HomeMy WebLinkAboutRFP - 7215 ECONOMIC HEALTH STRATEGIC PLANCity of
Financial Services
Purchasing Division
215 N. Mason St. 2nd Floor
6rt®��
PO Box 580
Fort Collins, CO 80522
970.221.6775
Purchasing
970.221.6707
fcgov.com/purchasing
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL
7215 ECONOMIC HEALTH STRATEGIC PLAN
The City of Fort Collins' Economic Action Plan was first developed in 2005 and updated
annually as part of the Budgeting for Outcomes process. Now, more than five years
later, it is time to re-evaluate the Economic Action Plan and develop a revised Economic
Health Strategic Plan. The City is requesting proposals from experienced teams to craft
a five-year Economic Health Strategic Plan. The proposal will include the following: A)
analysis of the City's existing Economic Health strategy, B) an implementation plan
identifying next steps to achieve key outcomes, and C) work with key stakeholders. The
consulting team will provide all the management and services to develop the plan.
The revised Economic Health Strategic Plan should lead to:
■ Increased company expansion in Fort Collins;
■ Greater retention of jobs, specifically in targeted industry clusters;
■ Additional primary jobs in the targeted industry clusters;
■ Heightened awareness of Fort Collins as a global business location in the
targeted industry clusters;
■ Enhancement to technology transfer and commercialization from Colorado State
University and private sector partners; and
■ Increased availability of seed, angel, venture, and other forms of capital to
support innovation
Written proposals, (submit 6 copies) will be received at the City of Fort Collins'
Purchasing Division, 215 North Mason St., 2nd floor, Fort Collins, Colorado 80524.
Proposals will be received before 3:00 p.m. (our clock), April 6, 2011. Proposal No.
7215. 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.
Questions concerning the scope of the project should be directed to Mike Freeman,
Chief Financial Officer at (970) 416-2259 or mfreeman@fcgov.com and/or Josh Birks,
Economic Advisor, (970) 221-6324 or jbirks@fcgov.com.
Questions regarding bid submittal or process should be directed to James B. O'Neill II,
CPPO, FNIGP, Director of Purchasing & Risk Management at (970) 221-6779 or
joneill@fcgov.com.
A copy of the Proposal may be obtained as follows:
1. Download the Proposal/Bid from the BuySpeed Webpage,
www.fcqov.com/eprocurement
RFP 7215 - Economic Health Strategic Plan Page 1 of 21
REVIEW AND ASSESSMENT
Professional firms will be evaluated on the following criteria. These criteria will be the
basis for review of the written proposals and interview session.
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.
WEIGHTING
QUALIFICATION
STANDARD
FACTOR
2.0
Scope of Proposal
Does the proposal show an understanding of
the project objective, methodology to be used
and results that are desired from the project?
2.0
Assigned Personnel
Do the persons who will be working on the
project have the necessary skills? Are
sufficient people of the requisite skills assigned
to the project?
1.0
Availability
Can the work be completed 'in the necessary
time? Can the target start and completion
dates be met? Are other qualified personnel
available to assist in meeting the project
schedule if required? Is the project team
available to attend meetings as required by the
Scope of Work?
1.0
Motivation
Is the firm interested and are they capable of
doing the work in the required time frame?
2.0
Cost & Work Hours
Do the proposed cost and work hours compare
favorably with the project Manager's estimate?
Are the work hours presented reasonable for
the effort required in each project task or
phase?
2.0
Firm Capability
Does the firm have the support capabilities the
assigned personnel require? Has the firm
done previous projects of this type and scope?
RFP 7215 — Economic Health Strategic Plan Page 10 of 21
REFERENCE EVALUATION (TOP RANKED FIRM)
The Project Manager will check references using the following criteria. The evaluation
rankings will be labeled Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory.
QUALIFICATION
STANDARD
Overall Performance
Would you hire this Professional 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 Professional responsive to client
needs; did the Professional anticipate
problems? Were problems solved quickly
and effectively?
Budget
Was the original Scope of Work completed
within the project budget?
Job Knowledge
a) If a study, did it meet the Scope of
Work?
b) If Professional administered a
construction contract, was the project
functional upon completion and did it
operate properly? Were problems
corrected quickly and effectively?
