REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR CONSULTING SERVICES TO PROVIDE AN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY AND IMPLEMENTATION PLAN

Transcription

1 REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR CONSULTING SERVICES TO PROVIDE AN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY AND IMPLEMENTATION PLAN PREPARED BY: THE ATLANTA DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY D/B/A INVEST ATLANTA MAY 18, 2018 RESPONSES DUE: JUNE 21, 2018 BY 5:00PM EST

2 2 REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS ( RFP ) ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT THREE YEAR STRATEGY AND IMPLEMENTATION PLAN INVEST ATLANTA INTRODUCTION The Atlanta Development Authority d/b/a Invest Atlanta ( Invest Atlanta ) is soliciting responses to this ( RFP ) from interested and qualified firms or individuals (each, a Respondent ) to provide strategic planning services for Atlanta s Economic Development 3-year strategy and implementation plan founded on Economic Mobility principals. The respondent will provide expert advice in Economic Development and Economic Mobility cutting edge strategies based on analysis of information provided, other regional plans, research of national best practices, interviews and other methods. The work requires understanding effective economic development strategies and successful implementation by integrating the perspectives of nonprofits, business, educators, funders, and others. The goal is providing the city with an economic development strategy (centered on economic mobility as place-based and people based strategies) and implementation plan that will allow the city to continue to compete today and in the future while ensuring it is a place where all Atlantans can reach their full potential. The recommendations should include short- and long-term goals with metrics for the City of Atlanta to track the success in implementing and collaborating with others within the next 3 years. BACKGROUND Atlanta was founded in 1837 as the end of the Western & Atlantic railroad line (it was first named Marthasville in honor of the then-governor s daughter, nicknamed Terminus for its rail location, and then changed soon after to Atlanta, the feminine of Atlantic -- as in the railroad). Today, the fast-growing city remains a transportation hub, not just for the country but also for the world: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the world s busiest in daily passenger flights. Direct flights to Europe, South America, and Asia have made metro Atlanta easily accessible to the more than 1,000 international businesses that operate here and the more than 50 countries that have representation in the city through consulates, trade offices, and chambers of commerce. The city has emerged as a banking center and is the world headquarters for 13 Fortune 500 companies.

3 3 Atlanta is the capital of the southeast, a city of the future with strong ties to its past. The old in new Atlanta is the soul of the city, the heritage that enhances the quality of life in a contemporary city. In the turbulent 60 s, Atlanta was the city too busy to hate. And today, in the 21st Century, Atlanta is the city not too busy to care. In the past two decades Atlanta has experienced unprecedented growth the official city population remains steady, at about 450,000, but the metro population has grown in the past decade by nearly 40%, from 2.9 million to 4.3 million people. Atlanta lost over 30,000 jobs in the 2008 economic downturn and although its unemployment rate has continued to drop over the last 12 months, levels remain high for certain groups in Atlanta Though we have a thriving, diverse business climate, the city also faces the twin challenges of growing income inequality and lack of housing affordability. We believe that sustainable communities grow when a region can find that positive intersection between economic and social demands supporting an economic growth strategy centered on equitable economic mobility and in fact, this path can be the source of a region s continual economic vitality. Hence, we need a new Economic Development 3 Year Strategy and Implementation Plan that has an emphasis on economic mobility to ensure the city s economic competitiveness in the 21st century Global economy. To make substantial progress in increasing economic mobility, cities, need to address the problems exhibited by existing service-delivery systems. Cities need to move from a focus on providing services to focus on investing in systems that help people overcome challenges that keep them from realizing their economic potential. (Bowdler, Cisneros, Lubell 7). INVEST ATLANTA S MISSION To advance Atlanta's global competitiveness by growing a strong economy, building vibrant communities, and increasing economic prosperity for all Atlantans. SUBMITTAL DEADLINE All responses to this RFP (each, a Response ) must be submitted in hard copy one (1) original and seven (7) copies) and one (1) electronic copy (via disc, flash drive or other similar digital storage device) by no later than 5:00 p.m., Thursday, June 21, Responses received after this time and date will not be considered. Please address the Response to:

