request for proposals - ask sbdc

ISSUED BY:

Northern California SBDC Lead Centera program ofHumboldt State University Sponsored Programs Foundation

IMPORTANT DATES:

Issuance Date: January 11, 2021Meeting for Current Hosts: 3 – 5 PM, February 24, 2021Bidder’s Conference #1: 10 – 12 PM, February 25, 2021Bidder’s Conference #2: 1 – 3 PM, February 26, 2021Letter of Intent Submission Deadline: April 2, 2021 Bidder’s Conference #3: 1 – 3 PM, April 16, 2021 Proposals Due: June 11, 2021Notification of Winning Bidders/Notice Posted: August 13, 2021 Mandatory New Host and Director Meeting: August 30, 2021Start date of contract and work commences: October 1, 2021

Questions about this RFP should be directed to:Kristin Johnson, Norcal SBDC Executive Director707-496-7079 or [email protected]

Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Program Announcement (RFP) – NO. 2021-SBDC-01

REQUEST FORPROPOSALS

Attendance at the Bidder’s Conferences being held on February 25th and 26th is not mandatory, but it is recommended that applicant organizations try to attend one of these meetings. It is being held twice to accommodate schedules, however the same information will be presented at both Bidder’s Conference #1 and #2. To register for Bidder’s Conference #1, from 10-12 pm on Wednesday, February 25th, please register here: https://norcalsbdc.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Y3ppbpo4S_aDJMOEXzDj2Q To register for Bidder’s Conference #2, from 1-3 pm on Thursday, February 26th, please register here: https://norcalsbdc.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_TBHECjUZQwGw7LS-6IUpug Invitations for Bidders’ Conference #3, on Friday, April 16th, will be distributed upon receipt of Letters of Intent.

https://norcalsbdc.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Y3ppbpo4S_aDJMOEXzDj2Q

https://norcalsbdc.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_TBHECjUZQwGw7LS-6IUpug

RFP No. 2021-SBDC-01 – Small Business Development Center Program Announcement 2 of 21

Table of Contents Section 1. Introduction ................................................................................................................... 3

1. Overview ............................................................................................................................. 3 2. Purpose ............................................................................................................................... 3 3. Reasons for Considering this Solicitation ........................................................................... 3 4. Background Information ..................................................................................................... 4 5. SBDC Services ...................................................................................................................... 4 6. Partnership Model .............................................................................................................. 5 7. Authorizing Legislation and Funding Sources ..................................................................... 5 8. Applicant Eligibility .............................................................................................................. 5 9. Service Territory and Funding Available ............................................................................. 6 10. General Information ........................................................................................................... 7 11. Bidder’s Costs ...................................................................................................................... 7

Section 2. Program and Operation Requirements.......................................................................... 8 1. Focus on Economic Results ................................................................................................. 8 2. Mandatory Services ............................................................................................................ 8 3. Operational Requirements ............................................................................................... 10

Section 3. Submission Content and Format.................................................................................. 13 1. Letter of Intent and Kick off Meetings .............................................................................. 13 2. Technical Proposal ............................................................................................................ 13 3. Cost Proposal .................................................................................................................... 16 4. Certifications and Assurances ........................................................................................... 17 5. Supporting Financial Information ..................................................................................... 18 6. Planned Operational Dates and Times ............................................................................. 18 7. Applicant Organization’s Organization Chart ................................................................... 18 8. Résumés for Proposed SBDC Personnel ........................................................................... 18 9. Other Attachments ........................................................................................................... 18

Section 4. Selection Process and Evaluation Criteria .................................................................... 19 1. Selection Process .............................................................................................................. 19 2. Proposal Evaluation Criteria ............................................................................................. 19 3. Grounds for Rejection ....................................................................................................... 21 4. Oral Interview Evaluation Criteria .................................................................................... 21 5. Debriefing .......................................................................................................................... 21

List of Attachments Attachment 1 – Budget Template Attachment 2 – Certification of Local Match Attachment 3 – Certification Regarding Lobbying Attachment 4 – Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility and Voluntary

Exclusion Attachment 5 – Sample Job Descriptions


Section 1. Introduction 1. Overview

• Funder – Humboldt State University – Sponsored Programs Foundation • Prime Funders – U.S. Small Business Administration and California Governor’s Office of

Business and Economic Development • Announcement Type: Initial – Open • RFP Number: 2021-SBDC-01 • CFDA Number: 59.037 • Closing date for submissions: Proposals are due by 3 PM PST on Friday, June 11, 2021.

Entities planning to submit a proposal must first submit a non-binding letter of intent to do so, no later than 5 PM PST on Friday, April 2, 2021.

• Funding Amount: Up to $6,100,000 is available for contracts. • Number of awards: Up to 20 individual awards will be made • Funding Cycle: Funding is on an annual cycle of January to December, however since

some contracts operate on the State of California’s fiscal year, new centers will be engaged on October 1, 2021, and then again on January 1, 2022 to sync to an annual cycle. Contracts will be eligible for annual renewal for up to five years.

• Funding Instrument: Cost Reimbursement Contracts 2. Purpose This Request for Proposals (RFP) is being issued from the Northern California Small Business Development Center Program (Norcal SBDC) hosted by Humboldt State University Sponsored Programs Foundation (HSUSPF) which, through a shared cooperative agreement with the United States Small Business Administration (SBA), serves as host to the Northern California Lead Center. This RFP is intended to identify local partners to participate in the delivery of high-quality services to small businesses and new entrepreneurs allowing them to start and grow businesses, create jobs, increase sales, and gain capital and investment. The goal of this RFP is to utilize a competitive process to leverage resources and partnerships in a manner that will ensure the greatest outcomes for the small business community in northern California while ensuring accountability, transparency, and impact for the state and federal taxpayer dollars used to fund the program. It is a requirement of HSUSPF to regularly issue competitive RFPs for the SBDC program to ensure innovative services, exceptional customer service, and maximum economic impact for the state and federal government while ensuring the highest levels of accountability for the public funds it receives. 3. Reasons for Considering this Solicitation Small Business Development Centers provide direct and measurable economic benefits to the communities they serve. Established during the Carter administration, the SBDC program is the largest federally-designated technical assistance program focused on supporting startup and growing small businesses in all 50 states and U.S. territories. SBDC host organizations join a “family” of experts who are willing to share advice, resources and help local business assistance providers focus on what they do best—growing great local companies!


SBDCs are designed to stimulate business formation and contribute to long-term business success and survivability. In addition to assisting a qualified host organization achieve its core mission, the benefits of serving as an SBDC host partner include:

• opportunity to provide service and support directly to the local business community; • credit for direct and measurable economic impact; • visibility for the organization within the community; • enhanced understanding of business community needs; • enhanced partnership opportunities with other institutions of higher education and

economic development organizations in the region and state; • collaborative opportunities with strategic public and private sector partners; • availability of special resources through a partnership arrangement; • leverage of funding from federal and state resources.

4. Background Information The Norcal SBDC Network is the collaborative partnership between the SBA and HSUSPF, supporting businesses in the northernmost 36 counties in California, stretching from Santa Cruz to Crescent City, and from Stockton to Alturas including the San Francisco Bay Area, Silicon Valley, and the entire Sacramento metro region. The Norcal SBDC Network provides technical services (consulting and training) to existing and emerging small businesses with a focus on growth industries in the region. Each host organization for a local service location becomes a partner in the Norcal SBDC Network via a contract with HSUSPF. At the time of this RFP there are 18 SBDC service centers, four SBDC satellite centers, and 36 outreach locations within the region. The administrative headquarters for Norcal SBDC is called the Lead Center. The Lead Center is the entity that is engaged via a Cooperative Agreement with the SBA to administer the network. The Lead Center for the Norcal SBDC Network is hosted by the Sponsored Programs Foundation of Humboldt State University, the northernmost university in the CSU system. The offices of the Norcal SBDC Lead Center are located in Eureka, California and Kristin Johnson is the Northern CA SBDC Executive Director. Per federal regulation, the Norcal SBDC Executive Director is granted the authority and is directly responsible for assigning and achieving the goals and objectives of the program. The Executive Director is the primary contact for local direction and for monitoring and overseeing the investments and outcomes of the program. 5. SBDC Services Per its mandate, the SBDC program is designed to provide high quality business and economic development assistance to small businesses and entrepreneurs to promote business start-up, growth, expansion, innovation, profitability, management improvement, employment and economic development. Each local service location provides in-depth, high-quality assistance to small businesses in complex areas that require specialized expertise. These areas may include,


