Foreign Direct Investment Representative for Western Europe

The Oregon Business Development Department is issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP S-12300-00012364) for a Trade and Foreign Direct Investment Representative focused on Western Europe, specifically targeting Germany, France, the Netherlands, and potentially Switzerland and Sweden. The selected consultant will provide foreign direct investment recruitment, export, and trade promotion services, with specific performance requirements including generating 6-10 new high-quality leads monthly, arranging 3-5 virtual meetings with prospective companies, and supporting up to 3 outbound and 2 inbound business recruitment missions annually. The representative will serve as Oregon's liaison to the U.S. Department of Commerce, SelectUSA, and other relevant organizations. The initial contract term is two years, with potential renewals extending through June 30, 2033. Proposals are due on April 7, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. Pacific Time, with evaluation criteria allocating 50 points for the project plan, 30 points for qualifications, and 20 points for lead generation capabilities. The contractor must demonstrate the ability to achieve 10-20 solid leads and 2-5 concrete project commitments within each 12-month period.

The RFP includes specific provisions for business inclusion and diversity, encouraging participation from certified minority-owned, woman-owned, service-disabled veteran-owned, and emerging small businesses. Proposers must complete a COBID (Certification Office for Business Inclusion and Diversity) Certification and Outreach Plan, disclosing their certification status and detailing potential subcontracting opportunities with certified firms. The contract has a flat fee payment structure of $210,000 annually ($17,500 per month) for FDI services, with additional expenses up to 10% of annual contract fees. Travel expenses for one inbound visit to Oregon per biennium are covered up to $10,000, with additional reimbursement for Governor's missions or State trade missions based on pre-approved budgets. Proposers must meet various compliance requirements, including maintaining written policies preventing sexual harassment and discrimination for contracts valued at $150,000 or more, and providing documentation of tax compliance, non-discrimination policies, and financial responsibility. The contract requires specific insurance coverage, including workers' compensation, general liability insurance of $1,000,000 per occurrence, and automobile liability insurance meeting Oregon Financial Responsibility Law requirements.