RFP 7215 — Economic Health Strategic Plan Page 11 of 21
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT made and entered into the day and year set forth below, by and
between THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS, COLORADO, a Municipal Corporation, hereinafter
referred to as the "City" and , hereinafter referred to as "Professional'.
WITNESSETH:
In consideration of the mutual covenants and obligations herein expressed, it is agreed
by and between the parties hereto as follows:
1. Scope of Services. The Professional agrees to provide services in accordance
with the scope of services attached hereto as Exhibit "A", consisting of ( )
page , and incorporated herein by this reference.
2. The Work Schedule. (Optional) The services to be performed pursuant to this
Agreement shall be performed in accordance with the Work Schedule attached hereto as
Exhibit "B", consisting of ( ) page, and incorporated herein by this reference.
3. Contract Period. This Agreement shall commence , 200 , and shall
continue in full force and effect until , 200 , unless sooner terminated as herein
provided. In addition, at the option of the City, the Agreement may be extended for additional
one year periods not to exceed four (4) additional one year periods. Renewals and pricing
changes shall be negotiated by and agreed to by both parties. The Denver Boulder Greeley
CPIU published by the Colorado State Planning and Budget Office will be used as a guide.
Written notice of renewal shall be provided to the Professional and mailed no later than ninety
(90) days prior to contract end.
4. Early Termination by City. Notwithstanding the time periods contained herein,
the City may terminate this Agreement at any time without cause by providing written notice of
termination to the Professional. Such notice shall be delivered at least fifteen (15) days prior to
RFP 7215 — Economic Health Strategic Plan Page 12 of 21
the termination date contained in said notice unless otherwise agreed in writing by the parties.
All notices provided under this Agreement shall be effective when mailed, postage prepaid and
sent to the following addresses:
Professional:
City:
With Copy to:
City of Fort Collins
City of Fort Collins , Purchasing
Attn:
PO Box 580
PO Box 580
Fort Collins, CO 80522
Fort Collins, CO 80522
In the event of any such early termination by the City, the Professional shall be paid for services
rendered prior to the date of termination, subject only to the satisfactory performance of the
Professional's obligations under this Agreement. Such payment shall be the Professional's sole
right and remedy for such termination.
5. Design, Project Indemnity and Insurance Responsibility. The Professional shall
be responsible for the professional quality, technical accuracy, timely completion and the
coordination of all services rendered by the Professional, including but not limited to designs,
plans, reports, specifications, and drawings and shall, without additional compensation,
promptly remedy and correct any errors, omissions, or other deficiencies. The Professional
shall indemnify, save and hold harmless the City, its officers and employees in accordance with
Colorado law, from all damages whatsoever claimed by third parties against the City; and for the
City's costs and reasonable attorneys fees, arising directly or indirectly out of the Professional's
negligent performance of any of the services furnished under this Agreement. The Professional
shall maintain commercial general liability insurance in the amount of $500,000 combined single
limits limits and errors and omissions insurance in the amount of $ Optional: according to
the Insurance Requirements attached hereto as Exhibit " ", consisting of one (1) page.
6. Compensation. [Use this paragraph or Option 1 below.] In consideration of
the services to be performed pursuant to this Agreement, the City agrees to pay Professional a
fixed fee in the amount of ($ ) plus reimbursable direct costs. All such fees and
RFP 7215 — Economic Health Strategic Plan Page 13 of 21
costs shall not exceed ($ ). Monthly partial payments based upon the Professional's
billings and itemized statements are permissible. The amounts of all such partial payments
shall be based upon the Professional's City -verified progress in completing the services to be
performed pursuant hereto and upon the City's approval of the Professional's actual
reimbursable expenses. [Optional] Insert Subcontractor Clause Final payment shall be made
following acceptance of the work by the City. Upon final payment, all designs, plans, reports,
specifications, drawings, and other services rendered by the Professional shall become the sole
property of the City.
6. Compensation. [Option 1] In consideration of the services to be performed
pursuant to this Agreement, the City agrees to pay Professional on a time and reimbursable
direct cost basis according to the following schedule:
Hourly billing rates:
Reimbursable direct costs:
with maximum compensation (for both Professional's time and reimbursable direct costs) not to
exceed ($ ). Monthly partial payments based upon the Professional's billings and
itemized statements of reimbursable direct costs are permissible. The amounts of all such
partial payments shall be based upon the Professional's City -verified progress in completing the
services to be performed pursuant hereto and upon the City's approval of the Professional's
reimbursable direct costs. Final payment shall be made following acceptance of the work by the
City. Upon final payment, all designs, plans, reports, specifications, drawings and other
services rendered by the Professional shall become the sole property of the City.
