RFP-26095 - Disparity Study_8.6.26_FINAL.pdf

RFP-26095 RFP Template Effective Date:

MWBE Disparity Study 6/23/2025

200 EAST NORTH AVENUE

BALTIMORE, MD 21202

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

RFP-26095 - MWBE Disparity Study

ISSUED BY: Procurement Office

Baltimore City Public Schools 200 East North Avenue, Room 401 Baltimore, MD 21202 Attention: Katharine Kamieniecki

RFP NUMBER: RFP-26095

RELEASE DATE: Thursday, August 6, 2026

PRE-PROPOSAL

MEETING: Tuesday, August 18, 2026 @ 11:00 a.m., via MS Teams (See Part II § 3 for details)

QUESTIONS DUE: Tuesday, August 27, 2026 @ 3:00 p.m.

PROPOSAL DUE DATE: September 17, 2026 @ 11:00 a.m.

DIRECT INQUIRIES TO: Katharine Kamieniecki

PH: 410-396-1799

FX: 410-545-6977

E-mail: KMKAMIENIECKI@BCPS.K12.MD.US

Entities are cautioned not to make changes to any of the terms and conditions in this solicitation. Doing so may render an Entity’s Proposal unacceptable and subject to rejection. Questions and inquiries may be addressed as outlined in Part II, Item 4 of this solicitation. Any exceptions to the Baltimore City Public Schools’ (“City Schools’”) terms and conditions are not binding unless they are negotiated and affirmatively deemed mutually agreeable by the Entity and City Schools in an executed Contract. City Schools is not required to negotiate changes to its terms and conditions.

mailto:KMKAMIENIECKI@BCPS.K12.MD.US

RFP-26095 RFP Template Effective Date:

MWBE Disparity Study 6/23/2025

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I: SCOPE OF WORK

1.0 INTRODUCTION AND DEFINITIONS

2.0 BACKGROUND

3.0 MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

4.0 SCOPE OF SERVICES

PART II: GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

1.0 STATEMENT OF CONFIDENTIALITY

2.0 TERM OF AGREEMENT

3.0 PRE-PROPOSAL MEETING

4.0 QUESTIONS AND INQUIRIES

5.0 POINT OF CONTACT

6.0 CITY SCHOOLS PROJECT MONITOR/CITY SCHOOLS SUPERVISION

7.0 CONTRACT TYPE

8.0 PAYMENT TERMS

9.0 TRAVEL REIMBURSEMENT

10.0 ELECTRONIC PAYMENT

11.0 RFP REVISIONS

12.0 SUBMISSION DEADLINE

13.0 PROPOSAL OPENING

14.0 DURATION OF OFFER

15.0 MINORITY & WOMEN BUSINESS ENTERPRISE PROGRAM

16.0 E-MARYLAND MARKETPLACE ADVANTAGE

17.0 INSURANCE

18.0 LIQUIDATED DAMAGES

19.0 CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK/FINGERPRINTING/PHOTO IDENTIFICATION BADGE

20.0 LIVING WAGE –

21.0 BONDING ………………………………………………………………………………………………….18

22.0 TERMS AND CONDITIONS

23.0 STATE OF MARYLAND CERTIFICATE OF GOOD STANDING

24.0 UNNECESSARILY ELABORATE BROCHURES

25.0 SERVICE LEVEL AGREEMENT

PART III: PROPOSAL FORMAT

1.0 PROPOSAL SUBMISSION FORMAT

2.0 VOLUME I: TECHNICAL PROPOSAL FORMAT

3.0 VOLUME II: FINANCIAL PROPOSAL

4.0 VOLUME III: MINORITY/WOMEN BUSINESS ENTERPRISE M/WBE

PART IV: EVALUATION AND SELECTION PROCEDURE

1.0 EVALUATION COMMITTEE

2.0 EVALUATION PROCESS

3.0 EVALUATION CRITERIA

PART V: APPENDICES

APPENDIX A - SPECIAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR RFP’S

APPENDIX B - CITY SCHOOLS GENERAL ARTICLES

APPENDIX C - REFERENCES

APPENDIX D - NON-COLLUSION CERTIFICATE

APPENDIX E - DEBARMENT AFFIDAVIT

APPENDIX F - ANTI-BRIBERY AFFIDAVIT

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MWBE Disparity Study 6/23/2025

APPENDIX G - ETHICS CERTIFICATION

APPENDIX H – EDGAR

APPENDIX I - FINANCIAL PROPOSAL FORM

APPENDIX J - MBE/WBE DOCUMENTS

EXHIBIT A – EXECUTIVE SUMMARY – 2014 Study

THE REMAINDER OF THIS PAGE LEFT BLANK INTENTIONALLY.

RFP-26095 RFP Template Effective Date:

MWBE Disparity Study 6/23/2025

PART I: SCOPE OF WORK

1.0 INTRODUCTION AND DEFINITIONS

This Request for Proposals (“RFP” or “solicitation”) is soliciting qualified Entities to prepare a comprehensive and legally supportable availability and utilization study (“Study”) to assess the existence and persistence of discrimination, if any, against Minority and Women Business Enterprises (“MWBEs”) in the public and private sectors in the Baltimore region, as well as its extent and impact of discrimination on contracting and procurement opportunities with Baltimore City Public Schools (“City Schools”). For purposes of the Study, the Entity shall work within the constitutional parameters as set forth in decisions by the United States Supreme Court, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, the U.S. District Court of Maryland, and other relevant judicial precedents, and all applicable laws and regulations, as well as best practices for MWBE programs at the local, state, and federal levels.

