HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL - AGENDA ITEM - 10/01/2019 - FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 120, 2019, APPROVINAgenda Item 4
Item # 4 Page 1
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY October 1, 2019
City Council
STAFF
SeonAh Kendall, Economic Health Manager
Shannon Hein, Economic Health Business Specialist
John Duval, Legal
SUBJECT
First Reading of Ordinance No. 120, 2019, Appropriating Prior Year Reserves, Unanticipated Revenue and
Authorizing Transfer of Funds for the Small Business Revolving Loan Fund Program.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The purpose of this item is to authorize the transfer of funds from the Keep Fort Collins Great Fund to the
General Fund and appropriate therein and to appropriate reserves and current year revenue from Platte River
Power Authority (PRPA) Economic Development Program funds in the General Fund to create the City of Fort
Collins Revolving Loan Fund for small businesses and startup companies operating in Fort Collins. The City
will use the funds to support access to capital for small businesses in Fort Collins, which have historically not
had access to traditional financial capital markets (“under banked” or “non-bankable”) The demographic focus
of this program will be low-income, minority, veteran, and women-owned small businesses.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends adoption of the Ordinance on First Reading.
BACKGROUND / DISCUSSION
A revolving loan fund (RLF) is a gap financing tool used for the development and expansion of small
businesses and startup companies. This Ordinance will support the first step in the development of the City’s
RLF that over time will become an “evergreen” source of capital for underserved and disadvantaged borrowers
in the community. “Evergreen” is the term used to refer to a self-replenishing pool of money through interest
and principal payments from previous loans to be used for new loans as budgeted and appropriated in future
years.
Businesses with 1-100 employees make up 98% of all firms in Fort Collins. These businesses employ 47% of
the workforce and provide 40% of the total wages in our community.
Demonstrated need:
• Data from the small business needs assessment deployed in 2018 demonstrated the need and interest
for capital resources from women-owned businesses, specifically women-owned businesses in the
revenue band of $100,000 - $499,000.
• A report by Minority Business Development Agency <http://www.mbda.gov/sites/default
/files/DisparitiesinCapitalAccessReport.pdf>, found that, “Among firms with gross receipts under
$500,000, loan denial rates for minority firms were about three times higher, at 42 percent, compared to
those of non-minority-owned firms, 16 percent.”
Agenda Item 4
Item # 4 Page 2
• The City’s Economic Health Office (EHO) has identified access to capital as a barrier to the small
business community within the Economic Health Strategic Goal, B.4, Increase Capital to Support Startup
Companies and Entrepreneurs. As such, EHO believes a revolving loan fund can support in meeting
Strategic Objective B.4.
Goals
The goals of the RLF include:
A. Encouraging business starts, strengthening and/or expansion of businesses through self-employment. This
in turn facilitates job creation as a means of economic self-sufficiency for low-and moderate-income
individuals.
B. Helping bridge the financial gap for small businesses which might eventually qualify for bank financing and
preparing the small business owner for traditional bank relationships.
C. Foster diversity in the business community by encouraging business ownership among traditionally
underserved minorities, women, and the disabled.
D. Promote entrepreneurship and business innovation as a means of harnessing the creative potential of
small businesses and investing in the economic success of the community.
Contributions to this RLF comes from two sources:
• Platte River Power Authority (PRPA) support of economic development efforts (2017, 2018, 2019 and
beyond)
• 2019 City of Fort Collins Cluster Funding (one-time contribution)
Since 1982, Platte River has granted funds annually to support economic development efforts. Prior to 2017,
these contributions received by the City of Fort Collins were directed toward Rocky Mountain Innosphere
(Innosphere). In August 2017, the City requested PRPA to remit the funds directly to our organization in order
to support the development of a small business lending program. These funds were received in 2017 and 2018
and are in the City’s General Fund reserve available for appropriation. Funds to be appropriated are as follows:
Source Fund Amount
2017 PRPA Contribution General Fund $21,878
2018 PRPA Contribution General Fund 21,916
2019 PRPA Contribution General Fund 36,436
City of Fort Collins Cluster Contribution KFCG (transfer to General Fund) 98,500
Total RLF Appropriation and Transfer $178,730
Summer 2019, the City issued Request for Proposal (RFP) #8963 seeking a qualified, licensed and accredited
capital vendor to manage and administer the revolving loan fund on the City’s behalf (Attachment 1).
