RFQ For Minority And Women-Owned Business Enterprise Certification Services

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS
FOR
MINORITY- AND WOMEN-OWNED
BUSINESS ENTERPRISE
CERTIFICATION SERVICES
RFQ OPENING DATE: SEPTEMBER 14, 2026
RFQ CLOSING DATE: OCTOBER 16, 2026
St. Louis Development Corporation
1520 Market Street, Suite 2000
St. Louis, MO 63103
Phone: (314) 657-3700
Fax: (314) 613-7011
www.stlouis-mo.gov/sldc

TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. Purpose and Intent 1
II. Scope of Work 1
III. Respondents' Minimum Qualifications 2
IV. Required Proposal Contents 3
V. Proposal Evaluation 3
VI. Contact Person & Questions 4
VII. Submission Deadline 5
VIII. Insurance Requirements 5
IX. Living Wage 6
X. Service Contract Prevailing Wage 6
XI. Additional RFQ Terms and Conditions 7
A. Indemnification 7
B. Amendments 7
D. Right to Withdraw Proposal 8
E. Revisions to this RFQ 8
F. Contents of Proposals 8
G. Respondents' Responsibility 8
XII. Terms to be Required in Contracts 9
A. Recordkeeping & Audits 9
B. Non-Discrimination Policy 10
C. Public Records Law 10
D. Unauthorized Alien Affidavit 10
E. Anti-Discrimination Against Israel Act) 10
F. Independent Contractor 11
G. Indemnification 11
H. Prohibition on Limitation of Liability Clauses 11
I. Termination 11
XIII. Governing Law and Venue 12
(i)

ESTIMATED SCHEDULE (SUBJECT TO CHANGE):
Date Activity/Time
September 14, 2026 Request for Qualifications Released
October 2, 2026 Deadline for Questions by Email to Designated Contact
October 16, 2026 Due Date of Response - NO EXCEPTIONS 4:00 pm (CDT)
I. Purpose and Intent
Request for Qualifications
On October 17, 2024, St. Louis Development Corporation ("SLDC") adopted a pre-approved list
of Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and Women Business Enterprise (WBE) certification
services to provide supplemental support to SLDC related to its M/WBE certification program.
SLDC wishes to update its shortlist through the solicitation of additional qualified MBE and WBE
certification consulting firms as further described in this Request for Qualifications ("RFQ").
Hereinafter, organizations interested in submitting a response to this RFQ shall be referred to as
"Respondents."
Background and Project Description
SLDC is tasked by Ordinance to administer the City of St. Louis' Minority and Women Business
Enterprise Program ("M/WBE Program"). Effective August 30, 2024, the certification elements
of the M/WBE Program transitioned to SLDC from the Business Diversity Development Office at
Lambert St. Louis International Airport, and it assumed application processing and review
responsibilities as of that date.
Concurrent with the transition of certification services back to SLDC, SLDC generated a roster of
qualified firms capable of providing supplemental M/WBE certification services to support
SLDC's existing certification staff and to manage and work within the B2Gnow platform to furnish
SLDC with a complete certification application portal and avenue of engagement with applicant
firms.
Since the adoption of the shortlist, the structure of SLDC's certification program has evolved,
necessitating this update. As contemplated in the prior request for qualifications, the short list of
qualified certification providers shall remain valid until October 17, 2027; however, to remain
eligible for the shortlist after that date, qualified firms will need to submit a new proposal in
accordance with this RFQ.
II. Scope of Work
Respondents will provide MBE and WBE certification services to SLDC, to support the
organization's certification function, and to supplement and compliment any certification staff, as
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appropriate. Respondents shall be responsible for all elements of the certification evaluation
process, including the following:
Being deeply familiar with the local M/WBE Program rules, City of St. Louis licensing
rules, and the full directory of North American Industry Classification System ("NAICS")
codes, and having the skill and capacity to apply such information to the certification
process.
Local firm eligibility review, screening of supporting documentation and the application.
Obtaining information from applicants as necessary utilizing Questions & Answer (Q&A)
sections/tabs found on the application record.
Completing desk audits and virtual or on-site interviews with applicants.
Prepare and submit supplemental questionnaire and acknowledgement forms to applicants.
Analyze investigative findings and documents relevant to group membership, ownership,
and control of the business and locality.
Review and evaluate NAICS Codes requested by applicant firms and recommend
appropriate clarifications or corrections.
Prepare and submit summaries of applicant firms seeking MBE/WBE certification and
include certification recommendations consistent with local M/WBE Program rules.
Present and defend certification review findings and recommendations to the Program
Review Committee.
