Explanation
This legislation authorizes the Director of Public Utilities (DPU) to enter into a contract with Burgess & Niple, Inc. for grant writing services. The consultant will help with researching, developing, writing, preparing and submitting successful grant proposals for federal and state government grants and private foundation grants. Primary responsibilities include identifying and responding to all eligible grant opportunities selected by the City, providing advocacy guidance and public relations support, and grant program tracking. The consultant will also help with procurement of support through congressionally directed spending requests.
PROCUREMENT:
The Department of Public Utilities solicited competitive bids through the Vendor Services and Bonfire websites from March 3, 2023 to March 24, 2023 for grant writing services in accordance with the relevant provisions of Chapter 329 of City Code (RFQ024179). Two (2) bids, both by majority vendors, were received. Both bids were deemed responsive and were evaluated on March 28, 2023. The evaluation committee determined that Burgess & Niple submitted the strongest proposal because it provided a comprehensive understanding of the task and how to assist the City’s needs and due to the Project Manager and project team's prior experience with utility related grants.
The term of the contract will be for one-year with two renewal options. For each year of the contract, funding is contingent on funding availability, mutual agreement between the parties, approval of City Council, and certification of funds by the City Auditor.
MINORITY AND WOMAN OWNED BUSINESS ENTERPRISE & SMALL LOCAL BUSINESS ENTERPRISE PROGRAM:
This contract opportunity was submitted to the City’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI) for review and assignment of an MBE/WBE goal prior to bidding. ODI determined there was not an opportunity for MBE/WBE participation in this contract and did not assign a goal. This contract was not bid...
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