RFP 2027 _ 02 _ Economic Development Plan Upd.pdf

12453 Highway 92, Woodstock, GA 30188

770-592-6000 ∙ www.woodstockga.gov

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

For

Economic Development Plan

RFP NUMBER

2027 – 02

RELEASED:

August 27th, 2026

DUE:

September 29th, 2026 10:30 A.M. EST

For all questions about this RFP contact:

Martyn Detz Financial Analyst: Purchasing

770-592-6000 Ext 1205 www.bidnetdirect.com//cityofwoodstock

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 PURPOSE

2.0 BACKGROUND

3.0 SCOPE OF SERVICES

3.1 OBJECTIVES

3.2 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIC PLAN

3.3 PROJECT TIMELINE

4.0 RESPONSE FORMAT AND COMMENTS

5.0 SELECTION CRITERIA

5.1 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PLAN DOCUMENT EXPERTISE/PERFORMANCE (30 POINTS)

5.2 STAFFING (30 POINTS)

5.3 APPROACH (20 POINTS)

5.4 AVAILABILITY (10 POINTS)

5.5 BUDGET (10 POINTS)

5.6 INTERVIEWS

5.7 SELECTION OF CONSULTANT

6.0 RFP PROCEDURES

6.1 RFP SUBMISSION

6.2 SCHEDULE OVERVIEW

6.3 PRE-PROPOSAL MEETING

6.4 RFP COSTS

6.5 RFP QUESTIONS/COMMUNICATIONS

6.6 RFP AMENDMENTS

6.7 PROPOSAL OPENING

6.8 PROPOSAL & AWARD BASIS

6.9 TIME OF COMPLETION

6.10 REJECTION OF PROPOSALS/CANCELLATION OF RFP

6.11 PROPOSAL WITHDRAWAL

6.12 MISCELLANEOUS

7.0 STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS

7.1 NON-COLLUSION AFFIDAVIT

7.2 CONSULTANT COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATIONS

7.3 INSURANCE

7.4 TAXES, FEES, CODE COMPLIANCE AND LICENSING

7.5 REFERENCES AND PROPRIETARY INFORMATION

7.6 ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION REFORM AND ENFORCEMENT ACT OF 2011

7.7 ANTI-BOYCOTT OF ISRAEL

7.8 TERMS AND CONDITIONS

EXHIBIT A: CONTRACTOR INFORMATION FORM

EXHIBIT B: E-VERIFY AFFIDAVIT WITH INSTRUCTIONS

EXHIBIT C: CONSULTANT COMPLIANCE FORMS

EXHIBIT D: VENDOR CONFLICT OF INTEREST

EXHIBIT E: LEGAL AD

RFP Number 2027 – 02 Page 3

1.0 PURPOSE

The City of Woodstock, Georgia, herein referred to as the City, is seeking proposals from experienced firms to develop a comprehensive, action oriented Economic Development Plan (EDP) that positions Woodstock for continued economic diversification and growth over the next ten (10) years. The Economic Development Plan must be evidence-based, community-informed, and implementation ready. The plan should align with the City’s Comprehensive Plan and should provide a long-term plan for increasing commercial investment, attracting new jobs, and identifying new economic development opportunities for the community to undertake.

2.0 BACKGROUND

The City of Woodstock, Georgia is a fast-growing community with a population of approximately 40,000 residents located approximately 30 miles north of Atlanta. The City’s corporate limits cover over 12 square miles and the City’s growth boundary agreement with Cherokee County provides additional area for potential future annexation and development.

The city has experienced a dramatic increase in both residential and non-residential development over the past 30 years, with strong demand for growth expected to continue, albeit with less green field development and more infill and redevelopment opportunities.

In addition to the numerous residential neighborhoods, the city has a vibrant downtown and strong job growth, with retail trade being the City’s largest employment sector.

Woodstock also has a wide variety of consumer commercial retail and restaurant businesses, ranging from large national firms to small locally owned businesses. With many key commercial areas built out, forward-looking design and future-proofing of future development is critical, particularly along the Hwy 92 corridor.

A number of parks and trails throughout the city provide opportunities for recreation and enjoyment of the outdoors. From playgrounds, sports courts, and fitness stations to paved multi-use trails and mountain biking trails, as well as a free outdoor concert series with attendance topping 16,400 at the largest show, the city supports an active lifestyle and superior quality of life.

3.0 SCOPE OF SERVICES

As part of the process the Consultant will:

a. Conduct a situational and comparative analysis, including but not limited to the following:

i. Economic baseline: current demographic, labor market, and economic conditions, including trends and key indicators.

ii. Commercial business, industry, and sector analysis

iii. Competitor analysis: benchmark Woodstock’s competitiveness against similar-sized Georgia or Southeastern United States municipalities.