but are not limited to: management, marketing, financing, accounting, strategic planning, regulation and taxation, capital formation, venture capital, procurement, human resource management, production, operations, economic and business data analysis, engineering, technology transfer, innovation and research, new product development or commercialization, product analysis, plant layout and design, agriculture, business law and referral, exporting, office automation, site selection, or any other areas of assistance required to promote small business growth, expansion and productivity. In addition to consulting, the Norcal SBDC Network provides training, conducts special projects and provides business-specific research and referral services. 6. Partnership Model The Northern California SBDC Network is a shared partnership among its various vested partners. The partnership concept stresses the equal participation of each partner in the strategic direction, operation, and service delivery of the network. Shared financial partnering is specifically defined as an SBDC characteristic. Local host partners are expected to contribute and actively seek funding to meet and exceed the match requirement to support SBDC services and create lasting positive economic impact. Note that the term “partnership” does not mean the creation of a legal entity partnership, but rather the creation of a relationship that is characterized by mutual cooperation and responsibility for the achievement of common goals. 7. Authorizing Legislation and Funding Sources The SBDC Program is authorized through Congress and partially funded by the U.S. SBA and by the California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz). The Norcal SBDC is governed by Section 21 of the Small Business Act 15 U.S.C. § 648, federal regulations 13 C.F.R. Part 130, and California Government Code Section 12100-12100.69. Although the Lead Center is responsible for the general management and oversight of the Norcal SBDC program, a partnership exists between SBA, GO-Biz, the Lead Center, and the regional host partners for the delivery of assistance to the small business community in the region. SBDCs, under Section 21 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. § 648), are required to provide consulting and training to small businesses including working with the SBA to develop and provide informational tools to support business start-ups and existing business expansion. In addition, pursuant to 13 CFR Part 130.340(c), SBA may, from time to time, identify certain Special Emphasis Groups to be targeted for assistance by SBDCs. The Norcal SBDC Network maintains a strong working relationship with the SBA District Offices located in San Francisco and Sacramento, California. All SBDC services are provided pursuant to the Norcal SBDC Network Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. SBA; Federal OMB circulars; U.S. SBA Guidelines and Regulations; the Grant Agreements between GO-Biz and HSUSPF; and the HSUSPF Policy and Procedures Manual. In addition, local host organizations receive fiscal and programmatic examinations/reviews each year or as necessary, pursuant to the Norcal SBDC Network, SBA, and HSUSPF audit procedures. 8. Applicant Eligibility Eligible host organizations include:


• Fully accredited institutions of higher education such as public and private universities, state and community colleges;

• Private nonprofit corporations engaged in economic development activities; • Local counties or municipalities that have pre-existing community/economic

development departments and/or programs; and • Public economic development institutions such as workforce investment boards and

economic development corporations. Proposals will only be accepted from organizations that:

• Are qualified to conduct business in the State of California; • Are in good standing with the Secretary of State; • Have not been debarred or had contracts terminated by the federal government, State

of California or local government; • Have accounting processes and prior experience necessary to manage and report on

federally-funded programs/activities in accordance with federal OMB circular requirements; and

• Are NOT for profit businesses. 9. Service Territory and Funding Available As mentioned, the Norcal SBDC Network serves small businesses from the Oregon border to the north, Nevada to the east, and including Santa Cruz, Santa Clara, San Joaquin, Calaveras, and Alpine counties to the south. This territory is divided into multiple smaller service areas, and as part of the proposal, applicants will be required to identify a primary service territory within the region that they wish to apply for funding to serve. Territories can be as small as one county, and as large as can reasonably be served by an organization, minding that densely populated counties can require a similar level of effort as multiple rural counties. In the proposal, each applicant must demonstrate their ability to provide full coverage to their requested service territory – keeping in mind the importance of accessibility and availability to the businesses they propose to serve. Each service center must strive to provide the highest levels of customer service and provide services as physically close as possible to small businesses through extension services utilizing multiple centers, satellite and/or outreach locations, and virtual services, as necessary. It is the priority of the Norcal SBDC that all small businesses in the region, whether they are urban, suburban, or rural receive an equitable level of support, and final funding allocations will reflect this. The total funding available for the region is $6,100,000. There is no minimum or maximum budget. An applicant could propose a budget as small as $50,000 or larger than $1 million. Applicants are encouraged to develop a budget that is reasonable to maintain the necessary service levels to the territory proposed, while also reflecting the responsibility to efficiently and appropriately administer the public (both federal and state) funds that support this program. Throughout the RFP process, each prospective applicant is encouraged to work collaboratively with other prospective applicants to identify service territories and submit complementary or combined proposals. The Lead Center reserves the right to award funding to one or more


applicants in a specific territory. In instances where more than one applicant is funded in a county, proposed territories overlap, or counties are left unserved, the Lead Center will ask the applicants to negotiate coverage for the full territory prior to awarding grant funding. The Lead Center reserves the right to allocate funding to best meet the needs of the business community. 10. General Information This RFP is for proposals to serve as SBDC hosts for a five-year period commencing October 1, 2021 and ending September 30, 2026. Contracts will be issued annually, the first contracts between HSUSPF and the successful bidders are expected to begin on October 1, 2021. SBDC host partners demonstrating satisfactory performance and fiscal management will have their contracts renewed annually for up to four subsequent years, providing funding to do so is appropriated for this purpose in subsequent Federal, State, and HSUSPF budgets. The Network anticipates issuing an RFP prior to awarding of contracts in 2027. The Lead Center reserves the right to terminate the contracts of organizations for noncompliance or nonperformance according to the terms of the contracts issued, as well as to add organizations prior to 2027 as needed to meet service delivery goals. The bidding process for this procurement of services is competitive and proposals will be judged based on their compliance with RFP guidelines, and each respondent’s ability to meet stated requirements in Section 3, Submission Content and Format. Only those proposals that meet these requirements will be evaluated according to the criteria in Section 4, Selection Process and Evaluation Criteria. Further review may occur through interviews and/or site visits to one or more applicant. Oral communications with HSUSPF officers and employees shall be non-binding on HSUSPF and shall in no way exclude the bidder of obligations as set forth in this package. HSUSPF reserves the right to amend, alter or change the rules and conditions contained in this RFP prior to the deadline for submission of proposals. HSUSPF reserves the right to negotiate with any qualified bidder, or to modify or cancel in part or in its entirety contract provisions if it is in the best interest of HSUSPF to do so. HSUSPF reserves the right to extend the submission deadline should this be in the best interest of HSUSPF. Proposing organizations will have the right to revise their proposals in the event that the deadline is extended. Upon award of contracts to the successful bidders, the contract will be between HSUSPF and the applicant organization. The applicant organization does not have a direct contract relationship with the Small Business Administration or the California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development. 11. Bidder’s Costs Costs for developing proposals are entirely the responsibility of the bidder and shall not be reimbursed by HSUSPF.


Section 2. Program and Operation Requirements 1. Focus on Economic Results A core differentiator between the SBDC and other federal, state, and local business assistance programs is the SBDC’s focus on economic results produced by its services. All SBDC consulting aims at creating measurable successes including: business startups, increases in sales, obtaining loan financing or equity investment, job creation and job retention. Annually, our goal is to have more than 40% of Norcal SBDC business clients achieve one of these measurable results. Applicants should note that the SBDC is not a social service, entitlement, or workforce development program. The Network’s business model is to serve small business owners and entrepreneurs. Training of employees (workforce) is not an eligible activity of the program. SBDCs serve both startup and existing businesses. The primary focus of the Norcal SBDC Network is on existing (in business) companies. Sixty percent (60%) of all clients receiving services from the Norcal SBDC are small businesses that are beyond the startup phase of operations and are specifically looking for help growing their enterprises and responding to challenges and opportunities in their industries. The local SBDC service provider must design and manage direct delivery of in-depth and high-quality confidential business consulting and assistance with access to capital. In addition, the local host may provide specialized training and events. Services may be provided by staff of the host organization and/or contracted consultants/trainers of the SBDC. The local SBDC host shall ensure that significant efforts are made to make client services available to special interest groups including but not limited to: Black, Indigenous, Asian, Latino, other people of color, women, disabled persons, and veterans. A special focus must be made to reach out to rural parts of the service area, as these regions are historically underserved. 2. Mandatory Services a. Consulting The core service provided through SBDC is consulting. The SBDC shall design and provide quality consulting services to improve the skills and knowledge of existing and prospective small business owners. All consulting shall have an identified and measurable goal that is agreed upon by a consultant and a client. Consulting is a process of in-depth, two-way communication between client and counselor. This process includes identifying and analyzing the client's needs and problems. The SBDC shall assist small businesses in solving problems concerning: operations, manufacturing, engineering, evaluation and adoption of new technology solutions, personnel administration, marketing, sales, merchandising, accounting, loan readiness, technology commercialization, equity financing, securing loans, business strategy development and other disciplines required for small business growth, expansion, innovation, productivity, and/or management improvement. Fees may not be charged for SBDC consulting. If an applicant to this RFP currently serves fee-


based clients, methods must be identified for how referrals will be made to the SBDC and how the bidder will ensure conflicts will not arise between fee-based and free consulting. All individuals providing consulting to SBDC clients must successfully pass the Norcal SBDC Business Advisor certification. Certification training is provided by the Lead Center on a quarterly basis. b. Expected Consulting Results The Norcal SBDC Network has regional goals that all centers are expected to contribute towards, while allowing room for the various strengths and weaknesses inherent to each center. A sustaining SBDC center with full-scale services for twelve (12) months will be accountable for producing results proportionate to those described below. A start-up SBDC (i.e. new to the Norcal SBDC Network) will need to make steady progress towards these goals and be at a level of performance by the end of 2023 such that it would be able to produce results commensurate with projections by 2024.

