Oregon Business Development Fund (OBDF) Loan Referral Services

The Oregon Business Development Department (Business Oregon) is conducting a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for OBDF Loan Referral Services, seeking to contract with multiple entities to promote and market the Oregon Business Development Fund loan program. Contractors will be responsible for identifying eligible prospective loan applicants, referring them to Business Oregon, and providing local support to borrowers. The procurement requires proposers to demonstrate prior experience in economic development, articulate their economic development philosophy, showcase partnerships with other agencies, and outline their approach to marketing finance programs. Proposers must submit detailed information about their process for engaging and screening potential OBDF projects, as well as their ability to provide client support. The initial contract term is five years, with potential renewal options for an additional five years. The RFQ requires proposers to provide at least three references from current or former clients for similar projects performed within the last four years. The proposal submission deadline is November 1, 2029, with proposals being evaluated on their comprehensive approach to loan referral services and economic development support.

The procurement does not appear to have specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises. The Lane Council of Governments and the Oregon Cascades West Council of Governments have been identified as the apparent successful proposers in a Notice of Intent to Award. Contractors will receive a loan referral fee of up to 0.75% of the Business Oregon approved and funded OBDF loan amount, with a maximum compensation of $600,000 per contractor during the contract term. Business Oregon will not divide referral fees between multiple contractors for the same referral. The sample contract indicates that the compensation will be capped at $15,000 per loan, and contractors must maintain specific insurance coverages throughout the contract term. Proposers must comply with various state laws, including nondiscrimination in employment practices and prevention of sexual harassment, and must disclose any actual or potential conflicts of interest. The proposal remains valid for 180 days, and selected vendors will be required to perform the scope of work and meet performance standards outlined in the final negotiated contract.