RFP Number 2027 – 02 Page 4

iv. Investment readiness assessment: review of land supply, infrastructure, permitting, and incentives.

b. Perform a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis and identify key economic development challenges and opportunities

c. Identify existing assets, gapes, and opportunities across business support, land readiness, infrastructure, innovation, capacity, and talent development

d. Identify key sectors and create sector profiles with targeted strategies for investment attraction, expansion and retention

e. Conduct a comprehensive tourism infrastructure review to identify gaps, challenges and areas of opportunity

f. Define ideal target markets and audience segments and outline strategies to attract and engage these audiences

g. Create a comprehensive list of what tourism products, services, experiences, and events are currently offered both locally and regionally; identifying and prioritizing areas of opportunity based on the interests and what is sought by the key target markets

h. Explore how to best position tourism assets throughout the City’s community while leveraging existing facilities.

i. Develop and implement an engagement strategy that employs multiple methods, including interviews, focus groups, surveys, public meetings, and online engagement tools. The Consultant shall document and analyze all engagement activities and demonstrate how stakeholder feedback informed the development of the plan

3.1 Objectives

a. Prepare a long-term economic development strategy for the City which aligns with our Comprehensive Plan

b. Create a strategy to support and retain existing businesses and to attract new businesses and industries to the City

c. Create a strategy to encourage greater commercial investment in the City

d. Engage stakeholders and community members in the development of the strategy

e. Create an implementation plan with specific priorities and approaches for new initiatives

3.2 Economic Development Strategic Plan

a. Define a strategic vision, guiding principles, and economic development goals

b. Recommend short, medium, and long-term actions with timelines, performance indicators, resource requirements, and responsible leaders

c. Include a detailed implementation framework, incorporate measurable Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and a recommended reporting structure for annual monitoring

d. Identify funding tools, partnerships, and delivery models for implementation

RFP Number 2027 – 02 Page 5

e. Identify 3-5 immediate priorities achievable within the first twelve (12) months

f. Present draft and final versions of the Plan to staff, stakeholders, and the Mayor and City Council

The final plan should be actionable, aligned, accessible, and designed for communication to both internal and public audiences, consistent with the City’s branding and accessibility standards.

3.3 Project Timeline

It is expected that the project duration may be 12-18 months from the time a contract is awarded to the Consultant to the presentation of a draft plan for adoption by City Council.

Proposals should include any recommended deviations from this approximate timeline.

Proposed timelines should include expected stakeholder/community engagement as well as consideration of time for Board and Council informational presentations or work sessions, whether throughout the project or upon completion of a full draft plan.

4.0 RESPONSE FORMAT AND COMMENTS

The responses to this Request for Proposals should be limited to a maximum of 10 pages, not including examples. Proposals exceeding the limit may be removed from consideration. Example documents may be provided via web links and not count against page limits.

Section 1: Introduction

Cover Letter

The cover letter shall provide a summary of the information presented in the proposal, names and contact information of person(s) authorized to provide any clarification required, and a statement accepting the terms of this solicitation or noting specific exceptions taken to any of the terms and conditions specified in this document. This cover letter shall also include the name of the person(s) authorized to conduct final contract negotiations on behalf of the firm. Any addenda shall be acknowledged in the cover letter.

Table of Contents

The consultant’s proposal should include a Table of Contents referencing each information section of this RFP. The Table of Contents should be further subdivided to describe information included within each section of the proposal. *The Introduction does not count towards page count.

Section 2: Economic Development Plan Expertise/Performance

Executive Summary

The firm will provide an Executive Summary highlighting the firm’s unique qualifications and capabilities for this project.

Statement of Responsibility

The respondent must be the Prime Consultant. The Prime Consultant will be responsible for all work and subcontractors involved in the project. The Prime Consultant will submit a list of all participants in the project prior to the actual contract negotiations. If some or

RFP Number 2027 – 02 Page 6 all of the participants are not known at this stage, a selection strategy shall be identified noting which participants have not been selected.

Qualifications

A description of the firm with emphasis on work related to performing Economic Plan updates. Describe at least three (3) similar or related projects successfully completed within the last ten (10) years. A summary including the following information should be provided:

a) Overview of Plan(s) or Documents which fit this description;

b) Consultant’s role with the Plan(s);

c) Reference name with current contact information for each document;

d) Current status of the document (draft or adopted, level of implementation);

e) Nature of public involvement utilized, if any; and

f) Any innovative techniques employed or special focus areas explored.

Also, please provide a link to at least one complete copy of a Plan cited above.

References

Provide information on at least three (3) economic development contracts similar to the project proposed for the City that the respondent has successfully implemented within the last ten (10) years. At least one (1) reference must include a project with public input incorporated into the project. References shall include:

o Customer Name o Name, Telephone Number, and Email of Contact o Brief Description of the Project o Project Beginning and Ending Dates o Project Cost and Change Orders o Public Input (if applicable)

Section 3: Staffing

Provide a description of the qualifications and experience of the key team members who will be working on this project. Describe the experiences of the team members regarding similar projects and include any special skills or experience that key personnel might contribute to the successful completion of this economic plan update. Provide an organizational chart for key personnel responsible for project completion. Attach resumes of key personnel who will have a role in the project. Provide the dedication of time available for any team member, playing a significant role in the project. If sub-consultants are utilized, a detailed explanation of the responsibilities of each firm should be provided.