Entire Region

Smaller Service Center

Medium Service Center

Large Service Center

Budget $6,100,000 $200,000 $500,000 $1,000,000 Number of business clients to receive private (1-on-1) business consulting 7,250 240 595 1,190

Total number of hours of consulting 40,000 1,310 3,280 6,560 Economic Impacts (Client Success) Number of business clients to produce a measurable economic impact (outcome) that is attributed to the SBDC consulting provided – 40% of clients

2,900 95 240 475

Total Jobs Created 2,000 65 165 330 Total New Businesses Started 561 20 45 90 Total Capital Infusion (Combination of Business Loans & Equity Capital) $300,000,000 $10,000,000 $25,000,000 $50,000,000

c. Proposed Goals Applicants will develop their own proposed goals for their first year of implementation, 10/1/2021 – 9/30/2022. Centers are encouraged to propose goals that exceed the suggested minimums. Goals that fall below should be clearly justified, and if they are not, this may cause the center to score poorly in the proposal evaluation. The Lead Center reserves the right to require higher goals as part of the negotiation process with chosen bidders. The written proposal will contain a table outlining the applicant’s proposed goals. d. Capital Access Assistance The SBDC will assist small businesses in obtaining growth capital through lending and equity investments. Services in this area shall include business plan development, financial statement preparation and analysis, cash flow preparation and analysis, understanding lending terms, loan application assistance, coaching on presentations for equity investors, etc. The SBDC will also


develop and keep current a wide range of close partnerships with traditional banks, community lenders, angel capital networks/groups, and other equity investment organizations. Regular networking events (in person or virtual) that link lenders and equity investors with business owners is mandatory. e. Client Activity and Performance Tracking The ability of the SBDC to collect and report impact is of the utmost importance. All service centers are required to collect economic impact data from the clients. Impact data should be collected regularly on an ongoing basis so that center performance may be regularly reviewed by the Lead Center. The SBDC will participate in measurement of services delivered and client successes through use of a proprietary online tracking system named NeoSerra. Training on use of this system will be provided to the SBDC personnel by the Norcal SBDC Lead Center. f. Training The SBDC may offer trainings/workshops that are relevant to groups of business owners and/or entrepreneurs in their proposed service area. The applicant is encouraged to arrange for co-sponsored training with the private sector and other organizations, to extend outreach and productivity. Training attendees may be charged a small fee to attend training workshops. Fees collected from training attendees are considered “program income.” While trainings are a cost-effective way to provide education on topics that many small businesses have in common, trainings should be viewed as a secondary service of the SBDC, behind consulting and capital access assistance. Trainings can and should also be a good way to generate new consulting leads. Costs of training should primarily be covered from program income, sponsorships or other co-hosting partners. Trainings may not be a primary cost for which HSUSPF contracted funding is used. g. Special Projects Special projects include market research; publications; conferences for minority, women, veterans or disabled person-owned businesses; services provided in languages other than English, etc. 3. Operational Requirements a. Facilities Each SBDC shall maintain one or more publicly available, professional, fully-equipped, office location(s) that complies with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. A dedicated and secured area must be provided to meet with clients and must be adequate to protect client confidentiality. Each SBDC must have access to adequate conference room facilities to accommodate group training sessions. Each SBDC shall maintain a separate and publicly listed phone number. Each SBDC facility shall have access to adequate parking for business clients, and signage compliant with policy and current Norcal SBDC branding guidelines which clearly indicates the center’s location. All indoor and outdoor signage must be professionally designed and is subject to Lead Center review.


b. Position in host organization A special note for institutions of higher education: There are many different ways to structure an SBDC within a university or college. SBDC services can fall under business, economics, engineering, or other academic units; other SBDCs are hosted within the President’s Office, extended/community education, service learning/career centers, or the office on a campus focused on community relations; special institutes and centers focused on entrepreneurship, technology commercialization, economic research, corporate internships, or international trade are also potential places where SBDC services can be located and compliment activities. A special note for counties and municipalities: When a county or municipality is the host organization for a local SBDC, services are usually managed within the unit of the county or municipality that is responsible for economic development, community development, and business permitting and/or workforce development. If a city or municipality is applying to host an SBDC that delivers services beyond its geographic borders, the bidder must have the authority to work outside these boundaries. If a portion of the required match funding is restricted for use within the host’s boundaries, there must be assurances made that other non-restricted match funding is also available and plentiful enough to serve the entire geographic area within the proposal. c. Hours and Holidays At a minimum, each SBDC shall be open on a full-time, five days per standard business week (Monday – Friday) basis excluding weekends and holidays. Satellite and outreach centers may operate on a less than full-time basis. The total number of holidays (days closed) is not to exceed 14 in any one program year. d. Staffing To maintain adequate leadership, management, and service delivery, a host partner organization must employ a full-time Center Director. The Director must be an employee of the host partner organization. All staff personnel, including the Center should be recruited and selected following the host organization’s established hiring process. However, it is mandatory that the Lead Center be given an opportunity to appoint a designee to participate on hiring committees for the Director position. Compensation shall be based on the level of responsibility and be comparable to salaries for equivalent positions in the area served by the SBDC. In the absence of equivalent positions, compensation shall be comparable, at a minimum, to other Norcal SBDC Network Center Directors. If not already part of the host organization’s policy, an annual review of the Center Director shall occur with input on their performance from the Lead Center. The Center Director must have control of and budget authority for the SBDC budget. Host partners must follow their own policy regarding selection of private consultants. In the absence of a policy regarding competitive selection of consultants, the host partner may utilize any reasonable process so long as it results in full and open competition.


There must be a designated financial support individual from the host to coordinate with the SBDC program and ensure accuracy of quarterly financial reports. This person cannot be part of the core SBDC budget, and must participate in Lead Center led financial onboarding orientation and monthly hourlong webinars. Attachment 5 at the end of this RFP includes sample position description templates for three positions that are often found in a typical SBDC. These are included for reference purposes only and are not to be considered absolute requirements. Host institutions should determine their own requirements for each position. e. Participation in Region-Wide Programs The Norcal SBDC leads the nation in development of a centralized intake team, where clients are registered by a centralized staff housed at the Lead Center, decreasing administrative burden for centers, and offering a high quality and consistent intake experience for new clients. It is mandatory that all SBDCs participate in Centralized Intake. Any existing centers that are selected to participate in the program in 2022 and who are not already a part of Centralized Intake will be given a discrete time frame to onboard with the program . Once a client has signed up for services through Centralized Intake, the expectation is that the local SBDCs will assign an advisor within two working days. All SBDCs will contribute to and participate in the Regional Training Plan, utilize the Network Coordinated Calendar, and participate in quarterly review of trainings.. Participation in monthly quarterly, and annual regional meetings will be mandatory, as are Center Director participation in programmatic training webinars. SBDCs must follow mandatory Regional Branding Requirements and regional marketing efforts, which includes using and maintaining websites developed in conjunction with the Lead Center Marketing Team. The SBDC must maintain their own brand identity according to the SBDC Program Guidelines. Standardized templates for marketing collateral will be distributed and their use will be required in order to provide a consistent and unified brand approach throughout the region. f. Cash Flow The SBDC is a reimbursement program; the host organization pays for expenses incurred by the SBDC and then submits quarterly invoices for reimbursement. Applicants must have the financial means to account for quarterly invoicing with net 60 days for payment (from the point of invoice and support paperwork approval). Delays in submission of financial or programmatic reporting may result in delay of payment, and in an escalating manner, may be followed up with stop work orders, suspension, and termination of contract.


Section 3. Submission Content and Format 1. Letter of Intent and Bidder’s Conferences Each organization wishing to submit a proposal in response to this RFP must submit a non-binding letter of intent to the Lead Center by the close of business, 5 PM PST, on Friday, April 2, 2021. Letters of intent shall be submitted digitally in a Word document (.doc or .docx) or in a .pdf format, be addressed to Kristin Johnson, Executive Director, and sent to [email protected]. The letter of intent, at a minimum, must contain the organization’s name and address, primary contact person (title, phone, and email), and a one paragraph summary of planned SBDC programs, anticipated service area, and an estimated level of funding to be requested. Following acceptance of the letter of intent, qualified organizations will be emailed a link to attend Bidder’s Conference #3, to be held on Friday, April 16, 2021. PROPOSALS MUST BE PREPARED AND SUBMITTED IN THE FOLLOWING FORMAT TO ENSURE ACCURATE EVALUATION.