For the purposes of this RFP, the following definitions apply: “City Schools” refers to the Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners, which operates a system of public schools commonly known as the Baltimore City Public School System or Baltimore City Public Schools; “Entity” means any qualified, reliable, and interested broker, vendor, bidder, consultant, contractor, manufacturer, and/or other entity that responds to this RFP, as well as the entity awarded a Contract or otherwise duly authorized by City Schools to provide Services in accordance with applicable Laws; “Contract” or “Agreement” refers to the legally enforceable contract or agreement between City Schools and the Entity that is the successful respondent to this RFP; “Services” or “Work” refers to the work, deliverables, products, goods, materials, equipment, and/or services required to be provided or performed by the Entity under the terms of the Agreement; “Law” or “Laws” refers to any applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations and rules, as well as Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners policies and administrative regulations, which are available at this link: www.baltimorecityschools.org/board-policies; and “Proposal” means a bid or submission to City Schools in response to this RFP.

2.0 BACKGROUND

2.1 OVERVIEW OF BALTIMORE CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

City Schools serves the needs of public education in Baltimore City. It is the fifth largest public-school system in the State of Maryland. For the 2025-2026 school year, City Schools operates 159 schools and programs, which includes Pre-k, elementary, middle, and high schools as well as special education centers, charter, and alternative schools.

The Central Office headquarters is located at 200 East North Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland.

City Schools is governed by the Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners which has 12 members (including a partially voting student member). Nine members of the Board are appointed by the Mayor of Baltimore City, and two members are elected in a citywide election every four years along with the student commissioner who is elected by fellow high school students every year. The Chief Executive Officer reports directly to the Board.

http://www.baltimorecityschools.org/board-policies

RFP-26095 RFP Template Effective Date:

MWBE Disparity Study 6/23/2025

For the 2025-2026 school year, City Schools has more than 76,000 students, nearly 9,900 employees, and an annual operating budget of $1.9 billion. Please visit City Schools’ website at www.baltimorecityschools.org for more information about the school system.

2.2 OVERVIEW OF CITY SCHOOLS’ MINORTY AND WOMEN BUSINESS

ENTERPRISE PROGRAM

Pursuant to Policy DJA (Procurement Authority), City Schools “is committed to encouraging equitable participation by minority and women business enterprises in [its] procurement and contracting.” City Schools’ M/WBE Program was originally established in 1976 under the City of Baltimore’s Minority and Women’s Business Enterprise Ordinance. In 1997, Maryland State Senate Bill 795 transferred responsibility for the administration of the Baltimore City Public School System to the Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners; continuation of the MWBE Program was required by state law.

There are two distinct components of City Schools’ current MWBE Program. Most of City Schools’ school construction projects are funded with state funds through the Maryland Interagency Commission on School Construction (“IAC”) and, thus, must abide by the IAC’s requirements, available in the Code of Maryland Regulations (“COMAR”) 23.03.06, and at this link: https://iac.mdschoolconstruction.org/. The IAC requires good faith efforts to obtain MWBE participation on state-funded construction projects. For all other procurement and contracting projects, City Schools’ MWBE Program follows requirements established by City Schools, which generally follow the requirements established by the City of Baltimore, as set forth in more detail in City Schools Administrative Regulation DJA- RA (Procurement), which incorporates by reference Article 5, Subtitle 28 of the Baltimore City Code (Minority and Women’s Business Program), and the City of Baltimore’s MWBE Administrative Regulations.

For IAC funded school construction projects, the overall goal of 29% is set by State of Maryland, with project specific goals set by City Schools. For all other City Schools procurement and contracting projects, the overall goal of 27% MBE and 10% WBE is set by City of Baltimore, with project specific goals set by City Schools. In FY2025, City Schools established MWBE participating goals for 187 awarded contracts totaling $248,422,422, resulting in a MWBE participation of 31 percent, or $76,484,117 in MWBE participation dollars.

The City Schools MWBE Program is overseen by the MWBE Unit housed in the Department of Fair Practices and Compliance, within the Office of Legal Counsel. The MWBE Unit is led by the MWBE Manager who collaborates closely with the Procurement Department in the City Schools Finance Office. The MWBE Unit sets project-specific goals and sub-goals, where and if applicable, using available data and considering additional factors including: (a) the extent to which the work to be performed can be reasonably segmented to allow for MWBE participation; (b) the number of available certified MWBE firms that can perform the work; (c) geographic location of identified certified MWBE firms;

(d) information obtained from other school systems or city agencies related to establishing MWBE goals or sub-goals for similar projects; and (e) Information obtained from persons knowledgeable of the project and its limitations. Waivers (or reductions) of MWBE goals may be granted if: reasonable and necessary requirements of the contract render subcontracting infeasible; and/or there are not enough certified MWBE subcontractors available and capable of providing the goods or services, despite the prime contractor’s good faith efforts to pursue MWBE participation. When a prime contractor makes good faith efforts to pursue MWBE participation and is unable to meet MWBE goals and/or sub-https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baltimorecityschools.org%2F&data=05%7C02%7CTMHutley%40bcps.k12.md.us%7Cf54d8c7de87d4700622408dd680c36ab%7C065bb2f46fe3414fa910f2886305c814%7C0%7C0%7C638781123841924294%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=wY8N25Y3qjvhwX9B%2BhtLTvgMN%2BxT2wGjOOpEajXjGww%3D&reserved=0 https://go.boarddocs.com/mabe/bcpss/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=87UHQ47D69C5 https://iac.mdschoolconstruction.org/ https://go.boarddocs.com/mabe/bcpss/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=A3STV666EF74 https://go.boarddocs.com/mabe/bcpss/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=A3STV666EF74 https://legislativereference.baltimorecity.gov/city-codes https://legislativereference.baltimorecity.gov/city-codes https://mayor.baltimorecity.gov/sites/default/files/Final%20Regulations.pdf https://mayor.baltimorecity.gov/sites/default/files/Final%20Regulations.pdf

RFP-26095 RFP Template Effective Date:

MWBE Disparity Study 6/23/2025 goals, then the prime contractor may request a waiver; requests are reviewed by the MWBE Unit on a case-by-case basis.

