Request for Qualifications - Economic Development Consulting Services

The City of St. Cloud, Florida has issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for Economic Development Consulting Services, seeking qualified firms or individuals to provide strategic support for business attraction, retention, and community economic growth. The primary objectives include developing data-driven strategies to attract and retain businesses, grow the local tax base, create jobs, and enhance community quality of life. Consultants will be required to perform services such as market research, targeted business attraction campaigns, site selection assistance, incentives and financing advice, lead generation, marketing and branding, and strategy implementation. Minimum qualifications mandate that firms demonstrate at least five years of economic development consulting experience with public sector entities and be licensed to do business in Florida. The RFQ will be evaluated based on three key criteria: Firm Qualifications, Demonstrated Experience & Expertise (40 points), Project Understanding and Proposed Approach (40 points), and Similar Projects and References (20 points). Key dates include a proposal submission deadline of February 5, 2026, at 10:00 am, with electronic submissions required through the City's procurement portal. The City Council will review and potentially approve the selected firm(s) within 90 calendar days of proposal opening.

No specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises were explicitly mentioned in the RFQ documentation. Proposers must submit a current certificate of insurance and maintain professional liability insurance of $1,000,000 minimum, along with general liability coverage of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 general aggregate, with the City listed as an additional insured. The contract will be effective upon execution by both parties and remain in effect through consulting service completion, with potential extensions possible through mutual agreement. While no specific budget range was provided, the RFQ indicates that the City reserves the right to negotiate all fees, costs, and charges, and the resulting contract is contingent upon fund availability. Proposers must also comply with various legal requirements, including sworn statements regarding public entity crimes, Americans with Disabilities Act compliance, drug-free workplace certification, E-Verify compliance, and federal and state certifications related to lobbying, debarment, and scrutinized companies lists. No proposal preparation costs will be reimbursed by the City.