7. City Representative. The City will designate, prior to commencement of work, its
project representative who shall make, within the scope of his or her authority, all necessary and
proper decisions with reference to the project. All requests for contract interpretations, change
orders, and other clarification or instruction shall be directed to the City Representative.
RFP 7215 — Economic Health Strategic Plan Page 14 of 21
8. Project Drawings. [Optional] Upon conclusion of the project and before final
payment, the Professional shall provide the City with reproducible drawings of the project
containing accurate information on the project as constructed. Drawings shall be of archival,
prepared on stable Mylar base material using a non -fading process to provide for long storage
and high quality reproduction. "CD" disc of the as -built drawings shall also be submitted to the
City in an AutoCAD version no older then the established city standard.
9. Monthly Report. Commencing thirty (30) days after the date of execution of this
Agreement and every thirty (30) days thereafter, Professional is required to provide the City
Representative with a written report of the status of the work with respect to the Scope of
Services, Work Schedule, and other material information. Failure to provide any required
monthly report may, at the option of the City, suspend the processing of any partial payment
request.
10. Independent Contractor. The services to be performed by Professional are those
of an independent contractor and not of an employee of the City of Fort Collins. The City shall
not be responsible for withholding any portion of Professional's compensation hereunder for the
payment of FICA, Workers' Compensation, other taxes or benefits or for any other purpose.
11. Personal Services. It is understood that the City enters into this Agreement
based on the special abilities of the Professional and that this Agreement shall be considered as
an agreement for personal services. Accordingly, the Professional shall neither assign any
responsibilities nor delegate any duties arising under this Agreement without the prior written
consent of the City.
12. Acceptance Not Waiver. The City's approval of drawings, designs, plans,
specifications, reports, and incidental work or materials furnished hereunder shall not in any way
relieve the Professional of responsibility for the quality or technical accuracy of the work. The
City's approval or acceptance of, or payment for, any of the services shall not be construed to
operate as a waiver of any rights or benefits provided to the City under this Agreement.
RFP 7215 — Economic Health Strategic Plan Page 15 of 21
13. Default. Each and every term and condition hereof shall be deemed to be a
material element of this Agreement. In the event either party should fail or refuse to perform
according to the terms of this agreement, such party may be declared in default.
14. Remedies. In the event a party has been declared in default, such defaulting
party shall be allowed a period of ten (10) days within which to cure said default. In the event
the default remains uncorrected, the party declaring default may elect to (a) terminate the
Agreement and seek damages; (b) treat the Agreement as continuing and require specific
performance; or (c) avail himself of any other remedy at law or equity. If the non -defaulting
party commences legal or equitable actions against the defaulting party, the defaulting party
shall be liable to the non -defaulting party for the non -defaulting party's reasonable attorney fees
and costs incurred because of the default.
15. Binding Effect. This writing, together with the exhibits hereto, constitutes the
entire agreement between the parties and shall be binding upon said parties, their officers,
employees, agents and assigns and shall inure to the benefit of the respective survivors, heirs,
personal representatives, successors and assigns of said parties.
16. Law/Severability. The laws of the State of Colorado shall govern the
construction, interpretation, execution and enforcement of this Agreement. In the event any
provision of this Agreement shall be held invalid or unenforceable by any court of competent
jurisdiction, such holding shall not invalidate or render unenforceable any other provision of this
Agreement.
17. Prohibition Against Employing Illegal Aliens. Pursuant to Section 8-17.5-101,
C.R.S., et. seq., Professional represents and agrees that:
a. As of the date of this Agreement:
1. Professional does not knowingly employ or contract with an illegal alien
who will perform work under this Agreement; and
2. Professional will participate in either the e-Verify program created in
Public Law 208, 104th Congress, as amended, and expanded in Public Law 156,
RFP 7215 — Economic Health Strategic Plan Page 16 of 21
108th Congress, as amended, administered by the United States Department of
Homeland Security (the "e-Verify Program") or the Department Program (the
"Department Program"), an employment verification program established
pursuant to Section 8-17.5-102(5)(c) C.R.S. in order to confirm the employment
eligibility of all newly hired employees to perform work under this Agreement.
b. Professional shall not knowingly employ or contract with an illegal alien to
perform work under this Agreement or knowingly enter into a contract with a
subcontractor that knowingly employs or contracts with an illegal alien to perform work
under this Agreement.
