Request for Proposals Issued by the Golden Triangle Business Improvement District on April 27th, 2020 for the:

Small Business Online Program

Maximum Budget: $25,000

Overview

The Golden Triangle BID seeks proposals for the provision of: 1) at least two online trainings for small business owners giving a general introduction to digital marketing strategies, e-commerce platforms, social media, and other online business practices; and 2) technical assistance to individual business owners from the BID for implementing these practices.

As part of its Covid-19 recovery efforts, the Golden Triangle BID is creating a two-pronged professional development program for small business owners, specifically geared towards the neighborhood’s restaurants and retailers. In the wake of Covid-19, maintaining a strong digital presence, social media savvy, and an online marketplace is critical to the success of retailers and restaurants. The Small Business Online program will build capacity, boost digital marketing know-how, and equip businesses with the tools to launch or improve e-commerce sites to complement their brick-and-mortar spaces.

About the Golden Triangle BID

Founded in 1998, the Golden Triangle BID is an award-winning non-profit 501(c)(6) corporation that works to enhance the Golden Triangle – the 44-block neighborhood that stretches from Dupont Circle to Pennsylvania Avenue. The primary focus of the Golden Triangle BID is to provide a clean, safe, and vibrant environment and to retain and attract businesses to the Golden Triangle.

Scope of Work

The two primary elements of the Small Business Online program are: 1) WEBINARS - A series of online trainings targeted towards owners of restaurants and retail businesses a. We will start with two webinars and then assess whether to add more. b. The first webinar should be relatively general and geared towards an audience unfamiliar with digital marketing, social media, and e-commerce strategies and terminology. c. The second webinar should provide more detail and be suitable for either participants of the first webinar or those already with a base level of understanding seeking to improve their online presence, gain tips, or polish skills.

2) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE - A technical assistance program for neighborhood restaurants and retailers for intensive, one-on-one technical and marketing support. a. Firm would provide input into selection process for restaurants and retailers in need of assistance, with final determination made by the BID b. Firm would provide TA support for selected businesses (up to $2,000 each)

Based on Golden Triangle staff research, observation, and conversations with restaurants and retailers, training and technical assistance (as necessary) should focus on the following areas:

• website design, primarily using existing platforms like Wix and Squarespace, rather than custom-built sites • digital marketing, social media strategy, & SEO tactics • e-commerce development, such as setting up online stores or ordering systems using existing platforms and 3rd parties (e.g. UberEats, Shopify) • best practices for doing business online, with examples

The BID is issuing this Request for Proposals (RFP) for the selection of a qualified consultant to provide online trainings and technical assistance for small businesses in the BID, primarily restaurants and retail/service businesses, helping them improve their digital presence at a time when it is more important than ever. The most successful applications will clearly demonstrate the consulting firm’s experience working with small businesses to build capacity, boost digital marketing know-how, and equip them with the tools to launch or improve e-commerce sites. Applicants should be competent with website platforms and e-commerce software commonly used by small businesses, such as Squarespace, Shopify, Wix, and UberEats. Experience providing webinars is valuable. Firms must have the capacity to provide all trainings and technical assistance sessions remotely.

Upon receipt of all proposals and selection of a consultant firm, the BID will work with the consultant to refine the program details and finalize a schedule. The BID will be responsible for promoting and hosting the webinars using online meeting software (GoToWebinar or similar). In the event of further emergencies or other conflicts that would render part or all of the program not feasible, the BID and the consultant would work together to decide on a new timeline or program offering instead.

Price

1. The RFP response should include a proposed fixed price for the two online trainings and a blended hourly rate for the technical assistance services. For example, a statement might read “We will provide two online trainings for $X each and technical assistance valued at $X for a minimum of X hours, up to $2,000 per business.” 2. The fixed price and blended hourly rate shall be “all inclusive” and should include sufficient funding to cover all of the consultant’s costs necessary to perform all work in a timely manner, including, but not limited to, profit, overhead, general and administrative costs, supervision, computer equipment, contingency, warranty, and professional services. 3. The RFP response should include an itemized breakdown of the proposed fixed price and a brief description of the services that may be included as technical assistance.

Schedule

1. RFP Issued: April 27, 2020 2. Applications Due: May 13, 2020 a. Send applications to Lee Dwyer at [email protected]. b. See Proposal Requirements below for details 3. Consultant Team Interviews: May 18-20, 2020 4. Projected Start Date: May 26, 2020 5. Online Trainings: June 2020-early July 2020 6. Technical Assistance Period: June-September 2020

Proposal Requirements

Proposals are due by 5:00 pm EST on May 13, 2020. They should be emailed to Lee Dwyer at [email protected] with the subject line “Response to RFP: Small Business Online program” and should include:

1. Letter introducing team, summarizing your understanding of the project, and describing applicable experience (no more than 5 pages) 2. Description of methodology (including your approach to the online trainings) with any relevant example images or links (no more than 5 pages) 3. Proposed schedule and budget 4. List of key personnel, titles, and current contact information 5. Physical address of your firm’s office (even if personnel are working remotely) 6. 3 references with current contact information

Evaluation

The Golden Triangle BID will review all proposals for content, completeness, and compliance with the terms and conditions contained within this RFP. Submission of a proposal shall constitute the Consultant’s consent that the BID may make such inquiries as it finds necessary to evaluate the Consultant’s submission and qualifications. The BID shall award the Contract to the qualified Consultant whose proposal it determines to be the most advantageous to the BID and its membership. The BID reserves the right to award the Contract based upon the initial submission, without further discussion. The BID also reserves the right to reject all proposals, to postpone this RFP, or to cancel this RFP, at its option.

Please send questions in writing to Lee Dwyer, Planning Manager, at [email protected].