Richland County Small Business and Economic Development Strategic Assessment RFP - RC-822-P-27
Richland CountyCounty · Columbia, SC- Due
- Nov 5, 2026
- 8 days left
- Posted
- Oct 7, 2026
- Primary contact
- Tamar Black
- (803) 576-2057
The 30-second brief
Richland County is seeking qualified firms to conduct a Small Business and Economic Development Strategic Assessment to analyze the county's economy, consumers, and commercial developments. The study will support a retail business assistance program and strategic recruitment opportunities, focusing on unincorporated areas, Priority Investment areas, and Secondary Growth Areas identified in the "Reimagine Richland" Comprehensive Plan. Objectives include assessing retail leakage, current economic conditions, small business ecosystems, and target industries based on demographics, infrastructure, and market demand. Proposals are due by November 5, 2026, with a question deadline of October 28, 2026. Required criteria include project understanding, methodology, firm experience, project management, and cost.
Understanding of the Project and Proposed Approach, Methodology Deliverables and Actionable Recommendations, Relevant Firm Experience, Project Management and Schedule, Cost
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Summary
Richland County is seeking qualified firms to conduct a Small Business and Economic Development Strategic Assessment to analyze the county's economy, consumers, and commercial developments.
The study will support a retail business assistance program and strategic recruitment opportunities, focusing on unincorporated areas, Priority Investment areas, and Secondary Growth Areas identified in the "Reimagine Richland" Comprehensive Plan. Objectives include assessing retail leakage, current economic conditions, small business ecosystems, and target industries based on demographics, infrastructure, and market demand. Proposals are due by November 5, 2026, with a question deadline of October 28, 2026. Required criteria include project understanding, methodology, firm experience, project management, and cost.
EVALUATION CRITERIA
5- Understanding of the Project and Proposed Approach
- Methodology Deliverables and Actionable Recommendations
- Relevant Firm Experience
- Project Management and Schedule
- Cost
REQUIRED ATTACHMENTS
3- Certificate of Insurance
- Technical Proposal
- Pricing Proposal
- Submit to
- https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/richlandcountysc
- Scope location
- Columbia, SC
Questions about this RFP
How do I respond to this RFP from Richland County?
Review the full solicitation document for submission requirements, evaluation criteria, and deadlines. The submission deadline is November 5, 2026. Be sure to include all required attachments as outlined in the solicitation. Submissions should be delivered to: https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/richlandcountysc. For questions, contact Tamar Black.
Can small businesses or minority-owned firms bid on this RFP?
Most government agencies, including Richland County in SC, 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 Tamar Black at (803) 576-2057. Questions and answers are typically shared with all prospective bidders.
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What are the evaluation criteria for this solicitation?
This solicitation includes specific evaluation criteria that will be used to score proposals. The criteria include: "Understanding of the Project and Proposed Approach, Methodology Deliverables and Actionable Recommendations, Relevant Firm Experience, Project Management and Schedule, Cost" Vendors should carefully align their proposals with each criterion to maximize their score.
Where can I find more RFPs from Richland County?
All active and historical solicitations from Richland County are tracked and searchable. As a county agency, Richland County regularly publishes solicitations. Visit the agency profile to see current open bids, past contracts, vendor relationships, and decision-maker contacts.
Is this solicitation still open for submissions?
Based on the posted deadline of November 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: Certificate of Insurance, Technical Proposal, Pricing Proposal. Review the full document from Richland County for the complete list.
What is the scope of this project?
This solicitation defines a specific project scope. The scope covers the following locations: Columbia, SC. Review the full solicitation for detailed scope requirements.