PROJECT DESCRIPTION / SCOPE
The Helotes Economic Development Corporation (HEDC) hereby solicits Requests for Qualifications (RFQ) for professional consulting services. It is the intent of the HEDC to develop a small business consulting program that will assist in improving the performance of Helotes businesses. Specifically, the program will offer assistance with Marketing/Branding, Web, Architectural/Interior Design, and Business/Financial consulting. Web consulting is intended to mean website design and/or web presence. Business/financial consulting is intended to mean business processes, finances, and/or specialized training in business type (i.e. restaurants, clothiers, et cetera). The intent is to select either a prime firm (collectively, the “Respondent”) who has assembled a team of specialized consultants to manage and perform all of the required services OR individual firms (individually, the “Firms”) in each of the identified areas. Professional services required include, but are not limited to, the following:
1. Formalize program design and implementation.
2. Review and critically analyze businesses in one or all of the three specialties. 3. Provide an analysis of business strengths and weakness.
4. Prepare a memorandum that summarizes the analysis and provides strategies the business owner can implement to address the problems.
5. Provide additional advice and consultation, as needed, during project design and / or implementation.
PROPOSAL/QUALIFICATION SUBMISSIONS
Submit ten (10) hard copies and one (1) digital copy of your written qualifications in a sealed envelope no later than 5:00 p.m. CST Friday, August 14, 2013. Facsimile proposals will not be accepted. Deadline for questions is 4:00 p.m. CST Friday, Wednesday, August 9, 2013. All questions must be submitted in writing and will be answered in writing on the EDC website, www.shophelotes.com. Only those inquires the HEDC replies to in writing on the HEDC website shall be binding. Oral and other interpretations or clarifications will be without legal effect. The proposal and questions should be addressed to:
By mail: Hand delivery:
Helotes Economic Development Corporation Helotes Economic Development Corporation
Attn: Glenn Goolsby, EDC Specialist Attn: Glenn Goolsby, EDC Specialist
P.O. Box 507 12951 Bandera Road
Helotes, Texas 78023 Helotes, Texas 78023
ESTIMATED SCHEDULE
Issue Request for Qualifications ….………..………..……… July 31, 2013 Last Day for Questions ………..……… August 9, 2013 RFQ Submittal Deadline ….….……… 5:00 p.m. August 14, 2013 Shortlist Notified ……….……….……….. August 16, 2013 Presentations and Contract Award ……… August 21 , 2013
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Proposers are required to provide responses to the following outline of questions and requirements. Proposals should be in the form of 8-1/2 x 11 reports with optional foldouts and attachments, when necessary. Each section (defined below) shall be separated by a tabbed divider. The proposal should be kept to the minimum number of pages necessary to fulfill the requirements of this RFQ.
Section 1: Cover Letter
Provide a one page statement of interest letter for the project, including a narrative describing the Respondent or Firm’s unique qualifications and the general project approach the entity intends to use in performing the services identified in this project. At least one copy of the statement of interest shall contain the original signature of a partner, principle, or officer of the Respondent or Firm who holds the authority to bind the Respondent or Firm to the requirements of this RFQ.
Section 2: Firm Information
a) Respondent or firm name(s), address(es), and telephone number(s) of the entities(s) responsible for delivery of the project.
b) Year respondent or firm(s) was established.
c) Name, direct phone number, and email address of the representative who is authorized to discuss the RFQ.
Section 3: General Company History/Qualifications
a) A brief history of the respondent or firm(s) and a discussion of the services the respondent or firm(s) is qualified to perform.
b) An organization chart that explains team member responsibilities.
c) The resume of personnel that would be assigned to the project, with their prospective roles identified.
d) List of all related awards/recognitions the respondent or firm(s) and its key personnel have received in the past ten (10) years.
Section 4: Experience and References
Discussion of respondent or firm(s) experience in working with small businesses, including a tabular list of comparable projects over the past five (5) years. Provide a detailed synopsis of a minimum of five (5) of the listed projects, whether such projects are ongoing or completed.
