RFP for Business Improvement District (BID)

Date Issued: Tuesday, Feb. 4th, 2025
Response Due: March 5th, 2025

Our Hope Is Unity invites qualified consultant firms to submit proposals to assist with the establishment of a Business Improvement District (BID) in the Near West Side area of Chicago. The consultant will provide expertise in planning, research, and community engagement to achieve BID designation by May 14th, 2025.

The proposed BID in the Near West Side area aims to foster economic growth, enhance community engagement, and improve the neighborhood’s infrastructure. Key objectives include:

• Strengthening the local business environment
• Promoting the area as a vibrant community hub
• Improving public spaces and amenities for residents and visitors
• Enhancing safety and cleanliness

The boundaries of the BID will include designated sections of the Near West Side, with specific strategic goals to drive economic development and support neighborhood stakeholders.

The consultant will be responsible for the following tasks:

• Conducting comprehensive research on the BID area and surrounding community
• Facilitating community engagement efforts, including surveys, focus groups, and stakeholder meetings
• Developing a detailed BID proposal with clear strategic goals and financial plans
• Assisting in the preparation of official documentation for submission to the City of Chicago
• Ensuring that all required milestones are met to obtain BID designation by May 14th, 2025

Deliverables will include a BID proposal, community engagement summary, financial plan, and any other necessary documentation required by the City of Chicago’s Department of Planning and Development (DPD).

To be considered, proposals must include:

1. Cover Letter: Brief introduction of the consultant firm, its qualifications, and approach to the project.
2. Technical Proposal: A detailed plan that outlines the consultant’s approach to the scope of work, including methodology and timeline.
3. Price Proposal: A breakdown of costs, including consultant fees, expenses, and any other associated costs.
4. Qualifications: A list of relevant experience, past projects, and key team members.
5. Completion Schedule: A timeline showing how the consultant will meet the necessary milestones, including the final BID designation by May 14th, 2025.

Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria (outlined below). The selection process will consist of:

1. Initial review of proposals for completeness.
2. Shortlisting of top candidates based on qualifications, experience, and proposed approach.
3. Interview or presentation, if needed, to further assess the consultant's expertise and approach.
4. Final selection based on best fit for project goals, cost-effectiveness, and ability to meet deadlines.

Proposals will be evaluated on the following criteria:

• Experience and Qualifications: Demonstrated experience in managing similar projects, with a focus on Business Improvement Districts, urban planning, and community engagement.
• Approach and Methodology: Clarity and effectiveness of the proposed plan to address the BID’s strategic goals, including community involvement and project milestones.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Reasonableness of the price proposal in relation to the scope of work and overall project goals.
• Timeline: Ability to meet the May 14th, 2025 BID designation deadline.
• References: Positive feedback from prior clients or project partners.

All proposals must be submitted no later than March 5th, 2025. Proposals should be sent electronically to:

• Email: cwilson@ourhopeisunity.org

For further details or questions regarding this RFP, please contact:

Contact Information:
Charles Wilson
Phone: (312) 810-3940
Email: cwilson@ourhopeisunity.org

Our Hope Is Unity reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, request additional information from proposers, and negotiate with selected consultants to ensure the project’s success.

All proposals will be treated confidentially. The contents of the proposals will not be shared outside of the selection process unless required by law. Proposers should clearly mark any confidential or proprietary information in their submissions.