C. Professional is prohibited from using the e-Verify Program or Department
Program procedures to undertake pre -employment screening of job applicants while this
Agreement is being performed.
d. If Professional obtains actual knowledge that a subcontractor performing work
under this Agreement knowingly employs or contracts with an illegal alien, Professional
shall:
1. Notify such subcontractor and the City within three days that Professional
has actual knowledge that the subcontractor is employing or contracting with an
illegal alien; and
2. Terminate the subcontract with the subcontractor if within three days of
receiving the notice required pursuant to this section the subcontractor does not
cease employing or contracting with the illegal alien; except that Professional
shall not terminate the contract with the subcontractor if during such three days
the subcontractor provides information to establish that the subcontractor has not
knowingly employed or contracted with an illegal alien.
e. Professional shall comply with any reasonable request by the Colorado
Department of Labor and Employment (the "Department") made in the course of an
investigation that the Department undertakes or is undertaking pursuant to the authority
established in Subsection 8-17.5-102 (5), C.R.S.
f. If.Professional violates any provision of this Agreement pertaining to the duties
imposed by Subsection 8-17.5-102, C.R.S. the City may terminate this Agreement. If this
Agreement is so terminated, Professional shall be liable for actual and consequential
damages to the City arising out of Professional's violation of Subsection 8-17.5-102,
C.R.S.
RFP 7215 — Economic Health Strategic Plan Page 17 of 21
g. The City will notify the Office of the Secretary of State if Professional violates this
provision of this Agreement and the City terminates the Agreement for such breach.
18. Special Provisions. [Optional] Special provisions or conditions relating to the
services to be performed pursuant to this Agreement are set forth in Exhibit " ", consisting
of ( ) pages, attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference.
RFP 7215 — Economic Health Strategic Plan Page 18 of 21
THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS, COLORADO
M
James B. O'Neill II, CPPO, FNIGP
Director of Purchasing & Risk Management
DATE:
ATTEST:
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Assistant City Attorney
[Insert Professional's name] or
[Insert Partnership Name] or
[Insert individual's name] or
Doing business as [insert name of business]
an
Title:
CORPORATE PRESIDENT OR VICE PRESIDENT
Date:
ATTEST:
Corporate Secretary
(Corporate Seal)
RFP 7215 — Economic Health Strategic Plan Page 19 of 21
The City of Fort Collins is subject to public information laws, which permit access to
most records and documents. Proprietary information in your response must be clearly
identified and will be protected to the extent legally permissible. Proposals may not be
marked 'Proprietary' in their entirety. Information considered proprietary is limited to
material treated as confidential in the normal conduct of business, trade secrets,
discount information, and individual product or service pricing. Summary price
information may not be designated as proprietary as such information may be carried
forward into other public documents. All provisions of any contract resulting from this
request for proposal will be public information.
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.
Sincerely,
James B. O'Neill II, CPPO, FNIGP
Director of Purchasing & Risk Management
RFP 7215 — Economic Health Strategic Plan Page 2 of 21
INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS
1. The Professional will provide, from insurance companies acceptable to the City, the
insurance coverage designated hereinafter and pay all costs. Before commencing work under
this bid, the Professional shall furnish the City with certificates of insurance showing the type,
amount, class of operations covered, effective dates and date of expiration of policies, and
containing substantially the following statement:
"The insurance evidenced by this Certificate will not be cancelled or materially altered,
except after ten (10) days written notice has been received by the City of Fort Collins."
In case of the breach of any provision of the Insurance Requirements, the City, at its option,
may take out and maintain, at the expense of the Professional, such insurance as the City may
deem proper and may deduct the cost of such insurance from any monies which may be due or
become due the Professional under this Agreement. The City, its officers, agents and
employees shall be named as additional insureds on the Professional's general liability and
automobile liability insurance policies for any claims arising out of work performed under this
Agreement.