The Maryland Department of Transportation (“MDOT”) is the certifying agency for MWBEs to participate in school construction projects funded through the IAC. For all other procurement and contracting activities, the certifying agency is the Baltimore City Mayor’s Office of Small and Minority Business Advocacy and Development.

For more information on the City Schools MWBE Program, please see the annual reports submitted to the Board: in recent years, such as FY2025, FY2024, FY2023, FY2021, FY2019, FY2018, and FY2017.

3.0 MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Proposer must have performed and completed at least three (3) studies of MWBE procurement and contracting for a local, state or federal entity of similar size within the past five (5) years or other comparable research studies.

4.0 SCOPE OF SERVICES

To ensure compliance with constitutional mandates and MWBE program best practices, City Schools commissioned prior MWBE availability and utilization studies; the most recent one was completed in 2014 (See Exhibit A – Executive Summary – 2014 Study).

The result of that study, along with periodic studies by the State of Maryland and the City of Baltimore, provide the evidentiary record necessary for the City Schools’ implementation of MWBE programming aligned with applicable legal requirements.

It is City Schools’ intent that the Study conducted pursuant to this RFP will utilize the basic methodology employed by the 2014 study, with appropriate updates based on evolving legal requirements and best practices. In addition, City Schools expects that the Entity will, wherever feasible and appropriate, build and rely upon the robust foundations established by recent studies of MWBE programming conducted by the State of Maryland and City of Baltimore.

The specific tasks to be included in the Study are set forth below.

4.1 OVERVIEW MARKET ANALYSIS

The Study will provide an overview market analysis of the public and private sectors of the Baltimore market area and State of Maryland economy, identifying sources of contracting and procurement opportunities and the kind of industries and service companies that are located in the Baltimore market area and State of Maryland. The Study will also examine the current status of MWBEs within the Baltimore market area and the State of Maryland and assess any changes in status since City Schools’ previous study, completed in 2014.

4.2 CITY SCHOOLS CONTRACTING AND PROCUREMENT OPPORTUNITIES

The Study will review, identify, describe, and evaluate City Schools’ contracting and the procurement opportunities arising therefrom. For purposes of the scope of work, “City Schools contracting and procurement” includes contracts and procurements entered into by City Schools, including both school construction projects funded through the IAC and all other projects that are subject to remedial measures based on racial, ethnic, or gender https://go.boarddocs.com/mabe/bcpss/Board.nsf/files/DMJJQ64E3D4A/$file/FY%2025%20FINAL%20MWBE%20PRESENTATION%2010.16.25%20%20-%20%20Read-Only.pdf https://go.boarddocs.com/mabe/bcpss/Board.nsf/files/D9UJL44D8D0D/$file/MWBE%20Presentation%20-%20FY2024%20-%20Update%2010-7-24.pdf https://go.boarddocs.com/mabe/bcpss/Board.nsf/files/CW7RSE6F6155/$file/MWBE%20Presentation%20-%20FY2023%20-%20(9-29-2023%20FINAL).pdf https://go.boarddocs.com/mabe/bcpss/Board.nsf/files/C5XPLA63A2FE/$file/MWBE%20Program%20Update%20-%20Operations%20Committee%20Presentation%20v2.pdf https://go.boarddocs.com/mabe/bcpss/Board.nsf/files/BKGUBE7B3C15/$file/MWBE%20Annual%20Program%20Summary%202019%20Final_.pdf https://go.boarddocs.com/mabe/bcpss/Board.nsf/files/B443Q575A8A6/$file/MWBE%20Update%20Powerpoint%202018%20FINAL%20Aug%2028.pdf https://go.boarddocs.com/mabe/bcpss/Board.nsf/files/ARUHGJ474108/$file/MWBE%20Update%20Powerpoint%20Master%202017.pdf

RFP-26095 RFP Template Effective Date:

MWBE Disparity Study 6/23/2025 classifications, as well as consideration of those projects exempted from remedial measures.

With respect to the performance of this task and all other tasks throughout this RFP that require or involve contract data analysis, the Study will review information arising from City Schools contracting and procurement for a period of no less than five years within the following period: July 1, 2021 through and including June 30, 2026 (“Study Period”) Contracting data shall include data regarding prime contractors and subcontractors in at least the following major City Schools procurement categories: (1) Construction and Maintenance; (2) Construction-Related Professional Services (“AE-CRS”) such as architectural, engineering, surveying and testing services; (3) Other Professional and General Services, including but not limited to student transportation, educational programming, information technology services and information technology supplies and equipment; and (4) Commodities, Supplies and Equipment, including but not limited to food services. The Study will implement procedures for obtaining aggregate totals for the data requested in accordance with the Entity’s approved Detailed Work Plan. The Study will assess any changes in status since City Schools’ previous study, completed in 2014.

