City of East Palo Alto On-Call Economic Development Consulting Services RFP 2026
City of East Palo Alto, City of East Palo Alto, CA·City
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- Primary Contact
- Denise Garcia
- Contract Term
- 5 years
- Scope Location
- East Palo Alto, CA
- Submission Address
- [email protected]
SUMMARY
The City of East Palo Alto is seeking proposals from qualified firms or individuals to provide on-call economic development consulting services to assist with the implementation of its 10-year Economic Development Strategic Plan (EDSP) and Five-Year Implementation Plan. The scope includes nine primary tasks: program support, streamlining business licenses, business outreach and retention, small business and entrepreneurship programs, workforce development partnerships, communications and marketing, development and investment support, reporting and metrics, and special projects. The selected consultant will serve as an extension of City staff for an initial five-year term. The City has a maximum budget of $100,000 per fiscal year, subject to Council approval. Proposals must be submitted electronically by October 5, 2026, and questions are due by September 15, 2026.
EVALUATION CRITERIA
Quality of proposal (10), Experience in California (15), Key personnel qualifications (15), Accessibility (10), Understanding of objectives (10), Approach to implementation (20), Reasonableness of fees (10), References (10)
REQUIRED DELIVERABLES
Staff reports, Presentations, Briefing materials, Implementation strategies, Work plans, Business newsletters, Web content, Marketing materials, Annual economic development reports, Performance dashboards
REQUIRED ATTACHMENTS
Transmittal Letter, Executive Summary, Description of Proposer, Proposer Team, Exceptions to RFP, Project Cost Fees and Charges, Proposed Approach, References, Examples of Relevant Work, Professional Services Agreement modifications, Conflict of Interest Statement, Insurance Requirements acknowledgement, Professional biographies
REQUIRED STAFFING ROLES
Lead Consultant, Professional staff
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Work in government? Get Civic IQ free →Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this solicitation, answered from the record.
How do I respond to this RFP from City of East Palo Alto?
Review the full solicitation document for submission requirements, evaluation criteria, and deadlines. The submission deadline is October 5, 2026. The solicitation specifies required deliverables that must be addressed in your response. Be sure to include all required attachments as outlined in the solicitation. Submissions should be delivered to: [email protected]. For questions, contact Denise Garcia.
What are the evaluation criteria for this solicitation?
This solicitation includes specific evaluation criteria that will be used to score proposals. The criteria include: "Quality of proposal (10), Experience in California (15), Key personnel qualifications (15), Accessibility (10), Understanding of objectives (10), Approach to implementation (20), Reasonableness of fee..." Vendors should carefully align their proposals with each criterion to maximize their score.
Where can I find more RFPs from City of East Palo Alto?
All active and historical solicitations from City of East Palo Alto are tracked and searchable. As a city agency, City of East Palo Alto regularly publishes solicitations. Visit the agency profile to see current open bids, past contracts, vendor relationships, and decision-maker contacts.
What is the contract term for this solicitation?
The anticipated contract term is 5 years. Contract terms may include renewal options.
Is this solicitation still open for submissions?
Based on the posted deadline of October 5, 2026, this solicitation appears to still be accepting submissions. Deadlines may change through amendments or addenda, so always verify the current status directly with the issuing agency before preparing your response.
What documents are required to bid on this RFP?
Requirements vary by solicitation, but common documents include a technical proposal, cost/price proposal, proof of insurance, relevant certifications, past performance references, and any forms specified in the solicitation. This solicitation specifically requires the following attachments: Transmittal Letter, Executive Summary, Description of Proposer, Proposer Team, Exceptions to RFP, Project Cost Fees and Charges, Proposed Approach, References, Examples of Relevant Work, Professional. Additionally, proposals should address staffing requirements as outlined in the solicitation. Review the full document from City of East Palo Alto for the complete list.
Can small businesses or minority-owned firms bid on this RFP?
Most government agencies, including City of East Palo Alto in CA, encourage participation from small businesses, minority-owned, women-owned, and disadvantaged business enterprises (MBE/WBE/DBE). Check the full solicitation for any small business participation goals.
What happens after the RFP submission deadline?
After the deadline, the issuing agency reviews all submissions against the stated evaluation criteria. This typically includes a compliance check, technical evaluation, cost analysis, and may involve oral presentations with shortlisted vendors.
Can I ask questions about this solicitation before submitting?
Yes, most solicitations allow vendors to submit questions during a designated period. The primary contact is Denise Garcia. Questions and answers are typically shared with all prospective bidders.
What is the scope of this project?
This solicitation defines a specific project scope. The scope covers the following locations: East Palo Alto, CA. Review the full solicitation for detailed scope requirements.
What staffing is required for this project?
This solicitation outlines specific staffing requirements. The required roles include: Lead Consultant, Professional staff. Proposers should demonstrate relevant qualifications and experience for each required role.
What are the key deliverables?
The solicitation specifies the following deliverables: Staff reports, Presentations, Briefing materials, Implementation strategies, Work plans, Business newsletters, Web content, Marketing materials, Annual economic development reports, Performance dashboards. Proposals should clearly address how each deliverable will be met.
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