S. M. A. R. T. Contracts Initiative: An Alternative Method for Structuring Select Public Works Contracts

The City of Philadelphia, through the Office of Transportation and Infrastructure Systems in partnership with the Mayor's Office of Business Impact and Economic Advancement, is issuing a Request for Information on the S.M.A.R.T. Contracts Initiative, an alternative structuring method for select public works contracts designed to expand opportunities for small and local businesses, with RFI responses due August 12, 2026.

This is an information-gathering phase; no formal proposals are being solicited. The City seeks industry input from construction management firms and public works contractors on program design before potentially issuing a future Request for Proposals. The initiative addresses a structural disparity: small and local businesses represent 78 percent of Philadelphia firms but received only 27 percent of City contract funding in FY 2024.

The proposed framework includes three contract structures. The Community Level Contracting Model covers contracts up to $300,000 with multiple prime contractors and rotating vendor assignments. The Prequalification Tiers Model structures contracts up to $500,000 with prequalified vendor pools. The Best Value Procurement Model accommodates contracts up to $1,000,000. The City is exploring use of a third-party construction management consultant to serve as the Owner's Representative managing a portfolio of prime contractors.

Eligible work encompasses repeatable public works tasks: street repairs, traffic calming measures, ADA curb ramp installation, sidewalk repairs, and green stormwater infrastructure. The RFI specifically requests input on contract characteristics suitable for small firms, procurement structures, compliance supports, appropriate project types, advantages and disadvantages of third-party management, and strategies enabling small and local businesses to serve as prime contractors.

Questions must be submitted in writing by July 22, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Philadelphia Time to abigail.hughes@phila.gov, with responses posted by July 29. RFI responses are due August 12, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Philadelphia Time. No site visits or bidder conferences are scheduled.