In addition, the Study will take into account any pandemic-related effects during the shift to virtual learning that occurred in City Schools and during Study Period.

4.3 RELEVANT GEOGRAPHIC MARKET(S)

The Study will determine, define, and describe (with identifying parameters) the relevant geographic market(s) or trading area(s) where the majority of firms participating in City Schools’ contracts have been/are located. The Entity must provide analysis and market definitions, identify the proportion of total contracts by category that fall within the defined geographic market, and describe and justify the definition used to define the relevant market area. The analysis must be differentiated by those projects funded with state funds through the Maryland Interagency Commission on School Construction (“IAC”) and all other City Schools’ procurements and contracts due the difference in certification requirements. The Study also must determine the appropriateness of City Schools’ expanding or reducing the geographic market or trading area, and if acceptable, make suggestions as to the parameters that will allow such an expansion or reduction yet ensure that the program does not contravene the standard of being narrowly-tailored so that it only provides a remedy to those affected by City Schools’ prior or current actions.

4.4 MWBE AVAILABILITY

In each major City Schools procurement category (see Section 4.2), the Study will determine (using 6-digit North American Industry Classification System (“NAICS”) Codes) the relative availability of MWBE firms in the relevant geographic market(s), by race, ethnicity, and gender. Relative availability is broadly defined as the ratio of MWBE firms to the universe of all firms that provide, or are ready, willing, and able to provide, goods and services to City Schools. In addition to providing the relative availability of firms for the 6-digit codes involved in City Schools procurement, the Entity will be required to provide the relative availability of firms for specified City Schools programs and industries subject to remedial measures based on racial, ethnic, or gender classifications. In its analysis, the Entity must describe how it calculated or otherwise determined such availability, and it should evaluate alternative measures and demonstrate that the measure chosen is consistent with current legal requirements and best practices, as well as consideration of the extent to which firms have participated in procurements for City Schools or other school systems. The Study will assess any changes in status since City

RFP-26095 RFP Template Effective Date:

MWBE Disparity Study 6/23/2025

Schools’ previous study, completed in 2014.

4.5 MWBE UTILIZATION

In each major City Schools procurement category (see Section 4.2), the Study will determine (using 6-digit NAICS Codes) the utilization of MWBE firms on City Schools contracting (number, percentage and dollar amount), by racial/ethnic group and gender. In its analysis, the Entity must describe how it calculated or otherwise determined such utilization. In addition to providing the utilization of MWBE firms on City Schools contracting, the Entity will also be required to provide utilization on contracts for specified City Schools programs and industries subject to remedial measures based on racial, ethnic, or gender classifications.

The time period over which utilization will be measured must be indicated and this period must be consistent with MWBE availability. The Study will indicate the format for reporting utilization data. If the use of a random sample to determine utilization is the only economically feasible way to accomplish this task, the Entity shall detail the procedures that assure the estimated findings are generated from a random sample that is statistically reliable and unbiased. The Study will assess any changes in status since City Schools’ previous study, completed in 2014.

4.6 DISPARITY ANALYSIS

In each major City Schools procurement category (see Section 4.2), the Study will determine, by statistical measure, whether there has been and/or currently exists any statistically significant disparity between City Schools’ utilization of MWBE firms on contracting as prime contractors and as first tier subcontractors and their availability within the relevant geographic market(s), by racial/ethnic group and gender. The Study will indicate the format for reporting the disparity analysis. In the analysis, the Entity must explain how it calculated any such disparity, and the findings must be well documented by quantitative data. The Study must provide an analysis of barriers unrelated to race/ethnicity or gender which may be adversely affecting the contract participation by MWBEs. If the Study reveals statistically significant disparities in the utilization of MWBEs that are ready, willing and able to participate in the City Schools’ contracting and procurement, the Study must research and analyze the reasons for such underutilization.

The Study will assess any changes in status since City Schools’ previous study, completed in 2014.

4.7 CONTEMPORARY EVIDENCE OF MARKETPLACE DISCRIMINATION

The Study will research and determine whether there is contemporary evidence of discrimination during the Study Period on the basis of race, ethnicity, or gender against MWBEs in the conduct of business and business-related activity within the relevant geographic market(s) in the public or private markets, including but not limited to business formation and earnings, as well as access to credit/capital markets. The Study will include “quantitative” or “statistical” evidence of discrimination, if any, that has had or is having an adverse effect on MWBEs within the relevant geographic market(s), as well as a detailed examination of “qualitative” or “anecdotal” evidence of discrimination, if any, through surveys and interviews. It is expected that all least a minimum of 100-150 firms, across a cross section of industries, will participate in interviews. If the Study finds evidence of contemporary discrimination in the conduct of business within the relevant geographic markets, the Study shall include recommended remedies (see Section 4.10 below) to resolve the challenges and to foster the formation and viability of MWBEs. The Study will

RFP-26095 RFP Template Effective Date:

MWBE Disparity Study 6/23/2025 assess any changes in status since City Schools’ previous study, completed in 2014.

