STA25102-EDGE_SCOPE-qa.pdf

RFP: STA25102-EDGE_SCOPE

Division of Small Business Posted Responses to Questions

Page Number

Section Number

Proposed Question Response

1 I Paragraph 5 states the "Division is seeking and organization…and other similar duties as requested by the Division to ensure the success of EDGE scoping services component."

How will the Division measure “success” of the scoping services? (e.g., business growth, service uptake, grant utilization efficiency)?

Division will measure success of the scoping services by utilization efficiency. For example, if the assessment reveals out of the 20 Finalists 12 of those finalists need accounting services – all 12 should be utilizing accounting services referred by your organization. In theory, this should strengthen finalists’ chances of receiving funds outside of the EDGE program.

2 II Paragraph 1 under Scope of Services states that "the RFP solicits the proposals... to provide scoping services in support of EDGE finalists.

Please confirm the anticipated number of EDGE finalists that will require scoping services under this contract, either per round or on an annual basis.

New EDGE guidelines allow for up to 10 finalists in the Entrepreneurship category and up to 8 finalists in the STEM category. No more than 18 businesses per round. 2 rounds per fiscal year.

2 II Paragraph 1 under Scope of Services states that "the RFP solicits the proposals... to provide scoping services in support of EDGE finalists.

Since the contractor may be working with a mix of STEM and non-STEM firms, will the scoping/assessment summary require approval by the Program Point of Contact to determine the amount of support to be provided to the finalist?

Program point of contact will discuss with RFP awardee the budget for scoping services. That budget will include in-kind services allocation/EDGE finalist. After budget has been finalized, it is up to the RFP awardee to provide assessment & services per EDGE finalist in an equal distribution.

2 II Paragraph 1 under Scope of Services states that "the RFP solicits the proposals... to provide scoping services in support of EDGE finalists.

While we plan to include our proposed experts in our submission, if it becomes necessary to add additional experts due to volume or specialized needs of the finalist, will the Division expect to approve/validate the "service providers" that we identify ?

No, we will not validate additional experts past submission and award of RFP. Any expert/service provider brought on by RFP awardee falls under their responsibility and legal liability and must remain compliant with all rules stated in contract.

2 II Paragraph 1 under Scope of Services states that "the RFP solicits the proposals... to provide scoping services in support of EDGE finalists.

How will finalist be connected with the contractor, will the Division assist in introductions/logistics with finalists, or is the contractor solely responsible for engaging them?

The Division will assist with introductions/logistics with finalists. Scoping services is a new benefit added to EDGE. The Division of Small Business objective is continuous engagement with EDGE finalists will lead to significant growth of business.

2 II Although our firm partners or subs with established firms that have proven experience and credentials, paragraph 3 (bullet 2) states "verified service provider." Could the Division define what constitutes a "verified service provider," and clarify whether the responsibility for verification lies with the Division or the contractor?

The responsibility of verifying service providers lies with the RFP awardee. Any service provider/expert brought on by RFP awardee falls under their responsibility and legal liability and must remain compliant with all rules stated in contract.

5 IV In Paragraph 2 ( Section B.2), the RFP states that “each proposal be submitted with 2 paper copies and 1 electronic copy on CD, or DVD media disk, or USB memory drive.”

Could the Division please clarify whether this requirement means (a) one original plus one paper copy and one electronic copy, or (b) one original plus two paper copies and one electronic copy?

Choice (A) One original plus one paper copy (2 copies total) and one electronic copy (CD/DVD media disk, or USB memory drive).

You are allowed to send an additional electronic copy via email to cj.bell@delaware.gov if you so choose.

Is there a page limit for responses to this solicitation? There is no page limit for this solicitation. We would recommend not exceeding 25 pages.

mailto:cj.bell@delaware.gov

Are there more detailed definitions/descriptions of the evaluation criteria?

Outside of what’s in the General Evaluation Requirements and Criteria Weight sections no.

32 VII On page 32 of the solicitation, it states that appendices C, D, and E must be included with proposals. These appendices don't appear in the original solicitation. Where can these appendices be located?

There is no appendices C, D, and E. Please disregard. No disqualification will happen if applicants do not submit appendices C, D, and E.

2 II Text of passage being questioned: “Selected firms or individuals will be expected to assume the following responsibilities: Business Scoping and Assessment…provide each business with individual support.”

Question: If multiple vendors are considered, may a vendor propose to serve only a select group of EDGE finalists, such as minority-owned small businesses, if that is their area of expertise?

A vendor can propose to serve only a select group of EDGE finalists. If so, we would recommend either subcontract or partner with additional firm or individual that enables a proposal to serve all EDGE finalists.

2 II Text of passage being questioned: “This RFP solicits the proposals for a professional services contract regarding the engagement of firms or individuals with the capacity and experience to provide scoping services in support of EDGE finalists.”

Question: Can a vendor propose to serve only finalists in a specific county or region of Delaware?

The EDGE program is statewide. It is not recommended to propose serving a specific region or county without a demonstration of subcontract/partner with additional firm or individual that will allow coverage of the entire state.

2 II Text of passage being questioned: “Manage compliance and reporting requirements, including quarterly and final reports on outcomes such as revenue growth, service provider usage…” Question: How many EDGE grant finalists are expected to be served per vendor? For example, will one vendor serve one cohort of finalists at a time, or multiple finalists across cohorts simultaneously?

Ideally the RFP awardee will demonstrate capacity to serve up to 18 EDGE finalists per round.

14 V Text of passage being questioned: “The term of the contract between the successful bidder and the State shall be for 1 year with 2 optional extensions for a period of 1 year for each extension.”

Question: What is the expected timeframe for scoping services? For example, will one vendor work exclusively with the Fall cohort for a year, then the Spring cohort in the next year, or is overlap between cohorts expected?

EDGE takes place two times per fiscal year.

RFP awardee will service a Fall & Spring cohort. Scoping services expected timeline is 4-16 weeks.