Provide other certification related services as requested and directed in writing by the
Manager including, but not limited to technical assistance, training, and promotion of
certification services.
Investigate third-party complaints against certified firms, prepare appropriate reports and
recommendations, and present and defend such findings and recommendations to the
Program Review Committee.
III. Respondents' Minimum Qualifications
Respondents shall be expected to furnish all labor, materials, equipment, supplies and supervision
necessary to perform all work required to provide the following services in a timely manner as
directed and ordered by SLDC. Respondents must be capable of completing a professional and
thorough review of the business structure, operation, and firms application to determine if
individual(s) and/ or firm(s) applying for M/WBE certification have met their burden of proof of
showing, by the preponderance of the evidence, that applicants have satisfied the group
membership, ownership, and control elements required under the City's M/WBE Program Rules.
Minimum experience and qualifications for Respondents include:
A minimum of 3 years' experience conducting analysis of firms seeking MBE, WBE, DBE,
small business, and other comparable business certifications;
Experience conducting substantive site visits of applicant firms; and
A minimum of 3 years' experience using Certification Software such as B2GNow, LPT
Tracker, or other systems (describe the systems in the submission).
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IV. Required Proposal Contents
A. Transmittal Letter: Respondents shall provide a transmittal letter with authorizing
signature for the proposal. The letter must briefly summarize the Respondent's
ability and willingness to perform the services required by the RFQ.
B. Organization Information, Background, and Capability: Provide a thorough
description of your organization, its contact information, and the services it is
qualified to provide to SLDC. Describe the organization's strengths, capabilities
and experience in performing these services. Provide evidence of the organization's
ability to successfully perform the needs assessments. Identify the particular MBE,
WBE, DBE, small business, or other comparable business certification programs
with which your organization has experience.
C. Key Personnel: Provide the name, title, telephone number and e-mail address of the
persons who will function as the primary contact and back-up contact person.
Provide brief resumes/qualifications of personnel who will be primarily involved
in this project.
D. Addressing Services: In this section, provide a description of how your organization
intends to perform the specific services requested above, including a thorough
description of the proposed approach. Please also explain why the firm is
particularly suited to meet the full scope of services required by SLDC.
E. Acknowledgment of Prevailing Wage and Benefits: Include a statement of
acknowledgment of the minimum prevailing wage and the minimum prevailing
fringe benefits required. See Section X-XI.
F. Pricing: Include details regarding all proposed fees for the services listed in the
scope of work.
G. References: Include references from three (3) clients of similar scope and
complexity for which your organization has conducted similar services.
H. Business License: In this section, Respondents must produce a copy of its current
City of St. Louis Business License.
V. Proposal Evaluation
The evaluation of qualifications will be performed by a Selection Committee composed of SLDC
Staff. The Selection Committee will consider, at a minimum, the following, as related to the
selection of organizations qualified to perform the services requested above:
A. Specialized experience, qualifications and technical competence of the
organization, its principals, project manager and key staff;
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B. Ability of the organization to provide innovative solutions;
C. Approach to the project and any unusual problems anticipated;
D. The capacity and capability of the organization to perform the work within the time
limitations;
E. Past record and performance of the organization with respect to schedule
compliance, cost control, and quality of work;
F. Proximity of the organization to the City of St. Louis;
G. Fees or fee structure as may be appropriate for the service to be provided;
H. Availability of financial and operating resources as required to complete the work;
and
I. Ability of the organization to meet statutory or ordinance requirements.
SLDC reserves the right to interview, or call for a presentation from, any Respondent submitting
a response. SLDC also reserves the right to discuss the proposals with any or all Respondents.
SLDC may request additional submission of information during the negotiations of the contract.
VI. Contact Person & Questions
Questions concerning this RFQ must be submitted via email to Dontrinia Baxton, Executive
Assistant to the Chief Operating Officer, baxtond@stlouis-mo.gov, not later than October 2, 2026.
No contact with other SLDC employees about this RFQ is permitted during the RFQ process,
unless otherwise authorized. Unauthorized contact regarding this RFQ may result in
disqualification or rejection of a proposal. SLDC will maintain a list of all firms or individuals
requesting copies of the RFQ and will ensure that copies of all questions and responses shall be
made available in writing to each firm on such list, when requested. Answers will also be publicly
posted on SLDC's website:
https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/sldc/procurement/index.cfm
Questions should be asked in consecutive order, from beginning to end, following the organization
of this RFQ. Each question should begin by referencing the RFQ page number and section number
to which it relates. Short procedural inquiries may be submitted to Dontrinia Baxton by email.
