RFP- Economic & Tourism Development Strategic Plan

Kent County, Maryland's Department of Economic and Tourism Development is requesting proposals for the development of a 2027 Economic and Tourism Development Strategic Plan under RFP-ETD-27-01, with proposals due July 30, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. EST. MBE, WBE, and Veteran-Owned Enterprises are encouraged to apply but no set-aside or preference program is specified.

The scope requires conducting stakeholder meetings and economic data analysis to deliver a comprehensive strategic plan identifying priority goals, strategies, and measurable objectives across five focus areas: business attraction and competitiveness, business retention and expansion, entrepreneurship and small business development, workforce development, and tourism development. The vendor must develop a stakeholder engagement plan with County staff, conduct comprehensive engagement sessions with County Commissioners, businesses, community leaders, partner agencies, and department leadership, and deliver a final plan with a clear vision and mission statement aligned with the Kent County Comprehensive Plan, targeted strategies organized into short-term (1–2 years) and medium-term (3–5 years) action plans, and defined performance measures. All work products must be completed by February 28, 2027.

The maximum allocated budget is $30,000, all-inclusive and firm, covering direct costs, indirect costs, out-of-pocket expenses, travel, meetings with County staff, stakeholder meetings, public hearings, and presentation of final reports. Payment is made upon approval of deliverables in four equal installments of 25 percent: at 25% project completion, 50% completion, 75% completion, and upon final completion and approval.

Evaluation criteria are approach for conducting analysis (15 points), specific methodologies for plan development (20 points), demonstrated ability and capacity (15 points), technical qualifications of assigned staff (15 points), ability to meet the proposed timeline (15 points), and total price (20 points). Kent County reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, negotiate with one or more consultants, and award to the vendor offering the most advantageous proposal. Award notifications are expected in August 2026. Proposals must be submitted electronically to procurement@kentgov.org with subject line "RFP-ETD-27-01."