2026 REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS – 2026467
NEIGHBORHOOD EQUITY & STABILIZATION (NEST)
BUSINESS SUPPORT SERVICES (BSS)
PROPOSAL GUIDELINES
PROPOSAL CHECKLIST
Thank you for your interest in submitting a proposal for the
The following instructions and checklist of attachments are provided as tools to assist you in ensuring
that adequate information is available as you begin the application submission process. The online
application includes requests for attachments that must be uploaded to the Zengine application system
to complete your proposal.
NOTE: if any of the links do not open when you “CRTL+CLICK”, simply copy and paste the url into your
browser for access.
Zengine System Requirements In order to begin, you must:
▪ Have a valid email address
▪ Use a computer with Internet Access to complete the online application. If you do not have a
computer, visit a Denver Public Library. Locations are listed here.
Also, we recommend that you:
▪ Utilize Internet Explorer 9 or above, Mozilla Firefox, or Google Chrome
▪ Use Microsoft Office 2007 or above
▪ Adjust the resolution on your computer screen to a minimum of 1024 x 768.
A. Using the Zengine System to Create an Application
The first time you enter the Zengine system you will be instructed to enter an email address and
create a password in the “Signup” area. In subsequent visits, you will be required to enter the same
email and password in the “Login” area.
In an effort to help you retain the data that you’ve entered into the application, save your work
often.
Take the following two steps to be sure to save all you work:
1. Select “Save Draft” at the top of the application
2. Only mark the application complete once you have finished filling out all the required
questions as shown below:
Once you have completed the application and uploaded all attachments, you may proceed to submit
your application by:
1. Select “Submit” in the top right corner of the application homepage. The (radio) button will
automatically turn green once the application is marked complete and no further action is
required.
NOTE: Zengine will not allow you to submit the application until you have completed all
required fields. It will indicate the missing information with the following message after the
first incomplete field: Please enter all required fields. Once all fields have been completed,
you may try to submit the application again.
2. Once you submit the application, you will return to your portal’s Homepage where you can see
the status of your submission by the colored status bar below the submission card.
1. If the status bar is purple or says "Application Submitted", your submission is under
review, and no action needs to be taken.
2. If the status bar is orange or says "Action Required", there is an action required. Click on
the Submission Card to complete.
3. If the status bar shows anything other than the 2 requirements mentioned above, then
there is an error. Please reach out to the Administrator of this program.
Once submitted, your application is under review and no further action needs to be taken.
3. Your submission is now complete. You will be able to access a copy of your application anytime
by logging into your portal with the login credentials you created at the beginning.
B. Uploading Attachments in the Zengine System
The attachments below are itemized according to the Section names at the top of each part of the
application. Multiple pages must be uploaded as a single attachment in .pdf format. Be careful when
uploading an attachment, as the Zengine system will only accept one attachment per individual
response.
If a document is uploaded incorrectly, press the “Select a File” button to replace the incorrect
document. You may then browse the documents on your computer to select and upload the correct
document (the system will only retain the last attachment uploaded per response).
1. Application Summary
a. Project Name: Written Response
b. Project Description: Written Response
c. Requested Grant Amount: Written Response
2. Organization Information
a. Legal Name: Written Response
b. Doing Business As: Written Response
c. Contact Information: Written Response
d. Executive Director/CEO Information: Written Response
3. Organizational Experience and Capacity
a. Mission, relevant history, and length of service: Written Response
b. Experience managing HUD, CDBG, or federally funded programs: Written Response
c. Experience delivering services similar to the Proposed Program: Written Response
d. Anticipated organizational changes during program period: Written Response
e. Board of Directors list with affiliations/skill sets: Attachment
f. Certification/resolution by Officer(s) authorizing submittal of this application: Attachment
4. Financial Statements
a. Recently filed IRS Form 990 (Required if entity is Non-Profit): Attachment
b. Financial Statements: Attach Two most recent fiscal years
c. Budget: Attach completed Budget Template
d. Funding History: Attach completed template
e. Chief Financial Officer, or financial executive-level staff member resume: Attachment
f. Budgets for the current fiscal year: Attachment
g. Project Funds Source: Attachment
5. Project Information
a. Project Service Area Location: Written Response
b. Proposed Services/Program Operations: Written Response
c. Service Area: Selection
d. Businesses and entrepreneurs within the eligible service area: Written Response
e. Current presence, experience, and service delivery plan: Written Response
6. Program Design
a. Program Description & Activities: Written Response
b. Expansion or Improvement of Services: Written Response
c. Program Identified Needs: Written Response
d. Organizational Presence & Experience: Written Response
e. Community Outreach & Marketing: Written Response
f. Per-Unit Cost Narrative: Written Response
g. Unit Definition & Cost Calculation: Written Response
h. Partnerships (If Applicable): Written Response
i. Outcomes, Evaluation & Reporting: Written Response
j. Project Staff Organization Chart: Attachment
k. Key Project Staff Resumes: Attachments
7. Required Information
a. Federal Tax ID Number (FEIN): Written Response
b. IRS Form W-9: Attachment
c. Unique Entity Identification (UEI) and SAM Registration: Attachment
d. Federal Tax Exemption Determination Letter (If issued): Attachment
a. Certificate of Good Standing with the Secretary of State: Attachment
b. Lobbying Certification: Attachment
c. Drug-Free Workplace Certification: Attachment
d. Certificates of Insurance: Attachment
e. Sample Contract Certification: Attachment Contract Certification Form
f. Political Contributions and Donations Disclosure Certificate: Attach Form
8. Subrecipient Risk Assessment:
This assessment helps us better understand your organization's experience, systems, and
capacity to administer grant funds. The information provided is used to tailor monitoring,
technical assistance, support successful grant implementation, and fulfill federal grant
management requirements.
9. Single Audit Questionnaire
This section asks about your organization's recent financial audits. We need to know if you
spent, allocated, or passed through a total of $1,000,000 or more in federal funds during your
last fiscal year, which requires a specialized federal review called a Single Audit. If you
completed one, these questions will help us understand the results and identify any areas where
you might need extra support.
10. Optional Demographic Information
Answers to these questions will not be used to determine eligibility in the program. The data
collected here will be used to better inform future program design and assess program success.
Additionally, the data will only be shared in aggregate and personal identifiable information will
be protected in any public analysis.
This is the opportunity summary page. It provides an overview of this opportunity and a preview of the attached documentation.