2. Insurance coverages shall be as follows:
A. Workers' Compensation & Employer's Liability. The Professional shall maintain
during the life of this Agreement for all of the Professional's employees engaged in work
performed under this agreement:
Workers' Compensation insurance with statutory limits as required by
Colorado law.
2. Employer's Liability insurance with limits of $100,000 per accident,
$500,000 disease aggregate, and $100,000 disease each employee.
B. Commercial General & Vehicle Liability. The Professional shall maintain during
the life of this Agreement such commercial general liability and automobile liability
insurance as will provide coverage for damage claims of personal injury, including
accidental death, as well as for claims for property damage, which may arise directly or
indirectly from the performance of work under this Agreement. Coverage for property
damage shall be on a "broad form" basis. The amount of insurance for each coverage,
Commercial General and Vehicle, shall not be less than $500,000 combined single limits
for bodily injury and property damage.
In the event any work is performed by a subcontractor, the Professional shall be
responsible for any liability directly or indirectly arising out of the work performed under
this Agreement by a subcontractor, which liability is not covered by the subcontractors
insurance.
RFP 7215 — Economic Health Strategic Plan Page 20 of 21
[Optional]
EXHIBIT" "
CONFIDENTIALITY
IN CONNECTION WITH SERVICES provided to the City of Fort Collins (the "City") pursuant to
this Agreement (the "Agreement"), the Professional hereby acknowledges that it has been
informed that the City has established policies and procedures with regard to the handling of
confidential information and other sensitive materials.
In consideration of access to certain information, data and material (hereinafter individually and
collectively, regardless of nature, referred to as "information") that are the property of and/or
relate to the City or its employees, customers or suppliers, which access is related to the
performance of services that the Professional has agreed to perform, the Professional hereby
acknowledges and agrees as follows:
That information that has or will come into its possession or knowledge in connection with the
performance of services for the City may be confidential and/or proprietary. The Professional
agrees to treat as confidential (a) all information that is owned by the City, or that relates to the
business of the City , or that is used by the City in carrying on business, and (b) all information
that is proprietary to a third party (including but not limited to customers and suppliers of the
City) . The Professional shall not disclose any such information to any person not having a
legitimate need -to -know for purposes authorized by the City. Further, the Professional shall not
use such information to obtain any economic or other benefit for itself, or any third party, except
as specifically authorized by the City.
The foregoing to the contrary notwithstanding, the Professional understands that it shall have no
obligation under this Agreement with respect to information and material that (a) becomes
generally known to the public by publication or some means other than a breach of duty of this
Agreement, or (b) is required by law, regulation or court order to be disclosed, provided that the
request for such disclosure is proper and the disclosure does not exceed that which is required.
In the event of any disclosure under (b) above, the Professional shall furnish a copy of this
Agreement to anyone to whom it is required to make such disclosure and shall promptly advise
the City in writing of each such disclosure.
In the event that the Professional ceases to perform services for the City, or the City so requests
for any reason, the Professional shall promptly return to the City any and all information
described hereinabove, including all copies, notes and/or summaries (handwritten or
mechanically produced) thereof, in its possession or control or as to which it otherwise has
access.
The Professional understands and agrees that the City's remedies at law for a breach of the
Professional's obligations under this Confidentiality Agreement may be inadequate and that the
City shall, in the event of any such breach, be entitled to seek equitable relief (including without
limitation preliminary and permanent injunctive relief and specific performance) in addition to all
other remedies provided hereunder or available at law.
RFP 7215 — Economic Health Strategic Plan Page 21 of 21
7125 Economic Health Strategic Plan
BACKGROUND AND PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Creating and sustaining a healthy economy in Fort Collins has historically been
achieved by focusing on preserving and enhancing the natural environment, preserving
and maintaining programs and services that contribute to a high quality of life,
continuing to build on the success of the downtown area, and maximizing the value of
Colorado State University in our community. The City of Fort Collins implements a
broad array of programs and services focused on preserving and enhancing the natural
environment and maintaining a high quality of life.
In 2005, City Council adopted an Economic Vision and Values statement. The
statement describes a vision of a healthy economy reflecting the values of our
community in a changing world. This vision led to the following four primary Economic
Health Strategies:
■ A balanced and targeted approach to business retention, expansion, incubation
and attraction.
■ A proactive role of the City in supporting the economic health of the community.
■ Partnership building with local and regional organizations and the private sector
to further enhance economic health.
