REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS
SMALL BUSINESS NAVIGATOR PROGRAM
Professional Technical Assistance Services: Business Planning,
Marketing, and Architectural Consulting Services
City of Dublin
Statement of Qualifications must be received by: Friday, July 10, 2026, at 12:00 p.m.
Felicia Escover, Economic Development Manager
Felicia.Escover@dublin.ca.gov
(925) 833-6650
100 Civic Plaza
City of Dublin, CA 94568
Request for Qualifications
For
Small Business Navigator Program – Professional Technical Assistance Services
The City of Dublin ("City") is soliciting Statements of Qualifications ("SOQs") from qualified consultants
interested in providing project-based technical assistance services to local small businesses through the
City's Small Business Navigator Program ("Program") in the areas of business planning, marketing, and
architectural design services.
The purpose of this Request for Qualifications ("RFQ") is to establish a pool of qualified consultants that may
be considered for future participation in the Program. The City may, at its sole discretion, enter into
agreements with one or more firms from the qualified list and reserves the right to determine whether, when,
and under what terms such agreements will be executed.
Selection through this RFQ process does not guarantee that a consultant will receive a contract, referrals,
task orders, or compensation. The City makes no representation regarding the amount or frequency of work
that may be assigned.
Program Overview
The Program provides small business owners with access to project-based technical assistance from
qualified service providers in a variety of disciplines. The Program was developed in response to feedback
received from businesses indicating a need for one-on-one support and specialized expertise beyond the
scope of services City staff can directly provide.
The Program is intended to equip businesses with resources to address specific needs and support long-
term sustainability in a strategic and individualized manner.
Technical assistance is provided through one-time projects with a defined scope and timeframe. The
Program is not intended to provide ongoing services or support, such as website maintenance, recurring
advertising expenditures, software subscriptions, or the purchase of equipment.
A project is defined as a standalone assignment that can be requested and completed independently of any
other project.
Table of Contents
Program Overview.................................................................................................................................................. 2
Scope of Services .................................................................................................................................................... 3
Program Process..................................................................................................................................................... 4
Program Workflow ................................................................................................................................................. 4
General Conditions................................................................................................................................................. 5
Schedule for RFQ Process....................................................................................................................................... 5
RFQ Submittal Requirements ................................................................................................................................. 6
Cover Letter........................................................................................................................................................ 6
Qualifications and Experience............................................................................................................................ 6
References.......................................................................................................................................................... 7
Compensation Rates and Scope of Services ...................................................................................................... 7
Optional Enclosures............................................................................................................................................ 7
Standard Consulting Agreement ............................................................................................................................ 8
Conflict of Interest.................................................................................................................................................. 8
Equal Employment Opportunity ............................................................................................................................ 8
Governing Law........................................................................................................................................................ 9
Insurance Requirements ........................................................................................................................................ 9
Review and Selection Process ................................................................................................................................ 9
Scope of Services
Consultants may provide services in one or more of the following areas:
A. Business Planning and Development
Examples include, but are not limited to the following: business plans, market analysis, strategic planning,
growth planning, operational improvements, and financial analysis.
B. Marketing and Advertising
Examples include, but are not limited to the following: marketing plans, brand strategy, social media
strategy, customer acquisition strategies, and campaign development.
C. Architecture and Space Design
Examples include, but are not limited to the following: site layouts, space planning, conceptual design,
tenant improvement assistance, and preliminary design assistance.
Program Process
The City intends to establish and maintain a list of qualified consultants to provide services under the
Program.
Inclusion on the Qualified Consultant List does not obligate the City to:
• Enter into an agreement with any consultant;
• Issue referrals, task orders, or assignments;
• Utilize all consultants included on the list; or
• Maintain the list for any specific period of time.
The City reserves the right to add or remove consultants from the list and to determine, at its sole discretion,
whether and when to enter into agreements with qualified consultants.
Consultants selected from the Qualified Consultant List and subsequently retained by the City may be
asked to:
• Respond to referrals from City staff within three (3) business days;
• Collaborate with City staff and participating businesses to define project scopes and expected
outcomes;
• Assist in the preparation of project-specific task orders;
• Provide one-on-one technical assistance and consulting services;
• Maintain records of work performed, deliverables, and project outcomes;
• Complete reports, evaluations, and other documentation requested by the City; and
• Submit invoices and supporting documentation in a timely manner.
Execution of an agreement with the City does not guarantee any minimum number of referrals, assignments,
or compensation.
Program Workflow
The City intends to utilize consultants on an on-call basis and, as eligible business referrals are received,
assign project-specific task orders based on consultant expertise, availability, and the needs of the
business. The general workflow for the Program is as follows:
• Application Intake: Businesses submit requests for assistance to the City.
• Eligibility Review: City staff review the request and determine whether the business and project
meet Program requirements.
• Project Evaluation: City staff meet with the business owner to discuss the request, identify needs,
and determine the appropriate scope of assistance.
• Consultant Matching: City staff identify and refer the business to an appropriate consultant based
on the nature of the project, consultant expertise, availability, and other factors.
• Scope Development: The consultant and business owner work with City staff to further define the
project and develop a project-specific scope of work.
• Task Order Execution: Upon approval by the City, a task order is executed outlining the scope of
services, deliverables, timeline, and compensation.
o Compensation for services is established through individual task orders. Consultants are
compensated only for authorized work performed pursuant to an executed agreement and
task order.
• Project Implementation: Technical assistance begins upon execution of the task order.
• Project Completion: Upon completion, consultants submit invoices and any requested reports or
evaluations. Evaluations are also collected from the business receiving assistance.
General Conditions
1. Proposers shall submit one electronic copy to:
Felicia Escover
Economic Development Manager
100 Civic Plaza
Dublin, CA 94568
felicia.escover@dublin.ca.gov
Electronic copies shall be submitted by e-mailed PDF or an e-mailed link to a ShareFile or FTP site.
Hardcopies will not be accepted.
2. Deadline for submitting the Statement of Qualifications is Friday, July 10, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. via e-
mail to Felicia Escover at felicia.escover@dublin.ca.gov. Late submissions will not be accepted.
3. The City will not pay for any costs incurred in preparation and submission of the Statement of
Qualifications or in anticipation of a contract.
This is the opportunity summary page. It provides an overview of this opportunity and a preview of the attached documentation.
