1. Introduction

The Bronx Economic Development Corporation (BXEDC), in partnership with the Northwest Bronx Community and Clergy Coalition, d/b/a Our Bronx, invites proposals from qualified firms, consultants, or teams to design and develop a public-facing website and implementation dashboard for the Bronx Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS).

The Bronx CEDS is a federally recognized economic development strategy that establishes a long-term framework for strengthening the Bronx economy, coordinating investment, advancing priority projects, and tracking implementation. The CEDS was developed through a multiyear borough-wide process that included public assemblies, surveys, sector-based focus groups and interviews, elected official engagement, and a cross-sector Strategy Committee.

With completion of the CEDS, the work is moving from planning into implementation. BXEDC and Our Bronx are seeking a partner to create a digital platform that will make the content of the CEDS accessible to the public while also providing a practical tool for tracking progress on the strategies and action steps identified in the plan.

The platform should serve two connected purposes:

• Provide an accessible and engaging public website that explains the Bronx CEDS, its history, planning process, priorities, governance, and implementation; and

• Create a clear and useful dashboard or other tracking system that allows the public and implementation partners to understand progress on CEDS goals, strategies, action steps, and priority initiatives over time.

BXEDC and Our Bronx have identified the core functions the platform should provide but are intentionally not prescribing a specific technical solution. Respondents should recommend an approach that best meets the project goals while remaining practical, cost-effective, accessible, and simple enough for internal staff to maintain after launch.

2. About Us

The Bronx Economic Development Corporation (BXEDC) serves as the economic development arm of the Bronx Borough President’s office. As a mission-driven 501(c)(3) non-profit, BXEDC stewards the Bronx economy by cultivating relationships with community stakeholders and investing in the borough's workforce, neighborhoods, and small businesses. 

The Northwest Bronx Community and Clergy Coalition (NWBCCC), d/b/a Our Bronx, is a community-based organization with more than 50 years of experience in community organizing, leadership development, housing, economic development, workforce development, and community ownership initiatives across the Bronx.

BXEDC and Our Bronx have served as the lead partners in the development of the Bronx CEDS and will continue to work with the CEDS co-governance body, public agencies, businesses, institutions, community organizations, and other stakeholders during implementation.

3. Scope of Work & Deliverables  

The selected consultant will work with BXEDC and Our Bronx to recommend, design, build, test, and launch a public-facing web platform to interact with the content of the strategy and its findings, track the progress of implementation of aligned projects, and 

The work should include the following components.

Phase I: Discovery, User Experience, and Technical Recommendation

The consultant will work with BXEDC and Our Bronx to understand the goals of the platform, intended audiences, available content and data, internal maintenance capacity, and long-term needs.

This phase should include:

• Review of the final Bronx CEDS, Executive Summary, Action Plan, and related materials;

• Meetings with BXEDC and Our Bronx staff to identify audiences, priorities, desired functionality, and internal capacity;

• Review of relevant public-facing economic development, planning, or implementation websites and dashboards from other regions;

• Identification of the primary users of the platform and the information each audience is most likely to seek;

• Recommended information architecture, user experience, and navigation;

• Recommended host platform, content management system, dashboard structure, hosting approach, and maintenance model;

• Identification of any data, staffing, software, or ongoing costs required to maintain the platform;

• Recommendations regarding how implementation information should be structured and updated over time; and

• A final project roadmap for design, development, testing, launch, and staff handoff.

Respondents are encouraged to explain whether the website and dashboard should function as a single integrated platform or through another technical structure and why their recommended approach is appropriate for this project.

Phase II: Public-Facing CEDS Website

The consultant will design and develop a public-facing website that makes the CEDS understandable and accessible to residents, businesses, institutions, public officials, funders, implementation partners, and other stakeholders.

The website is expected to include, at minimum:

• An overview of what the Bronx CEDS is and why it was developed;

• Background on the history and development of the Bronx CEDS;

• Information about the public engagement and planning process;

• The CEDS vision, goals, strategic priorities, and major findings;

• Access to the full CEDS report and Executive Summary;

• Key economic indicators and current conditions for the borough

• Information about the Strategy Committee and its role in developing the CEDS;

• Information about the CEDS implementation and governance structure as it is established;

• Information about implementation partners and working groups, where appropriate;

• Updates, announcements, or other content related to implementation;

• Opportunities for business development in the Bronx

• A public-facing implementation dashboard or clear connection to the dashboard described below; and

• Additional content or features recommended by the selected consultant.

The site should be visually engaging without being overly complex and should translate a lengthy planning document into information that users can easily understand and navigate.

Phase III: CEDS Implementation Dashboard

The consultant will design and build a system for tracking implementation of the CEDS.

The final CEDS includes multiple goal areas, strategies, action steps, implementation partners, timelines, and evaluation measures. The dashboard should make it possible for users to understand what work is underway, who is involved, and how implementation is progressing.

The consultant should recommend the most effective way to organize and display this information.