Term loans would be available to eligible small businesses for up to $50,000 for the following purposes:
• Working capital
• Equipment
• Inventory
• Business purchase
Agenda Item 4
Item # 4 Page 3
Oversight
A representative from the selected vendor will meet with City of Fort Collins staff at least semi-annually to
review the program, lending data, and to provide updates. Staff will provide updates to City Council annually.
City Manager Recommendations
The City Manager is recommending the supplemental appropriations in this Ordinance. He has determined
that these appropriations, together with all other previous appropriations for this fiscal year, will not exceed the
City’s current estimate of actual and anticipated revenues for this fiscal year.
The City Manager is also recommending the transfer in this Ordinance of the $98,500 in the Keep Fort Collins
Fund to the General Fund. He has determined that these transferred funds, which were previously
appropriated this fiscal year for expenditure in the City’s Cluster Program to support small business, will
continue to be used for the same purpose in the RLF.
CITY FINANCIAL IMPACTS
Total PRPA contribution of $80,230 was received and earmarked for this program in 2017, 2018, and 2019.
Additional PRPA contributions from 2020 and beyond may also be used to expand this program. The
remaining $98,500 is from the strategic redeployment of 2019 appropriated cluster funds to support small
businesses as the Economic Health Office re-evaluates the City’s cluster program.
The City intends to work with a vendor who can leverage these dollars up to ten times the initial investment,
creating a larger loan pool for small businesses and creating a true evergreen fund in Fort Collins.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Request for Proposal Revolving Loan Fund (PDF)
RFP 8963 Revolving Loan Fund Page 1 of 13
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL #8963
REVOLVING LOAN FUND
The City of Fort Collins is requesting proposals from qualified Vendors to manage a Revolving
Loan Fund for businesses.
As part of the City’s commitment to Sustainable Purchasing, proposals submission via
email is preferred. Proposals shall be submitted in a single Microsoft Word or PDF file
under 20MB and e-mailed to: purchasing@fcgov.com. If electing to submit a hard copy
proposal we require one (1) hard copy and one (1) electronic copy on a jump drive to be
received at the City of Fort Collins' Purchasing Division, 215 North Mason St., 2nd floor, Fort
Collins, Colorado 80524. Proposals must be received before 3:00 p.m. (our clock) on
July 11, 2019 and referenced as Proposal No. 8963. If delivered, they are to be sent to 215
North Mason Street, 2nd Floor, Fort Collins, Colorado 80524. If mailed, the address is P.O. Box
580, Fort Collins, 80522-0580. Please note, additional time is required for bids mailed to the PO
Box to be received at the Purchasing Office.
The City encourages all Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) to submit proposals in
response to all requests for proposals. No individual or business will be discriminated against
on the grounds of race, color, sex, or national origin. It is the City’s policy to create a level
playing field on which DBEs can compete fairly and to ensure nondiscrimination in the award
and administration of all contracts.
All questions should be submitted, in writing via email, to Gerry Paul, Purchasing Director
at gspaul@fcgov.com, with a copy to Project Manager, Shannon Hein, at
shein@fcgov.com, no later than 5:00 PM MST (our clock) on June 27, 2019. Please format
your e-mail to include: RFP 8963 Revolving Loan Fund in the subject line. Questions received
after this deadline may not be answered. Responses to all questions submitted before the
deadline will be addressed in an addendum and posted on the Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing
System webpage.
Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing System hosted by Bidnet
A copy of the RFP may be obtained at http://www.bidnetdirect.com/colorado/city-of-fort-collins.
This RFP has been posted utilizing the following Commodity Code(s):
94625 Banking Services
94656 Investment Management Services
94660 Loan Administration
Financial Services
Purchasing Division
215 N. Mason St. 2nd Floor
PO Box 580
Fort Collins, CO 80522
970.221.6775
970.221.6707
fcgov.com/purchasing
ATTACHMENT 1
RFP 8963 Revolving Loan Fund Page 2 of 13
Public Viewing Copy: The City is a governmental entity subject to the Colorado Open Records
Act, C.R.S. §§ 24-72-200.1 et seq. (“CORA”). Any proposals submitted hereunder are subject
to public disclosure by the City pursuant to CORA and City ordinances. Vendors may submit
one (1) additional complete proposal clearly marked “FOR PUBLIC VIEWING.” In this version
of the proposal, the Vendor may redact text and/or data that it deems confidential or proprietary
pursuant to CORA. Such statement does not necessarily exempt such documentation from
public disclosure if required by CORA, by order of a court of appropriate jurisdiction, or other
applicable law. Generally, under CORA trade secrets, confidential commercial and financial
data information is not required to be disclosed by the City. Proposals may not be marked
“Confidential” or ‘Proprietary’ in their entirety. All provisions of any contract resulting from
this request for proposal will be public information.
