RESPONSES TO QUESTIONS 7-20-26.pdf

CatalystQ RFP – Official Responses to Questions 7-20-2026

1. Does QACETD have a preferred curriculum framework, or is the selected contractor expected to design the program entirely?

QACETD has intentionally not prescribed a curriculum. The County seeks an outcome-driven accelerator program that incorporates the required service areas identified in the RFP while allowing proposers the flexibility to recommend an instructional framework and curriculum based on demonstrated best practices.

2. Is the target audience primarily startup businesses, existing businesses seeking growth, or a combination of both?

A combination of both. The program is intended to support minority entrepreneurs at varying stages of business development, including individuals preparing to launch as well as existing businesses seeking growth, expansion, or increased operational capacity.

3. Will QACETD recruit and select program participants, or is participant recruitment an expected responsibility of the selected contractor?

QACETD anticipates leading participant recruitment and selection in collaboration with the selected contractor. The contractor will be expected to assist with outreach and provide recommendations regarding participant readiness and fit for the program.

4. Are indirect or administrative costs allowable? If so, is there a maximum percentage?

The total budget for this program is $45,000. Reasonable indirect and administrative costs may be included if clearly justified within the budget narrative. No specific indirect cost cap has been established; however, proposals emphasizing direct program delivery and participant impact will be viewed more favorably.

5. Does QACETD anticipate awarding the full $45,000 to a single organization or dividing funds among multiple vendors?

QACETD reserves the right to award funding to one or more organizations based upon the quality of proposals received and the County's determination of the most advantageous approach.

6. Will facility costs be covered by QACETD or should proposers budget for facility-related expenses?

QACETD intends to work collaboratively with the selected contractor to identify an appropriate location. Proposers should identify any anticipated facility costs within their budget and clearly note any assumptions. There are several free or low-cost facility options within the county.

7. Are virtual or hybrid components acceptable?

The County expects the program to be delivered primarily in person. Limited hybrid or virtual components may be proposed when they enhance participant access or provide specialized expertise.

8. What reporting requirements will be expected?

The selected contractor should anticipate providing monthly progress reports, participant attendance, program milestones, budget updates, and a final report summarizing participant outcomes, lessons learned, and recommendations for future cohorts.

9. Does the County anticipate serving a single cohort of approximately ten businesses again?

The anticipated cohort size remains approximately 5–10 participants. Proposers may recommend alternative cohort structures if they demonstrate greater program effectiveness within the available budget.

10. Does the County have a preferred meeting cadence?

No. Proposers should recommend a schedule that supports participant engagement while recognizing that many participants will be balancing business and employment responsibilities

11. Is the County seeking a prescribed curriculum?

No. The County seeks a comprehensive entrepreneurship accelerator aligned with the required service areas identified in the RFP.

12. Are there minimum expectations for one-on-one coaching?

No minimum has been established. Proposers should recommend an appropriate level of individualized coaching to maximize participant success.

13. Should professional services such as legal and accounting be included?

Yes. Proposers are encouraged to include qualified subject matter experts capable of delivering the required technical assistance areas identified in the RFP.

14. If participant mini grants are included, who administers them?

QACETD will provide funding and administer participant mini grants. The contractor may assist participants in identifying appropriate uses and preparing requests but will not administer grant funds.

15. What key performance measures will be used?

Performance measures may include:

• Participant completion rates

• Business launches

• Revenue growth

• Job creation or retention

• Increased access to capital

• Business licensing and compliance

• Procurement readiness

• Participant satisfaction

• Completion of business plans and growth strategies

Proposers are encouraged to recommend additional measurable outcomes.

16. Does the County anticipate post-program coaching?

Limited follow-up support is encouraged and may be proposed if budget allows.

18. Will reporting templates be provided?

The County expects proposers to recommend an evaluation framework. Reporting templates may be developed collaboratively during contract negotiations.

19. Will Chesapeake College serve as the training location?

No location has been finalized. QACETD will work with the selected contractor to identify an appropriate venue.

20. What is the County's vision for the next phase of CatalystQ?

The County seeks to build upon the inaugural program by expanding access, strengthening business sustainability, increasing technical assistance, improving participant outcomes, and creating stronger long-term connections within the local entrepreneurial ecosystem.

21. What types of minority-owned businesses are you most interested in supporting?

The County welcomes businesses representing diverse industries and backgrounds. Priority will be given to businesses demonstrating commitment to operating and growing within Queen Anne's County.

22. How does the County define "operating in Queen Anne's County"?

Businesses should either be physically located in Queen Anne's County or demonstrate a significant commitment to serving the County's residents, businesses, or economy.

23. What characteristics distinguish between the strongest proposals?

Competitive proposals will demonstrate:

• Strong experience supporting minority entrepreneurs

• Innovative yet practical program design

• Qualified staff and partners

• Clear implementation plan

• Measurable outcomes

• Cost effectiveness

• Community partnerships

• Commitment to equity and inclusion

24. Are partnerships viewed favorably?

Yes. Partnerships with educational institutions, community organizations, business support organizations, financial institutions, and technical experts are encouraged where they strengthen program delivery.

25. Would hybrid delivery with specialized guest experts be acceptable?

Yes. While the County expects the program to be primarily in person, specialized guest speakers may participate virtually when appropriate and beneficial.

26. Are there insurance requirements?

The selected contractor must comply with Queen Anne's County standard procurement and insurance requirements. For Details visit https://www.qac.org/593/Procurement

27. Are partnerships and subcontractors permitted?

Yes.

28. What KPIs will evaluate contractor performance?

KPIs should include participant engagement, completion, business growth, technical assistance utilization, participant satisfaction, and measurable business outcomes.

https://www.qac.org/593/Procurement

29. What is the anticipated payment schedule?

Payment terms will be negotiated with the selected contractor and are expected to be based on contract milestones or periodic invoicing.

30. What government contracting readiness assistance is expected?

The County encourages programming that prepares businesses for government contracting, including business certifications, procurement readiness, and proposal development.

31. Can the County share lessons learned from the 2025 cohort?

The inaugural cohort demonstrated the value of combining structured business education with individualized technical assistance and networking opportunities. The County encourages proposers to build upon these strengths while introducing innovative approaches that increase participant outcomes and long-term business sustainability.