• Proposals are to be submitted digitally in a Word document (.doc or .docx) or in a .pdf format no later than 3 PM PST on Friday, June 11th to [email protected].

• Please note the Budget is to be submitted as a .xls or .xlsx, NOT a .pdf. • Must be submitted on equivalent of 8.5 x 11 sheet. • The minimum font size for body text is 11, captions and headers/footers can be smaller. • All pages must be numbered consecutively.

2. Technical Proposal

Will address all of the following items and not be longer than 15 pages in length, excluding attachments. Please keep it simple! a. Cover/Contact sheet This sheet will bear the name, title, and full contact information (physical address, phone number, and email) of the authorized representative of the respondent. On this page, please also provide the name, title, and full contact information for the fiscal authority responsible for tracking expenses and carrying out reporting and the program authority, responsible for developing and carrying out program work, training, and programmatic reporting. The cover sheet should also have a list of the counties covered in the proposal and the total funding requested. b. Table of Contents Information is organized as outlined in this Section with page references, including Attachments. c. Organization’s Background

• Description/Qualifications of Host Organization • Provide a brief history of the organization, when it was established, when existing

business assistance services were initiated by the organization and in which

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]


community(s), and location the applicant currently operates. What are the primary markets and target clients/customers of the organization?

• Describe the organization’s capacity to establish, maintain and operate the SBDC. Discuss how the SBDC “fits” within the organization and the purpose/mission of the SBDC aligns with the purpose/mission of the organization. Why does the applicant want to host an SBDC?

• Provide a description of the host organization's primary services and activities. Describe how business and/or economic development activities fit within the larger mission of the organization if the primary focus is not business and/or economic development.

d. Organization’s Structure and Management • Provide a description of the proposed SBDC location(s) and facilities, demonstrating

accessibility to the small business community to be served. The facilities must be ADA compliant, allow for posting of SBDC signage throughout, include private office space for individual consulting, and provide accessible, free or low-cost parking. For each planned facility please describe if the location is currently under the control of the applicant or if space would need to be identified, negotiated and/or leased.

• Provide a brief description of the proposed SBDC personnel structure. Include titles and duties for all individuals who will be involved in service delivery and oversight and the percentage of time they will be dedicated to the SBDC project. It is acceptable if the host organization’s proposed SBDC structure includes personnel yet to be hired; please note positions to be hired. The narrative section is not meant to duplicate the organization chart that is to be submitted as part of Section 6, but to provide any additional details or information not included in that chart.

• Indicate the individual(s) who will provide supervision over the SBDC services, who this position reports to, what other programs they manage, and how long they have been with the organization. Please provide résumé(s) as part of the Attachments. Please submit job descriptions for any positions that are yet to be hired.

• If business consultants will be private contractors, provide the hourly consulting rate agreed upon for hourly services.

e. Fiscal Compliance • Explain how financial management will be handled by the host organization.

Indicate the individual that will have direct oversight of the budget and the position that will be responsible for tracking expenditures and submitting invoices. Please provide résumé(s) as part of the Attachments. Please submit job descriptions for any positions that are yet to be hired.

• Describe the organization's ability to maintain separate ledgers and transaction journals for SBDC financial activity to ensure a clear audit trail of the financial resources used under this agreement. SBDC expenditures of federal, matching, and program income must be accounted for separately from each other, from other host resources, and must be identifiable by contract year (i.e. calendar year) in which they were provided.


• Discuss the host organization’s background in fund accounting and prior experience with fiscal management of federal contracts.

f. Financial Stability • Describe the organization’s core funding. What are the primary ways the

organization is funded and what have been the funding trends in recent years? If funding for the organization has significantly increased/decreased (+/- 20% or more) over the last three (3) years, please describe these circumstances.

• Discuss the organization’s ability to manage a reimbursement program. What safeguards does the applicant have to ensure proper cash-flow over the year?

g. SBDC Service Delivery • Include a chart that includes the following proposed goals for 2022:

o Funding level requested o Number of business clients to receive private (1-on-1) business consulting o Total number of hours of consulting o Total Jobs Created by clients o Total New Businesses Started by clients o Total Capital Infusion (Combined amount of Business Loans and Equity Capital

secured by clients) • Address how consulting services will be implemented and managed. Include

information about how consulting will be accessible throughout the geographic territory. Discuss any specialty/emphasis topics to be provided and how resources will be managed for maximizing economic impact of services.

• Address how capital access assistance will be implemented and managed. Describe any significant relationships with lenders or equity capital-related partners.

• Address how training services will be implemented and managed. Include information about how training will be distributed throughout the geographic territory. Discuss any specialty/emphasis topics to be provided and how web-based training will be provided. If trainings will be co-sponsored, indicate partner organizations that will collaborate on trainings.

• Describe any special projects that would be initiated/take place within the contract year. Please include any special expertise or targeted programs not listed elsewhere. Special projects are not required; however, if any resources will be spent on special projects they should be detailed.

• If any significant portion of the program is proposed to be contracted out, the bidder must identify work to be performed by subcontractors, their qualifications and expertise, and describe the pre-existing relationship between the subcontractor and the applicant. This does not relate to individual private contract consultants who may be engaged to provide consulting to clients under the supervision of the SBDC.

• Describe how local relationships and partnerships will be built and cultivated to address gaps in service delivery. How will the SBDC fit into the local economic development ecosystem? How does the SBDC integrate with other organizations to reach populations with the greatest need?


• Describe the organization’s realistic startup timeline to scale to full SBDC operations in a timely manner. Include extent to which operations would be in place by January 1, 2022.

3. Cost Proposal To be submitted using Budget Template provided as Attachment 1. The Cost Proposal must contain the following:

a. Format should not be altered. Budgets submitted in any format other than the approved template may be excluded from further consideration under this RFP.

b. ALL costs associated with the implementation of this proposal shall be included. Proposals with incomplete budgets will not be reviewed.

c. While funding for the Norcal SBDC program comes from multiple sources, existing centers should write a budget as if there was a single funding source, following the amounts mentioned in Section 1.9 ‘Service Territory and Funding Available’

d. Cash match of at least 10% of the award must be included. Applicants with more than 10% cash match will receive extra points in the proposal scoring.

e. Estimate any fees or charges to clients for attending training workshops/seminars, special events, and other non-‘business advising’ activities; all program income collected must be used in the direct support of the program and the use of these funds must be separately and clearly tracked and identified. By SBA mandate, program income cannot be used towards cash match requirements.

f. Indirect costs: 1) Indirect costs are capped by Federal statute, so entities that are successful in their

application under this RFP can expect a negotiation to align the cost proposal within federally mandated limits.

2) Indirect costs include those costs that facilitate the program delivery and operation. Typically, indirect costs are incurred for common or joint objectives and therefore cannot be assigned readily and specifically to a particular program. In many cases, indirect costs relate to overhead costs. Indirect costs are not reimbursable expenses.

3) Indirect costs cannot be itemized, and per 2 CFR 200.403, costs for the same purpose must be consistently treated as direct or indirect costs.

4) The following are examples of non-reimbursable expenditures: i. Personnel costs relating to human resources and accounting departments,

sponsored project staff, corporate marketing staff, controllers, deans, chief executives and presidents of colleges and universities.

ii. Non-personnel costs such as audits, supplies, materials, insurance, and other services and operating costs allocable to administrative departments and to the activities of the host entity are considered part of the general and administrative cost pool.

g. Time and Effort Reporting Per federal grant regulations, Time and Effort Certification must be documented and certified in accordance with applicable OMB 2 CFR 200.430 ‘Compensation – personal services.’ Expenditures to federal awards for salaries and wages must be based on reports that accurately reflect the work performed. The time and effort reports support


the distribution of the employee's salary or wages among specific activities. The reports reflect the total activity for which the employee is compensated, effort spent on the federal award as well as non-federal activities, not exceeding 100% of compensated activities.

h. The SBDC Program is funded through a Cooperative Agreement with the Federal government and all program funding, whether federal grant dollars, state grant dollars or local cash match is subject to strict regulations outlined in the Code of Federal Regulations, also known as 2 CFR 200. All costs must meet the tests of necessity, reasonableness, allowability, and allocability in accordance with applicable cost principles. Recipients are responsible to ensure proper management and financial accountability of Federal funds to preclude future cost disallowances. The following are a brief collection of costs that are relevant to the program, but not an exhaustive list, for which SBA, match, or program income funds should not be used: • Entertainment expenses; • Professional dues and/or subscriptions for use by any person other than those

identified as Service Center professional staff and for the benefit to the SBDC program;

• Purchase, construction, renovation, alteration, improvement, or repair of capital assets, such as real estate and vehicles;

