Economic Development Strategic Planning - CS1058-22

Marion County, Oregon, is seeking proposals for an Economic Development Strategic Planning project through a Request for Proposal (RFP) issued on January 19, 2022, with proposals due by February 8, 2022. The procurement seeks a qualified professional firm to develop a comprehensive Economic Development Strategic Plan (EDSP) for Marion County and the cities of Salem, aimed at sustaining, expanding, and diversifying the local economy. The project requires a detailed strategic planning process involving data gathering, economic development profiling, community outreach, issues identification, strategy drafting, stakeholder review, and strategic plan communication. Key deliverables include a five-year strategic plan that builds upon the previous 2018-2022 plan, with specific action items for the county and its regions. The contract term is anticipated to start in April 2022 and last approximately 1 year and 3 months, with potential extension up to 8 years total. Proposers are required to submit a cost proposal in Excel format and are allowed some flexibility in approach, provided they meet all specified deliverables and project objectives.

The RFP does not explicitly specify set-aside designations or restrictions on respondent types, nor does it mention specific disadvantaged enterprise requirements. No incumbent vendors are identified in the available documentation. The anticipated budget for the project is under $100,000, with the contract potentially utilizing federal funds, which would require selected contractors to comply with relevant federal requirements. The Cost Proposal Submission Form indicates the project is divided into four distinct phases, each with multiple tasks and associated costs. Marion County may have the option to extend the contract for up to 8 years total, providing potential long-term opportunity for the selected vendor. While specific evaluation criteria are not extensively detailed, the RFP suggests that proposals will be assessed on their ability to meet the required deliverables, understanding of the project scope, and proposed approach to economic development strategic planning.