Covid Recovery Plan RFP

The State of Illinois, through the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), is issuing a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the development of an economic recovery plan in response to the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The selected vendor will be responsible for creating an updated economic development strategy and implementation plan that complements the state's existing 2019 Economic Plan. The plan must include original research and analysis, consider existing studies, and provide training to DCEO staff. Key objectives are to accelerate economic recovery, promote growth, lay the foundation for future prosperity, reduce the equity gap, and increase resilience across Illinois. Vendors must demonstrate expertise in areas such as industry and economic analysis, recovery strategy development, identification of innovation and entrepreneurship assets, supply chain assessments, and labor market analysis. The RFP has a due date of June 23, 2022, and the contract term is one year with no renewal options.

The RFP includes a 43% Business Enterprise Program (BEP) participation goal for businesses owned by minorities, women, and persons with disabilities. Vendors that cannot meet this goal must provide documentation of good faith efforts. The state has not conducted any prior consulting engagements related to this scope of work, and there are no current plans for a steering committee. The total award amount for the contract is $2.4 million, with the Boston Consulting Group selected as the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. The state may partially or fully fund the contract with federal dollars from the American Rescue Plan Act.