4 4 Ms. Randi Mason Director, Economic Development The Atlanta Development Authority d/b/a Invest Atlanta 133 Peachtree Street, NE, Suite 2900 Atlanta, Georgia Responses should be inserted into an envelope sealed and clearly labeled as follows: RESPONSE TO REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS [Respondent Name] ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY AND IMPLEMENTATION PLAN Style and Page Limitations: Responses shall be limited to a maximum of 30 pages of text on 8½ X 11 paper, single-sided, one-inch margins, using a minimum 11-point font. Efforts should be made to provide concise responses. Invest Atlanta reserves the right to award the scope of work in its entirety or some portion(s) thereof. Furthermore, Invest Atlanta reserves the right to reject any and all proposals and to waive irregularities. Invest Atlanta maintains a policy of encouraging firms to present innovative ideas and we appreciate ideas that result in a tangible benefit to the City and Invest Atlanta. Proposals are encouraged from minority-owned and women-owned businesses. In addition, Invest Atlanta encourages proposals from Atlanta-based businesses and small businesses. RFP respondents will not be reimbursed for any costs incurred to prepare proposals or for any work performed in connection therewith or during any negotiations on proposed actions. All materials submitted in response to the RFP will become the property of Invest Atlanta. SUBMITTAL GUIDELINES A. Transmittal Letter Each respondent should provide a cover letter summarizing the key points of the response, signed by an officer or employee of the respondent firm who is authorized to commit the firm s resources to the scope of work described herein. The transmittal letter should be limited to two (2) pages. B. Content of Proposal (100 points) Responses to this RFP must include the following sections:

5 5 1. Respondent Name (Including all entities if Respondent is a joint venture) 2. Statement of Qualifications (15 points) 3. Methodology, to include work plan and other information to address all elements of the scope of work. (20 points) 4. Identify those unique characteristics and approach that make your firm different and innovative leading to recommendations that will guide Atlanta through the 21st century (15 points) 5. Summary of relevant work experience including 2 examples of comparable, successful strategic plans created by the respondent (15 points) 6. Resumes of principal team members (15 points) 7. Detailed budget/cost & time required to complete project, including professional services fee (20 points) 8. Equal Business Opportunity (Describe the respondent s plan, if any, to utilize disadvantaged, minority-owned, woman-owned, locally-owned, and small business enterprises in performing the scope of work) 9. Executed Immigration Forms (Appendix A-1 and A-2 if necessary) PROFESSIONAL FEE All respondents will be asked to provide a proposed budget and fees for time and materials, project management costs, software subscription costs (monthly, quarterly and annually), annual maintenance costs and professional services costs. Final fees will be negotiated following the selection of the Consultant. If fee negotiations with the Respondent determined most qualified are not successful, and/or the fees discussed are outside the budgetary constraints for the Project, Invest Atlanta reserves the right to suspend negotiations with the Respondent initially deemed most qualified and proceed to other Respondents. The successful Respondent will also be expected to provide a summary of assumptions used to determine its fee, including but not limited to team, hours and resources required from Invest Atlanta. INQUIRIES Prospective Respondents are strongly encouraged to submit inquiries regarding this RFP by , in writing to: EconomicMobilityRFP@investatlanta.com. Only inquiries received in writing by electronic mail will receive a response. Do not contact any Invest Atlanta staff by telephone or in person with any questions or comments pertaining to this

6 6 RFP. All such inquiries must be delivered and received by Invest Atlanta on or before 5:00 p.m., May 29, Inquiries received after such date and time will not receive a response. Invest Atlanta will publish all timely received written inquires and Invest Atlanta s responses to those inquires as an Addendum to this RFP on Invest Atlanta s website ( on or before the close of business on June 1, FOCUS OF STRATEGY As Atlanta continues to move forward, it is imperative that the City show how promoting economic development, economic mobility and other components of the equity agenda can support the City s equitable growth. Hence, components of the strategy must include: Economic Development strategies that propel Atlanta s continued growth of jobs and investment. Identify innovative, competitive strategies for economic growth and economic mobility. Assess our current economy by cluster and industry segmentation, and needed skilllevels. Based on the assessments, recommend transformative program models and strategy for implementation to match to improve skill sets to match needs. Identify technologies that can disrupt the Atlanta market, clusters and businesses. Provide strategies to compete internationally What are the necessary skill sets to meet economic mobility strategy needs? What are the challenges/dysfunctions within the economic system? Devise coordination strategies to gather input from key stakeholders and obtain public input. Consult other relevant IA strategies (i.e., 2014 Housing Strategy for the City of Atlanta and Economic Development Strategy). Scope of Work to include: Identify and organize a steering committee. Analysis of needs based on industry cluster targets identified in the 2017 Annual Report. Assessment of current economic strengths, weaknesses, opportunity and threats. Examine all the tools and programs at Invest Atlanta and determine whether they are reaching the full potential to support this economic mobility strategy.