Section 4: Approach

This section shall Include any information demonstrating understanding and insights related to the project’s scope of work and the Consultant’s approach for addressing the project. The Consultant shall provide a work plan with a projected schedule and the key members of their

RFP Number 2027 – 02 Page 7 team involved in each section of the project. The consultant shall demonstrate a plan for innovative community engagement that will ensure the economic development plan fully addresses the items in the Scope of Services.

Section 5: Budget

Detailed and itemized project budget with a guaranteed maximum fixed price for all services provided. Total budget should, at a minimum, be broken down by work phase, work product, and sub-consultant (if applicable). The Consultant’s charge for reimbursable expenses should be included. If the proposal includes optional items, costs for each item shall be provided. The total budget for this project is $60,000 split over multiple fiscal years.

Section 6: Additional Information

Responses must also include the Contractor Information Page (Exhibit A), E-Verify (Exhibit B), Consultant Compliance Certifications (Exhibit C), Conflict of Interest (Exhibit D), W9 and Certificate of Insurance, all of which will not count against the ten (10) page limit.

5.0 SELECTION CRITERIA

The City will determine the lead consultant and supporting team believed to be most qualified to provide full consulting services for this project as described in section 3.0. Responses to the RFP will be ranked in order by the selection committee using an evaluation process based on the criteria set forth below. The selection criteria are as follows:

Economic Development Plan Update

Economic Development Plan Expertise & Performance 30 points

Staffing 30 points Approach 20 points Availability 10 points Budget 10 points Total points possible 100 points

The City may, during the course of the evaluation process, request additional information to supplement and/or clarify the information provided.

5.1 Economic Development Plan Document Expertise/Performance (30 points)

Review of the Individual’s past performance producing an Economic Development Plan. Teams will be selected based on the provision of a full and complete submittal that demonstrates a track record of successful completion of comparable projects and that illustrates a commitment to a high-quality process and product. A summary including the following information should be provided:

a.) Overview of Economic Development Plan(s) completed for jurisdiction(s);

b.) Individual’s role with the Economic Development Plan(s);

c.) Reference name with current contact information for each document;

RFP Number 2027 – 02 Page 8 d.) Current status of the document (draft or adopted);

e.) Nature of public involvement utilized; and f.) Any innovative techniques employed.

Also, please include or provide a link to at least one complete copy of an Economic Development Plan cited above.

5.2 Staffing (30 points)

Evaluation of the Individual specifically proposed for this assignment, including his/her qualifications, overall experience and recent experience drafting and updating economic development plans and similar complex visioning documents. Additionally, each member of the proposed team, if any, in a supporting role, must possess relevant experience with his/her supporting role and demonstrable experience thereof.

5.3 Approach (20 points)

Evaluation of the overall understanding of the scope of the Deliverable; completeness, adequacy and responsiveness to the required information of the request for proposals. This should include details of how you would conduct the update process. Inclusion of a realistic and detailed project approach that clearly outlines path for achieving the project goals within the proposed timeline is critical. Consideration will also be given for innovative or otherwise exceptional concepts and approaches.

5.4 Availability (10 points)

Evaluation of the work load of the Individual(s) to be assigned to the proposed project and their company to be able to complete the scope of services by the deadline in section 3.4.

5.5 Budget (10 points)

The proposed budget itemized by tasks and total cost stated by firm’s fixed fee is within budget for the project. Labor and direct costs are identified by tasks. Hourly rates for project staff are provided.

5.6 Interviews

Upon completion of the review period, the City may notify the consultant(s) whose proposal will be considered for further evaluation and consideration. All consultants so notified may be asked to make presentations in an interview. Tentative interviews will be scheduled during the week of October 12 and will last an estimated 30 minutes. Times will be further defined once short-listed firms are notified.

The interview will provide an opportunity for firms to explain their economic development plan experience, meet staff and further explain project approach. The interview shall be evaluated and ranked based on the same criteria above.

RFP Number 2027 – 02 Page 9

5.7 Selection of Consultant

The successful consultant will be selected in accordance with City procurement policies based on qualifications and anticipated costs. Final scope and fee will be negotiated with selected firm upon notice of selection. If the proposed firm and the City cannot negotiate an acceptable scope and cost, the second firm will be contacted and will enter into negotiations. The City reserves the right to reject any and all proposals at its discretion, and to waive any irregularity.

6.0 RFP PROCEDURES

6.1 RFP Submission

Interested parties must submit proposals electronically through Bidnet Direct to the City of Woodstock, Georgia by the due date for their proposals to be considered. Bidnet Direct can be found directly at www.bidnetdirect.com//cityofwoodstock or by visiting the City of Woodstock’s website. Fax and e-mail responses are not acceptable.

Responses to this RFP will be accepted until 10:30 a.m. (EST) on September 29, 2026 through Bid Net Direct.

The City of Woodstock, Georgia reserves the right to reject any and all responses resulting from this RFP. Late responses will not be accepted. If company response is sent or routed to City offices, the submission requirement has not been met and any such response will not be evaluated and will be disqualified from consideration.

6.2 Schedule Overview

This Request for Proposals is scheduled as follows:

August 27, 2026 September 3, 2026, 3:30 P.M.

September 10, 2026, 5:00 P.M.

