POWER OF ONE 2027

Under this RFQ, the City, through the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, is seeking proposals from Applicants to assist in the implementation of Power of One 2027. Now in its 5th year, the City of Columbus, Office of Diversity and Inclusion (“City”) Power of One 2027: Beautification and Business Support (“Program”) benefits small businesses through low-cost, high impact solutions to improve curb appeal to their businesses. The Power of One Program is an exterior improvement initiative designed to support small businesses and enhance the appearance, vitality, and overall curb appeal.

The City is seeking applications from individuals, firms, and/or organizations (“Applicants”) to provide design services, one-on-one financial counseling services, advising, technical assistance, and the ability to identify small businesses to participate in the program. Eligible businesses are those that are existing small businesses located within the boundaries of the City of Columbus and that have 15 or fewer W-2 employees.

The City anticipates establishing a contract with one consultant through this RFQ. The total amount of funds budgeted and available under this initiative for 2027 is up to **$250,000**.

The Selected Applicant (hereinafter referred to as Consultant) must have the ability to evaluate and recommend projects for design services to businesses throughout the City of Columbus. The Consultant will act as the fiscal agent. [...] Power of One consist of five phases: Launch and Selection, Design Services, Financial Advising Services, Implementation Support, and Post Implementation Management.

The consultant shall be responsible for creating and operating the application for businesses interested in participating in the Power of One program, outreach, and question-and-answer sessions. The Consultant shall be responsible for notifying all small business applicants to the Power of One program who were not accepted into the program and shall refer the denied small business applicant to at least one other local small business resource (other than the City of Columbus, Small Business Office) that can best support them on their entrepreneurial journey.

The selected consultant will be responsible for the overall administration, implementation and coordination of the program, included but not limited to the following:

• Program launch and Administration: Plan and coordinate the program launch and establish processes necessary for effective program implementation.
• Application Process: Develop and manage the application process including application materials, applicant communication and related administrative activities.
• Marketing and Outreach: Develop and coordinate marketing, outreach and communication activities to promote the program and encourage participation from eligible businesses.
• Business Advising and Financial Guidance: Provide business advising and financial guidance to applicants and selected businesses.
• Fiscal Agent Responsibilities: Serve as fiscal agent for the program, including securing, managing, and disbursing City funds in accordance with the City’s requirements and program guidelines.
• Project Management and Monitoring: Track all awarded projects from approval through completion and identify potential delays or challenges.
• Award Notifications: Notify award and non-award businesses.
• Reporting: Prepare and submit monthly calls/virtual meetings and quarterly reports to the City detailing program activities

**Submission:** To submit a proposal for the Power of One 2027: Beautification and Business Support program, complete the application on Bonfire (https://columbus.bonfirehub.com/opportunities/257560). Only applications submitted through Bonfire shall be accepted.

Proposals may not exceed ten (10) letter-size (8.5” x 11”) pages, a minimum of 12 font. Complete the required *Proposal Signature Form*. Failure to include this Form shall render the proposal non-responsive.

The following documents shall be uploaded to Bonfire:

• Completed Proposal Signature Form
• Proposal
• References
• Appendix, optional

**Scoring:** Up to 100 points are available for each program/service. Location of Lead Consultant (Maximum 10 points); Consultant’s Experience and Availability (Maximum 15 points); Identify Need (Maximum 15 points); Project Approach (Maximum 30 points); Program Budget (Maximum 20 points); References (Maximum 10 points).

**Contract term:** The contract is an eighteen-month contract. This contract may be renewed for up to two additional periods not to exceed eighteen months at the sole discretion of the City based on performance of the consultant and the budgetary, programmatic, and policy priorities of the City. The first contract period will be from January 1, 2027, to June 30, 2028.

The contract is a reimbursement contract.