4.8 DOCUMENTATION AND RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

The Entity’s primary sources and/or means of researching and documenting qualitative evidence as required under this RFP shall include, but are not limited to, as appropriate, an examination of: (a) City Schools data and records; (b) legal decisions; (c) findings by relevant local, state, and federal agencies; (d) academic publications; (e) particular anecdotal accounts obtained from comprehensive, confidential interviews of individual business owners, City Schools’ staff, and other knowledgeable persons who may be in possession of information/evidence of past and/or present discrimination in contracting and procurement in the public and private sectors of the relevant geographic market(s) and/or other adverse market conditions affected by race, ethnicity or gender; and/or (f) other post-Croson factual predicate studies performed by governmental entities within the relevant geographical market(s). In the Study, the Entity shall identify the methodology that it used for each of the tasks set forth in this Section. All questionnaires, surveys and other tools to be utilized for information gathering must be submitted to the City Schools Project Monitor and the City Schools Office of Achievement and Accountability for prior written approval.

4.9 REVIEW OF POLICIES, PROCEDURES, AND PRACTICES

The Study will identify, describe, and review the contracting and procurement history, policies, procedures, and practices within City Schools. This review must address the size, nature, scope, and manner of City Schools contracting and procurements. The review also must identify and describe other contexts in which race/gender conscious, and race/gender neutral remedial measures are currently being used, including whether these measures are based on race, ethnicity, or gender. The Study will determine the impact, if any, that City Schools’ contracting and procurement policies, procedures, and practices have had and currently have on the participation of MWBEs, including any differences based on the distinct requirements for participation in school construction projects funded through the IAC in contrast to all other procurement and contracting activities.

The analysis must include areas such as the impact of cooperative agreement (“piggybacking”), exemptions or waivers, and sole source and selected source award processes.

4.10 ASSESSMENT OF NEED FOR REMEDIAL OR AFFIRMATIVE MEASURES

The Study will furnish findings on whether there is a need to continue to: (a) remedy discrimination against MWBEs on the basis of race, ethnicity, and/or gender on City Schools contracting and procurements and/or within the public and private sectors of the relevant geographic market(s); and (b) operate narrowly-tailored, race-, ethnicity-, and/or gender-conscious programs to alleviate or minimize the effects of discrimination within City Schools contracting and procurement. The Study will describe the procedures used to make the assessment and identify the specific criteria (e.g., numerical data, statistical thresholds, or qualitative/descriptive findings) used to determine the need for remedial measures, as well as the extent to which the effects of discrimination can be addressed through a focus on small businesses, locally owned businesses, or other race- and gender-neutral means. In addition, the Study will determine the extent to which MWBEs would be injured, if at all, if City Schools and other public and private sector MWBE programs in the relevant geographic market(s) were discontinued.

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MWBE Disparity Study 6/23/2025

4.11 BEST PRACTICES AND RECOMMENDATIONS

The Study will provide an overview of best practices for race/gender-neutral and race/gender-conscious remedial measures for eliminating discrimination in public procurement, as well as specific recommendations regarding the MWBE programming and any changes to City Schools’ contracting and procurement policies and practices that may be adopted and implemented to ensure that, consistent with best practices and legal requirements, MWBE businesses have a fair and equitable opportunity to participate on City Schools’ contracting and procurement. The Study will take into consideration that any recommendations applicable to City Schools implementation of MWBE programming for school construction projects funded through the IAC may be limited by state law and requirements.

4.12 DELIVERABLES (REPORTS & DOCUMENTATION)

At a minimum, the Entity will be required to prepare and submit the following reports, documentation, and other items as deliverables.

• The Draft Final Report shall: (i) include an Executive Summary; (ii) contain all of the Entity’s analyses and findings, and (iii) be provided electronically, both in Microsoft Word and Adobe pdf formats. The Draft Report shall be provided to City Schools no later than March 1, 2027.

• The Final Report shall consist of materials organized in the same manner as stated above for the Draft Final Report and must be inclusive of the feedback provided on the Draft Final Report from the Project Monitor. The Final Report shall be provided electronically, both in Microsoft Word and Adobe pdf formats. The Final Report shall be provided to City Schools no later than April 30, 2027.

• The Draft and Final Reports shall be written in clear, concise, language using consistent terms, easy to understand, organized in a logical manner, fully illustrated with relevant examples, and consistent with widely accepted methodology. The Executive Summary shall be capable of being reproduced as a stand-alone document, and it shall be clear, organized, succinct, and provides adequate and usable details regarding the contents of the full report

• Any and all notes, work papers, databases, records, and documentation necessary to support the results of the Study shall become the property of City Schools upon completion of the Study and shall be submitted upon request by the City Schools Project Monitor (in electronic format).

• As required by the City Schools Project Monitor, representatives of the Entity will attend and participate in up to four presentations regarding the Final Report (including work related thereto) before City Schools staff and/or the Board.

4.13 DATA COLLECTION

The Entity will be responsible for the collection of procurement and contracting data from City Schools. The records may be provided in various formats including but not limited to computer databases, spreadsheets, and hard copies. The Entity shall also identify and

RFP-26095 RFP Template Effective Date:

MWBE Disparity Study 6/23/2025 compile procurement and payment data with regard to the types of procurements where City Schools has not previously tracked MWBE participation, including those considered exempt and not required to be reviewed for participation. Please note that some procurement data, such as non-MWBE subcontracting data, may be missing or unavailable. The Entity may use statistically valid sampling and estimating methods as appropriate, where actual procurement data and records are incomplete. However, the Entity is responsible for the legal sufficiency of any such method used.

The Entity also will obtain anecdotal data utilizing surveys, interviews, and/or other information gathering techniques to solicit comments and testimony from MWBEs and non-MWBEs, City Schools staff, and any other persons knowledgeable regarding discrimination in procurement practices. The Entity is expected to verify the factual accuracy of all relevant data collected and the method and tools used to collect the data.