■ Diversifying the local economy by focusing on new job creation, leveraging the
unique Fort Collins brand, and evaluating opportunities for diversifying the City's
revenue sources.
In 2006, the City conducted a Targeted Industry Cluster analysis that identified several
industries with unique assets in the region. This analysis became the foundation for the
current Targeted Industry Clusters, which include Clean Technology (Renewable
Energy and Engine and Fuel Efficiency), Water Innovation, Bioscience, and Technology
(chip design and software development). In addition, the City supports those
businesses that contribute to the overall character of the community through its efforts
in the Uniquely Fort Collins Cluster.
As a result, the City invests in outside agencies that organize and manage cluster
development and expansion activities. The continued investment and evolution of the
clusters has led to a meta -approach to economic development, which the City calls the
Innovation Economy Model. This model leverages the assets, clusters, and
partnerships to support job creation. The model focuses on supporting the full life -cycle
of business development, including pre -incubation, incubation, retention, and
expansion.
The success of the Innovation Economy model depends on both physical and human
assets. The City of Fort Collins is blessed with three physical incubators and the
network of support services that surround these organizations. The end result is the
RFP 7215 — Economic Health Strategic Plan Page 3 of 21
model has produced a culture of innovation and entrepreneurialism, which is rapidly
approaching a self-sustaining level.
For a list of the cluster agencies see the relevant documents section of this RFP. In
addition, a link to the Innovation Economy Model profile is provided in the relevant
documents section.
PROJECT OBJECTIVE, GOALS AND OUTCOMES
The City's Economic Action Plan was first developed in 2005 and updated annually as
part of the Budgeting for Outcomes process. It is time to reevaluate the City's economic
position and craft a plan that will take the City into the coming five -plus years. As part of
the plan update process, consulting assistance will be used to evaluate the City's
existing strategy, evaluate what other best practice organizations are doing, and work
with the community and organization to craft an updated Economic Action Plan.
OBJECTIVE:
Revise the Economic Action Plan into a refreshed, relevant, and focused Economic
Health Strategic Plan for 2012 to 2017 that emphasizes the unique role of the City in
supporting business expansion, retention, incubation, and recruitment. The strategic
plan should foster a healthy economy that reflects the values of our unique community
in a changing world.
GOALS:
■ Learn from our successes and failures since 2005.
■ Identify strengths and weaknesses of the existing industry cluster strategy.
■ Understand the role of business incubation in a larger strategy of
commercialization and technology transfer.
■ Strengthen the business communication and marketing strategy to gain regional,
national, and international recognition for City funded industry clusters and the
Innovation Economy model.
■ Update and refresh the business retention and expansion survey program.
■ Understand current best practices by evaluating high performing communities
and organizations.
• Understand the City's competitive position related to a set of benchmarks.
SCOPE OF WORK
This request for proposals asks for a scope of work designed to craft a five-year
Economic Health Strategic Plan for the City of Fort Collins. The scope of work shall
include the following outcomes:
■ Review Existing Action Plan — Complete a thorough review of the existing
Economic Action Plan with a constructive critique of past and present tactics;
■ Evaluate Cluster Formation/Development Strategy— Conduct an analysis of
the current strategies and tactics relevant to the formation and development of
RFP 7215 — Economic Health Strategic Plan Page 4 of 21
Industry Cluster in the City and region; special emphasis on the role of the City in
recruitment activities related to clusters;
■ Review Existing Business Incubator— Evaluate the existing Rocky Mountain
Innosphere program and critique the City's overall approach to business
incubation; relate this analysis back to the City's cluster strategy;
■ Review Business Communications and Marketing — Critique the City's
existing communications and marketing strategic plan related to raising
awareness locally, regionally, statewide, nationally, and internationally regarding
the City's support of entrepreneurism and targeted industry clusters;
■ Review Business Retention & Expansion Program — Prepare a review of the
existing business retention and expansion survey program;
■ Best Practices Baseline — Establish a best practices baseline for the City based
on high performing communities and organizations nationally and internationally;
special emphasis paid to business incubation, entrepreneurial support, and
cluster formation/development; and
■ Benchmark Comparison — Analyze the competitive position of the City relative
to an established set of benchmarks related to business incubation,
entrepreneurial support, and cluster formation/development
The following tasks should not be a part of the proposed scope of work. City staff has
previously conducted similar analyses or possesses this information:
■ Targeted Industry Analysis — The City conducted an analysis of industry
clusters in 2006 and recently modified the cluster list based on business input.
