Trade and Investment Representative for Canada

The Oregon Business Development Department is issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a Trade and Investment Representative focused on Canada, targeting foreign direct investment (FDI) recruitment and export assistance. The procurement seeks a consultant to develop strategic outreach for Canadian markets, with primary focus on key industries including Advanced Manufacturing, Software and Information-Based Industries, Data Centers, and Biomedical and Medical Device Manufacturing. The contractor will be responsible for generating and maintaining a pipeline of company leads, supporting up to three business recruitment/FDI missions to Canada during each 12-month contract cycle, refining Oregon's FDI value proposition for Canadian audiences, and providing market research and export promotion assistance for Oregon's small and medium-sized businesses. The contract term is anticipated to be two years with potential renewal options up to eight years total. Proposals are due by June 29, 2022, at 3:00 PM Pacific Time, with the initial 30 days dedicated to mutually determining final industry focus and strategic approach.

The RFP does not explicitly specify set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. The budgeted amount for these services is $150,000 per year, totaling $300,000 over the two-year initial contract period. No incumbent vendors or existing technology integration requirements are mentioned in the provided documentation. The procurement appears open to consultants or firms with demonstrated expertise in trade development, foreign direct investment recruitment, and export assistance, particularly those with deep understanding of Canadian business markets and the specified target industries. Potential respondents should have robust capabilities in market research, business development strategies, and cross-border economic engagement. The contract will be awarded based on the most comprehensive and strategically aligned proposal that demonstrates strong potential for advancing Oregon's trade and investment objectives in the Canadian market.