September 17, 2026 (Estimated)

Release of RFP Pre-Proposal Meeting Question Deadline Responses Posted

September 29, 2026, 10:30 A.M.

September 29, 2026, 10:31 A.M.

Week of October 5th Week of October 12th (Tentative) October 26, 2026 Project Kick-Off Full Final Draft of Plan Final Draft of Plan to City Council for Adoption

Proposal Due Date Proposal Opening Evaluations Interviews RFP Award / Begin Negotiations November 2026 February 2028 May 2028

6.3 Pre-Proposal Meeting

A non-mandatory pre-proposal meeting will be held via remote meeting. The meeting will be conducted virtually via GoTo Meetings on September 3, 2026 at 3:30 pm.

RFP Number 2027 – 02 Page 10

Pre Proposal Meeting - RFP 2027 - 02 - Economic Development Plan Update Sep 3, 2026, 3:30 – 4:00 PM (America/New_York)

Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.

https://meet.goto.com/928399205

You can also dial in using your phone.

Access Code: 928-399-205 United States: +1 (872) 240-3212

Join from a video-conferencing room or system.

Meeting ID: 928-399-205 Dial in or type: 67.217.95.2 or inroomlink.goto.com Or dial directly: 928399205@67.217.95.2 or 67.217.95.2##928399205

Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:

https://meet.goto.com/install

6.4 RFP Costs

All costs incurred in the preparation and presentation of responses to the RFP shall be completely absorbed by the RFP respondent. All documents submitted as part of the RFP will become property of the City. Requests for specific material to be returned will be considered. Any material submitted that is confidential must be clearly marked as such.

6.5 RFP Questions/Communications

All questions about this RFP and submission requirements must be submitted in writing through Bid Net Direct. The City’s representative listed in this section will serve as the primary contact for this RFP.

Martyn Detz Financial Analyst Purchasing 12453 Highway 92 Woodstock, Georgia 30188 770-592-6000 ext. 1205 www.bidnetdirect.com//cityofwoodstock

Any unauthorized contact shall not be responded to and may result in the disqualification of the responder’s submittal. Answers to questions submitted via Bidnet Direct will be communicated to respondents via Bid Net Direct Communications by companies, its agents, employees, and/or representatives regarding its proposals or intention to submit a proposal in response to this RFP with any employee, agent, or representative of the City of Woodstock, other than the representative listed in Section 1.5, may be considered inappropriate communications.

RFP Number 2027 – 02 Page 11

If any such inappropriate communications are deemed to hinder, influence and/or alter the competitive proposal process, the City, in an effort to ensure a fair and equitable review and selection process, reserves the right to decline consideration of the offender’s sealed proposal.

6.6 RFP Amendments

It is the responsibility of respondents to check Bidnet Direct or the Georgia Procurement Registry for RFP information and addendums.

6.7 Proposal Opening

A clear, concise proposal in the specified proposal format is requested with all the necessary information included. Responses to this RFP will be accepted until 10:30 a.m. (EST) on September 29, 2026 through Bidnet Direct. Proposals will be publicly opened via GoTo Meetings on September 29, 2026, 10:31 A.M.

Proposal Opening - RFP 2027 - 02 - Economic Development Plan Update Sep 29, 2026, 10:30 – 11:00 AM (America/New_York)

Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.

https://meet.goto.com/406145677

You can also dial in using your phone.

Access Code: 406-145-677 United States: +1 (571) 317-3122 Join from a video-conferencing room or system.

Meeting ID: 406-145-677 Dial in or type: 67.217.95.2 or inroomlink.goto.com Or dial directly: 406145677@67.217.95.2 or 67.217.95.2##406145677

Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:

https://meet.goto.com/install

6.8 Proposal & Award Basis

The City reserves the right to accept or reject any and all proposals or any or parts of a proposal wherein its judgment, it will be in the best interest of the City; waive any technicalities/informalities in the RFP document and proposal process; and to qualify and award any or all of this contract in any manner in which the City, acting in the sole and exclusive exercise of its discretion, deems to be in the City’s best interest. If no acceptable proposal is received, the City also reserves the right to re-solicit proposals, at its sole discretion.

6.9 Time of Completion

Proposer hereby agrees to commence work under this contract on or before a date to be specified in a written "Notice to Proceed" of the City. Contract will be negotiated following award at council to the highest scored firm.

6.10 Rejection of Proposals/Cancellation of RFP

The City of Woodstock, Georgia reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, to waive any irregularity or informality in a proposal, and to accept or reject any item or combination of items, when to do so would be to the advantage of the City.

RFP Number 2027 – 02 Page 12

It is also within the right of the City to reject proposals that do not contain all elements and information requested in this document. The City reserves the right to cancel this RFP at any time. The City will not be liable for any cost/losses incurred by the Offerors throughout this process.

6.11 Proposal Withdrawal

A submitted proposal may be withdrawn prior to the due date by a written request to the City representative listed in Section 1.5. A request to withdraw a proposal must be signed by an authorized individual of the submitting company.

6.12 Miscellaneous

This RFP and any agreements related thereto must comply, inter alia, with all City laws and charters and are subject to all requisite City approvals including, but not limited to, City Management and City Council.