Contact with SLDC after the submission of responses is limited to status inquiries only and such
inquiries are only to be directed to the above-named individual. Any further contact or information
about the RFQ to SLDC or any of its employees or any Selection Committee Members will be
considered an impermissible supplementation of the respondent's proposal.
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VII. Submission Deadline
In order for SLDC to consider proposals, Respondent's submission must be received by:
Date: October 16, 2026
Time: 4:00 p.m. CDT
Location: St. Louis Development Corporation
Attn: Dontrinia Baxton
1520 Market Street
Suite 2000
St. Louis MO 63103
VIA EMAIL: BAXTOND@STLOUIS-MO.GOV
Proposals received after this deadline will not be accepted.
The Proposal must be labeled on the outside of the package to clearly indicate that it is in response
to the REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS FOR MINORITY- AND WOMEN-OWNED
BUSINESS ENTERPRISE CERTIFICATION SERVICES. Each Respondent must submit one
complete proposal in a single PDF format via email to Dontrinia Baxton, Executive Assistant to
the Chief Operating Officer, baxtond@stlouis-mo.gov. Proposals must utilize a 8.5 x 11-inch
standard size, use standard 12-point font, have 1.5-2.0 spacing, contain a Table of Contents, and
be no more than 30 pages in length. It is suggested that Respondents make and retain a copy of its
proposal.
VIII. Insurance Requirements
Any Respondent awarded a contract pursuant to this RFQ shall procure and maintain General
Liability Coverage, Automobile/Motor Liability Coverage (including non-owned and hired
vehicle coverage), and Worker's Compensation Insurance. Typical requirements are: General
Liability Coverage insuring property damage and injury to persons of at least $1,000,000.00 each
occurrence/$3,500,000.00 general aggregate; Automobile/Motor Vehicle Coverage (including
non-owned and hired vehicle coverage) of at least $500,000 personal injury and $500,000 property
damage; or of at least $1,000,000 combined limit. Any Respondent awarded a contract pursuant
to this RFQ shall also procure Worker's Compensation Insurance as required by the State of
Missouri, and professional liability coverage in amounts acceptable to SLDC, if applicable to the
scope of services.
Policy limits shall be dependent upon the scope of services, but no coverage amount listed shall
be construed to limit the liability of any Respondent. Each Respondent awarded a contract shall
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provide a Certificate of Insurance to SLDC prior to the execution of the contract, with "St. Louis
Development Corporation" listed as an Additional Insured to the policy and as Certificate Holders.
Certificates attesting to the coverage and naming SLDC as additional insured shall be mailed to:
St. Louis Development Corporation
Attn: Legal Department
1520 Market Street, Suite 2000
St. Louis, MO 63103
Each Respondent's Insurance provider shall be authorized to transact business in the State of
Missouri and registered with the Missouri Department of Insurance - Financial Institutions &
Professional Registration. Such Insurance company must have a financial strength of "A-" or better
and a financial class size IV or greater as indicated in A.M. Best's Key Rating Guide.
(http://www.ambest.com/home/default.aspx).
Such liability insurance coverage must also extend to damage, destruction and injury to SLDC
owned or leased property and SLDC personnel, and caused by or resulting from work, acts,
operations, or omissions of Respondent, its officers, agents, employees, consultants,
subcontractors, licensees, invitees, and representatives, and contractual liability insurance
sufficient to cover Respondent's indemnity obligations hereunder. SLDC will have no liability for
any premiums charged for such coverage, and the inclusion of SLDC as an Additional Insured is
not intended to and will not make SLDC a partner or joint venture with Respondent in its
operations hereunder. Each such insurance policy must, by endorsement, provide primary
coverage to SLDC when any policy issued to SLDC provides duplicate or similar coverage and,
in such circumstances, SLDC's policy will be excess over Respondent's policy.
IX. Living Wage
Any contract entered into pursuant to this RFQ may be subject to the St. Louis Living Wage
Ordinance (Ordinance No. 65597, codified at Chapter 3.99 of the Revised City Code of St. Louis
(2020)) and its associated Regulations. Respondents hereby agree to comply with the applicable
measures thereof.
X. Service Contract Prevailing Wage
For all positions listed on the Secretary of Labor's wage and fringe benefits determination, (see
https://sam.gov/wage-determination/2015-5075/34), and as applicable, Respondents will be
required to provide the minimum prevailing wage and the minimum prevailing fringe benefits
required and abide by the terms of Ordinance No. 62124, codified at Chapter 6.20 of the Revised
Code of the City of St. Louis (2020) in any contract entered into pursuant to this RFQ.
