ABC Program RFQ

The City of Seattle Office of Economic Development is requesting qualifications for the ABC Program RFQ to supply specialized technical assistance consultants to eligible Seattle small businesses and nonprofits, with qualifications due November 9, 2026 at 11:55 p.m. and questions due October 21, 2026. A non-mandatory pre-submittal conference is scheduled for October 19, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. via Teams.

Applicants must select one of four service categories: Accounting & Bookkeeping, Marketing & Branding, Business Development, or Loan Support. Minimum qualifications include two years of active professional consulting experience, completion of at least three similar consulting engagements for small businesses or nonprofits within the past three years, and possession of all required business licenses and professional credentials. Consultants must propose hourly rates for direct consulting services, program administration activities, and any specialized professional services.

The City does not guarantee minimum utilization, consulting hours, or compensation. Consultant assignments and utilization will be determined based on demonstrated business demand, specific expertise, consultant availability, language capacity, industry experience, documented performance, program priorities, and available funding. Individual engagements will be authorized by OED based on identified business need with defined project objectives, scopes, expected deliverables, and authorized levels of effort.

Evaluation consists of Phase 1 written proposal scoring across seven criteria totaling 100 points, followed by optional Phase 2 interviews for highest-ranked respondents. Consultants must comply with City ethics code, equal benefits ordinance, and WMBE inclusion plan requirements. The anticipated contract start date is January 1, 2027, with a service period running through December 31, 2027. Roster contracts are subject to the City's established bid limits and thresholds. Compensation is structured as hourly rates or lump-sum payments with total compensation not to exceed amounts specified in the contract unless modified by written amendment. The contact is Vy Nguyen, Business Policy Advisor, vy.nguyen@seattle.gov, (425) 414-1453.