At minimum, the dashboard should be capable of tracking information such as:

• CEDS goal area;

• Strategy or priority area;

• Action step or initiative;

• Lead and participating organizations;

• Implementation timeframe;

• Current status;

• Key milestones or activities;

• Relevant evaluation measures or indicators;

• Funding or investment information where appropriate;

• Related projects or initiatives; and

• Updates on implementation progress.

The dashboard should allow users to navigate or filter information in intuitive ways, potentially including by goal area, strategy, project, geography, sector, status, or other relevant categories.

Respondents should propose a method for communicating progress that is meaningful to the public without creating an administrative burden that makes the system difficult to maintain.

The platform should also be flexible enough to accommodate new projects, strategies, partners, indicators, or implementation priorities as the CEDS evolves over its five-year period.

Phase IV: Content Development and Migration

The consultant will work with BXEDC and Our Bronx to organize and prepare existing CEDS materials for the site.

BXEDC and Our Bronx will provide core source materials, including the final CEDS report, Executive Summary, Strategy Committee and Governance Body information, Action Plan, and available images and supporting materials.

The consultant should:

• Recommend how existing material should be adapted for digital use;

• Support organization and migration of content into the site;

• Identify where content should be shortened, reorganized, or presented visually rather than reproduced directly from the report;

• Develop templates for future implementation updates and other recurring content; and

• Identify any additional content required prior to launch.

Proposals should clearly describe the level of writing, editing, graphic design, data visualization, or content development included in the proposed fee.

Phase V: Accessibility, Testing, Training, and Launch

The final platform must be accessible and usable across devices and by users with different levels of technical familiarity.

The consultant will be responsible for:

• Responsive design for desktop, tablet, and mobile devices;

• Browser and device testing;

• Quality assurance prior to launch;

• Basic search engine optimization and site metadata;

• Appropriate privacy, security, and data protection practices;

• Analytics configuration;

• Staff training;

• Written instructions or documentation for common site and dashboard updates;

• Launch support; and

• A defined post-launch support period.

Long-Term Maintenance and Sustainability

A central goal of this project is to create a platform that BXEDC and Our Bronx can maintain without requiring ongoing specialized technical assistance for routine updates.

Respondents should explain:

• Which components internal staff will be able to update directly;

• The level of technical knowledge required for routine maintenance;

• Any software licenses, subscriptions, hosting, or third-party tools that will require ongoing payment;

• Anticipated annual operating and maintenance costs;

• How the platform can be expanded or modified in the future;

• What maintenance or technical support may still require an outside vendor; and

• Options for continued support after the initial contract, if requested.

BXEDC and Our Bronx strongly prefer widely supported technology and systems that minimize vendor dependency and long-term maintenance costs.

4. Consultant Qualifications

We seek a consultant, firm, or team that:

• Has demonstrated experience designing and developing public-facing websites and digital platforms;

• Has experience developing dashboards, data visualization tools, project trackers, or similar implementation platforms;

• Can translate complex planning, policy, economic development, or research information into clear and accessible public-facing content;

• Has experience designing for diverse audiences and varying levels of digital literacy;

• Has strong expertise in user experience, information architecture, accessibility, and responsive design;

• Can recommend technical solutions based on organizational needs rather than relying on a predetermined platform;

• Can create systems that nontechnical staff can maintain over time;

• Has experience with government, nonprofit, economic development, planning, community development, or other public-interest projects;

• Understands the importance of data accuracy, transparency, and clear communication in public-facing implementation tracking; and

• Can work collaboratively with multiple organizational partners and stakeholders.

Experience with CEDS processes, economic development planning, New York City, or the Bronx is preferred but not required.

Respondents may include multidisciplinary teams or subcontractors where appropriate. Proposals should clearly identify which entity or individual will be responsible for each major area of work.

5. RFP Proposal Requirements

Respondents must submit the following information to ensure full evaluation of qualifications and experience:

• Executive Summary: Brief overview of the respondent’s understanding of the project and proposed approach;

• Recommended Platform Approach: Initial recommendation regarding how the website, dashboard, content management system, and related components should function together, including the rationale for the proposed technical approach;

• Business Structure and Key Staff: Description of the respondent’s organizational structure, qualifications, and roles of key staff members. Resumes of key personnel are encouraged;

• Proposed Approach and Methodology: Detailed description of the process for discovery, design, development, content organization, dashboard development, testing, launch, and handoff;

• Dashboard Approach: Description of how the respondent proposes to organize, visualize, and maintain CEDS implementation information over time;

• Work Plan and Timeline: Outline of major tasks, milestones, deliverables, review periods, and anticipated project duration;

• Relevant Experience: Description of at least three relevant projects, including scope, client, purpose, technical platform, outcomes, and links to completed work where available;

• Accessibility and Usability Approach: Description of how accessibility, mobile responsiveness, varying levels of digital literacy, and ease of use will be addressed;

• Maintenance and Sustainability Plan: Description of the recommended hosting and maintenance structure, staff responsibilities, ongoing costs, software or subscription requirements, and anticipated vendor support following launch;

• Training and Handoff: Description of proposed staff training, documentation, administrative access, and transfer of site ownership and credentials;

• Cost Estimate: Detailed project budget identifying design, development, dashboard, content support, hosting, software, training, maintenance, and any other anticipated costs;

• Proposed Payment Terms: Suggested payment schedule tied to project milestones;

• Optional or Value-Added Services: Any additional features or services the respondent believes would meaningfully strengthen the project, clearly distinguished from the base scope and cost; and

• M/WBE Certification: If applicable.