■ Workforce Data Analysis — Larimer County Workforce Center provides
sufficient data concerning workforce on a regular basis; furthermore, the major
challenges facing the community have been well analyzed and understood; and
■ Extensive Community Process — The City does not envision a community -wide
process to develop an economic health strategy; participation will be limited to
key stakeholder groups and focused on specific policy or strategy questions.
• Traditional/Cookie Cutter Approach — The City will place preference on
interdisciplinary teams that utilize a unique and creative approach to
understanding the economic challenges of our community.
The scope of work will include the following Key Deliverables:
■ Revised Economic Health Strategic Plan — Prepare a concise Economic
Health Strategic Plan focusing on key policies and strategies that continue to
deliver a vibrant economy based on business incubation, entrepreneurial
support, and cluster formation/development;
■ Implementation Plan — Develop a matrix, chart, or table -based implementation
plan that includes estimated costs, assignments, and timing related to specific
tactics to deliver on the revised Economic Health Strategic Plan; and
■ Revised Communication & Marketing Strategy — Complete a revised
Communication and Marketing Strategy for the City related to the Economic
Health Strategic Plan. Suggest potential new marketing/promotional delivery
RFP 7215 — Economic Health Strategic Plan Page 5 of 21
tools. Emphasize telling the success stories of the community and positioning
the City as an international center of innovation within our targeted industry
clusters.
The revised Economic Health Strategic Plan should primarily focus on an
implementation plan that leads to:
■ Increased company expansion in Fort Collins;
■ Greater retention of jobs, specifically in targeted industry clusters;
■ Additional primary jobs in the targeted industry clusters;
■ Heightened awareness of Fort Collins as a global business location in the
targeted industry clusters;
■ Enhancement to technology transfer and commercialization from Colorado State
University and private sector partners; and
■ Increased availability of seed, angel, venture, and other forms of capital to
support innovation
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
The City is looking for interdisciplinary teams that possess the following five areas of
expertise in order to assist in achieving the above outcomes. All submissions should
demonstrate a clear understanding, experience, and capability in these areas of
expertise. Selection preference will be given to the team that demonstrates a unique
and creative approach to developing the revised Economic Health Strategic Plan.
Private Industry Experience
The Consultant(s) shall possess relevant private industry experience, either in
the form of business experience or through consulting engagements. The
experience should focus on business processes related to forming, expanding, or
relocating a business. In addition, this experience should include success in
delivering new products, technologies, or ideas to the market.
Commercialization/Technology Transfer
The Consultant(s) shall possess experience working to commercialize or transfer
technology from research to market. This experience can come from business
experience, consulting engagements, or other professional experience. Special
consideration will be given to Consultant(s) whose experience includes working
with University -driven commercialization and technology transfer.
Cluster Formation/Development
The Consultant(s) shall possess experience forming and developing industry
clusters. Special consideration will be given to those Consultant(s) with direct
experience working on behalf of or as part of an industry cluster. Experience
conducting industry cluster analyses or directing community or organizations to
work on formation of clusters will not be considered sufficient.
■ Communication and Marketing
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The Consultant(s) shall possess national and preferably international experience
developing communication and marketing strategies for the public sector. This
experience should include work directly related to the Economic Development
field. Special consideration will be given to consultant(s) with experience working
with industry cluster programs.
Business Incubation and Entrepreneurial Support
The Consultant(s) shall possess experience developing, supporting, and/or
expanding business incubators and/or other business incubation programs. In
addition, the Consultant(s) shall possess experience related to entrepreneurial
support, which may include past experience working as part of or on behalf of a
start-up company, assisting Universities with entrepreneurial support, or other
similar and relevant experience.
MEETINGS AND PUBLIC PROCESS
The project will be a collaboration of City staff, key stakeholders, and the Consultant
requiring coordination and review throughout the project. The Consultant will be
expected to participate in several types of meetings (not all members of the team may
need to attend all meetings). City staff anticipates that an overall strategy for
stakeholder involvement will be developed in a collaborative process with the selected
Consultant.
is Initial Coordination Meeting: At this meeting, the City and the Consultant will
finalize a detailed schedule of the project, identify important milestones with
target dates, and finalize a detailed scope of services.
