COTLDC RFP DOWNTOWN TONAWANDA SMALL PROJECT FUND GRANT ADMINISTRATION AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT SERVICES

The City of Tonawanda Local Development Corporation (the “COTLDC”) is hereby requesting proposals from qualified consulting firms and other professional service providers to serve as the Grant Administrator and Project Manager in connection with the COTLDC’s administration of the Downtown Tonawanda Small Project Fund funded through New York State’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative (“DRI”).

The COTLDC has been designated as the contracting entity for the Downtown Tonawanda Small Project Fund, which will provide financial assistance for eligible projects within the City's designated DRI area. The Fund is intended to support improvements to eligible commercial and mixed-use properties, including eligible interior and exterior improvements, capital equipment, public art, and related eligible costs.

The purpose of this Request for Proposals (“RFP”) is to secure professional grant administration and project management expertise to assist the COTLDC with the development, implementation, administration, monitoring and closeout of the Small Project Fund in accordance with the requirements of New York State, the Housing Trust Fund Corporation (“HTFC”), the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, the COTLDC’s approved Administrative Plan, and the applicable grant agreement.

The COTLDC is seeking a consultant with demonstrated experience in economic development, grant administration, downtown revitalization, construction or project management, public-sector programs, and/or administration of New York State-funded programs.

The selected consultant will serve as the COTLDC's professional grant administrator and project manager and will provide administrative, technical and advisory services.

The consultant will not have independent authority to:

• Approve grant awards;
• Commit COTLDC funds;
• Execute grant agreements on behalf of the COTLDC;
• Authorize payments;
• Amend approved project scopes or budgets; or
• Otherwise bind the COTLDC,

unless specifically authorized in writing by the COTLDC.

The consultant will support that process by providing application reviews, project analyses, recommendations and administrative support.

The COTLDC expects the consultant to provide regular status reports and to attend COTLDC meetings, applicant meetings and other meetings as reasonably necessary to successfully administer the program.

The consultant shall assist the COTLDC in maintaining all records and documentation necessary to demonstrate compliance with applicable State requirements.

**Proposals may be submitted via email in PDF format.** One (1) electronic copy of the proposal must be submitted no later than **5:00 PM EST on November 9, 2026**, to INFO@cityoftonawandaldc.com. Email subject line should state: COTLDC – Downtown Tonawanda Small Project Fund RFP

Proposals received after the deadline stated may be rejected.

Evaluation criteria

| Criterion | Weight |
| --- | --- |
| Relevant firm experience and qualifications | 25% |
| Experience with DRI/NY Forward and comparable NYS programs | 20% |
| Proposed administration and project-management approach | 20% |
| Qualifications and availability of proposed personnel | 15% |
| Cost and overall value | 15% |
| References | 5% |
| Total | 100% |

New York State has established an MWBE participation requirement of 30% for the Downtown Revitalization Initiative projects. The consultant is expected to make a Good Faith Effort to meet this goal, if not a certified MWBE itself.

It is anticipated that the selected consultant will be retained for a period commencing upon execution of a professional services agreement and continuing through completion and closeout of the Downtown Tonawanda Small Project Fund. The anticipated term of the engagement is through the duration of disbursement of all grant monies and associated documentation as deemed sufficient by the COTLDC Board of Trustees.

Respondents may assume an administrative budget not to exceed **$30,000**, subject to final State approval and the terms of the applicable grant agreement.