Economic Development Strategic Planning Services

The City of Pasadena's Economic Development Division is seeking qualified consultants to develop a comprehensive five-year strategic plan for guiding the division's priorities, programs, and services. The Request for Proposals (RFP) was released on March 1, 2023, with proposals due by 2:00 pm on April 6, 2023. The project requires extensive research and analysis of Pasadena's economic landscape, including stakeholder and community engagement, with a focus on key areas such as life science and technology cluster development, entrepreneurial ecosystem mapping, workforce development, and economic resilience strategies. The evaluation process includes weighted criteria: consultant experience (30%), proposed solution (30%), proposed schedule (10%), references (10%), and cost (10%), with additional preferences for local Pasadena businesses (5%) and small/micro-businesses (5%). Proposers must submit a detailed technical proposal and separate price proposal through the City's eProcurement Portal, with the initial contract term set for one year and a potential optional one-year extension subject to City Manager approval.

The procurement includes several set-aside considerations and local business preferences, with specific emphasis on local Pasadena and small/micro-businesses receiving additional evaluation points. Proposers must complete multiple compliance documents, including a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) form, Conflict of Interest Disclosure, Disqualification Disclosure, and Taxpayer Protection Amendment Disclosure. The contract requires comprehensive organizational transparency, including listing of trustees, directors, partners, and individuals with significant equity or revenue interests. While a specific budget range is not explicitly stated, the project will determine total cost based on the selected consultant's proposal, with a focus on creating a practical and implementable strategic plan. Proposers must demonstrate compliance with various municipal requirements, including equal employment opportunity practices, prevailing wage standards, and adherence to the Pasadena Living Wage Ordinance.