• Influencing or attempting to influence public officials; • Partisan or nonpartisan political activity; • To further the election or defeat of any candidate for public office; or, • To provide voters or prospective voters with transportation to the polls or similar

assistance in connection with any election or in any voter registration activity. For a comprehensive understanding of the Federal cost principles, please refer to OMB 2 CFR 200, as amended November 12, 2020: https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title02/2cfr200_main_02.tpl

4. Certifications and Assurances

a. All applicants must fill out and submit Attachment 2 (“Certification of Local Match”), Attachment 3 (“Certification Regarding Lobbying”), and Attachment 4 (“Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion”). Applications submitted without these documents will be considered incomplete.

b. Please include support documentation for each match source listed on Attachment 2, Certification of Local Match. Support documentation may include: cover sheets from other grants/contracts; letters or emails from other funding entities which include a funding amount, funding purpose and funding end date for cash match; letters or emails from host organization guaranteeing match from general funds; etc.

c. The amount and source of funds being provided as match must be clearly indicated. If a portion of match funding has been applied for but is not yet secured at the time of the applicant’s submission to this RFP, please provide narrative to this fact and an estimated date on which funding notification will occur.

https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title02/2cfr200_main_02.tpl

https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title02/2cfr200_main_02.tpl


5. Supporting Financial Information a. Please provide the following as Attachments to your proposal

• Provide a copy of the organization’s most recent external audit report (2 CFR 200 Section F or Single Audit) or an online link to such report.

• Provide a copy of the host organization’s Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (federal cognizant rate agreement), if applicable.

• Provide documentation of incorporation, if appropriate. 6. Planned Operational Dates and Times

As mentioned above, at a minimum, each SBDC is expected to be open on a full-time, 5-days per standard business week basis excluding weekends and holidays. Satellite and outreach centers may operate on a less than full-time basis. Please provide a list as an Attachment to your proposal of anticipated holiday closures, not to exceed 14 hours in a given calendar years. Additionally, please provide anticipated operating hours.

7. Applicant Organization’s Organization Chart Submit an organization chart as an Attachment to your proposal showing the hierarchy of the organization and how the SBDC will be administered. The chart must show the relationship between the proposed host entity, SBDC personnel, and personnel of the host organization that will provide part time support to the SBDC. The chart must include those individuals who will manage the fiscal aspects of the contract.

8. Résumés for Proposed SBDC Personnel Provide résumés for all host organization pre-existing employees and pre-existing contract consultants that will be involved in SBDC services and oversight as part of the Attachments. At a minimum, a Center Director, the person responsible for fiscal compliance, and two Counselor resumes must be submitted. Please provide position descriptions for all positions yet to be hired.

9. Other Attachments Any additional attachments provided by the bidder – such as letters of support and host organization collateral – are allowed but are not required.


Section 4. Selection Process and Evaluation Criteria 1. Selection Process

a. After the period has closed for receipt of proposals, each proposal will be evaluated to determine compliance with general RFP guidelines and specific requirements of this RFP. If a proposal does not meet all requirements, it will be considered nonresponsive and rejected from further evaluation.

b. The evaluation committee will then review all responsive proposals against the evaluation criteria listed below. Proposals will be ranked based upon score.

c. The evaluation committee reserves the right to designate one or more members of the committee to perform oral interviews with one or more finalist in a given territory. The oral interviews will confirm information presented in the proposal. Further, the oral interview will allow finalists to demonstrate their understanding of the project objectives, and to articulate their capability to meet or exceed requirements of this RFP.

d. The evaluation committee reserves the right to designate one or more members of the committee to perform in-person site visits with one or more finalist. The site visits will confirm information presented in the proposal and oral interviews.

e. A contract will be awarded to the applicants with highly scored proposals, a high level of cost-effectiveness of proposed services to be offered, a demonstrated ability to provide sufficient fiscal and programmatic oversight of a federally-funded program, and any additional information gathered from oral interviews and/or site visits, if deemed necessary.

f. HSUSPF reserves the right not to award any awards. g. Upon selection of proposed recipients, a Notice of Intent to Award will be posted for

five (5) working days at the Norcal SBDC Lead Center Office, Humboldt State University, House 71, Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA 95521. A Notice of Intent to Award will also be posted online at www.norcalsbdc.org. Winning bidders will be notified verbally or in writing as to their selection as the proposed contract awardee at the time HSUSPF posts the Notice of Intent to Award.

h. Unsuccessful applicants will be notified in writing on the date HSUSPF posts the Notice of Awards.

i. Preliminary contract negotiations shall begin on the sixth workday after the date the Notice of Intent to Award is posted.

j. The successful applicant will participate in the Norcal SBDC “onboarding” process. Onboarding includes orientation of the new host, mandatory training of key programmatic and fiscal personnel, host participation in the annual all-region/all-staff meeting, and a series of startup checkpoints which must be accomplished by the new SBDC during its first six months of operation. Dates of onboarding activities will be negotiated with the successful applicant after the Notice of Intent to Award is posted. Onboarding activities will be included in the contract.

2. Proposal Evaluation Criteria Proposals will be reviewed and scored by an evaluation committee. Evaluation of proposals will be based on the criteria shown. While criteria headings align with narrative sections, the entire

https://www.norcalsbdc.org/


proposal’s content will inform scoring in each of these areas. Criteria Points Technical Proposal

HOST ORGANIZATION’S BACKGROUND Host organization’s focus, history and success in economic development activities; organization’s alignment with SBDC program; extent to which the organization has ongoing related business assistance programs.

Up to 20

SBDC STRUCTURE AND MANAGEMENT Adequacy of proposed SBDC structure, program management and qualifications of programmatic personnel; knowledge and expertise of proposed staff, subcontractors and consultants in small business assistance.

Up to 25

FISCAL COMPLIANCE Organization’s accounting and grant compliance systems; prior experience with federally funded programs; accounting department’s background in fund accounting; prior successful experience tracking cash match and program income.

Up to 20

FINANCIAL STABILITY Organization is well positioned to provide matching funds for SBDC; capacity for growth; long-term sustainability of organization is not in question.

Up to 25

SBDC SERVICE DELIVERY Quality and thoroughness of SBDC Service Delivery plan; variety and appropriateness of topics to local business needs; effective use of resources; focus on services producing measurable economic results; appropriate partnerships that will specifically enhance the SBDC service offering; special expertise in any of Norcal SBDC’s specialty program areas; expertise serving underserved subsets of the general business population; ability to start up SBDC in reasonable timeframe.

Up to 40

Subtotal Up to 130 Cost Proposal

Cost effectiveness Up to 15 Costs are reasonable, salaries and other costs are appropriate for region, and >50% of total costs are allocated for program delivery.

Up to 15

Additional points for cash match above 10%. • 11% cash match up to 25% cash match: 5 extra points • 26% cash match up to 40% cash match: 10 extra points • 41% cash match up to 55% cash match: 15 extra points • 56% cash match up to 70% cash match: 20 extra points • 71% cash match and above: 30 extra points

Up to 30

Subtotal Up to 60 Supporting Financial Information

Recent audit, unqualified opinion, no significant findings 10 points Total Points Possible 200 points


3. Grounds for Rejection a. HSUSPF reserves the right to waive any immaterial deviation in a proposal; however, the

waiver of an immaterial deviation in a proposal shall in no way modify the document or excuse the bidder from full compliance with the proposal requirements after the bidder is awarded the contract.

b. A proposal shall be rejected if: 1) The proposal package is received after the exact time and date set for receipt of

proposals. 2) The proposal contains false or misleading statements or references which do not

support an attribute or condition contended by the bidder; and if, in the opinion of HSUSPF, such information was intended to erroneously misleads HSUSPF in its evaluation of the proposal.

3) The proposal is confidential (excluding bidder’s financial information), conditional, incomplete or if it contains any irregularities.

4) The bidder does not meet the required match, direct services requirement, and/or Certification of Local Match forms are incomplete.

4. Oral Interview Evaluation Criteria The evaluation committee may conduct oral interviews with one or more bidder. The evaluation committee reserves the option of conducting the interview via teleconference, or at the finalist's and/or the proposed subcontractor's site, or other designated site. The following criteria will be used for assessing oral interview(s).

Criteria Points Quality and completeness of answers to questions regarding the proposed work plan.

Up to 10

Bidder's awareness of and ability to comfortably discuss concepts and approaches to small business development, economic development and measurement of economic impact. Understanding of the local business community, prominent growth industries and key partners/stakeholders in the economic development field, local growth industries and partnership opportunities.

Up to 20

Bidder's ability to tie ideas presented in the work plan to overall program objectives for the Northern California SBDC Network. Bidder’s ability to tie ideas presented in the work plan to the mission, vision and purpose of the larger host organization.

Up to 10

Bidder’s ability to articulate host’s background in grant management and fiscal management of federally-funded programs. Understanding of fund accounting and core OMB cost principles.