7 7 Facilitate meetings with focus groups and conduct stakeholder interviews. Identify best in class economic mobility strategies and determine their viability in Atlanta Identify gaps in economic development services and related systems and recommend solutions. Identify relevant evidence-based economic development practices/models in use nationally. Identify opportunities to build on existing best-in-class economic development practices and illustrate pros and cons of each. Final recommendations of the strategy and implementation plan must: o Provide an actionable document as a deliverable, a document that says, this is what we want to do, why we want to do it, how we are going to do it, when we are going to do it, and how we re going to measure that we ve done it. o Provide metrics that can be used to track progress. Some of those possible measures may include the following: (Best practices for cities should also compare their results with those for the region as a whole.) See: Illustrative Measures for Tracking Progress Domain Progress by Populations of focus Reduced Inequality Household Income Educational achievement Household financial health Amount of affordable housing Racial/ethnic segregation Neighborhood disparities Higher average incomes in bottom half of income distribution Higher share of low-income households and racial/ethnic minorities meeting minimum standards for math and reading. Higher average credit scores for households in the bottom half of the income distribution Higher average credit scores for households in the bottom half of the income distribution Higher percentage of the city s racial and ethnic minority households living in integrated neighborhoods Improvements in low-income and segregated neighborhoods on key measures of neighborhood opportunity, such as school performance, crime and transportation access Lower Gini coefficient Smaller gaps in average test scores among households of different races, ethnicities and incomes Smaller disparities in credit scores among households of different races, ethnicities and incomes Smaller gaps in access to resourcerich areas among households of different races, ethnicities, and incomes. Lower dissimilarity index Reduced disparities between neighborhoods in key measures of opportunity, such as school performance, crime, and transportation access Source: Bowdler, Janis, et al. Building Equitable Cities: How to Drive Economic Mobility and Regional Growth. Urban Land Institute, 2017, p. 22.

8 8 Elements include: o Assessment of current state and readiness for implementation o Assignment of champions, leading roles o Identification of resources o Identify potential barriers and challenges to implementation with options and suggested solutions for overcoming identified barriers. o Development of communication plan o Training / Information / Engagement o Commitment of resources o Management plan o Budget identification / quantification o Implementation and ongoing management (possible one year check in) Demonstrated Areas of Respondent Expertise: The consultant Respondent is encouraged to draw upon the experience of local and national experts to expand their knowledge and skills. (Joint Venture, Collaborative or Partnering proposals are welcomed). Respondent must possess: Knowledge of existing current reports, research and other data on unemployment, Atlanta job market area, and trends. Economic, employer and other community perspectives on these issues. Understanding of the needs of low-skilled, and semi-skilled, and other workers. Knowledge of state and local economic and related systems. Knowledge of key local agencies, nonprofits, corporations and other funders engaged in this field. Knowledge of national evidence-based or best practices that may be effective for an economic mobility strategy. Knowledge of the range of investment strategies (program support, capacity, building/sector strengthening, research, knowledge development through convening, advocacy). Expertise in economic policy and other group facilitation. Experience in identifying alignment, policy, organizational and other requirements needed for implementation of recommendations.

9 9 One-year anniversary follow-up to check on status of recommendations and implementation. This strategy needs to be measurable in both the long and short term. Hence tracking progress toward the goals and objective is imperative. Some of those measures that may be considered but are not limited to include the following (Note measures may be broken out by different AMI levels). Proposed measures showing progress should be denoted as short term (1-3 years) and long term (4+) CONTRACTUAL TERMS The respondent must be prepared to perform the required services beginning on or about July 12, 2018 (the Commencement Date ). The term of the contract shall be twelve (12) months, expiring on the first (1st) anniversary of the Commencement Date. Invest Atlanta may terminate the contract without cause by giving not less than thirty (30) days prior written notice to the selected service provider. Invest Atlanta may terminate the contract with the service provider immediately for cause. Cause will include, but is not limited to, concern for financial integrity, irregularities, fraud or failure to perform service. Responses to this RFP will be evaluated based on the respondent's response to all relevant criteria stated in this RFP. Invest Atlanta has the right to reject any and all proposals. Proposals will be evaluated by a committee consisting of Invest Atlanta's staff, partner organizations and local leaders. Committee members will review the proposals individually and collectively to determine total points and rank them accordingly. If determined necessary by Invest Atlanta, interviews may be conducted with the respondents determined to be the most qualified. Additional information may be required at that time. After reviewing submittals (and conducting interviews, if deemed necessary), the selection committee will select the winning proposal. It is the policy of Invest Atlanta to prohibit discrimination against any person or business in pursuit of business opportunities on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, or geographic location and to conduct its contracting and purchasing programs so as to prevent such discrimination. TIMELINE The RFP can be obtained beginning May 18, 2018 at the offices of The Atlanta Development Authority d/b/a Invest Atlanta located at 133 Peachtree Street, Suite 2900, Atlanta, Georgia or on-line at