■ Progress Meetings: Progress meetings will be held periodically throughout the
project. These meetings may occur via conference call or face-to-face
depending on the travel schedule of the Consultant associated with the project.
■ Key Stakeholder Meetings: The City anticipates there may be a number of key
stakeholder meetings. The final key stakeholder involvement plan will be a
collaboration between City staff and the selected Consultant.
■ City Council Presentations: The Consultant shall plan to attend at least two
meetings with City Council: (1) an initial work session or retreat to outline the key
objectives for the Economic Health Strategic Plan, and (2) a regular meeting to
present the final version of the Economic Health Strategic Plan, where City
Council will adopt the plan.
FORM OF SUBMISSION
All submissions shall include the following items:
■ Consultant Background — A brief history and background of the Consultant
company(ies);
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■ Project Approach — A brief description of the Consultant's approach to
delivering the outcomes described in this RFP;
■ Scope of Work — A brief outline and discussion of the proposed scope of work,
relating the outline provided above and any changes, modifications, or
enhancements;
■ List of Deliverables — A brief list of the key deliverables associated with the
proposed scope of work, all deliverables will be the property of the City;
■ Relevant Experience — At least three examples of similar work (per team
member) conducted for either public or private clients ideally within the last five
years, each should include a description, list of deliverables, outcomes, and
references;
■ Project Team Roles and Responsibilities — A matrix, chart, or table describing
the roles and responsibilities of each key team member, please tie this to the
areas of expertise identified above;
■ Project Manager — The response should name the primary project manager on
the team. The project manager should have experience presenting to elected
officials and managing stakeholder outreach. This project manager must be
available to attend all City Council presentations and stakeholder events.
■ Project Budget — A matrix, chart, or table describing the estimated cost and
allocation of resources for each key team member, please tie this to the areas of
expertise identified above;
■ Resumes of Key Personnel — A resume of the key personnel anticipated to
work on the project; and
■ Additional Material — Any additional material that differentiates the Consultant
from potential competition (Please limit additional material in recognition of staff
time).
FEES
These services will be awarded based on a Not -to -Exceed Time and Reimbursable
Direct Cost Basis Agreement. Upon the selection of the Consultant, the final fee will be
negotiated with input from the Consultant based upon the negotiated scope of services
stipulated in the contract. Please provide an allocation of the proposed budget by area
of expertise and team member.
SCHEDULE
Submittal Deadline:
Short List:
Interviews:
Selection:
Contract Negotiation:
Project Commencement:
Plan Approval:
Project Completion:
April 6, 2011
April 14, 2011
April 22, 2011
April 25, 2011
April 25 - May 1, 2011
May 2, 2011
November 22, 2011
No later than December 31, 2011
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RELEVANT DOCUMENTS
■ Innovation Economy Profile, City of Fort Collins, 2010
(http://www.fcgov.com/business/pdf/cluster-
innovation_economy.pdf?1290025853)
■ Economic Action Plan, City of Fort Collins, 2005
(http://www.fcgov.com/business/pdf/economic-action-plan.pdf)
■ Strategic Employment Opportunities: Select Industry Clusters in Fort Collins,
Development Research Partners, 2006 (http://www.fcgov.com/business/pdf/fc-
cluster-study.pdf?l 285258246)
■ Fort Collins Cluster Report, Martin Shields, Regional Economist, Colorado State
University, Summer 2010. (http://www.fcgov.com/business/pdf/fc-industry-
employment-data. pdf?1285258246)
■ City of Fort Collins — Business, www.fcgov.com/business
■ Entrepreneurial Support in Fort Collins, Colorado, www.ftcollinsinnvoation.com
■ Colorado Clean Energy Cluster, www.coloradocleanenergy.com
■ Colorado Water Innovation Cluster, www.co-waterinnovation.com
■ Larimer County Bioscience Cluster, www.larimerbioscience.org
■ Rocky Mountain Innosphere, www.rmi2.org
■ Colorado State University, Engines and Energy Conversion Laboratory,
www.eecl.colostate.edu
■ Colorado State University, Research Innovation Center, www.csuric.org
■ Colorado State University Research Foundation, Technology Transfer Office,
www.csurf.org/tto
■ FortZED, www.fortzed.com
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