4.14 OTHER SERVICES

The Entity may be asked to provide technical assistance on methodologies for future MWBE project-specific goal setting for City Schools, as well as MWBE Program related activities. The Entity also must be available to testify and otherwise assist City Schools in any litigation that may occur as a result of programs adopted based on the Study. The Entity’s technical assistance and litigation support will be deemed an additional service of the Entity, to be billed on a Time and Materials basis at the rates set forth in the initial and any Best and Final Proposal.

4.15 WORK PLANS, MEETINGS, AND COORDINATION

Immediately after the Board’s approval of the contract award and execution of a contractual agreement, the Entity shall schedule and participate in a kick-off meeting with the City Schools Project Monitor and other relevant City Schools staff to provide input regarding develop of a Detailed Work Plan to complete the work by the completion dates specified in the RFP, which shall not be extended. The Detailed Work Plan will be submitted in electronic format for review and approval by the City Schools Project Monitor.

The Entity shall continuously integrate, maintain, and update the Detailed Work Plan.

The Entity shall submit to the City Schools Project Monitor a Monthly Progress Report, which shall include the most updated version of the Detailed Work Plan and clearly identify any variances from the previously submitted Detailed Work Plan. Monthly progress meetings shall be conducted with the City Schools Project Monitor, the Entity’s Project Monitor, and other members of the Entity’s Project Team as may be required to discuss the Monthly Progress Report and other factors related to the progress of the Study.

Participation will be via conference call or other remote conferencing.

Throughout the Contract, the Entity shall immediately inform the City Schools Project Monitor in writing of any deficiencies in adhering to the milestones or deadlines set forth in the Detailed Work Plan and any scheduling issues that may affect the quality or schedule for the Study. The Entity will immediately consult with the City Schools Project Monitor to develop and implement corrective actions necessary to meet the milestones or deadlines set forth in the Detailed Work Plan. The Entity shall ensure that all outstanding issues are resolved in a timely manner to the satisfaction of The City Schools Project Monitor.

The Entity, in consultation with the City Schools Project Monitor, will schedule meetings

RFP-26095 RFP Template Effective Date:

MWBE Disparity Study 6/23/2025 and/or on-site document reviews with representatives of City Schools. Coordination of all efforts, including meeting logistics, shall be considered the responsibility of the Entity. The Entity’s Project Monitor shall be available at all times to the City Schools Project Monitor to provide updates and status reports on the progress of the Studies.

RFP-26095 RFP Template Effective Date:

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PART II: GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

1.0 STATEMENT OF CONFIDENTIALITY

It is understood and agreed that all information pertinent to this solicitation may contain trade secrets, which are confidential and proprietary. The selected Entity agrees not to disclose or knowingly use any confidential or proprietary information of the Baltimore City Schools and/or third-party participant.

Entities are notified that City Schools has unlimited data rights regarding Proposals submitted in response to this solicitation. “Unlimited data rights” means that City Schools has the right to use, disclose, reproduce, prepare derivative works, distribute copies to the public, or perform publicly and display publicly any information submitted by the Entity in response to this or any solicitation issued by City Schools. City Schools will exempt information that is confidential commercial or financial information of an Entity, as defined by the Maryland Public Information Act (“MPIA”), Title 4 of the General Provisions Article of the Maryland Annotated Code. It is the responsibility of the Entity to clearly identify each part of its Proposal that is confidential commercial or financial information by stamping the bottom right-hand corner of each pertinent page with one-inch, bold face letters stating the words “confidential” or “proprietary”. The Entity agrees that any portion of the Proposal that is not stamped as proprietary or confidential is not proprietary or confidential. As a condition for City Schools keeping the information confidential, the Entity must agree to defend and hold City Schools harmless if any information is inadvertently released. Each Entity must submit a proprietary and confidential redacted copy of its Proposal to be used in responding to MPIA requests. However, and in accordance with the MPIA, Entities are hereby notified that every portion of the Proposal may still be subject to disclosure under the MPIA.

2.0 TERM OF AGREEMENT

The anticipated term of the Contract that City Schools intends to award pursuant to this RFP shall be for one year from the date after Board, and subject to the termination provisions set forth in the attached City Schools General Articles (Appendix B).

3.0 PRE-PROPOSAL MEETING

Entities are strongly encouraged to attend a virtual pre-proposal meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, August 18, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. EST. While attendance at the pre-proposal meeting is not mandatory, the information presented is informative. Additionally, interested Entities are strongly encouraged to submit questions prior to this meeting. All interested Entities are encouraged to attend in order to be better able to prepare an acceptable Proposal.

The pre-proposal meeting will be conducted via Microsoft Teams. Call-in details are below:

Conference:

https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/227528777281077?p=7TfseEQJpXEIcPLMPR

Meeting ID: 227 528 777 281 077 ; Passcode: yP7SZ2mb

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Dial in by phone: +1 443-961-1488,,976254350# United States, Baltimore

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Phone conference ID: 976 254 350# https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/227528777281077?p=7TfseEQJpXEIcPLMPR https://aka.ms/JoinTeamsMeeting?omkt=en-US https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_YTljZTRhODgtOTAyOS00NTAwLWEzMzgtNDdiNDZmYmQ5ZWU5%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22065bb2f4-6fe3-414f-a910-f2886305c814%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22ff2604af-b63b-4759-b7b7-8f8e9301b70e%22%7d tel:+14439611488,,976254350 https://dialin.teams.cloud.microsoft/086aed28-7d04-4f8c-bdbb-89c4ddddf66e?id=976254350

RFP-26095 RFP Template Effective Date:

MWBE Disparity Study 6/23/2025

4.0 QUESTIONS AND INQUIRIES

No interpretation of the meaning of the specifications or other documents will be made to any Entity orally.