The City reserves the right to release modifications to this RFP or supplements to it from time to time. Firms are responsible for periodically checking Bidnet Direct for such modifications or supplements.

7.0 STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS

7.1 Non-Collusion Affidavit

By submitting a proposal, the respondent represents and warrants that no official or employee of the City has an interest, directly or indirectly, in the proposal or in the final contract award.

The respondent further understands proposals will be rejected if there is any evidence of collusion with another respondent. See form in Exhibit C.

Respondent agrees that it shall not engage in any activity or conduct that would result in a violation of the City of Woodstock, Georgia Code of Ethics.

Respondent certifies that this qualification, offer, or proposal is made without prior understanding, agreement, or connection with any corporation, firm, or person submitting a qualification, offer, or proposal for the same materials, supplies, services, or equipment and is in all respects fair and without collusion or fraud. Respondent understands collusive proposals is a violation of state and federal law and can result in fines, prison sentences, and civil damage awards. Respondent agrees to abide by all conditions of this qualification, offer, or proposal.

Furthermore, the respondent certifies that the firm has not divulged to, discussed or compared his proposal with other respondents and has not colluded with any other respondent or parties to this proposal whatsoever. Also, respondent certifies, and in the case of a joint proposal each party thereto certifies as to his/her own organization, that in connection with this proposal:

Any prices and/or cost data submitted have been arrived at independently, without consultation, communication, or agreement, for the purpose of restricting competition, as to any matter relating to such prices and or cost data, with any other respondent or with any competitor;

RFP Number 2027 – 02 Page 13

Any prices and/or cost data quoted for this proposal have not been knowingly disclosed by the respondent and shall not knowingly be disclosed by the respondent prior to the scheduled opening directly or indirectly to any other respondent or to any competitor;

No attempt has been made or shall be made by the qualifier to induce any other person or firm to submit a proposal for the purpose of restricting competition;

The only person or persons interested in this proposal, principal/principals is/are named therein and that no person other than therein mentioned has any interest in his proposal or in the contract to be entered into; and

No person or agency has employed or retained to solicit or secure this contract upon an agreement or understanding for a commission, percentage, brokerage, or established commercial agencies maintained by the Purchaser for the purpose of doing business

7.2 Consultant Compliance Certifications

Respondents agree to be bound by applicable Federal, State and Local laws, regulations and directives. See Exhibit C for all Consultant Compliance Certification forms.

Respondents must certify that they do not and will not maintain or provide for their employees any facilities which are segregated on a basis of race, color, creed, or national origin.

Respondents must certify that they have a drug-free workplace, if applicable.

Respondent certifies on behalf of itself, and all Participating Members, Major Non-Participating Members and Contractors identified by such Proposer as of the date hereof, as follows, are not presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, declared ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from covered transactions by any local, state or federal department or agency.

7.3 Insurance

No proposal may be withdrawn for a period of sixty (60) days after time has been called on the date of opening.

Upon successful negotiation and award of contract, the contractor shall provide the City with:

General Liability Insurance coverage with minimum limits of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 general aggregate

Evidence of required insurance shall be presented prior to the execution of the Contract.

Insurance policies to be carried under the agreement shall not be changed or canceled without a thirty (30) day written notification to the City of Woodstock, Georgia prior to change or cancellation.

7.4 Taxes, Fees, Code Compliance and Licensing

The firm shall be responsible for the payment of any required taxes or fees associated with the execution of this contract. The firm shall also be responsible for compliance with all applicable codes and statutes.

7.5 References and Proprietary Information

Submission of a proposal authorizes the City to make inquiries concerning the respondent and its officers to any persons or firms deemed appropriate by the City. Any proprietary

RFP Number 2027 – 02 Page 14 information that the respondent does not want disclosed to the public shall be so identified on each page in which it is found. Data or information so identified will be used by the City solely for the purpose of evaluation and contract negotiations only.

7.6 Illegal Immigration Reform and Enforcement Act of 2011

By providing a qualification or proposal, qualifier/proposer certifies that he/she is in compliance with O.C.G.A. § 13-10-90 and 91, et seq. No qualification or proposal will be considered by the City unless it is accompanied with a signed, notarized affidavit (EXHIBIT B) from the qualifier/proposer attesting to the following:

a) The affiant has registered with and is authorized to use and uses the federal work authorization program

b) The user identification number and date of authorization for the affiant; and

c) The affiant will continue to use the federal work authorization program throughout the contract period; and

The affiant will contract for the physical performance of services in satisfaction of such contract only with subcontractors who present an affidavit to the contractor with the same information required in subparagraphs (a), (b) and (c) of this paragraph.

7.7 Anti-Boycott of Israel

By signing and submitting this proposal and pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 50-5-85, respondent/proposer certifies that it is not currently engaged in, and agrees that for the duration of this agreement, it will not engage in a boycott of Israel.

7.8 Terms and Conditions

1. The City of Woodstock, Georgia hereby requests proposals for the goods and services inclusive of the services requested in the RFP.

2. City of Woodstock, Georgia reserves the right to evaluate the firm’s proposals. Only those firms who, in the opinion of the City, meet the minimum necessary proposals will have their price and contract/agreement evaluated.