If any services for which the successful respondent is obligated under an Agreement pursuant to
this RFQ is subcontracted, the successful respondent shall provide in any service subcontract (1)
provisions specifying the minimum prevailing wage and the minimum prevailing fringe benefits
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to be paid to the subcontractor's service employees and (2) a representation by the subcontractor
to abide by the terms of this chapter and to pay and provide to all service employees said minimum
prevailing wage and minimum prevailing fringe benefits as noted in the service subcontract.
XI. Additional RFQ Terms and Conditions
A. Indemnification
Each Respondent, in seeking, receiving, or possessing this RFQ and/or in submitting a response,
does release, indemnify, and hold SLDC and its various directors, employees, representative and
agents harmless from and against all claims and demands of any and all loss, cost, damage, or
liability of whatever nature, which may be asserted against or imposed against SLDC as a result
of issuing this RFQ, making any revisions thereto, conducting this selection process and
subsequent negotiations, and making a final recommendation and/or entering into a contract.
B. Amendments
Respondents may submit amended proposals before the deadline for receipt of proposals. Such
amended proposals must be complete replacements for a previous submission and must be clearly
identified as such in the transmittal letter. SLDC will not merge, collate, or assemble Respondents'
materials.
C. Reservations
The intent of this RFQ is to award a contract to Respondents who present a detailed proposal
conforming to this RFQ that is advantageous to SLDC regarding cost and other factors
considered. SLDC reserves the right to award the contract(s) resulting from this RFQ to one or
more respondents, as appropriate, to meet the needs of SLDC. Issuing this RFQ does not obligate
SLDC to award a contract to any provider, nor is SLDC liable for any costs incurred by the
organizations in the preparation of proposals. Nothing in this RFQ nor in any proposal in response
to this RFQ is intended to be, nor should anything be construed, as an offer of engagement. Nor
shall the selection of a Respondent be construed as an offer of engagement unless and until a
contract is fully negotiated and fully executed by all parties.
SLDC reserves the right to reject any and all proposals submitted and to waive any and/or all non-
material irregularities pertaining to the submission of the proposal. Additionally, any and all RFQ
project elements, requirements and schedules are subject to change and modification. SLDC also
reserves the right to modify, suspend, or terminate at its sole discretion any and all aspect(s) of the
RFQ process to obtain further information from any and all respondents, and to waive any defects
as to form or content of the RFQ or any responses by any organization/business. All submitted
materials will become the property of SLDC, may become public documents at any time during
the selection process, and will become public documents at the conclusion of the selection process.
Any and all documents submitted by the Respondent may become public if and when they are
submitted to any advisory or legislative public body, or pursuant to the Missouri Sunshine Law.
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By submitting a response to this RFQ, each Respondent acknowledges having read this RFQ in its
entirety and agrees to all terms and conditions set out in this RFQ.
D. Right to Withdraw Proposal
Respondents are permitted to withdraw their submissions at any time prior to the deadline for
receipt. Respondents must submit a written withdrawal request signed by the Respondent's duly
authorized representative(s) addressed to SLDC.
E. Revisions to this RFQ
In the event that it becomes necessary to clarify or revise this RFQ, such clarification or revision
will be by addendum.
All RFQ addenda will be issued on SLDC's website. To access addenda, Respondents must locate
"RFQ FOR MINORITY- AND WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESS ENTERPRISE
CERTIFICATION SERVICES" at the following address:
https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/sldc/procurement/index.cfm
There are no designated dates for release of addenda. Therefore, interested Respondents should
check SLDC's website on a daily basis from time of RFQ issuance through RFQ deadline date. It
is the sole responsibility of Respondents to be knowledgeable of all addenda related to this RFQ.
F. Contents of Proposals
All materials submitted in accordance with this RFQ will become and remain the property of
SLDC and will not be returned.
All Proposals shall be considered public records but may be deemed and treated as "closed" or
"exempt" by SLDC, pursuant to the laws of the State of Missouri. All Proposal material may be
treated as open records. SLDC cannot guarantee confidentiality of any materials during the
evaluation process or at any other time. Thus, Proposals and communications exchanged in
response to this RFQ should be assumed to be subject to public disclosure.
G. Respondents' Responsibility
Respondents assume sole responsibility for the complete effort required in this RFQ. No special
consideration shall be given after proposals are opened because of a Respondent's failure to be
knowledgeable of all the requirements of this RFQ. By submitting a proposal in response to this
RFQ, Respondent represents that it has satisfied itself, from its own investigation, of all the
requirements of this RFQ.
H. Minority and Women Business Enterprise Participation
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