New Vendors: The City requires new Vendors receiving awards from the City to fill out and
submit an IRS form W-9 and to register for Direct Deposit (Electronic) payment. If needed, the
W-9 form and the Vendor Direct Deposit Authorization Form can be found on the City’s
Purchasing website at www.fcgov.com/purchasing under Vendor Reference Documents. Please
do not submit with your proposal.
Sales Prohibited/Conflict of Interest: No officer, employee, or member of City Council, shall
have a financial interest in the sale to the City of any real or personal property, equipment,
material, supplies or services where such officer or employee exercises directly or indirectly any
decision-making authority concerning such sale or any supervisory authority over the services to
be rendered. This rule also applies to subcontracts with the City. Soliciting or accepting any gift,
gratuity favor, entertainment, kickback or any items of monetary value from any person who has
or is seeking to do business with the City of Fort Collins is prohibited.
Collusive or Sham Proposals: Any proposal deemed to be collusive or a sham proposal will
be rejected and reported to authorities as such. Your authorized signature of this proposal
assures that such proposal is genuine and is not a collusive or sham proposal.
The City of Fort Collins reserves the right to reject any and all proposals and to waive any
irregularities or informalities.
Utilization of Award by Other Agencies: The City of Fort Collins reserves the right to allow
other state and local governmental agencies, political subdivisions, and/or school districts to
utilize the resulting award under all terms and conditions specified and upon agreement by all
parties. Usage by any other entity shall not have a negative impact on the City of Fort Collins in
the current term or in any future terms.
The selected Vendor shall be expected to sign the City’s standard Agreement prior to
commencing Services (see sample attached to this Proposal).
Sincerely,
Gerry Paul
Purchasing Director
RFP 8963 Revolving Loan Fund Page 3 of 13
I. BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE / OVERVIEW
A. Objective
The City of Fort Collins is requesting proposals from qualified vendors who are licensed and
accredited capital providers to manage and administer the City of Fort Collins revolving loan
fund for small businesses and startups located in Fort Collins1.
B. Background
A revolving loan fund is a gap financing tool used for the development and expansion of
small businesses and startup companies. It self-replenishes its pool of money through
interest and principal payments from previous loans to issue new ones.
Businesses with 1-100 employees make up 98% of all firms in Fort Collins. These
businesses employ 47% of the workforce and provide 40% of the total wages in our
community
Demonstrated need:
• The City’s Economic Health Office (EHO) has identified access to capital as a barrier
to the small business community through Economic Health Strategic Objective, B.4,
Increase Capital to Support Startup Companies and Entrepreneurs. As such, EHO
believes a revolving loan fund can support in meeting Strategic Objective B.4.
• Data from the small business needs assessment deployed in 2018 demonstrated the
need and interest for capital resources from women-owned businesses, specifically
women-owned businesses in the revenue band of $100,000 - $499,000.
• A report by Minority Business Development Agency, found that, “Among firms with
gross receipts under $500,000, loan denial rates for minority firms were about three
times higher, at 42 percent, compared to those of non-minority-owned firms, 16
percent.”
The City views this RFP as the first step in the development of a loan fund that will, over
time, become an “evergreen” source of capital for underserved and disadvantaged
borrowers in our community.
Goals:
The goals of the revolving loan fund include:
A. Encourage business starts, strengthening’s and/or expansions through self-employment
and facilitating job creation as a means of economic self-sufficiency for low-and
moderate-income individuals.
B. Help bridge the financing gap for small businesses which might eventually qualify for
bank financing and prepare them for traditional bank relationships.
C. Foster diversity in the business community by encouraging business ownership among
traditionally underserved minorities, women, and the disabled.
1 For the purposes of this RFP, a business is defined as one that has obtained a sales tax license in the
City of Fort Collins. This also includes non-profits.
RFP 8963 Revolving Loan Fund Page 4 of 13
D. Promote entrepreneurship and business innovation as a means of harnessing the
creative potential of small businesses and investing in the economic success of the
community.