3. All proposals, fee schedules and other documents furnished to the City of Woodstock, Georgia are subject to the Georgia Open Records Act.

4. Termination: The contract will be subject to the terms and conditions included in the Service Agreement. The City of Woodstock, Georgia reserves the right to cancel the agreement with cause, due to nonperformance and/or violation of contract terms.

5. The City shall be notified of business name change(s) in writing within thirty (30) days of changes.

6. The City shall be notified and approve of key personnel change(s) in writing prior to any changes.

This Section Intentionally Left Blank

RFP Number 2027 – 02 Page 15

EXHIBIT A: CONTRACTOR INFORMATION FORM

See following page.

City of Woodstock

12453 Hwy 92 • Woodstock, GA • 30188 • 770-592-6000 • www.woodstockga.gov

CONTRACTOR INFORMATION

Firm Name:

Contact Person:

Firm Address:

Phone:

Fax:

Email:

With this packet, please also provide a W-9 and Certificate of Insurance for the company/firm.

Signature – Authorized Officer or Agent Date http://www.woodstockga.gov/

RFP Number 2027 – 02 Page 16

EXHIBIT B: E-VERIFY AFFIDAVIT WITH INSTRUCTIONS

See following page(s).

INSTRUCTIONS

CONTRACTOR AFFIDAVIT AND AGREEMENT

By executing this affidavit, the undersigned contractor verifies its compliance with O.C.G.A. § 13- 10-91, stating affirmatively that the individual, firm, or corporation which is contracting with the City of Woodstock, Georgia (the “City”) has registered with and is participating in a federal work authorization program commonly known as E-Verify, or any subsequent replacement program, in accordance with the applicable provisions and deadlines established in O.C.G.A. § 13-10-91.

Furthermore, the undersigned contractor will continue to use the federal work authorization program throughout the contract period and the undersigned contractor will contract for the physical performance of services in satisfaction of such contract only with subcontract who present an affidavit to the contractor with the information required by O.C.G.A. § 13-10-91(b). Contractor hereby attests that its federal work authorization user identification number and date of authorization are as follows:

Federal Work Authorization User Identification Number

Date of Authorization

Name of Contractor

Name of Project Name of Public Employer

I hereby declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.

Executed on __________________, 201____ in ________________ (city), ______ (state).

Signature of Authorized Officer or Agent

Printed Name and Title of Authorized Officer or Agent

Subscribed and Sworn before me this the________ day of _______________, 201____, Notary Public My Commission Expires INSTRUCTIONS ONLY - C

OM

PLE

TE

FOLLOWING PAGE

E-Verify/Company ID Issued by the E-Verify Program

Date E-Verify/Company ID was issued by E-Verify

Contractor's Company/Firm Name

Name of project or type of service provided

City of Woodstock, Georgia http://www.woodstockga.gov/ welchcl Highlight welchcl Highlight

CONTRACTOR AFFIDAVIT AND AGREEMENT

By executing this affidavit, the undersigned contractor verifies its compliance with O.C.G.A. § 13- 10-91, stating affirmatively that the individual, firm, or corporation which is contracting with the City of Woodstock, Georgia (the “City”) has registered with and is participating in a federal work authorization program commonly known as E-Verify, or any subsequent replacement program, in accordance with the applicable provisions and deadlines established in O.C.G.A. § 13-10-91.

Furthermore, the undersigned contractor will continue to use the federal work authorization program throughout the contract period and the undersigned contractor will contract for the physical performance of services in satisfaction of such contract only with subcontract who present an affidavit to the contractor with the information required by O.C.G.A. § 13-10-91(b). Contractor hereby attests that its federal work authorization user identification number and date of authorization are as follows:

Federal Work Authorization User Identification Number

Date of Authorization

Name of Contractor

Name of Project

Name of Public Employer

I hereby declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.

Executed on _______________, 202____ in ________________ (city), _________ (state).

Signature of Authorized Officer or Agent

Printed Name and Title of Authorized Officer or Agent

Subscribed and Sworn before me this the________ day of _______________, 202____, Notary Public My Commission Expires

RFP Number 2027 – 02 Page 17

EXHIBIT C: CONSULTANT COMPLIANCE FORMS

EXHIBIT C1

NON-COLLUSION AFFIDAVIT OF PRIME CONTRACTOR

State of _

County of _

, being first duly sworn, deposes and says that:

(1) He is (Owner, Partner, Officer, Representative, or Agent) of the CONTRACTOR that has submitted the attached Bid;

(2) He is fully informed respecting the preparation and contents of the attached Bid and of all pertinent circumstances respecting such Bid;

(3) Such Bid is genuine and is not a collusive or sham Bid;

(4) Neither the said CONTRACTOR nor any of its officers, partners, owners, agents, representatives, employees, or parties in interest, including this affiant, has in any way colluded, conspired, connived, or agreed, directly or indirectly, with any other Bidder, firm or person to submit a collusive or sham Bid in connection with the Contract for which the attached Bid has been submitted to or refrain from bidding in connection with such Contract, or has in any collusion or communication or conference with any other Bidder, firm or person to fix the price or prices in the attached Bid or of any other Bidder, or to fix any overhead, profit or cost element of the Bid price or the Bid price of any other Bidder, or to secure through any collusion, conspiracy, connivance or unlawful agreement any advantage against The City of Woodstock, Georgia or any person interested in the proposed Contract; and,

(5) The price or prices quoted in the attached Bid are fair and proper and are not tainted by any collusion, conspiracy, connivance, or unlawful agreement on the part of the CONTRACTOR or any of its agents, representatives, owners, employees, or parties in interest, including this affiant.