Each synopsis shall include, at a minimum, the following information: i. Project name and location.
ii. Statement describing whether or not the respondent or firm was the project’s lead, sole service provider, or sub-consultant to another entity.
iii. Year project completed.
iv. Short description of the project.
v. Name and telephone number of the primary contact person.
vi. Name of the respondent or firm’s project manager or lead on the project. vii. Other project information the respondent or firm may want to include. SELECTION PROCESS
The HEDC Board of Directors, with the assistance of its consultants and staff, will evaluate qualifications submitted. The HEDC may invite one or more of the highest qualified Respondents or firms to attend a formal interview in Helotes, Texas before final ranking of the Respondents or firms. Appropriate professional fees will be negotiated between the HEDC and selected Respondent or firm following a successful qualification-based selection process. It is expected at that time that a fee schedule for deliverables will be established.
Professional services are procured in accordance with of the Government Code, Title 10, Subtitle F, Chapter 2254 Professional and Consulting Services. Selection of the most highly qualified respondent or firm will be made on the basis of demonstrated competence and qualifications, as solely determined by the HEDC Board of Directors.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
1. No Gratuities - Respondents or firms shall not offer any gratuities, favors, or anything of monetary value to any official or employee of the HEDC or the City of Helotes for the purpose of influencing this selection. Any attempt by the respondent or firm to influence the selection process by any means, other than disclosure of qualifications and credentials through the proper channels, shall be considered a bribe and grounds for exclusion from the selection process and possible legal action.
2. All Information True – Respondent or firm represents and warrants to HEDC and City that all information provided in the response shall be true, correct and complete. Respondents or firms who provide false, misleading, or incomplete information, whether intentional or not, shall be subject to exclusion from the selection process. 3. Cost of Responses - Any and all costs incurred by the respondents or firms in the
preparation and delivery of the proposal are the responsibility of the respondent or firm and will not be reimbursed by the HEDC or City. The Helotes Economic Development Corporation wants to thank all respondents or firms in advance for their interest.
ATTACHMENT A Proposer’s Certification
I have carefully examined the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) and any other documents accompanying or made part of the Request for Qualifications.
I have agreed to abide be all conditions of this RFQ.
I certify that all the information contained in this proposal is truthful to the best of my knowledge and belief. I further certify that I am duly authorized to submit this proposal on behalf of the Respondent or Firm as its act and deed and that the Respondent or Firm is ready, willing, and able to perform the work if awarded the contract.
I further certify that this proposal is made without prior collusion with any other person, firm, or corporation submitting proposals for the same product or services, including, no officers, employees, or agents of the City of Helotes, HEDC, or any other proposer interested in said RFQ, and that the undersigned executed this Proposer’s Certification with full knowledge and understanding of the matters therein contained and was duly authorized to do so.
___________________________________________ Signature
____________________________________________ Name of Business
____________________________________________ Name & Title
____________________________________________ Address ____________________________________________ City/State/Zip Code ____________________________________________ Phone
ATTACHMENT B
STATEMENT OF BUSINESS RESPONSIBILITY
Name of Business: ______________________________________________________________ Business Address: ______________________________________________________________ Business Phone: _____________________________ E-mail: ____________________________ Contact Name: _________________________________________________________________ Business Classification (check all that apply):
_____ Individual _____ Corporation _____ Partnership
Name of Owner: ________________________________________________________________ Federal ID/Social Security Number: _________________________________________________ Does firm have insurance as specified below: Yes: _____ No: _____
(Note: Failure to indicate insurance, as specified, does not disqualify you from submittal or award). If no, describe differences.
Commercial General Liability insurance of $1,000,000 per occurrence; Professional Liability Insurance;
Broker Name: _____________________________________ Broker Phone/Email: _______________________________
Are claims pending against the insurance policy? Yes: ____ No: ____
During the last five years, have you been subject to bond forfeiture, litigation, or claims above 10% of the project value? If yes, please attach an explanation. Yes: ____ No: ____ Has firm been in bankruptcy, reorganization or receivership in the last five (5) years? Yes ____ No ____
Has firm been disqualified by any public agency from public contacts? Yes ____ No ____ Has firm operated at least one (1) year without interruption? Yes ____ No ____ Is there any potential conflict of interest: Yes ____ No ____ If yes, explain:
______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________