E. Leverage the selected vendor partnership to significantly grow the initial seed money
provided by the City of Fort Collins.
Definition of Key Terms:
• Revolving Loan Fund - A financing tool used for the start, strengthening or expansion of
small businesses and startup companies, often used for businesses that are not yet able
to qualify for conventional bank financing.
• Small business – for the purpose of this request for proposal and the revolving loan fund,
a small business is defined as having 100 employees or less and annual gross revenues
of $500,000 or less.
• Business start, strengthening, or expansion
o Start - new business created within the prior 12 months;
o Strengthening - business revenues increased by 10% or more from the prior year
o Expansion - one or more non-family, full-time employees added.
II. SCOPE OF PROPOSAL
A. Scope of Work
The selected vendor will receive approximately $164,000 of seed capital for a revolving
loan fund from the City of Fort Collins. The City expects the selected vendor to provide
strategies to grow the fund by several multiples (at least 2x) of lending capital, grow the
overall available lending pool through matching funds, and at least an equal match from
the selected vendor.
The revolving loan program will be entirely administered by the selected vendor. It is the
City’s expectation the awarded vendor will be responsible for any losses from non-
performing loans in this revolving loan fund.
The City is looking for a vendor partner that can provide opportunities for additional
sources of lending capital, collaboration, education, consulting, and understands our
desire to engage and provide business support to underserved entrepreneurs.
All loans will be co-branded between the vendor and City of Fort Collins.
Timeline:
The revolving loan program is expected to launch in quarter three of 2019.
Eligibility Criteria:
• All eligible borrowers of the revolving loan fund must have their primary business
operations in the City of Fort Collins, possess a City of Fort Collins sales tax license, and
all applicable and legally required City permits, licenses, and insurance for their specific
enterprise.
• Eligible borrowers must be in good standing with the sales tax and utilities departments.
Businesses with outstanding balances with the City of Fort Collins of any kind will not be
considered.
RFP 8963 Revolving Loan Fund Page 5 of 13
• Nonprofits are defined as a business and can apply if in good standing in all areas listed
above.
• Other points of criteria will be determined by the City of Fort Collins and the vendor. As a
public entity, the City intends to require eligibility criterium that prohibits participation in the
program by certain businesses engaging in selling or providing products or services that
are known to be injurious to the public’s health, safety or welfare.
Other Loan Parameters:
Term loans should be made available to eligible entrepreneurs and businesses for up to
$50,000, up to 10 years, and for any of the following purposes:
• Working capital
• Equipment
• Inventory
• Business purchase
Rates and origination fees vary and will depend on the amount of the loans, loan term and
other screening factors.
Loan products and borrowing parameters may be adjusted by the City of Fort Collins and
selected vendor in order to align with the size and growth of the overall revolving loan fund
and changing market needs over time.
Oversight:
A representative from the selected vendor will meet with City of Fort Collins staff at least
semi-annually to review the program, lending data, and to provide updates. City of Fort
Collins staff will support marketing efforts as appropriate.
Period of Award:
The revolving loan fund contract will be subject to annual renewal with an initial term of up
to five (5) one (1) year periods. The vendor shall be solely responsible for servicing all
loans for the term of such loans in accordance with the terms and conditions of the contract
irrespective of the agreement term.
B. Deliverables/Milestones
Initial lending goals:
• 5 loans made in 2019. This can include loans for the purpose of business starts,
strengthening’s, or expansions
• 15 additional loans made in 2020. This can include loans for the purpose of
business starts, strengthening’s, or expansions.
Estimated milestones:
• Contract execution – August 2019 (estimate)
o Upon contract execution, the City of Fort Collins and selected vendor will
establish an advisory panel. The advisory panel will not make credit
decisions. Responsibilities of the panelists may include attending routine
meetings to review reports, monitor progress, identify needs and gaps of the
community, bridge relationships with bankers, be a community champion to
promote the program to their network, and assure equity and inclusion among
borrowers.