Up to 10

Total Points Possible Up to 50 5. Debriefing Written debriefings of the evaluation results will not be provided to unsuccessful proposals. Oral debriefings may be provided at HSUSPF's discretion.

Budget Justification Worksheet (Estimated Costs) Attachment 1Host Institution: RFP No. 2021-SBDC-01 - Small Business Development Center Program Announcement Counties Covered:

A. Personnel Narrative HSU SPF Local Match Total

Name Position/Title Federal + State Funds Local Cash Total Annual Salary Number of Months %Time on SBDC Program Total Amount Required for SBDC Program

-$ -$ -$ -$ 0 0% -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ 0 0% -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ 0 0% -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ 0 0% -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ 0 0% -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ 0 0% -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ 0 0% -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ 0 0% -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ 0 0% -$

Personnel Subtotals -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ B. Fringe Benefits HSU SPF Local Match Total

Estimated % for all personnel -$ -$ -$ Estimated % for all personnel -$ -$ -$ Estimated % for all personnel -$ -$ -$ Estimated % for all personnel -$ -$ -$ Estimated % for all personnel -$ -$ -$ Estimated % for all personnel -$ -$ -$ Estimated % for all personnel -$ -$ -$ Estimated % for all personnel -$ -$ -$ Estimated % for all personnel -$ -$ -$

Fringe Benefit Rate Approved by Cognizant Agency? (Y/N)Fringe Benefits Subtotals -$ -$ -$

C. Travel Narrative HSU SPF Local Match TotalNumber of Miles: 0 -$ -$ -$ Mileage Rate: $ 0.575 -$ -$ -$ In State Travel -$ -$ -$ In State Hotels -$ -$ -$ In State Per Diem -$ -$ -$

-$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$

Travel Subtotals -$ -$ -$ D. Equipment Narrative HSU SPF Local Match Total

-$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$

Equipment Subtotal -$ -$ -$ E. Supplies Narrative HSU SPF Local Match TotalGeneral Office Supplies -$ -$ -$

-$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$

Supplies Subtotal -$ -$ -$ F. Contractual Narrative HSU SPF Local Match TotalSmall Purchase Acquisition Threshold $ 10,000.00 -$ -$ -$ Contractor -$ -$ -$

-$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$

Contractual Subtotal -$ -$ -$ G. Consultants Narrative HSU SPF Local Match TotalCounselors (# of hours: 0) -$ -$ -$

hourly rate: $50.00 -$ -$ -$ Advising -$ -$ -$ Trainings, Workshops -$ -$ -$ Research -$ -$ -$ Other -$ -$ -$ Consultants Subtotal -$ -$ H. Other Narrative HSU SPF Local Match TotalMarketing -$ -$ -$ Misc. Services -$ -$ -$ Telecom -$ -$ -$ Chamber Dues -$ -$ -$ Local Events -$ -$ -$ Printing -$ -$ -$

-$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$

Facilities (not eligible for indirect) -$ -$ -$ Main Office -$ -$ -$

-$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$

Other Subtotal -$ -$ -$ Total -$ -$ -$

LOCAL MATCH IS GREATER THAN OR EQUAL TO 10%

DO NOT MAKE CHANGES TO ANY CELL THAT IS BLACK OR GREY

Note: Depending on the accounting system, it is acceptable to list fringe benefits as a percentage of each staff position (i.e. Director at a 30% fringe rate) or by a percentage per cost category (i.e. Social Security at 6.2%).

Do you have a federally negotiated cost rate agreement?

If yes, what is the rate?

Budget Justification Worksheet (Estimated Costs) Attachment 1Host Institution: RFP No. 2021-SBDC-01 - Small Business Development Center Program Announcement Counties Covered:

A. Personnel HSU SPF Local Match Total

Name Position/Title Federal + State Funds Local Cash Total Annual Salary Number of Months %Time on SBDC Program Total Aount Required for SBDC Program

Jane Smith Center Director 91,882.00$ -$ 91,882.00$ 91,882.00$ 12 100% 91,882.00$ John Smith Administrative Assistant 31,980.00$ 10,660.00$ 42,640.00$ 42,640.00$ 12 100% 42,640.00$ Joe Smith Advisor 44,792.00$ 10,208.00$ 55,000.00$ 55,000.00$ 12 100% 55,000.00$

-$ -$ -$ -$ 0 0% -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ 0 0% -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ 0 0% -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ 0 0% -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ 0 0% -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ 0 0% -$

Personnel Subtotals 168,654.00$ 20,868.00$ 189,522.00$ 189,522.00$ 189,522.00$ B. Fringe Benefits HSU SPF Local Match TotalDirector @ 40% 40% 36,752.80$ -$ 36,752.80$ Administrative Assistant @ 30% 30% 9,594.00$ 3,198.00$ 12,792.00$ Advisor @ 30% 30% 13,437.60$ 3,062.40$ 16,500.00$

-$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$

Fringe Benefit Rate Approved by Cognizant Agency? (Y/N)Fringe Benefits Subtotals 59,784.40$ 6,260.40$ 66,044.80$

C. Travel HSU SPF Local Match TotalNumber of Miles: 13,190 -$ -$ -$ Mileage Rate: $ 0.575 -$ -$ -$ In State Travel -$ -$ -$ In State Hotels -$ -$ -$ In State Per Diem -$ -$ -$

5,584.00$ 2,000.00$ 7,584.00$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$

Travel Subtotals 5,584.00$ 2,000.00$ 7,584.00$ D. Equipment HSU SPF Local Match Total

-$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$

Equipment Subtotal -$ -$ -$ E. Supplies HSU SPF Local Match TotalGeneral Office Supplies 500.00$ -$ 500.00$ Computer Related 3,500.00$ 2,000.00$ 5,500.00$

-$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$

Supplies Subtotal 4,000.00$ 2,000.00$ 6,000.00$ F. Contractual HSU SPF Local Match TotalSmall Purchase Acquisition Threshold -$ -$ -$ Contractor -$ -$ -$

-$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$

Contractual Subtotal -$ -$ -$ G. Consultants HSU SPF Local Match TotalCounselors (# of hours: 3398) -$ -$ -$

hourly rate: $50.00 -$ -$ -$ Advising 95,000.00$ -$ 95,000.00$ Trainings, Workshops 25,000.00$ -$ 25,000.00$ Research 43,900.00$ -$ 43,900.00$ Other 2,000.00$ 4,000.00$ 6,000.00$

Consultants Subtotal 165,900.00$ 4,000.00$ 169,900.00$ H. Other HSU SPF Local Match TotalMarketing 2,000.00$ 4,450.00$ 6,450.00$ Misc Services 254.00$ -$ 254.00$ Telecom 500.00$ -$ 500.00$ Chamber Dues 640.00$ -$ 640.00$ Local Events 455.00$ -$ 455.00$ Printing 500.00$ 500.00$ 1,000.00$ Facilities (not eligible for indirect) -$ -$ -$ Main Office 6,000.00$ 6,000.00$ 12,000.00$

-$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$

Other Subtotal 10,349.00$ 10,950.00$ 21,299.00$ Total 414,271.40$ 46,078.40$ 460,349.80$

LOCAL CASH IS GREATER THAN OR EQUAL TO 10%

DO NOT MAKE CHANGES TO ANY CELL THAT IS BLACK OR GREY

Do you have a federally negotiated cost rate agreement?

If yes, what is the rate?

RFP No. 2021-SBDC-01 – Small Business Development Center Program Announcement

ATTACHMENT 2 CERTIFICATION OF LOCAL MATCH LOCAL CASH MATCH The total Local Cash Match on this sheet should match the total Local Match on submitted Budget

Source of Match (include name of funding entity, grant name, etc.)

Brief Description (What does funding pay for?)

Dollar Amount

Is funding already secured? (Y or N)

If not Secured, when do you expect to know if is secured?

Funder’s Performance Period (start and end date)

Total Local Cash Match

As the authorized representative of the Applicant Organization, I hereby certify that the Small Business Development Center program budget as set forth in this proposal contains match in the amount and from the sources listed above. I certify that these funds and contributions are/will be under the control of the top SBDC manager and that these funds are not being used to match any other federal funds.

Signature Printed Name and Title Date


ATTACHMENT 3 CERTIFICATION REGARDING LOBBYING

Certification for Contracts, Grants, Loans and Cooperative Agreements The undersigned certifies, to the best of their knowledge and belief, that: (1) No Federal appropriated funds have been paid or will be paid, by or on behalf of the undersigned, to

any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with the awarding of any Federal contract, the making of any Federal grant, the making of any Federal loan, the entering into of any cooperative agreement, and the extension, continuation, renewal, amendment, or modification of any Federal contract, grant, loan, or cooperative agreement.

(2) If any funds other than Federal appropriated funds have been paid or will be paid to any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with this Federal contract, grant, loan, or cooperative agreement, the undersigned shall complete and submit Standard Form LLL, "Disclosure of Lobbying Activities," in accordance with its instructions.