To be given consideration, the questions must be received NOT LATER THAN Tuesday, August 27, 2026 by 3:00 p.m. EST. All questions shall be submitted in writing through eMMA. Questions that are deemed to be substantive in nature will be answered only in writing, with both the question(s) and answer(s) posted on https://emma.maryland.gov.

Unless expressly authorized by the Point of Contact, contact by Entities with any other City Schools employee regarding this solicitation until the Contract is awarded by the Board will be considered by City Schools as an attempt to obtain an unfair advantage and result in non-consideration of the Entity’s Proposal.

5.0 POINT OF CONTACT

Katharine Kamieniecki, Procurement Manager Baltimore City Public Schools Office of Procurement 200 E. North Avenue Baltimore, MD 21202 Phone: 410-396-1799 E-mail: KMKAMIENIECKI@BCPS.K12.MD.US.

6.0 CITY SCHOOLS PROJECT MONITOR/CITY SCHOOLS SUPERVISION

For purposes of the Contract awarded pursuant to this RFP, the City Schools Project Monitor is Chanel Franze, Manager – Minority/Women-Owned Business Enterprises.

The Entity’s performance will be under the technical direction of the City Schools Project Monitor, who will be responsible for ensuring the Entity’s compliance with the requirements of the Contract to include managing the daily activities of the Contract, providing technical guidance to the Entity, and overall project scheduling and coordination. The Entity shall be accountable to the City Schools Project Monitor on all matters relating to the scope of Work.

7.0 CONTRACT TYPE

The Contract resulting from this solicitation will be a Fixed-price Contract.

8.0 PAYMENT TERMS

The prices, rates, and other compensation for Services performed is as described in the Agreement. When transportation or freight charges are billed to City Schools, a paid freight bill must accompany the invoice. Invoices received unaccompanied by such evidence will be paid only upon acceptance by City Schools. Cartage, handling, packaging, or boxing charges will not be allowed unless specifically so stated in the purchase order.

The Parties acknowledge and agree that the Entity’s invoices are to be submitted to City Schools in a timely manner, per the terms of a purchase order, after the Services have been provided to City Schools. If invoices are submitted more than one calendar year after the last date the Entity’s Services have been rendered or the last date when Services https://emma.maryland.gov/ mailto:KMKAMIENIECKI@BCPS.K12.MD.US

RFP-26095 RFP Template Effective Date:

MWBE Disparity Study 6/23/2025 were accepted by City Schools, then City Schools shall have no obligation to pay for the stale invoices. City Schools shall have no obligation to pay for Services performed before City Schools approves the Agreement or after it terminates, in excess of the monetary amount of the Agreement, or prior to the issuance of a purchase order. The Entity shall comply with additional City Schools guidance regarding invoices, proposals, and quotes, available on the City Schools website (Quote and Invoice Guidance Document Link).

The Entity’s invoices shall be approved for payment by the City Schools Project Monitor only after the City Schools Project Monitor is satisfied that the Entity is performing the Services and has prepared the invoice as required by the Agreement. Prior to approving any Entity invoices for payment, City Schools, through any authorized representative, has the right at all reasonable times to inspect, or otherwise evaluate, the Services performed or being performed at the premises on which it is being performed. If any inspection or evaluation is made by City Schools on the premises of the Entity or any of its subcontractors, the Entity shall provide and shall require its subcontractors to provide all reasonable facilities and assistance for the safety and convenience of City Schools representatives in the performance of their duties. All inspections and evaluations shall be performed so that they will not unduly delay the Services.

Within thirty (30) days after receipt of each invoice and accepting the Services, City Schools shall, except as provided in the Agreement, pay for the Services performed when approved by the City Schools Project Monitor. A payment schedule will be jointly developed between City Schools and the Entity. City Schools reserves the right to submit payment using an electronic payment method, such as credit card, Single Use Account, or Automated Clearing House. The Entity shall not assess City Schools with any additional charge, fee, or price for the use of these electronic payment methods.

Regardless of any other provisions of the Agreement, failure of the Entity to submit required reports when due or failure to perform or deliver acceptable Services will result in City Schools withholding or limiting payments under the Agreement until such time as City Schools determines that the Entity has met the performance terms as established by this Agreement, unless such failure arises pursuant to Article 7 (“Force Majeure”) of the City Schools General Articles and without the fault or negligence of the Entity. City Schools shall promptly notify the Entity of its intention to withhold or limit payment of any invoice submitted.

If at any time City Schools determines that a cost for which payment has been made is a disallowed cost, such as overpayment, City Schools shall notify the Entity in writing of the disallowance or claim for unallowable costs. City Schools shall also state the means of correction, which may be, but shall not be limited to, adjustment of any future claim submitted by the Entity by the amount of the disallowance, or to require repayment of the disallowed amount by the Entity.

The Entity shall fully comply with any bid, payment, performance bond and/or other bonding or surety obligations as set forth in this RFP.