RFP 8963 Revolving Loan Fund Page 6 of 13
• Program funded by City of Fort Collins – within 45 days of contract execution
• Marketing campaign launches (including announcement at the Business
Appreciation Breakfast on September 26, 2019) within 60 days of contract execution
• First quarterly report submitted – February 2020
C. Key Areas of Responsibility
The vendor will be responsible for the following:
• Create and manage the revolving loan fund
• Screen loan applicants in accordance with the criteria established by the City,
vendor, and advisory panel
• Administer loan disbursements
• Manage loan payments from the borrower
• Meet with Economic Health Staff to review quarterly reports
• Appoint one representative to serve on the advisory panel
• Instrumental in securing additional funds from banks through outreach and
existing relationships
• Marketing the program to the Fort Collins community
• Assume credit risk and responsibility for loan losses
D. Minimum Qualifications
• The selected vendor must be licensed to offer small business loans in the State of
Colorado and have experience in loaning and servicing funds, defining specific
parameters of the loan fund, and designing underwriting guidelines.
• Have a local presence to provide accessible counseling, support, and
engagement.
• Ability and experience working with traditionally underserved and non-English
speaking entrepreneurs is desirable, but not required.
• Capacity to provide education, consulting, and technical assistance to eligible
borrowers is also preferred.
E. Anticipated Schedule
The following represents the City’s target schedule for the RFP. The City reserves the
right to amend the target schedule at any time.
• RFP issuance: June 14, 2019
• Question deadline: 5:00 PM MST on June 27, 2019
• Proposal due date: 3:00 MST (our clock) on July 11, 2019
• Interviews (tentative): Week of July 22nd
• Award of Contract (tentative): August 2019
F. Budget
The budget for this project includes initial seed money of an estimated $164,000 plus
expected contributions of $20,000 annually by the City of Fort Collins. Vendors are invited
to submit proposals with the tasks prioritized to aid the City in working together with the
RFP 8963 Revolving Loan Fund Page 7 of 13
selected firm to identify and implement core tasks within the budget available for this
project. Vendors may also wish to include budget forecasting for additional contributions
they may be able to secure from established partnerships.
G. Interviews
In addition to submitting a written proposal, the top-rated Vendors may be interviewed by
the RFP assessment team and asked to participate in an oral presentation to provide an
overview of the company, approach to the project and to address questions. The
evaluation criteria for the oral interviews will be the same as the criteria for the written
evaluations and is included in Section IV.
H. Subcontractors
Vendors will be responsible for identifying any subcontractors in their proposal. Please
note that the City will contract solely with the awarded Vendor; therefore subcontractors
will be the responsibility of the Vendor.
I. Proposal Format
Please limit the total length of your proposal to a maximum of twenty-five (25) double sided
or fifty (50) single sided 8 ½ x 11” pages (excluding cover pages, table of contents,
dividers and Vendor Statement form). Font shall be a minimum of 10 Arial and margins
are limited to no less than .5” for sides and top/bottom. Extended page sizes, such as 11”
x 17”, count as a single page. Please, no embedded documents. Proposals that do not
conform to these requirements may be rejected.
J. Financial Statement
Vendors are to submit the most recent financial statement (audited preferred) including
balance sheet and income statement, as well as a statement of cash flows. The financial
information shall be submitted in a separate file marked Confidential. The financial
information will be considered confidential commercial and financial data pursuant to the
Colorado Open Records Act (C.R.S.24-72-201 et. seq.).
K. Laws and Regulations
The Vendor agrees to comply fully with all applicable local, State of Colorado and Federal
laws and regulations and municipal ordinances.
L. Invoicing and Payment
Invoices should be emailed monthly to invoices@fcgov.com with a copy to the Project
Manager. The cost of the work completed shall be paid to the Vendor each month following
the submittal of a correct invoice by the Vendor indicating the project name, Purchase
Order number, task description, hours worked, personnel/work type category, hourly rate
for each employee/work type category, date of the work performed specific to the task,
percentage of that work that has been completed by task, 3rd party supporting
documentation with the same detail and a brief progress report.
Payments will be made using the prices listed on the agreed-to Price Schedule. In the
event a service is requested which is not listed on the Price Schedule, the Vendor and the
City will negotiate an appropriate unit price for the service prior to Consultant initiating
such work.
RFP 8963 Revolving Loan Fund Page 8 of 13
The City pays invoices on Net 30 terms.
III. PROPOSAL SUBMITTAL
For this section, Vendors are required to provide detailed written responses to the following
items in the order outlined below. The responses shall be considered technical offers of what
Vendors propose to provide and shall be incorporated in the contract award as deemed
appropriate by the City. A proposal that does not include all the information required may be
deemed non-responsive and subject to rejection.
