Goods or Music Ecosystem Consulting Services - UPDATED

The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development is seeking a vendor to provide comprehensive Music Ecosystem Consulting Services through RFP #33017-40824. The primary objective is to conduct research and strategic planning for communities developing local music economies, with the contractor required to engage community stakeholders, perform detailed analyses, and provide policy recommendations. Deliverables include community partner setup, pre-census planning, census research and analysis, post-census reporting, and community launch consulting services across three rounds targeting different communities or regions. The project will span a 36-month contract period from February 1, 2025, through January 31, 2028, with one potential 12-month renewal option. Key procurement dates include a mandatory pre-response conference on January 14, 2025, written questions due January 23, 2025, and proposals due February 21, 2025, with oral presentations scheduled for March 17-19, 2025. Evaluation criteria will comprehensively assess vendors, with points allocated as follows: general qualifications (15 points), technical approach (55 points), oral presentation (10 points), and cost (20 points).

The Tennessee Entertainment Commission will oversee this initiative as part of their Music Scene Certified Initiative, with a strong commitment to providing opportunities for diverse business enterprises. The procurement explicitly encourages participation from minority-owned, women-owned, service-disabled veteran-owned, and small business enterprises. The total estimated maximum contract liability is $510,000, with the contractor expected to service up to two communities or regions during each round and a total of five communities/regions by contract end. While Northeast Tennessee served as the pilot region, specific communities for this contract have not yet been selected, and the State will rely on the chosen contractor to assist in the selection process. The vendor will be responsible for developing census questions, coordinating with educational institutions, performing strategic planning, conducting asset mapping, and analyzing economic impacts. The contract emphasizes flexibility in approach while maintaining rigorous standards for community engagement and economic development in the music ecosystem.