note that each legal entity must have a separate account; you may not utilize or repurpose another entity’s account for this application. To identify each legal entity, the eContract Philly application system uses an entity’s Taxpayer Identification Number, either a Social Security Number (SSN) or Employer Identification Number (EIN). Make sure the Tax Identification Number associated with your profile matches the Tax Identification Number of the company that is applying. Applications from an affiliated entity or made on another entity’s behalf will cause the City to reject the proposal.

See the Joint Venture rules if you are applying on behalf of a Joint Venture.

Use the Submission Checklist Below This is a tool to help you to submit a complete, accurate, responsive, and on time application.

DOES MY RESPONSE MEET THE PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS?

Did you submit the proposal before the stated deadline of this RFP?

Did the proposal explain how Applicant meets the goals and objectives, tasks, milestones, and deliverables, and other requirements described by the Department in the Opportunity and Scope of Work sections?

Does your cost proposal meet the requirements under “Compensation”?

Does your service proposal meet the requirements under “Description of Services”?

Does your proposal meet the overall format and content requirements described in “What you must include in your proposal”?

If eligible, did you register with the Office of Economic Opportunity as a certified SBE or with the Procurement Department as a certified LBE?

If eligible, did you enroll with the City’s Vendor Payment Portal to effortlessly submit electronic invoices and monitor payment progress 24/7?

Did you review the entire RFP and contract attachments, including the Contract Terms and Conditions, and request any exceptions? You must propose contract language changes with your proposal or the City’s terms are deemed accepted.

Was the proposal submitted electronically through eContract Philly?

Did you complete the mandatory political contribution disclosures through the application?

Was the proposal submitted to the correct opportunity number?

Was the application signed by clicking on the “submit” button at the conclusion of the eContract Philly submission process? The proposal is not considered submitted until this button is pressed, regardless of when you started to complete the proposal. You will receive an email acknowledgment of your submission.

Was the individual who signed the application authorized to sign on behalf of the Applicant? For more information on who is authorized to sign your application, please see page 32 of the sample application found on eContract Philly here. You must be logged in to eContract Philly to access the document.

Does the Applicant’s eContract Philly Profile match the Applicant information provided in the proposal? Do the Taxpayer Identification Numbers match? (Do not use the SSN of the person filling out the proposal, unless the contract will be with that actual person; use the number of the entity applying and on its eContract Philly profile.)

Special Rule for Joint Ventures

4.3 Proposal Binding

Your proposal is a binding offer to contract for what you propose. Each Applicant agrees that it will be bound by the terms of its proposal for a minimum of 180 calendar days from the application deadline for this RFP and will enter a contract containing the same terms. If the City accepts your proposal as submitted, the City need not negotiate additional or different terms. Applicants must state clearly and conspicuously any modifications, waivers, objections, or exceptions they seek in a separate section of the proposal entitled “Requested Exceptions to Contract Terms.”

The City reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to negotiate terms and conditions different from and/or additional to the Contract Terms without notice to other Applicants.

5. HOW WE CHOOSE

The City will consider many factors, including cost, when evaluating proposals submitted to this RFP. While cost is an important factor, it is not the sole, or necessarily the deciding factor. The City may choose to award the contract resulting from this RFP to an Applicant whose proposal is the most advantageous to the City and in the City’s best interest even if the Applicant is not offering the lowest price.

The City will base its selection on criteria that may include, but are not limited to:

1. Superior ability or capacity to meet particular requirements of contract and needs of City Department and those it serves

2. Eligibility under Code provisions relating to campaign contributions

3. Superior prior experience of Applicant and staff

4. Superior quality, efficiency and fitness of proposed solution for City Department

5. Superior skill and reputation, including timeliness and demonstrable results

6. Special benefit to continuing services of incumbent, such as operational difficulties with transition or needs of population being served

7. Benefit of promoting long-term competitive development and allocation of experience to new, local, or small businesses

8. Lower cost

9. Administrative and operational efficiency, requiring less City oversight and administration

10. Anticipated long-term cost effectiveness

11. Meets prequalification requirements

12. Applicant’s Local Impact or LBE certification.

If a contract is awarded from this RFP, a notice will be published on the City’s eContract Philly website identifying the name of the selected Applicant and the basis for award to that Applicant, as well as the names of all other Applicants to this RFP. To access this notice, select the button that says “Notice of Intent to Contract” and search for your opportunity number.

6. GENERAL RULES GOVERNING RFPs/PROPOSALS

WHAT ARE MY RESPONSIBILITIES IF I’M AWARDED THE CONTRACT?

