RFP Economic Development Strategic Plan

The City of Fort Worth is soliciting proposals through Request for Proposal (RFP) No. 26-0165 to develop and finalize an Economic Development Strategic Plan for the City's Economic Development Department. This procurement seeks qualified consulting firms to conduct a comprehensive strategic planning engagement encompassing three phases—Assessment, Vision, and Implementation—to be completed within an estimated 8 to 12-month contract period. The consultant will conduct economic analysis, stakeholder engagement, and strategic planning across eight focus areas: Business Recruitment and Attraction, Business Retention and Expansion, Revitalization Programs, Incentives and Tools, Innovation Districts, Small Business Development, Workforce Initiatives, and Organizational Capacity. Key deliverables include economic assessment reports, SWOT analyses, industry cluster assessments, vision statements, strategic frameworks, implementation roadmaps with timelines and performance metrics, and presentations to City leadership and stakeholders. Proposers must demonstrate a minimum of five years of experience developing and administering similar programs to be deemed responsive. Evaluation will be based on six criteria: Cost (10 points), Technical Approach and Methodology (30 points), Qualifications and Experience (20 points), Relevant Expertise of Key Personnel (15 points), Project Schedule (5 points), and Small Business Participation (20 points). Proposals are due May 7, 2026, and must be submitted electronically through the City's Euna Portal procurement system.

The City of Fort Worth has established a mandatory 30% Small Business participation goal for this procurement, requiring that at least 30% of the total contract value be subcontracted to certified Small Business Firms located in Tarrant, Wise, Johnson, Parker, or Denton County. All small business subcontractors and suppliers must hold current certification from a City Manager-approved certifying organization prior to bid submission, and bidders must provide complete and current certifications with their proposals. Failure to complete the Small Business Utilization Form or provide proper certifications may result in zero points being awarded for small business criteria. The contract is structured with an initial one-year term and no renewal options, though the related standard agreement template allows for potential renewals at the City's sole discretion in other circumstances. The total available funding for this project is $300,000, with no additional funding available; proposals exceeding this amount will be deemed non-responsive. Vendors must maintain comprehensive insurance coverage including Commercial General Liability ($1,000,000 each occurrence/$2,000,000 aggregate), Automobile Liability ($1,000,000 combined single limit), Workers' Compensation at statutory limits, and Professional Liability/Errors & Omissions ($1,000,000 each claim/$1,000,000 aggregate).