1. Introduction

The Bronx Economic Development Corporation (BXEDC) and the Northwest Bronx Community and Clergy Coalition (NWBCCC) invite proposals from qualified consultants to develop up to ten (10) Project Planning Studies, up to five (5) Feasibility Analyses, and up to three (3) Project Proposals. These deliverables will inform the next phase of the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) for The Bronx, New York.

The CEDS process is a federally recognized planning framework that guides regions and localities in creating actionable economic development strategies rooted in broad stakeholder engagement. Typically spanning up to two years, a CEDS results in a publicly reviewed document that includes an analysis of the region’s economic conditions, a SWOT Analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats), a strategic action plan, and an evaluation framework.

Examples of other CEDS reports include:

● Brooklyn, NY

● Peoria, IL

● Columbia River Gorge Region, OR/WA

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) is a 51 year old, member-led grassroots organization dedicated to racial justice and economic democracy through intergenerational organizing and model building to transform the Bronx and beyond.

3. Scope of Work & Deliverables

Phase I: Project Planning Studies (Up to 10) October 2025 - January 2026

Each study will follow a Purpose-Outcome-Process format and provide the CEDS Strategy Committee with sufficient detail to prioritize projects for further development in Phases II and III.

Studies should include:

● Clear project descriptions and objectives

● Alignment with Bronx CEDS goals

● Potential public and philanthropic funding sources

● Relevant case studies or models from other regions

Some initial project candidates will be provided by the CEDS leadership team.

Phase II: Feasibility Analyses (Up to 5) January - April 2026

Selected by the CEDS Leadership Team, analyses will assess programs or projects with an existing operational model, pilot, or adoption in another geography that could be expanded or adapted in the Bronx. These may include, but are not limited to, initiatives studied in Phase I.

Phase III: Project Proposals (Up to 3) April - June 2026

Project Proposals should be shovel-ready and grant-application ready, including:

● Project descriptions with Bronx-specific narrative and asset/needs analysis

● Committed partners and project leads

● Letters of support and/or MOUs (if applicable)

● Budget projections, and staffing plans

● Implementation timelines and measurable outcomes

4. Consultant Qualifications

We seek a consultant who:

● Has knowledge of the CEDS process and is familiarity with the New York City metropolitan regional economy;

● Can clearly describe diverse economic development projects and initiatives, from workforce partnerships and small business accelerator programs to decarbonization retrofits, community wealth-building strategies, supplier diversity programs, and major capital projects with social impact metrics;

● Shares a values-aligned approach to building democratic, equitable, and sustainable economies that address climate change, inequality and advance racial and economic justice; and

● Is proficient in leveraging multiple data sources, including but not limited to: the US Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, NYC Open Data, NYU Furman Center, NYC Community Health Profiles, PolicyLink Equity Atlas, Lightcast (EMSI), DataAxle, and others.

5. RFP Proposal Requirements

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

● Executive Summary: An overview of the respondent’s understanding of the project and how their expertise aligns with the goals of the CEDS;

● Business Structure and Key Staff: Description of the respondent’s organizational structure, qualifications, and roles of key staff members (resumes of key personnel encouraged);

● Proposed Approach and Methodology: A detailed description of the respondent’s proposed approach, methodology, and timeline for completing the project;

● Work Plan and Timeline: An outline of the tasks and activities to be performed throughout the contract period;

● Relevant Experience: A description of previous relevant projects, including scope, purpose, and outcomes (client references encouraged);

● Cost Estimate: A detailed breakdown of project expenses, including fees for service, travel, and any other anticipated costs;

● Proposed Payment Terms: Suggested payment schedule and terms;

● Values-Added Services: Any additional services or expertise the respondent can provide to enhance the project’s success; and

● M/WBE Certification (If applicable).

6. RFP Terms:

A. This RFP does not commit BXEDC or NWBCCC to award a contract. No other party is intended to be granted any rights by way of this RFP. Proposals that, based on the discretion of the BXEDC and NWBCCC, do not meet the minimum proposal requirements, will not be considered. All materials submitted, including written documents and verbal communications, become the property of BXEDC and NWBCCC and can be used as such. Neither BXEDC nor NWBCCC 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 NWBCCC with respect to this RFP is not binding and shall not in any way be considered a commitment from the BXEDC and NWBCCC.

D. BXEDC and NWBCCC 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 (including information inadvertently omitted), modifications, alterations and/or corrections of proposals by some or all the respondents following proposal submissions; and

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

7. Selection Criteria:

Proposal will be evaluated based on:

● Relevant Experience and References: Demonstrated experience with similar work, particularly in or communities similar to the Bronx;

● Proposed Methodology: Quality, feasibility and clarity of the proposed approach and work plan; alignment to core values of racial equity, shared ownership, and environmental justice; and

● Cost Effectiveness: Reasonableness and value of the financial proposal.

8. Key Dates & Project Timeline:

● RFP Released: August 13, 2025

● Proposals Submission Deadline: September 15, 2025 at 11:59pm

● Selection Notification: Week of September 29, 2025

● Project Start: Week of October 6, 2025

● Phase I Deliverables Due: January 16, 2026

● Phase II Deliverables Due: April 2026

● Phase III Deliverables Due: June 2026

9. Submission Instructions:

Proposals should be emailed as a single PDF file to mstrawbridge@bxedc.org with the following subject line: CEDS Project Studies RFP - [Your Company Name].

10. Contact Information:

For any questions related to this RFP, please contact:

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