RFQ - support, training, and education for procurement (step) program

The County of San Diego is requesting quotes to administer the Support, Training, and Education for Procurement (STEP) program, a countywide procurement technical assistance initiative for small businesses and nonprofit organizations, with quotes due August 21, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. The initial contract term runs October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027, with four optional one-year renewals extending through September 30, 2031.

The scope encompasses one-on-one guidance, workshops, resources, and outreach activities to help participants navigate County procurement and compete for County contracts, serving small-local businesses in both incorporated cities and unincorporated communities. Core deliverables include maintaining and enhancing an online resource library with educational videos and materials; providing individualized technical assistance calibrated to businesses at varying procurement readiness levels; developing and implementing a comprehensive marketing and outreach plan with culturally competent and linguistically accessible services in English and Spanish; facilitating workshops on a task order basis (minimum one STEP-related event annually); and collecting and reporting quantitative and qualitative program data monthly. Room rental costs are capped at $7,500 per event.

Pricing is structured as a lump sum for program implementation services, monthly fees for program administration, and per-unit costs for virtual, in-person, and hybrid workshops delivered through task orders. Travel reimbursements are not permissible; room rental and materials are at cost. The contractor must submit comprehensive plans for resource library management, marketing and outreach, and data reporting within specified timeframes. Award is subject to the County's determination that services can be provided more economically and efficiently by an independent contractor than by County employees.

Questions are due July 24, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. The Contracting Officer is Joseph Craft. Additional information is available through the County's BuyNet website at https://sdbuynet.sandiegocounty.gov/.