Responses must include all the items in the order listed below. It is suggested that the Vendors
include each of the City’s questions with their response immediately following the question.
The City of Fort Collins shall not reimburse any firm for costs incurred in the preparation and
presentation of their proposal.
A. Cover Letter / Executive Summary
The Executive Summary should highlight the content of the proposal and features of the
program offered, including a general description of the program and any unique aspects
or benefits provided by your firm.
Indicate your availability to participate in the interviews/demonstrations on the proposed
dates as stated in the Schedule section.
B. Vendor Information
1. Describe the Vendor’s business and background
2. Number of years in the business
3. Details about ownership
4. An overview of services offered and qualifications
5. Size of the firm
6. Location(s) of offices. If multiple, please identify which will be the primary for our
account.
7. Primary contact information for the company including contact name(s) and title(s),
mailing address(s), phone number(s), and email address(s). Complete Section V,
Vendor Statement.
C. Scope of Proposal
1. Provide a detailed narrative of the services proposed if awarded the contract per the
scope above. The narrative should include any options that may be beneficial for the
City to consider.
2. Describe how the project would be managed and who would have primary
responsibility for its timely and professional oversight of the program.
3. Identify what portion of work, if any, may be subcontracted.
D. Firm Capability
Provide relevant information regarding previous experience related to this or similar
Projects, to include the following:
RFP 8963 Revolving Loan Fund Page 9 of 13
1. Provide an Organization Chart/Proposed Project Team: An organization chart
containing the names of all key personnel and sub consultants with titles and their
specific task assignment for this Agreement shall be provided in this section.
2. A list of qualifications for your firm and qualifications and experience of the specific
staff members proposed to perform the consulting services described above.
3. Provide a minimum of three similar projects with public agencies in the last 5 years
that have involved the staff proposed to work on this project. Include the owner’s
name, title of project, beginning price, ending price, contact name, email and phone
number, sub-consultants on the team and a brief description of the work and any
change orders.
4. Provide examples of at least two projects where you’ve worked with your sub-
consultants. List the sub-consultant firm(s) for this Agreement, their area(s) of
expertise, and include all other applicable information herein requested for each sub-
consultant. Identify what portion of work, if any, may be sub-contracted.
5. References (current contact name, current telephone number and email address)
from at least three similar projects with similar requirements that have been
completed within the past five (5) years and that have involved the staff proposed to
work on this project. Provide a description of the work performed. The Consultant
authorizes City to verify any and all information contained in the Consultant’s
submittal from references contained herein and hereby releases all those concerned
providing information as a reference from any liability in connection with any
information they give.
E. Assigned Personnel
1. List of Project Personnel: This list should include the identification of the contact
person with primary responsibility for this Agreement, the personnel proposed for this
Agreement, and any supervisory personnel, including partners and/or sub
consultants, and their individual areas of responsibility.
2. A resume for each professional and technical person assigned to the Agreement,
including partners and/or sub consultants, shall be submitted. Please limit resumes
to one page.
3. Some functions of this project may require the use of sub-consultants. If you intend
to utilize sub-consultants you must list each and provide resumes for their key
personnel.
F. Sustainability/TBL Methodology
In concise terms (no more than two pages), please describe how your organization strives
to be sustainable. Address how your firm incorporates Triple Bottom Line (TBL) into the
workplace. See Section IV: Review and Assessment for additional information.
If possible, please highlight areas of opportunity in the project where sustainability could
be applied and/or improved.
RFP 8963 Revolving Loan Fund Page 10 of 13
G. Cost
In your response to this proposal, please provide the following:
1. Program Expenses. Include an itemized list of all reimbursable expenses required to
initiate, launch, market and manage the program for the term of the loans. Detail
expense items proposed to be reimbursed by the City and those that will be either
rolled into the loan or directly reimbursable by the business as part of the loan
application process.
2. Interest Rates. Provide an overview of the methodology that will be used to establish
the interest rates including the formula and index that will be utilized.
H. Additional Information
Provide any information that distinguishes Vendor from its competition and any additional
information applicable to this RFP that might be valuable in assessing Vendor’s proposal.
Explain any concerns Vendor may have in maintaining objectivity in recommending the
best solution. All potential conflicts of interest must be disclosed.
Exceptions to the Scope of Services shall be documented.
