Economic Vitality - Small Business Technical Assistance

The City of Pontiac is seeking a contractor to provide comprehensive small business technical assistance to ensure all local businesses have accessible support without requiring membership in specific organizations. The selected contractor will act as a central resource for business consulting, education, financing readiness, and procurement assistance, offering services in general business, marketing, legal, and accounting. Key deliverables include a written implementation plan, intake and assessment tools, a workshop calendar, and regular reporting consisting of monthly activity and expenditure reports, quarterly performance reviews, and a final transition report. To ensure equitable access, the contractor must provide both in-person and virtual participation options and offer support in both English and Spanish. Proposals will be evaluated on a 100-point scale, with a minimum passing score of 80 points required for eligibility. The City will consider factors such as price, delivery time, compliance, and social responsibility, though it is not bound to accept the lowest-cost bid. Awarded contractors must adhere to strict non-discrimination laws, including the Federal Civil Rights Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act, and must maintain comprehensive insurance coverage, including general liability and automobile liability of at least $1,000,000. The contract is governed by Michigan law, requires Net 30 payment terms, and mandates that all produced deliverables become the property of the City. For projects involving federal funding, compliance with 2 CFR Part 200 and the Byrd Anti-Lobbying Amendment is required.