RFI_LENDING_PARTNERS_FOR_COMMERCIAL_ESTABLISHMENTS_(Addendum_#1_Revision).pdf

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City of Tampa

RFI LENDING PARTNERS FOR COMMERCIAL ESTABLISHMENTS

25-P-00139

Economic Opportunity

Lewina Woodard, Procurement Specialist

2555 E. Hanna Ave

Tampa, FL 33610

Phone: (813) 274-8354

Table Of Contents

1. Introduction

2. Project Details

3. Vendor Questionnaire

4. Attachments

Attachments:

Final RFI Document

1. Introduction

1.1. Summary

The City of Tampa’s Development and Economic Opportunity Portfolio is soliciting feedback from lending institutions interested in providing flexible, competitive financing terms to commercial establishments in designated areas to support neighborhood stabilization and economic revitalization. The City will be utilizing information gathered in this request for information to develop financing programs intended to support long-term objectives related to the Community Redevelopment Agency and a Retail Initiative in Low to

Moderate Income Areas. Information gathered will be utilized in developing an application for a lender referral list to provide the business community, participating in the City’s economic development programs.

1.2. Timeline

Release Project Date: February 26, 2025

Question Submission Deadline: March 24, 2025, 1:00pm

Proposal Submission Deadline: April 1, 2025, 1:00pm

1.3. Procurement Contact

Lewina Woodard

Procurement Specialist

2555 E. Hanna Ave

Tampa, FL 33610

Email: lewina.woodard@tampagov.net

Phone: (813) 274-8354

2. Project Details

The City of Tampa seeks to establish partnerships with qualified lending institutions to enhance access to capital for small businesses while streamlining the grant administration process. This initiative encompasses electronic bid submissions, comprehensive lending programs, and structured payment processes designed to support local business growth and development. Through this project, the

City aims to create a robust ecosystem of financial support that includes microloans, standard loans, and commercial mortgage options, complemented by efficient contractor payment mechanisms and clear eligibility requirements for participating lenders. The following sections detail the specific requirements, processes, and qualifications necessary for successful participation in this initiative.

2.1. Important Instructions for Electronic Submittals

The City of Tampa is accepting electronic bid submissions. Bidders shall create a FREE account with OpenGov Procurement by signing up at https://procurement.opengov.com/signup. Once you have completed account registration, browse back to this page, click on

"Draft Response", and follow the instructions to submit the electronic bid.

2.2. Scope of Work or Project Details

Please see the Attachments section for specifications and attachments.

2.3. Loan Programs

The City of Tampa is soliciting information from interested lenders on their programs to assist small businesses by offering competitive and flexible credit options in the form of microloans, standard, and/ or commercial mortgage loans for the following purposes:

• acquiring, refinancing, or improving real estate;

• working capital;

• purchasing equipment and machinery.

https://procurement.opengov.com/signup

Eligible credit activities by lending partners could include existing or proposed programs that may consist of (but are not limited to):

• Enabling the establishment and use of flexible credit requirements for lending activity to Eligible Projects, such as loaning funds for a greater percentage of the project’s cost than typical;

• offering discounted interest rates from lender’s existing loan policies and products to better meet market demand;

• waiving or changing typical lending policies and requirements, such as waiving origination fees;

• establishing a lender consortium to support a dedicated loan loss reserve or guarantee pool to offset increased risk of lending to Eligible Projects; or

• providing grants to Eligible Projects.

2.4. Direct Contractor Pay and Progress Payment Policy

This process is typically used for the CRA Commercial Grants listed in section 1.2. On a case-by-case basis, direct contractor and/or progress payments may be approved under the following conditions:

• Awardee must be receiving project funding from a lending agency utilizing an established billing and certified inspection process.

• Awardee must receive prior written approval from the CRA.

Funds for grant projects that have been approved for Legacy Credit may be disbursed as direct contractor payments up to the approved amount. Any required matching funds including project cost, in excess of the award amount, must be covered by the applicant and the funds verified prior to grant approval. A maximum of 20% of the overall project costs may be paid up front with the balance due upon completion. The City is soliciting information from interested lenders on their policies and procedures in regards to direct contractor pay and progress payments.

2.5. LENDER ELIGIBILITY

• Be a private, non-profit, quasi-public or tribally owned entity;

• Have at least five years of experience directly issuing and servicing loans to small businesses;

• Have at least five years of experience providing in-house management and/or technical assistance to its micro-level borrowers;

• All lending partners must utilize an established billing and certified commercial construction inspection process.

3. Vendor Questionnaire

1. Respondent Submittals (without Cost)*

Please Upload your COMPLETE response, including any and all required forms listed in the solicitation and the corresponding attachments.

(Do not upload cost information in here)

*Response required

2. Separate Cost Proposal*

Confirm that your fee proposal is not attached in your Proposal and is attached separately here.

*Response required

3. I certify that I have read, understood and agree to the terms in this solicitation, and that I am authorized to submit this response on behalf of my company.*

☐ Please confirm

*Response required