IV. REVIEW AND ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
A. Proposal and Interview Criteria
Vendors will be evaluated on the following criteria. These criteria will be the basis for
review and assessment of the written proposals and optional interview session. At the
discretion of the City, interviews of the top-rated Vendors may be conducted.
The rating scale shall be from 1 to 5, with 1 being a poor rating, 3 being an average rating,
and 5 being an outstanding rating.
See Next Page for the Assessment Criteria
RFP 8963 Revolving Loan Fund Page 11 of 13
WEIGHTING
FACTOR
QUALIFICATION STANDARD
2.0 Scope of Proposal
Does the proposal address all elements of the
RFP? Does the proposal show an
understanding of the project objectives,
methodology to be used and results/outcomes
required by the project? Are there any
exceptions to the requirements?
2.0 Firm Capability
Does the firm have the resources, financial
strength, capacity and support capabilities
required to be a successfully partner to the City?
Has the firm successfully participated in similar
programs?
2.0 Assigned Personnel
Do the persons who will be working on the
project have the necessary skills and
qualifications? Are sufficient people of the
requisite skills and qualifications assigned to the
project?
1.0
Sustainability/TBL
Methodology
Does the firm demonstrate a commitment to
Sustainability and incorporate Triple Bottom Line
methodology in both their Scope of Work for the
project, and their day-to-day business operating
processes and procedures?
3.0 Value
Is the methodology for setting the prevailing
interest rates competitive and consistent with
industry standards? Are the proposed fees
competitive? Has the firm committed to match
the City’s funds? Does the firm have a strong
financial network and have they provided
compelling evidence of additional potential
sources for loan capital?
Definitions
Sustainable Purchasing is a process for selecting products or services that have a lesser
or reduced negative effect on human health and the environment when compared with
competing products or services that serve the same purpose. This process is also known
as “Environmentally Preferable Purchasing” (EPP), or “Green Purchasing”.
The Triple Bottom Line (TBL) is an accounting framework that incorporates three
dimensions of performance: economic, or financial; environmental, and social. The
generally accepted definition for TBL is that it “captures the essence of sustainability by
measuring the impact of an organization’s activities on the world…including both its
profitability and shareholders values and its social, human, and environmental capital.”
RFP 8963 Revolving Loan Fund Page 12 of 13
B. Reference Evaluation Criteria
Prior to award, the Project Manager will check references using the following criteria.
Negative responses from references may impact the award determination.
CRITERIA STANDARD QUESTIONS
Overall Performance
Would you hire this Vendor again? Did they show
the skills required by this project?
Timetable
Was the original Scope of Work completed within the
specified time? Were interim deadlines met in a
timely manner?
Completeness
Was the Vendor responsive to client needs; did the
Vendor anticipate problems? Were problems solved
quickly and effectively?
Budget
Was the original Scope of Work completed within the
project budget?
Job Knowledge
If a study, did it meet the Scope of Work?
If Vendor administered a construction contract, was
the project functional upon completion and did it
operate properly? Were problems corrected quickly
and effectively?
RFP 8963 Revolving Loan Fund Page 13 of 13
V. VENDOR STATEMENT
Vendor hereby acknowledges receipt of the City of Fort Collins Request for Proposal and
acknowledges that it has read and agrees to be fully bound by all of the terms, conditions and
other provisions set forth in the RFP. Additionally, Vendor hereby makes the following
representations to City:
a. All of the statements and representations made in this proposal are true to the best of the
Vendor’s knowledge and belief.
b. Vendor commits that it is able to meet the terms provided in this proposal.
c. This proposal is a firm and binding offer, for a period of 90 days from the date hereof.
d. Vendor further agrees that the method of award is acceptable.
e. Vendor also agrees to complete the proposed Agreement with the City of Fort Collins
within 30 days of notice of award. If contract is not completed and signed within 30 days,
City reserves the right to cancel and award to the next highest rated firm.
f. Vendor acknowledge receipt of addenda.
Firm Name:
Physical Address:
Remit to Address:
Phone:
Name of Authorized Agent of Firm:
Signature of Authorized Agent:
Primary Contact for Project:
Title: Email Address:
Phone: Cell Phone:
NOTE: VENDOR STATEMENT IS TO BE SIGNED & RETURNED WITH YOUR PROPOSAL.
