MIDWEST URBAN STRATEGIES (MUS) represents a coordinated effort on behalf of 13 urban workforce development boards (WDB) in the Midwest to bolster regional planning through systematic approaches that attract and retain business and talent in the region. Through MUS’s organizing, these cities’ WDB’s share and apply best practices in workforce development, integrating efforts and resources to fully maximize federal, state and local funds that support a competitive regional workforce system aimed at revitalizing the Midwest economy.
The goal of MUS is to take the micro-successes and strengths of each WDB and replicate them on a regional scale. Through intentional industry engagement that connects employers to well-prepared workers, MUS improves the effectiveness and efficiency of the workforce system (both regionally and locally) thereby bolstering the Midwest’s place within the national economy.
The consortium emerged in 2014 in response to a shift in policy at the Department of Labor and out of a shared set of challenges that impacted urban communities. From the Ferguson (MO) uprisings to the Detroit rebirth, the Midwest’s urban communities were facing an inflection point. At the center of that point was the disjointed labor market and the need to connect people to family sustaining jobs and (as the national economy continued its rebound) employers to qualified job seekers.
Between 2015 and 2018 MIDWEST URBAN STRATEGIES applied for and secured more than $20M in federal grants to coordinate regional economic development, design and deliver career-track training, and engage local employers in a regional growth strategy. Its collective impact model ensured that more investment was made in employer-led models focused on regional growth driven from coordinated planning and administration that is centralized and vetted by a “backbone organization”.
Purpose of this RFQ
MUS is issuing this Request for Quotes (RFQ) to solicit a web developer vendor that can host, improve and support MUS’s existing website. The winning party will be responsible for enhancements, reporting, analyzing and maintenance of the current website. Party will work closely with MUS and their marketing team to ensure both can post, edit and create content via the site. We will need to have the ability to track and analyze each post to continuously improve our marketing process.
Who can apply?
Nonprofits, for profits, community-based organizations, educational institutions and other entities operating in accordance with federal, state, and local law, and in business for at least three years.
Price Quote
Applicants should include their pricing for the creation, management, and support of an all in one data system solution for the collection, storage, and analysis of participant and community-level data sets. The selected vendor will enter into a contract with MUS that will include billable milestones and will submit invoices in accord with those milestones. Invoices that are submitted must be certified true and correct by the authorized signer. All costs must be reasonable, allocable and allowable, according to all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including but not limited to the Uniform Guidance and WIOA regulations.
How to Apply
Priority will be given to all interested and qualified parties that submit quotes by Monday, July 25th, 2022 at 5:00pm to RFQ@Midwest Urban Strategies.com. Emails should have the subject line “[Organization Name] Website Design and Maintenance.” Quotes must be submitted in PDF format. The quote must contain all the following content:
1. Cover Sheet: Use template provided. Attach certificate of insurance and a copy of the organization’s most
recent audit or profit and loss.
2. Organization Description: (limit to one double spaced page) – Describe each of the following for your organization:
a. Basic organizational description, including mission, principal programs and services, and number of paid staff.
b. Organization’s adherence to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
c. Provide one of the following: (1) most recently submitted IRS 9-90, (2) most recent independent audit, or a (3) letter from a Certified Public Accountant attesting to the fact that the entity is using accepted accounting practices.
d. Past experience designing, hosting and supporting websites.
3. Program Description: (limit to two double spaced pages):
a. Past performance and examples of other websites developed or managed.
b. Hosting platform utilized.
c. Any other services, programs, or resources you offer, if applicable.
4. Program Costs: Provide the following:
a. Include the total proposed cost and any relevant breakdown of costs by category (additional costs to build out site functionality, costs for additional training and support, hosting fees, etc.).
b. A brief narrative describing the proposed cost, including all program-related and administrative cost items. All costs must be reasonable, allocable, and allowable, according to all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including but not limited to the Uniform Guidance and WIOA regulations.
5. Attachments
a. Letters from other clients describing their satisfaction with your services.
Review and Selection Process
MUS will review quotes according to the required content described in the “How to Apply” section with attention to clarity, completeness, relevancy, and quality. Successful bidders will be invited to enter into a vendor agreement with MUS. Such agreements will be issued on an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ) basis.
Review Timeline (all dates are subject to change):
Release of RFQ: July 8th, 2022
Questions Regarding this RFQ due: July 15th 2022 by 5:00pm
Bid due date:
July 25th, 2025 by 5:00pm
Selection of providers: August 1st, 2022
Questions or Requests
All questions or requests for additional information must be made in writing to Error! Hyperlink reference not valid.by 5:00pm CST on July 15th, 2022. Answers will be posted publicly at Error! Hyperlink reference not valid.com. Interested parties are encouraged to check the website frequently for updates. Questions received after 5:00 PM EST on July 15th, 2022 will not be answered.
Disclaimers
• This Request for Quotes (RFQ) does not commit Midwest Urban Strategies to award any contract or agreement.
• Midwest Urban Strategies may select a firm based on its initial quote received, without discussion of the quote. Accordingly, each quote should be submitted on the most favorable terms, from a price and technical standpoint, that the bidder can submit to Midwest Urban Strategies. Midwest Urban Strategies may, however, have discussions with those providers it deems in its discretion to fall within a competitive range.
• Midwest Urban Strategies reserves the right to request additional information from any bidder, request oral presentations from bidders, or conduct site visits from any bidder before a contract award.
• Midwest Urban Strategies reserves the right to fund portions of a bid, or to reject any and all bids in whole or in part. Rejection of a portion of a bid does not necessarily negate the entire bid.
• No costs will be paid to cover the expense of preparing a bid or procuring a contract for services or supplies.
• All data, material, and documentation originated and prepared by the bidder pursuant to the contract shall belong exclusively to Midwest Urban Strategies and be subject to disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act, Right to Know Law, or other applicable legislation.
• The contract award will not be final until Midwest Urban Strategies and the successful bidder have executed a mutually satisfactory contractual agreement. Midwest Urban Strategies reserves the right to make an award without further discussion of the bid submitted. No activity may begin prior to final Midwest Urban Strategies approval of the award and execution of a contractual agreement between the successful bidder and Midwest Urban Strategies.
• The submission of the bid warrants that the costs quoted for services in response to the RFQ are not in excess of those that would be charged any other individual for the same services performed by the bidder.
• Bidders are advised that most documents in the possession of Midwest Urban Strategies are considered public records and subject to disclosure. Midwest Urban Strategies reserves the right to issue additional RFQs if and when it is in Midwest Urban Strategies’ best interest to do so and, may elect to negotiate and issue multi-year contracts to successful bidders under this or subsequent RFQs.
• All programs and activities are designated as equal opportunity employers/programs. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Contact staff to request assistance.
If you would like to read more, click here:
RFQ for website developer version 2 (1).pdf - Google Drive