(3) The undersigned shall require that the language of this certification be included in the award documents for all subawards at all tiers (including subcontracts, subgrants, and contracts under grants, loans, and cooperative agreements) and that all subrecipients shall certify and disclose accordingly.

This certification is a material representation of fact upon which reliance was placed when this transaction was made or entered into. Submission of this certification is a prerequisite for making or entering into this transaction imposed by Section 1352, Title 31, U.S. Code. Any person who fails to file the required certification shall be subject to a civil penalty of not less than $10,000 and not more than $100,000 for each such failure.


ATTACHMENT 4 CERTIFICATION REGARDING DEBARMENT, SUSPENSION, INELIGIBILITY AND VOLUNTARY EXCLUSION –

LOWER TIER COVERED TRANSACTIONS This certification is required by the regulations implementing Executive Order 12549, Debarment and Suspension, 13 CFR Part 145. The regulations were published as Part VII of the May 26, 1988 Federal Register (pages 19160-19211). Copies of the regulations may be obtained by contacting the person to which this proposal is submitted. 1. By signing and submitting this proposal, the prospective lower tier participant is providing the

certification set out below. 2. The certification in this clause is a material representation of fact upon which reliance was placed

when this transaction was entered into. If is later determined that the prospective lower tier participant knowingly rendered an erroneous certification, in addition to other remedies available to the Federal Government, the department or agency with which this transaction originated may pursue available remedies, including suspension and/or debarment.

3. The prospective lower tier participant shall provide immediate written notice to the person to which this proposal is submitted if at any time the prospective lower tier participant learns that its certification was erroneous when submitted or has become erroneous by reason of changed circumstances.

4. The terms "covered transaction", "debarred", "suspended", "ineligible", "lower tier covered transaction", "participant", "person", "primary covered transaction", "principal", "proposal", and "voluntarily excluded" as used in this clause, have the meanings set out in the Definitions and Coverage sections of the rules implementing Executive Order12549. You may contact the person to which this proposal is submitted for assistance in obtaining a copy of those regulations (13CFR Part 145).

5. The prospective lower tier participant agrees by submitting this proposal that, should the proposed covered transaction be entered into, it shall not knowingly enter into any lower tier covered transaction with a person who is debarred, suspended, declared ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from participation in this covered transaction, unless authorized by the department or agency with which this transaction originated.

6. The prospective lower tier participant further agrees by submitting this proposal that it will include the clause titled "Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion--Lower Tier Covered Transactions," without modification, in all lower tier covered transactions and in all solicitations for lower tier covered transactions.

7. A participant in a covered transaction may rely upon a certification of a prospective participant in a lower tier covered transaction that is not debarred, suspended, ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from the covered transaction, unless it knows that the certification is erroneous. A participant may decide the method and frequency by which it determines the ineligibility of its principals. Each participant may, but is not required to, check the Nonprocurement List.

8. Nothing contained in the foregoing shall be construed to require establishment of a system of records in order to render in good faith the certification required by this clause. The knowledge and information of a participant is not required to exceed that which is normally possessed by a prudent person in the ordinary course of business dealings.

9. Except for transactions authorized under paragraph 5 of these instructions, if a participant in a covered transaction knowingly enters into a lower tier covered transaction with a person who is suspended, debarred, ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from participation in this transaction, in

addition to other remedies available to the Federal Government, the department or agency with which this transaction originated may pursue available remedies, including suspension and/or debarment.

The prospective lower tier participant certifies, by submission of this proposal, that neither it nor its principals are presently debarred, suspended, proposed for disbarment, declared ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from participation in this transaction by any Federal department or agency. Where the prospective lower tier participant is unable to certify to any of the statements in this certification, such prospective participant shall attach an explanation to this proposal.


Attachment 5


POSITION: SBDC Center Director- North Coast (Humboldt & Del Norte) SCHEDULE: Exempt SUPERVISED BY: SBDC Executive Director LOCATION: Eureka, CA HOURS: Full Time, 12 months/year

GENERAL INFORMATION Currently there is an opening for Center Director of the North Coast Small Business Development Center (North Coast SBDC), serving Humboldt and Del Norte counties. This position is a full-time, benefited, 12-month position located in Eureka, California. The Center Director reports to the Region Director of the Northern California SBDC (Norcal SBDC). The North Coast SBDC provides business assistance services to over 2,500 individuals each year in Humboldt and Del Norte counties. Primary activities of the program include business workshops, training events and one-on-one consulting/advising services with individual entrepreneurs. North Coast SBDC is a program of Humboldt State University’s Sponsored Programs Foundation. Funding for the Norcal SBDC comes from the federal Small Business Administration (SBA) and the State of California’s Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (Go-Biz). While continuation of this position is foreseen for years to come, all SBDC positions are contingent on continued grant funding. This is not a state or federal position.

POSITION DESCRIPTION Under the direction of the Region Director, the SBDC Center Director provides leadership for the development, implementation, documentation and daily operation of the North Coast SBDC’s programs and activities. The Center Director oversees and is responsible for the quality of all service delivery including client counseling and a variety of workshops. The Center Director manages budgets, seeks out grant and sponsorship funding, provides leadership to staff and contractors, and is very involved in the business and economic development community.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS and RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Develop and implement a North Coast SBDC annual operating business plan. Ensure plan is aligned to Network Strategic Plan. 2. Prepare and manage North Coast SBDC budget. 3. Identify, develop and obtain funding to expand North Coast SBDC services and outreach. Pursue corporate sponsors, business

community contributions, grants and fee-for-service contracts that align with the SBDC mission and vision. 4. Determine needs of the local community, ensure these needs are met, and measure the impact of services. 5. Build and manage a team of personnel and professional consultants. Hire and evaluate staff, provide initial orientation training

for all new staff and consultants, arrange for ongoing staff and consultant training, supervise staff, and implement personnel policies.

6. Develop and manage a performance-focused business advisor team; manage and motivate as appropriate to ensure center performance goals are met. Develop and manage service delivery to all service points and outreach locations.

7. Evaluate and manage training programs; develop and implement new programs and/or changes to existing programs, as necessary to ensure performance goals are met.

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8. Assure all programs are in compliance with applicable SBA/SBDC guidelines, federal regulations, state requirements, and ASBDC accreditation standards.

9. Work with local Advisory Board to support North Coast SBDC in the areas of resource development and outreach. 10. Develop cooperative working relationships and partnerships with the other Center Directors in the Northern California SBDC

Network. 11. Participate in activities of other local economic development efforts, as feasible and appropriate. Attend Norcal SBDC events,

meetings and conferences as required by Lead Center. 12. Promote and market North Coast SBDC programs and services strategically within the region; make presentations to local and

regional business and civic groups and organizations as appropriate. 13. Establish and maintain professional relationships with local, state and federal elected officials and their staffs. 14. Compile, write and submit timely narrative and quantitative reports to the Lead Center. 15. Review and manage North Coast SBDC client records and systems and program operations to assure audit and accreditation

readiness. Conduct client follow-up activities and complete project evaluation reports, and collect data to provide economic impact narratives.

16. Collaborate with campus faculty, staff and students on endeavors that are aligned with SBDC mission. 17. Interpret, apply, communicate, and implement pertinent laws and/or SBDC Network Policy and Procedures, and/or other

regulations, policies, and procedures, as appropriate. 18. Meet with current and/or prospective small business owners to provide direct business advising as needed. 19. Present training curriculum through workshop format as needed. 20. Perform other duties as assigned. QUALIFICATIONS Knowledge of: 1. Principles of successful fiscal accountability including complex budget management. 2. Principles and practices of non-profit management and grant management. 3. Principles and practices of employee training and supervision. 4. Small business principles and practices. 5. Modern office management and operational practices and procedures. 6. Business financing, financial principles and small business loan packages. 7. Marketing and PR concepts, principles, and techniques. 8. Interviewing and coaching techniques applicable to servicing clients and selection of business advisors. 9. Oral and written communication skills, including correct English usage. 10. The diverse socioeconomic, cultural, ethnic and disability backgrounds of the local regional population. Ability to: 11. Supervise, evaluate and train assigned personnel. 12. Manage program to meet performance goals. 13. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing. 14. Maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with SBDC Regional Director, other SBDC and college personnel,

external funding agencies, including the SBA, Go-Biz, private funders and community. 15. Analyze business needs; organize workload and prioritize duties. 16. Compose reports, correspondence, and articles for publication; speak in public and make presentations to small and large

groups. 17. Work independently. 18. Maintain effective working relationships with clients, staff and members of the general public from diverse socioeconomic

backgrounds. 19. Operate a personal computer including word processing, spreadsheets, database and financial systems. 20. Analyze data to improve center operations and make necessary adjustments operationally to meet performance goals and

prepare reports. 21. Follow oral and written directions and maintain confidentiality of client data. 22. Develop, manage and monitor budgets, expenditures and program operations. 23. Interface with all levels of the public, staff, executives, etc. with tact and diplomacy.