-1-
ORDINANCE NO. 120, 2019
OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS
APPROPRIATING PRIOR YEAR RESERVES, UNANTICIPATED REVENUE
AND AUTHORIZING TRANSFER OF FUNDS FOR THE SMALL BUSINESS
REVOLVING LOAN FUND PROGRAM
WHEREAS, the purpose of this Ordinance is to appropriate funds to be used to establish
a revolving loan fund program to provide a source of capital for underserved and disadvantaged
small businesses and start-up companies in Fort Collins that have historically not had access to
financial capital markets, such as those owned by women and minorities (the “RLF Program”);
and
WHEREAS, the RLF Program is intended to provide an “evergreen” source of funding,
meaning it will be a self-replenishing fund to be annually appropriated from the principal and
interest payments received from earlier loans to be used to fund new loans; and
WHEREAS, the RLF Program is consistent with and will further Goal B.4 in the City’s
Economic Health Strategic Plan adopted by City Council in Resolution 2015-059 (“Goal B.4”);
and
WHEREAS, Goal B.4 calls for increased capital to support start-up companies and
entrepreneurs by supporting the development of new and enhanced capital access tools, like the
RLF Program; and
WHEREAS, Article V, Section 9 of the City Charter permits the City Council, upon
recommendation of the City Manager, to make supplemental appropriations by ordinance at any
time during the fiscal year, provided that the total amount of such supplemental appropriation in
combination with all previous appropriations for the fiscal year does not exceed the current
estimate of the actual and anticipated revenues to be received by the City during the fiscal year
and such appropriations may include funds available for expenditure from reserves accumulated
in prior years, notwithstanding that such reserves have not previously been appropriated; and
WHEREAS, the City Manager has recommended the supplemental appropriations
described herein and determined that these appropriations are available and previously
unappropriated from the General Fund and will not cause the total amount appropriated in the
General Fund for this fiscal year to exceed the current estimate of actual and anticipated
revenues to be received in the General Fund during this fiscal year; and
WHEREAS, Article V, Section 10(b) of the City Charter authorizes the City Council
during any fiscal year, upon recommendation of the City Manager, to transfer by ordinance any
unexpended and unencumbered appropriated amount or portion thereof from one fund or capital
project to another fund or capital project, provided that at least one of the following criteria is
satisfied: (i) the purpose for which the transferred funds are to be expended remains unchanged,
(ii) the purpose for which the funds were initially appropriated no longer exists, or (iii) the
-2-
proposed transfer is from a fund or capital project in which the amount appropriated exceeds the
amount needed to accomplish the purpose specified in the appropriation ordinance; and
WHEREAS, the City Manager has recommended the transfer of funds from the Keep
Fort Collins Fund to the General Fund as described herein and determined that the purpose for
which the transferred funds are to be expended remains unchanged; and
WHEREAS, the RLF Program and the appropriations and fund transfer described herein
to establish it will benefit the public’s health, safety and welfare and will serve the public
purposes of furthering Goal B.4, improving the community’s economic health, and making
capital available to underserved and disadvantaged small businesses and start-up companies in
Fort Collins.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
FORT COLLINS as follows:
Section 1. That the City Council hereby makes and adopts the determinations and
findings contained in the recitals set forth above.
Section 2. That there is hereby appropriated from prior year reserves in the General
Fund the sum of FORTY-THREE THOUSAND SEVEN HUNDRED NINETY-FOUR
DOLLARS ($43,794) for expenditure in the RLF Program.
Section 3. That there is hereby appropriated from anticipated revenue budgeted in the
General Fund for this fiscal year, but not previously appropriated in the General Fund, the sum of
TWENTY-TWO THOUSAND DOLLARS ($22,000) for expenditure in the RLF Program.
Section 4. That there is hereby appropriated from unanticipated revenue in the
General Fund the sum of FOURTEEN THOUSAND FOUR HUNDRED THIRTY-SIX
DOLLARS ($14,436) for expenditure in the RLF Program.
Section 5. That the unexpended appropriated amount of NINETY-EIGHT
THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS ($98,500) in the Keep Fort Collins Great Fund is
hereby transferred to the General Fund and appropriated therein for expenditure in the RLF
Program.
Introduced, considered favorably on first reading, and ordered published this 1st day of
October, A.D. 2019, and to be presented for final passage on the 15th day of October, A.D. 2019.
__________________________________
Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________________
City Clerk
-3-
Passed and adopted on final reading on the 15th day of October, A.D. 2019.
__________________________________
Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________________
City Clerk