Maintain an active Business Income and Receipts Tax (BIRT) Account Number.
REGISTER HERE
Maintain an active Commercial Activity License (CAL) Number
REGISTER HERE
Obtain a Philadelphia Tax and Regulatory Status Clearance and return Appendix C and stay current with all City and School District taxes and fees or payment plans.
OBTAIN A TAX CLEARANCE CERTIFICATE HERE
Continuously disclose your political contributions and stay under the contribution limits that allow you to be awarded a contract.
SEE THE “DISCLOSURE/ ELIGIBILITY” TAB ON ECONTRACT PHILLY HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
Submit all Contracting Disclosures requirements. Provide demographic information about your workforce and your work for the City in the past five years (This is only required once an organization is awarded a contract with the City of Philadelphia).
CONTRACTING DISCLOSURE AND FILING INSTRUCTIONS ARE HERE

Pay a Contract Preparation Fee

SEE AND PAY THE FEE HERE

Contracts resulting from this RFP are “Service Contracts” and awarded Applicants, along with their subcontractors at any level, are “Service Contractors” who must comply with the 21st Century Minimum Wage and Benefits Standard found in Philadelphia Code Sec. 17-1300.
THE CURRENT LIVING WAGE RATE AND BENEFITS REQUIREMENTS AND APPLICABILITY CAN BE LOCATED HERE
If the awarded contract is valued at or over $250,000, you must extend Equal Benefits to life partners of employees that are extended to spouses of its employees, under 17-1900 of the Philadelphia Code.
INFORMATION REGARDING EQUAL BENEIFITS IS LOCATED HERE
Register for electronic payments
INSTRUCTIONS FOR REGISTRATION CAN BE FOUND HERE

Comply with OEO’s Small and Local Business Plan

SEE APPENDIX B

Comply with federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) if applicable.
SEE HIPAA SECTION BELOW

6.1 Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) The work to be provided under any contract entered into pursuant to this RFP may be subject to the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) or other state or federal laws or regulations governing the privacy and security of health information.

If the contract is with any of the “Covered Units” designated by the City or the chosen provider is otherwise a “Business Associate” under HIPAA, the selected Applicant must comply with the “Terms and Conditions Relating to Protected Health Information” which are posted on eContract Philly under the “About” section and which will be incorporated into the contract by reference.

6.2 Special Rules Applicable to Joint Ventures

Generally, applications submitted through eContract Philly from Applicants that purport to be filing an application on behalf of another individual or business entity will not be considered, even if the other business entity is an affiliate of the Applicant. In the case of multiple business entities that, if awarded a contract, have formed, or intend to form a joint venture to perform the contract, a single business entity may file an application on behalf of all such business entities, so long as: (i) the filing business entity is or will be a member of the joint venture, (ii) the application is made in the name of the existing or proposed joint venture, (iii) documentation is submitted with the application identifying all business entities that will comprise the joint venture, and demonstrating a binding agreement among those business entities to perform the contract as the joint venture identified in the application (for a joint venture that has not yet been formed, documentation signed by each identified business entity evidencing a commitment to form the joint venture if awarded the contract is sufficient), and (iv) the non-filing business entities are eligible for award of a City contract and make the disclosures required by Chapter 17-1400 of the Philadelphia Code (described in greater detail below) within fourteen (14) days after the joint venture receives notice that it has been awarded the contract.

6.3 Mandatory Political Contribution Disclosures and Penalties Pursuant to Chapter 17-1400 of the Philadelphia Code, Applicants are required to disclose the following as part of their required online application:

· their direct and indirect campaign contributions to:

· political candidates and incumbents who are nominated for, running for, or serving in, a local Philadelphia elected office; and

· political committees/parties that are operating in Philadelphia[footnoteRef:2] [2: State and federal campaign contributions do not have to be disclosed unless the subject/candidate in the campaign is also running for, or currently serving in a local Philadelphia elected office.]

· any consultants used in responding to the RFP and political contributions those consultants have made as described above; and

· whether the Applicant or any representative of the Applicant has received from any City employee a request for money or other items of value.

Applicants who make material misstatements or omissions in required disclosures may be prohibited from entering into contracts resulting from this or any other RFP of the City for one to three years and subjected to fines of up to three-times (3x) the amount that a contribution exceeded the political contribution limits, up to $2,000 for each contribution, pursuant to Section 20-1302 of the Philadelphia Code

For more information, please consult the text of Chapter 17-1400, the “Disclosure/Eligibility” tab on eContract Philly, e-mail econtractphilly@phila.gov, or call 215-686-4914.

