RFP - Disparity Study, Enhanced Program Recommendations and Other Related Services for Harris County

Harris County is seeking a comprehensive disparity study and program enhancement services through a Request for Proposal (RFP) to be conducted for the Harris County Commissioners Court and the Harris County Housing Authority. The project will analyze the availability, utilization, and potential discrimination faced by Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (M/WBEs), Small Business Enterprises (SBEs), and Veteran-Owned Businesses (VOBs) in county contracts. The study will cover procurement data from January 1, 2019 to January 1, 2024, examining contracting practices across multiple sectors including heavy construction, building construction, professional services, commodities, and special trade construction. Key deliverables include a detailed availability analysis, program enhancement recommendations, and comprehensive disparity analyses for both Harris County and its Housing Authority. The evaluation criteria will assess vendor experience (20%), scope of services (30%), references (10%), comprehensive work plan (20%), and pricing (20%), with a pass/fail cybersecurity assessment. The proposal is due on September 8, 2025, by 2:00 p.m. local time, with the project beginning on or about October 1, 2025, and continuing for one year with potential four one-year renewal options.

The procurement has a strong focus on M/WBE participation, with an overall aspirational goal of 30% of total county spending for minority and women-owned businesses. Vendors must submit a detailed M/WBE Utilization Plan, demonstrating commitment to diverse business participation, with specific requirements for local business presence and certification. The county requires M/WBE firms to have a meaningful local presence, defined as either having a business address in Harris, Fort Bend, Montgomery, Brazoria, or Galveston counties, or proving at least three contracts in the market area within the past three years. Cybersecurity is a critical component, with vendors required to meet extensive IT security vendor controls, including annual cybersecurity training, background checks, secure coding practices, and compliance with standards like NIST, CJIS, HIPAA, and PCI. While no specific budget range is explicitly stated, the comprehensive nature of the study suggests a substantial investment in understanding and improving county procurement practices. Vendors must also comply with extensive insurance requirements, including primary commercial insurance with specific coverage limits and additional insured status for Harris County.