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24. Operate effectively in the educational environment. 25. Drive long distances, upon occasion. 26. Attend and participate in functions held in the evening and on weekends. Education and Experience: Minimum of a bachelor's degree in a business-related field and five years’ experience in small business management, economic development, consulting and/or other management, including:

• Non-profit (501(c)3) corporation management, • Small business lending, • Development, management and evaluation of programs delivered to the public, • Supervision of staff and/or contractors, and, • Grant writing and management.

Physical Demands: This position demands the ability to operate a motor vehicle. Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and to use standard office equipment, including a computer, and to attend meetings and training sessions at various sites within Humboldt and Del Norte Counties; strength to lift and carry materials weighing up to 20 pounds, vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Licenses: Must possess and maintain a valid California class C driver’s license and a satisfactory driving record. APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Qualified applicants should submit via email a letter of application, résumé and three professional references. This position is open until filled. HSU Sponsored Programs Foundation is an Equal Opportunity/Title IX employer. Applications from and nomination of qualified women, members of minority groups, veterans with covered veterans status, and persons with disabilities are particularly encouraged. HSU Sponsored Programs Foundation hires only individuals authorized to work in the United States.

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POSITION: North Coast Finance & Operations Manager (This is not a state position) SCHEDULE: Exempt SUPERVISED BY: North Coast SBDC Center Director LOCATION: Eureka, CA HOURS: Full Time, 12 months/year

GENERAL INFORMATION The North Coast Small Business Development Center (North Coast SBDC) is a vibrant small organization serving small businesses and entrepreneurs across Humboldt County, Del Norte County, and Adjacent Tribal Lands. Our team of staff and business consultants provide one-to-one consulting, workshops and longer learning programs, and information & referral. We are known for creating top- notch programming responsive to community needs and trends. Under the direction of the North Coast SBDC Center Director, this position will be an experienced and organized professional who is skilled at managing multiple levels of complexity with discipline and attention to detail. This position will be responsible for overseeing the financial and operational aspects of North Coast SBDC. This includes supervising the Center Coordinator, and student interns. This position is a full-time, benefitted position with retirement eligibility after one year. While continuation of this position is foreseen for years to come, this position is contingent on continued grant funding. This is not a state or federal position. The North Coast SBDC is part of Humboldt State University’s Sponsored Programs Foundation. Headquarters are located on campus in Arcata, CA. The program serves the business community in northern counties of California with non-credit education and consulting. Funding for these programs comes from the federal Small Business Administration (SBA). Humboldt State University has hosted the SBDC program since January 2006. Currently, this position will telecommute based on HSU Protocols related to COVID-19, with an expectation to return to in-person work as guidelines allow. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS and RESPONSIBILITIES • Finance & Accounting. Oversee timely, accurate transaction processing in compliance with SBDC contract, funder rules, and

university procedures. • Budget & Expenditure Management. Work with Center Director to manage expenses to budget

in accordance with HSU, SPF, SBA and other procurement rules. • Grants & Contracts Administration. Prepare or oversee preparation of monthly and quarterly financial invoices and reports for

multiple federal, state, and county funders. Manage contracting logistics for consultants and other vendors. • Center Operations. Work with Center Director and Center Coordinator(s) to ensure the quality and effectiveness of client

services, data and information management, and back-end operations and task management. Serve as a leader committed to continuous improvement and excellent service on day to day operations.

• Personnel Management. Work with Center Director to recruit, orient, supervise and coach Center Coordinator(s) and some interns.

• Stakeholder Relationships & Communications. Handle sensitive communications with professionalism and confidentiality. Create effective, congenial working relationships with colleagues, as well as key stakeholders at host and partner institutions. Orient and guide consultants and vendors through North Coast SBDC office and fiscal procedures.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

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Candidates who do not meet at least the requirements below may not be considered without special explanation: ● At least 3 years of experience in bookkeeping, grants or contracts administration ● At least 3 years of experience managing complex projects and/or teams. ● Proficient Excel user. ● Must possess a valid California driver’s license. ● Must be able and willing to travel for day trips or overnight on occasion. ● Must have reliable mobile phone and high-speed Internet access at home. Note that HSU SPF does not reimburse for home

Internet costs.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Preference will be given to candidates who demonstrate two or more of the following in addition to the minimum qualifications above: ● Experience with nonprofit fund accounting. ● Prior experience working with government grants. ● Computer skills including proficiency in Google Suite, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, webinar software (Zoom), and cloud computing ● Conversational Spanish. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES ● Strong overall knowledge of financial, budget, and contract management functions. ● Significant experience managing organization or department operations and leading or supporting teams. ● Able to prioritize, coordinate, and complete complex projects and tasks using independent judgment, accuracy, and discipline. ● Able to analyze and apply with strict attention to detail a variety of policies and procedures. ● Communicates simply and clearly both orally and in writing. ● Shows willingness to look at situations from several points of view. ● Demonstrates ability to handle sensitive and confidential information in a responsible manner with tact and diplomacy. ● Able to lead and participate in frequent videoconference, phone, and email communication with stakeholders. APPLICATION PROCEDURE Qualified applicants should submit the following items via email. If you have any questions regarding the application materials, please reach out. 1. Cover Letter: 1-2 pages identifying the skills and experience specifically relevant to this position. 2. Résumé or CV highlighting experience and education specifically relevant to this position. 3. Three professional reference contacts. (References will be checked only for finalists). 4. HSU SPF Self-Identification Form for Job Applicants Application Review Date: COMMITMENT TO EQUITY North Coast SBDC is committed to creating a safe, appreciative, and welcoming workplace for employees, contractors, and clients of all identities and backgrounds. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. Humboldt State University Sponsored Programs Foundation is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, medical condition, disability, marital status, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected status. More information about HSU SPF’s Equal Employment Opportunity hiring can be found here. For assistance with the application process, please submit an Accommodation Request Form or call the SPF Front Office.

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POSITION: Administrative Support Assistant (This is not a state position) SCHEDULE: Non-Exempt SUPERVISED BY: North Coast SBDC Center Director LOCATION: Eureka, CA HOURS: Full Time, 12 months/year

GENERAL INFORMATION The NorCal SBDC is part of Humboldt State University’s Sponsored Programs Foundation. Headquarters are located on campus in Arcata, CA. The program serves the business community in northern counties of California with non-credit education and consulting. Funding for these programs comes from the federal Small Business Administration (SBA). Humboldt State University has hosted the SBDC program since January 2006. This position is a full-time, benefitted position with retirement eligibility after one year. While continuation of this position is foreseen for years to come, this position is contingent on continued grant funding. This is not a state or federal position. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS and RESPONSIBILITIES • In partnership with Director, develop and maintain cooperative working relationships and partnerships with other staff and

contractors within the region. • Process travel claims and payment requests • Assist with quarterly and annual programmatic/fiscal reporting and billing processes • Assist with preparation of grant proposals • Reconcile event records in database tracking system • Work with Program Director and Database Manager to monitor outcomes of the SBDC Program • Assist Database Manager on audits and maintenance of client files • Assist Directors and other staff as assigned MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Candidates who do not meet at least the requirements below may not be considered without special explanation: • Computer skills required including proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, webinar software, and cloud computing • Ability to conduct online research, manage a database, and learn new software applications • Willing to travel for events within Northern California • Read, comprehend and interpret written materials of moderate to complex difficulty • Ability to learn new, complex topics easily • Excellent writing and verbal communication skills • Detail-orientated with excellent organizational and multi-tasking abilities • AA or Bachelor’s Degree preferred from an accredited university or the equivalent in 4 years or more of sufficient and

progressively responsible office coordination and customer service experience PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Preference will be given to candidates who demonstrate two or more of the following in addition to the minimum qualifications above: • BA/BS in Business Administration, Contract Management, a related discipline, or equivalent experience • Previous experience working with federal and/or state grants

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• Previous experience administrative support experience • Previous experience with PeopleSoft, or other institutional accounting system • Previous experience with the Small Business Development Center Program APPLICATION PROCEDURE Qualified applicants should submit the following items via email. If you have any questions regarding the application materials, please reach out. 1. Cover Letter: 1-2 pages identifying the skills and experience specifically relevant to this position. 2. Résumé or CV highlighting experience and education specifically relevant to this position. 3. Three professional reference contacts. (References will be checked only for finalists). 4. HSU SPF Self-Identification Form for Job Applicants Application Review Date: COMMITMENT TO EQUITY North Coast SBDC is committed to creating a safe, appreciative, and welcoming workplace for employees, contractors, and clients of all identities and backgrounds. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. Humboldt State University Sponsored Programs Foundation is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, medical condition, disability, marital status, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected status. More information about HSU SPF’s Equal Employment Opportunity hiring can be found here. For assistance with the application process, please submit an Accommodation Request Form or call the SPF Front Office.

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