Financial Advisory Services for Small Maryland Businesses

The University of Maryland's Department of Procurement & Business Services is requesting quotations for independent financial advisory services to support entrepreneurs, particularly Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Individuals and Very Small Businesses, in capital access and preparation under RFQ-00025196-JD, with quotations due November 5, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. EST. Minority Business Enterprises are encouraged to respond.

The scope includes business banking relationship establishment, loan application readiness, capital access strategy development, financial package creation, business and personal credit advisory, financial projections using LivePlan or equivalent tools, and financial statement creation with QuickBooks setup. The lead advisor must hold relevant professional credentials (CPA, CFA, MBA, or equivalent experience). The firm must demonstrate a minimum of five years in business and prior experience providing financial advisory or capital readiness services.

The contract period is one year from award, with the University retaining sole discretion to renew for an additional one-year period under the same terms and conditions. Pricing is submitted on an hourly basis using the University-provided form. All prices must remain valid for 90 days from receipt. Payment terms are Net 30 days. Award will be made to the firm offering the most favorable price and solution as determined by the University.

Respondents must carry Commercial General Liability Insurance of $2,000,000 and Network Security & Privacy Liability insurance of $3,000,000 (or $5,000,000 if handling FERPA records). Contractors must complete a Certification Regarding Investment Activities in Iran and comply with all applicable federal flow-down requirements related to the SSBCI Technical Assistance funding source. Questions are due October 29, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. EST. Quotations must be submitted via BOX at the provided link.