Signed

Name

Title __

Subscribed and Sworn to before me this day of , 20 .

(SEAL)

Title

My Commission expires Date

EXHIBIT C2

CERTIFICATION BY CONTRACTOR REGARDING NON-SEGREGATED FACILITIES

The CONTRACTOR certifies that he does not, and will not, provide and maintain segregated facilities for his employees at his establishments and, further that he does not, and will not, permit his employees to perform their services at those locations, under his control, where segregated facilities are provided and maintained. Segregated facilities include, but are not necessarily limited to, drinking fountains, transportation, parking, entertainment, recreation, and housing facilities; waiting, rest, wash, dressing, and locker rooms, and time clock, work, storage, restaurant, and other eating areas which are set apart in fact, or by explicit directive, habit, local custom, or otherwise, on the basis of color, creed, national origin, and race.

The CONTRACTOR agrees that, except where he has obtained identical certifications from proposed subcontractors for specific time periods, he will obtain identical certifications from proposed subcontractors prior to the award of subcontracts exceeding $10,000.00 which are not exempt from the provisions of the Equal Opportunity clause, and that he will retain such certifications in his files.

The CONTRACTOR agrees that a breach of this certification is a violation of the Equal Opportunity clause in this Contract. The penalty for making false statements is prescribed in 18 U.S.C. 1001.

Contractor

Signature

Printed Name and Title of Signer

EXHIBIT C3

DRUG FREE WORKPLACE CERTIFICATION

CONTRACTOR certifies that they are a drug free workplace as described below and will maintain compliance with such for the duration of the agreement.

In order to have a drug-free workplace, a business shall:

1) Publish a statement notifying employees that the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of controlled substances is prohibited in the workplace and specifying the actions that shall be taken against employees for violation of such prohibition.

2) Inform employees about the dangers of drug abuse in the workplace, the business’s policy of maintaining a drug-free workplace, any available drug counseling, rehabilitation, and employee assistance programs, and the penalties that may be imposed upon employees for drug abuse violations.

3) Give each employee engaged in providing the commodities of contractual services that are under proposal a copy of the statement specified in the subsection (1).

4) In the statement specified in subsection (1), notify the employee that, as a condition of working on the commodities or contractual services that are under proposal, the employee shall abide by the terms of the statement and shall notify the employer of any conviction of, or plea of guilty or nolo contender to, any violation of Chapter 893 or of any controlled substance law of the United States or any state, for a violation occurring in the workplace no later than five (5) days after such conviction.

5) Impose a sanction on or require that satisfactory participation in a drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program if such is available in the employee’s community, by any employee who is so convicted.

6) Make a good faith effort to continue to maintain a drug-free workplace through implementation of this section.

As the person authorized to sign this statement, I certify that this firm complies fully with the above requirements.

Contractor Authorized Representative Signature

The undersigned Proposer certifies on behalf of itself, and all Participating Members, Major Non- Participating Members and Contractors identified by such Proposer as of the date hereof, as follows:

The undersigned certifies to the best of its knowledge and belief, that it and its principals:

a. Are not presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, declared ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from covered transactions by any federal department or agency.

b. Have not within a 3-year period preceding this proposal been convicted of or had a civil judgment rendered against them for commission of fraud or a criminal offense in connection with obtaining, attempting to obtain, or performing a public (federal, State or local) transaction or contract under a public transaction; violation of federal or State antitrust statutes or commission of embezzlement, theft, forgery, bribery, falsification or destruction of records, making false statements, or receiving stolen property;

c. Are not presently indicted for or otherwise criminally or civilly charged by a governmental entity (federal, State or local) with commission of any of the offenses enumerated in paragraph 1b of this certification; and

d. Have not within a three (3) year period preceding this application/proposal had one or more public transactions (federal, State or local) terminated for cause or default.

Where the Proposer is unable to certify to any of the statements in this certification, it shall attach a certification to its proposal or bid stating that it is unable to provide the certification and explaining the reasons for such inability.

Signature of Contractor’s Authorized Official

Name and Title of Contractor’s Authorized Official

Date

EXHIBIT C4

DEBARMENT AND SUSPENSION CERTIFICATION

RFP Number 2027 – 02 Page 18

EXHIBIT D: VENDOR CONFLICT OF INTEREST

City of Woodstock, Georgia

PROCUREMENT USE ONLY

___ Yes, named employee was involved in Bid/ Proposal process.

___ No, named employee was not involved in procurement process or decision.

VENDOR CONFLICT OF INTEREST DISCLOSURE FORM

All vendors interested in conducting business with the City of Woodstock, Georgia must complete and return the Vendor Conflict of Interest Disclosure Form in order to be eligible to be awarded a contract. Please note that all vendors are subject to comply with the City’s conflict interest policies as stated within the certification section below. If a vendor has a relationship with a City official or employee, an immediate family member of a City official or employee, the vendor shall disclose the information required below.