10 10 Due Date May 18, 2018 May 29, 2018 June 1, 2018 June 21, 2018 Action Required RFP distribution Deadline for submission of questions Responses to questions posted on website Response Deadline; Submittals due EQUAL BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY Invest Atlanta encourages all Respondents to promote opportunities for diverse businesses, including Minority Business Enterprises ( MBE ), Female Business Enterprises ( FBE ) and Small Business Enterprises ( SBE ) to compete for business as subcontractors and/or suppliers. However, nothing herein should indicate that an MBE, FBE or SBE may not apply and be selected independently, as MBEs, FBEs, and SBEs that meet the qualifications of this RFP are encouraged to submit their qualifications for consideration. For an MBE, FBE or SBE to participate on the contract, said MBE, FBE or SBE must be certified as an MBE or FBE and be registered with the City's Office of Contract Compliance M/FBE Register. SBEs must be registered with the City and are defined as businesses not exceeding $2.5 million in gross sales during the recent calendar or fiscal year. Firms interested in obtaining applications for certification should contact these organizations: City of Atlanta Office of Contract Compliance (MBE/FBE): Larry Scott, Director, Office of Contract Compliance, 55 Trinity Avenue, Atlanta, Georgia 30303, Tel: , Fax: , lscott@atlantaga.gov. Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB) certification by the U.S. Small Business Administration provided they reflect certification because of minority or women-owned status. EVALUATION & ACCEPTANCE OF RESPONSES Invest Atlanta reserves the right to reject any and all responses, to amend this RFP and the process itself, or to discontinue the process at any time. RFP respondents will not be reimbursed for any costs incurred to prepare proposals or for any work performed in connection therewith or during any negotiations on proposed actions. All materials submitted in response to the RFP will become the property of Invest Atlanta.

11 11 IMMIGRATION COMPLIANCE Provide notarized proof of compliance with Illegal Immigration Reform and Enforcement Act, O.C.G.A , et seq. (Appendix A) E-Verify. Respondents must comply with the Illegal Immigration Reform and Enforcement Act, O.C.G.A , et seq. All services physically performed within the State of Georgia must be accompanied by proof of your registration with the E-Verify Program, as well as verification of your continuing and future participation in the E- Verify program established by the United States Department of Homeland Security. A completed E-Verify Contractor Affidavit must be submitted to Invest Atlanta (Appendix A-1). To the extent there are subcontractors working on this contract, you are responsible for obtaining a fully signed and notarized subcontractor affidavit from those firms with whom you have entered into subcontracts (Appendix A-2). In turn, should there be second tier subcontractors on this project, you must require the subcontractors to obtain E-Verify Affidavits from those second tier subcontractors. TERMS AND CONDITIONS All proposals and supporting materials as well as correspondence relating to this RFP become property of Invest Atlanta when received. Any proprietary information contained in the Response should be so indicated. However, a general indication that the entire contents, or a major portion, of the proposal is proprietary will not be honored. A. All applicable State of Georgia and Federal laws, City and County ordinances, licenses and regulations of all agencies having jurisdiction shall apply to the Respondent and the development of the Property throughout and are incorporated herein. The contract with the Prospective Purchaser, and all questions concerning the execution, validity or invalidity, capability of the parties, and the performance of the contract, shall be interpreted in all respects in accordance with the laws of the State of Georgia. B. Professionals requiring special licenses must be licensed in the State of Georgia, and shall be responsible for those portions of the work as may be required by law. C. Sub-Contractors as part of the Project team must be clearly identified in the Response, including roles, resumes of key personnel and project references. D. No Response shall be accepted from, and no contract will be awarded to, any person, firm, or corporation that (i) is in arrears to Invest Atlanta or the City with respect to any debt, (ii) is in default with respect to any obligation to Invest Atlanta or the City, or (iii) is