9.0 TRAVEL REIMBURSEMENT

Hotel and meal expenses are limited to the U.S. General Services Administration (“GSA”) Per Diem Rate http://www.gsa.gov/Per Diem. In no event will meals totaling more than the GSA Per Diem Rate be reimbursed. A detailed receipt for all meals must be submitted on the Entity’s or other suitable Expense Account Form upon return. The receipt should include the date, name of the restaurant, and an itemized listing of what was https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/3843/BCPS/3989723/City_Schools_Quote_and_Invoice_Guidance_09.15.23.pdf http://www.gsa.gov/portal/content/104877?utm_source=OCM&utm_medium=print-radio&utm_term=HP_01_Requested_perdiem&utm_campaign=shortcuts

RFP-26095 RFP Template Effective Date:

MWBE Disparity Study 6/23/2025 purchased. Meals charged to the room must also include a detailed receipt. City Schools will not reimburse an individual for the purchase of alcoholic beverages, which are the sole responsibility of the traveler. The traveler must also include a copy of the conference agenda when applicable. The cost of transportation, including air and ground transportation, should be loaded into the hourly rates for personnel.

10.0 ELECTRONIC PAYMENT

City Schools has the ability to process payments to contractors electronically using the CTX+ (“Corporate Trade Exchange”) payment format. The payment format will contain summarized information and will not provide details concerning each invoice amount included in the check total if the depositing bank does not accept CTX+ format. Entities must contact their bank in order to receive the CTX+ format and the depositing bank may charge a fee for this format. Entities need to discuss potential charges with their bank.

Please complete and submit the Authorization for Entity Payment - ACH form. Forms can be obtained by visiting the City Schools procurement website at https://www.baltimorecityschools.org/procurement City Schools will only process ACH forms for awarded Entities.

11.0 RFP REVISIONS

Should it become necessary to revise any part of this RFP, addenda will be posted on https://emma.maryland.gov. All addenda, amendments or changes issued shall be deemed received by the Entity, provided they are posted to eMaryland Marketplace Advantage or the City Schools website. Failure of any Entity to receive or acknowledge receipt of such addenda or interpretation shall not relieve any Entity from any obligations under this RFP as amended by all addenda. All addenda so issued shall become part of the Contract award.

12.0 SUBMISSION DEADLINE

Proposals for this solicitation are being accepted solely online through eMaryland Marketplace Advantage https://emma.maryland.gov.

The Proposal due date is Thursday, September 17, 2026 no later than 11:00 a.m., EST.

Offeror’s response shall be submitted as THREE (3) separate PDF documents (one technical file, one financial file, and one MWBE file online to eMaryland Marketplace Advantage. Proposals will not be accepted by fax, by postal mail, by electronic mail, or by hand delivery.

A late Proposal, late request for modification, or late request for withdrawal shall not be accepted or considered. Any request for withdrawal or request for modification received at the place designated in the solicitation after the time and date set for receipt of Proposals is late.

Hard copy submissions will not be accepted. All Proposals Volumes must be submitted electronically as combined pdf documents. City Schools is not responsible for any technical problems that result from or that are related to electronic submission or the transmission of data through an electronic submission format.

https://www.baltimorecityschools.org/procurement

RFP-26095 RFP Template Effective Date:

MWBE Disparity Study 6/23/2025

13.0 PROPOSAL OPENING

RFP Proposals are not opened publicly, but in the presence of at least two City Schools employees. Once the Proposals are opened, the Office of Procurement will prepare a document that summarizes the Proposals received. This document will be available for inspection after the Intent to Award letter is issued.

14.0 DURATION OF OFFER

A Proposal submitted in response to this solicitation is binding upon the Entity and is considered irrevocable for a minimum of 180 days following the closing date for receipt of initial Proposals or the closing date for receipt of a best and final offer, if applicable.

An Offeror shall not be allowed to withdraw its Proposal after the Submission Deadline and if applicable, shall forfeit its Bid security.

15.0 MINORITY & WOMEN BUSINESS ENTERPRISE PROGRAM

It is the policy of the Board that maximum feasible opportunity will be provided to certified Minority and Women Business Enterprises to participate in the performance of Board Contracts for goods and services needed by the Board. The general goal of the Board is that in Contracts valued at more than $100,000, the Entity subcontract a given percentage to certified Minority Business Enterprises ("MBE") and a given percentage of the total Contract price to Women Business Enterprises ("WBE"). The Director, in consultation with the Chief Legal Officer or designee, may refer procurements to the MWBE Manager to apply MBE/WBE requirements or goals on contracts valued at $100,000 or less in furtherance of the purposes of Board Policy DJA.

The goal for the minority subcontractor participation for the Contract awarded pursuant to this RFP is 15% for Minority Business Enterprises and 10% for Women Business Enterprises. Firms used by Proposer shall be certified by Baltimore City pursuant to Article 5, Subtitle 28 of the Baltimore City Code. Entities must complete the MBE and WBE Entity Information and Utilization Forms attached to the RFP and submit them as directed.

Entities may call City Schools’ MBE/WBE Office for information and/or assistance at 443- 642-4364.

The Director of Procurement will deliver the Entity’s completed MBE and WBE Entity Information and Utilization Forms to the MBE/WBE Liaison to review on behalf of the Board to determine whether the firms listed by the interested Entity are certified MBE/WBE firms, whether the percentage of MBE/WBE participation is in compliance, and whether the interested Entity has attained the Board's MBE/WBE goals.

City Schools may grant such exceptions, waivers, and reduction in the MBE/WBE goals as it deems to be in the best interest of the City Schools. City Schools, in its capacity as the contracting authority, may also grant exceptions and waivers with respect to the MBE/WBE requirements as it deems appropriate.

16.0 E-MARYLAND MARKETPLACE ADVANTAGE

eMaryland Marketplace Advantage…