6.4 Political Contribution Limits for City Contractors

The current contribution limits are adjusted every four years (starting in 2008) and are posted on the eContract Philly home page. The limits are established by law, apply continuously throughout the life of an awarded contract and for as long as the official benefiting is in office. Applicants are advised that individuals and businesses that make campaign contributions in excess of the amounts set forth in Section 17-1404(1) of the Philadelphia Code are ineligible to enter into a City contract or subcontract at any tier in excess of $10,000 for individuals or $25,000 for businesses. Contributions are attributed according to Section 17-1405 of the Philadelphia Code and Applicants should take this into consideration in electing to apply for this opportunity and in selecting subcontractors, if any.

Applicants certify that their subcontractors are eligible to work on City contracts and will be responsible for any consequence if that later proves untrue. To assist Applicants, the City has provided disclosure forms under the “Disclosure/Eligibility” “Subcontractor Disclosure” tab on eContract Philly for subcontractors to complete and provide to the Applicant at their option. These forms do not need to be submitted to the City.

6.5 City Employee Conflict Provision

City of Philadelphia employees and officials are prohibited from submitting a proposal in response to this RFP. No proposal will be considered in which a City employee or official has a direct or indirect interest.

6.6 Reservation of Rights

By submitting a response to this contract opportunity, the Applicant accepts and agrees to the City’s Standard Reservation of Rights, linked and incorporated in this document by reference, and to the terms of this contract opportunity, including all information contained in this RFP and information posted or accessible by link from the eContract Philly “Opportunity List” page, accessible under the “New Contract Opportunities” tab on the eContract Philly homepage.

6.7 Confidentiality and Public Disclosure

Each Applicant shall treat all information obtained from the City as a result of this opportunity or any resultant contract, which information is not generally available to the public, as confidential and/or proprietary to the City in accordance with the terms of any resultant contract. The Applicant shall exercise all reasonable precautions to prevent any information derived from such sources from being disclosed to any other person. The Applicant agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the City, its officials and employees, from and against all liability, demands, claims, suits, losses, damages, causes of action, fines and judgments (including attorney's fees) resulting from any use or disclosure of such confidential and/or proprietary information by the successful Applicant or any person acquiring such information, directly or indirectly, from the successful Applicant.

By submission of a proposal, Applicants acknowledge and agree that the City, as a municipal corporation, is subject to state and local public disclosure laws and, as such, is legally obligated to disclose to the public documents, including proposals, to the extent required thereunder. Without limiting the foregoing sentence, the City's legal obligations shall not be limited or expanded in any way by an Applicant's assertion of confidentiality and/or proprietary data.

APPENDICES

Appendix A – General Provisions THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACTGENERAL PROVISIONS FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Appendix B – Small & Local Business Plan

As attachments to Appendix B:

Appendix 1 – Participation Range Memo Appendix 2 – Solicitation & Participation Form Appendix C - City of Philadelphia Tax and Regulatory Status and Clearance Statement

CITY OF PHILADELPHIA TAX AND REGULATORY

STATUS AND CLEARANCE STATEMENT

FOR APPLICANTS

THIS IS A CONFIDENTIAL TAX DOCUMENT NOT FOR PUBLIC DISCLOSURE

This form must be completed and returned with Applicant’s proposal in order for Applicant to be eligible for award of a contract with the City. Failure to return this form will disqualify Applicant’s proposal from further consideration by the contracting department. Please provide the information requested in the table, check the appropriate certification option and sign below:

Applicant Name

Contact Name and Title

Street Address

City, State, Zip Code

Phone Number

Federal Employer Identification Number or Social Security Number:

Philadelphia Business Income and Receipts Tax Account Number (if none, state “none”)

Commercial Activity License Number (if none, state “none”)

____ I certify that the Applicant named above has all required licenses and permits and is current, or has made satisfactory arrangements with the City to become current with respect to the payment of City taxes or other indebtedness owed to the City (including, but not limited to, taxes collected by the City on behalf of the School District of Philadelphia), and is not in violation, or has made satisfactory arrangements to cure any violation, or other regulatory provisions applicable to Applicant contained in the Philadelphia Code.

___ I certify that the Applicant named above does not currently do business, or otherwise have an economic presence in Philadelphia. If Applicant is awarded a contract with the City, it promptly will take all steps necessary to bring it into compliance with the City’s tax and other regulatory requirements.

Authorized Signature Date

Print Name and Title image2.png image3.svg image1.png

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