The City is seeking economic analysis services to better understand the economic and fiscal impact of Philadelphia’s 2026 events and related activity on the local economy. Elements of the analysis sha...

The City of Philadelphia is requesting proposals for economic analysis services to evaluate the economic and fiscal impact of Philadelphia's 2026 events on the local economy, with proposals due August 5, 2026, and applicant questions due July 22, 2026.

Local Business Entity (LBE) certification and local impact receive positive evaluation consideration. Applicants may qualify for LBE status by demonstrating filing of a Business Income and Receipts Tax return within the preceding 12 months, continuous maintenance of a valid Commercial Activity License during the preceding 18 months, continuous occupation of a staffed office within the City, and either principal place of business in the City or satisfaction of at least two of three supplemental criteria (more than 60% Philadelphia resident full-time employees; more than 50% of full-time employees working in the City at least 60% of the time; or more than 75% gross receipts as Philadelphia receipts). Alternatively, applicants may pursue Local Impact Certification by committing to employ City residents and perform contract work within the City upon award.

The contractor must develop an analytical framework, evaluate event-related visitation and tourism activity, estimate direct and indirect economic impacts, analyze state and local tax revenues generated by event-related economic activity, and evaluate the distribution of economic impacts across industries, sectors, and geographic areas. The analysis addresses the United States Semiquincentennial, major sporting events, and cultural programming during 2026. The total contract compensation cannot exceed $75,000 and must be provided as a fixed-price proposal with payment upon completion and approval of specified work. The contract term runs from August 24, 2026, with a one-month timeline for completion of the final report.

Applicants must submit a detailed scope of work (five pages maximum), proposed project schedule with key milestones and deliverables, cost proposal with line-item breakdown, biographies of relevant personnel and project managers, evidence of similar experience with large-scale event analysis and economic or fiscal impact studies, and a statement of financial capacity from an independent source with current financial documents. Answers to applicant questions will be posted July 28, 2026. Applicant interviews may be conducted the week of August 10, 2026, with applicant selection expected August 14, 2026, and contract execution August 21, 2026. Applicants must comply with the Philadelphia 21st Century Minimum Wage and Benefits Standard, maintain active Business Income and Receipts Tax and Commercial Activity License accounts, obtain a Philadelphia Tax and Regulatory Status and Clearance certificate, and meet all campaign contribution disclosure requirements. Travel costs are reimbursable only with prior City approval; commuting costs are not reimbursable.