Respondents are encouraged to identify any elements of the scope that they would approach differently and explain why. BXEDC and Our Bronx are particularly interested in proposals that demonstrate thoughtful judgment about how to balance functionality, user experience, transparency, and long-term maintainability.

6. Budget: 

BXEDC and Our Bronx are seeking proposals in the range of $40,000 - $60,000 for this project. 

7. RFP Terms:

A. This RFP does not commit BXEDC or Our Bronx to award a contract. No other party is intended to be granted any rights by way of this RFP. Proposals that, in the discretion of BXEDC and Our Bronx, do not meet the minimum proposal requirements may not be considered. All materials submitted, including written documents and verbal communications, become the property of BXEDC and Our Bronx and may be used as such. Neither BXEDC nor Our Bronx is responsible for any costs associated with the development, preparation, transmittal, or presentation of any proposal or materials submitted in response to this RFP.

B. Respondents are responsible for reviewing and ensuring the completeness of their proposals. BXEDC may request additional or clarifying information from any respondent.

C. Verbal commitments made by any employee of BXEDC or Our Bronx with respect to this RFP are not binding and shall not in any way be considered a commitment by BXEDC or Our Bronx.

D. BXEDC and Our Bronx reserve and may exercise the following rights and options with respect to evaluation of proposals and selection for negotiations:

• To supplement, amend, substitute, or otherwise modify this RFP at any time prior to selection of one or more respondents for negotiation;

• To waive any informality, defect, non-responsiveness, and/or deviation from this RFP that is not, in the issuing parties’ judgment, material to the proposal;

• To permit or reject, at the issuing parties’ discretion, amendments, modifications, alterations, and/or corrections of proposals following submission; and

• To request that some or all respondents modify proposals based upon the evaluation thereof.

E. All final website files, design assets, data structures, documentation, administrative credentials, and other work products developed specifically for this project shall be transferred to BXEDC at completion of the contract unless otherwise agreed to in writing. Proposals must clearly identify any proprietary tools, third-party software, licensing restrictions, or other components that BXEDC would not own or control directly.

8. Selection Criteria:

Proposals will be evaluated based on:

• Relevant Experience and Quality of Previous Work: Demonstrated success developing similar public-facing websites, dashboards, implementation platforms, or other relevant digital projects;

• Proposed Approach: Quality, clarity, feasibility, and creativity of the proposed approach to the website and implementation dashboard;

• User Experience and Accessibility: Ability to create a platform that is clear, engaging, accessible, and useful to multiple audiences;

• Long-Term Maintainability: Strength of the proposed approach to internal staff management, training, technology, hosting, and ongoing costs;

• Project Team: Qualifications and capacity of the individuals who will perform the work;

• Understanding of the CEDS and Project Purpose: Ability to translate a complex economic development strategy into a useful public resource and implementation tool;

• Timeline and Capacity: Ability to complete the work within the required project period; and

• Cost Effectiveness: Reasonableness and overall value of the financial proposal.

BXEDC and Our Bronx may interview a short list of respondents before making a final selection.

9. Key Dates & Project Timeline:

• RFP Released: October 19th, 2026

• Questions Due: October 30th, 2026

• Responses to Questions Posted/Distributed: November 6th, 2026

• Proposal Submission Deadline: November 16th, 2026

• Respondent Interviews, if needed: November 23rd-24th, 2026

• Selection Notification: November 30, 2026

• Project Start: December 8th, 2026

• Discovery and Platform Recommendation: December 17th, 2026 

• Initial Design and Dashboard Prototype: January 26th, 2027

• Testing and Staff Training: February 1st - 12th, 2026

• Final Platform Launch: March 22nd, 2026

Respondents may recommend modifications to the proposed development schedule based on their methodology, but the final platform must be completed no later than 

10. Submission Instructions:

Proposals should be emailed as a single PDF file to mstrawbridge@bxedc.org and katherine@ourbronx.org with the following subject line: Bronx CEDS Website & Dashboard RFP - [Your Company Name].

11. Contact Information:

For any questions related to this RFP, please contact:

Marshall Strawbridge | BXEDC
Email: mstrawbridge@bxedc.org
Phone: (347) 297-0071

Katherine Mella | Our Bronx
Email: katherine@ourbronx.org
Phone: 646-350-0848