Certification: I hereby certify that to my knowledge, there is no conflict of interest involving the vendor named below:

1. No City official or employee or City employee’s immediate family member has an ownership interest in vendor’s company or is deriving personal financial gain from this contract.

2. No retired or separated City official or employee who has been retired or separated from the City for less than one (1) year has an ownership interest in vendor’s Company.

3. No City employee is contemporaneously employed or prospectively to be employed with the vendor.

4. Vendor hereby declares it has not and will not provide gifts or hospitality of any dollar value or any other gratuities to any City employee or elected official to obtain or maintain a contract.

5. Please note any exceptions below:

Vendor Name Vendor Phone Number

Conflict of Interest Disclosure*

Name of City of Woodstock, Georgia employees, elected officials, or immediate family members with whom there may be a potential conflict of interest.

( ) Relationship to employee __________________________ ( ) Interest in vendor’s company _______________________ ( ) Other __________________________________________

*Disclosing a potential conflict of interest does not disqualify vendors. In the event vendors do not disclose potential conflicts of interest and they are detected by the City; vendor will be exempt from doing business with the City.

I certify that the information provided is true and correct by my signature below.

Signature of Authorized Representative Date Printed Name and Title of Authorized Representative

RFP Number 2027 – 02 Page 19

EXHIBIT E: LEGAL AD

City of Woodstock, GA · Finance Department 12453 Highway 92 · Woodstock, GA 30188

(770) 770-592-6000

REQUEST FOR ADVERTISEMENT

ATTN: Legal Advertising, Cherokee Tribune FROM: Martyn Detz, Financial Analyst: Purchasing CC: Crystal L. Welch, Deputy, CFO DATE: August 24, 2026

ACCT #: 110581

TYPE OF AD: LEGAL/REGULAR

RUN DATE: Thursday, August 27, 2026 Thursday, September 3, 2026 Thursday, September 10, 2026

REF. NO.: RFP 2027 – 02 – Economic Development Plan

CITY OF WOODSTOCK, GEORGIA

RFP 2027 – 02 – Economic Development Plan

PROPOSAL ADVERTISEMENT

The City of Woodstock, Georgia, herein referred to as the City, is seeking proposals from experienced firms to develop a comprehensive, action oriented Economic Development Plan (EDP) that positions Woodstock for continued economic diversification and growth over the next ten (10) years. The Economic Development Plan must be evidence-based, community-informed, and implementation ready. The plan should align with the City’s Comprehensive Plan and should provide a long-term plan for increasing commercial investment, attracting new jobs, and identifying new economic development and tourism opportunities for the community to undertake.

RFP details and document information may be found by visiting Bid Net Direct or Georgia Procurement Registry. All questions must be submitted online through Bid Net Direct. Refer to Schedule of Events for deadline for submission of questions relating to the RFP.

All responses to this RFP must be received electronically through Bid Net Direct to the City of Woodstock, Georgia no later than 10:30 A.M. on September 29, 2026. Request for Proposals will be publicly opened, and firm names read aloud at 10:31 A.M. via GoTo Meetings (Link in Bid Packet). All Request for Proposals will be evaluated by the City and the finalists will be notified in accordance with the RFP schedule of events.

Schedule of Events: The following Schedule of Events represents the City of Woodstock’s best estimate of the schedule that will be followed. All times indicated are prevailing times in Woodstock, Georgia. The City of Woodstock reserves the right to adjust the Schedule as the City of Woodstock deems necessary.

Schedule of Events DATE TIME City of Woodstock release of RFP for Economic Development Plan 08/27/2026 ----------

Pre-Proposal Meeting via Go To Meetings – Link in Bid Packet 09/03/2026 3:30 PM

Deadline for submission of written questions and requests for clarification 09/10/2026 5:00 PM Deadline for submission of Proposals 09/29/2026 10:30 AM City of Woodstock completes evaluation and issues notification and other information to finalist firm

10/12/2026 ----------

RFP selection criteria will consist of the following:

Selection Criteria for Economic Development Plan Criteria 1 – Comprehensive Plan Document Expertise & Performance 30 pts Criteria 2 – Staffing 30 pts Criteria 3 – Approach 20 pts Criteria 4 – Availability 10 pts Criteria 5 – Budget 10 pts Total score possible 100 pts

The City reserves the right to accept or reject any and all bids or any or parts of a bid wherein its judgment, it will be in the best interest of the City; waive any technicalities/informalities in the RFP document and bid process; and to qualify and award any or all of this contract in any manner in which the City, acting in the sole and exclusive exercise of its discretion, deems to be in the City’s best interest. If no acceptable bid is received, the City also reserves the right to re-solicit bids, at its sole discretion. It is the City’s intention to negotiate a contract with the highest scored respondent.

For further information regarding this RFP, please call 770-592-6000 ext. 1205.

Please acknowledge the receipt of this notice and forward a copy from the newspaper. Thanks.