12 12 deemed irresponsible or unreliable by Invest Atlanta. If requested, the Respondent shall be required to submit satisfactory evidence that they have the necessary financial resources to provide the proposed services. E. From the date Invest Atlanta receives a Respondent s proposal through the date a contract is awarded to a Respondent, no Respondent may make substitutions, deletions, additions or other changes in the configuration of Respondent s proposal or members of Respondent s team. F. Respondent is required to show evidence of adequate Insurance Coverage to include: (a) Statutory Worker s Compensation Insurance (b) Comprehensive General Liability Insurance - $2,000,000 limit of liability per occurrence for bodily injury and property damage (c) Professional Liability Insurance $1,000,000 limit per occurrence / $2,000,000 per aggregate.

13 13 APPENDIX A-1 CONTRACTOR AFFIDAVIT UNDER O.C.G.A (b)(1) By executing this affidavit, the undersigned Contractor verifies its compliance with O.C.G.A , et seq. (the Act ) and Chapter of the Rules of Georgia Department of Labor (the Rules ), stating affirmatively that the individual, firm, or corporation which is engaged in the physical performance of services on behalf of Invest Atlanta: (1) has registered with; (2) is authorized to use; (3) is using; and (4) will continue to use throughout the contract period a federal work authorization program commonly known as E-Verify, or any subsequent replacement program, in accordance with the applicability provisions and deadlines established in the Act and the Rules. The undersigned contractor further agrees that, should it employ or contract with any subcontractor(s) in connection with the physical performance of services pursuant to the contract with Invest Atlanta of which this affidavit is a part, the undersigned contractor will secure from such subcontractor(s) similar verification of compliance with the Act and the Rules through the subcontractor s execution of the subcontractor affidavit provided below. The undersigned contractor further agrees to provide a copy of each such affidavit to Invest Atlanta at the time the subcontractor(s) is retained to perform such services and to maintain copies of all such affidavits for no less than five (5) years from the date provided to Invest Atlanta and otherwise maintain records of compliance with the Act and the Rules as required. Contractor hereby attests that its federal work authorization user identification number and date of authorization are as follows: Employment Eligibility Verification (E-Verify) User Identification Number Date of Authorization I hereby declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct. BY: Authorized Officer or Agent Date Contractor Name Title of Authorized Officer or Agent of Contractor Printed Name of Authorized Officer or Agent Sworn to and subscribed before me This day of, 201 Notary Public My commission expires:

14 14 APPENDIX A-2 SUBCONTRACTOR AFFIDAVIT UNDER O.C.G.A (b)(3) By executing this affidavit, the undersigned subcontractor verifies its compliance with O.C.G.A (the Act ) and Chapter of the Rules of Georgia Department of Labor (the Rules ), stating affirmatively that the individual, firm, or corporation which is engaged in the physical performance of services under a contract with (name of contractor) on behalf of Invest Atlanta: (1) has registered with; (2) is authorized to use; (3) is using; and (4) will continue to use throughout the contract period a federal work authorization program known as E-Verify, or any subsequent replacement program, in accordance with the applicability provisions and deadlines established in the Act and the Rules. The undersigned subcontractor further agrees that it will contract for the physical performance of services in satisfaction of the Contract only with sub-subcontractors who present an E-Verify Affidavit to the undersigned subcontractor with the information required by the Act and the Rules. The undersigned subcontractor will forward notice of the receipt of an E-Verify Affidavit from a subsubcontractor to the Contractor within five (5) business days of receipt. If the undersigned subcontractor receives notice that a sub-subcontractor has received an E-Verify Affidavit from any other contracted subsubcontractor, the undersigned subcontractor must forward, within five (5) business days of receipt, a copy of the notice to the Contractor. Subcontractor hereby attests that its federal work authorization user identification number and date of authorization are as follows: Employment Eligibility Verification (E-Verify) User Identification Number Date of Authorization I hereby declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct. BY: Authorized Officer or Agent Date Subcontractor Name Title of Authorized Officer or Agent of Subcontractor Printed Name of Authorized Officer or Agent Sworn to and subscribed before me This day of, 201 Notary Public My commission expires: