Herkimer DRI Small Projects Administration

Herkimer County Industrial Development Agency is requesting proposals from qualified consulting firms or individuals to provide program administration, project management, grant administration, technical assistance, and compliance support for the DRI Small Projects Fund, with proposals due October 22, 2026, and a questions deadline of October 12, 2026. A 60% Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise contracting goal applies.

The consultant will assist HCIDA in administering the Program and supporting the Project Review Committee, participating property and business owners, design professionals, contractors, and other project partners. The Program targets the Village of Herkimer Downtown Revitalization Initiative Study Area and anticipates rehabilitation of approximately four commercial or mixed-use buildings and assistance to four businesses. Key deliverables include program outreach materials, application forms and review checklists, eligibility determinations and scoring materials, project scopes and budgets, procurement and compliance documentation, environmental and historic preservation coordination, and program reports with project closeout files. The consultant will not have independent authority to approve, deny, or award grant funds; final project review and funding decisions remain with HCIDA and the designated Project Review Committee.

The maximum consultant compensation is $60,000, representing the administration allocation in HCIDA's approved DRI budget. The total DRI award to HCIDA is $600,000. The contract term extends through December 31, 2028, with all funded projects requiring full completion and closeout by that date unless otherwise approved in writing by HCIDA and the Housing Trust Fund Corporation.

Evaluation criteria and weights are understanding of program and scope (20%), relevant experience and qualifications (20%), qualifications of proposed team (15%), proposed approach and work plan (20%), availability and capacity (10%), and cost proposal (15%). Preferred qualifications include experience with New York State DRI or Forward programs, HCR or HTFC-funded programs, municipal grant administration, commercial building rehabilitation, construction project management, environmental review and SHPO/OPRHP coordination, and MWBE/SDVOB compliance.

Proposal review is scheduled no later than November 6, 2026, consultant selection by November 30, 2026, and contract execution and notice to proceed on December 11, 2026. Submissions require one bound original and three copies delivered to HCIDA by 2:00 PM on October 22.