RFP For A Financial Systems and Process Modernization Consultant

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
FOR A
FINANCIAL SYSTEMS AND
PROCESS MODERNIZATION
CONSULTANT
RFP OPENING DATE: AUGUST 17, 2026
RFP CLOSING DATE: SEPTEMBER 25, 2026
St. Louis Development Corporation
1520 Market Street, Suite 2000
St. Louis, MO 63103
Phone: (314) 657-3700
Fax: (314) 613-7011
WWW.DEVELOPSTLOUIS.ORG

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

ESTIMATED SCHEDULE (SUBJECT TO CHANGE):
Date Activity/Time
August 17, 2026 Request for Proposal Released
August 31, 2026, 4:00 PM (CDT) Date and Time for Pre-Submission Conference
September 11, 2026 Deadline for Questions by Email to Designated Contact
September 25, 2026, 5:00 PM (CDT) Due Date of Response - NO EXCEPTIONS 5:00 PM (CDT)
December 1, 2026 Tentative Contract Start Date
June 30, 2027 Proposed Contract End Date
I. Purpose and Intent
Request for Proposals
St. Louis Development Corporation ("SLDC") seeks proposals for a financial systems and process
modernization consultant (or consulting firm) to thoroughly assess current financial systems
usage, provide context on industry best practices, and generate a clear and actionable plan to
fully optimize the use of its financial management systems. The deliverables under this
engagement would address the modernization of current workflows, the development and
implementation of clear and consistent financial management procedures, the technological
enhancements and procedural updates necessary to generate efficient, real-time reporting, and
a roadmap for providing stakeholders with richer data-driven financial insights. Hereinafter,
organizations interested in submitting a proposal in response to this Request for Proposals
("RFP") shall be referred to as "Respondents."
Background and Project Description
SLDC is the independent economic development agency serving the City of St. Louis, Missouri. It
is an action-oriented organization that exists to empower, develop and transform St. Louis
through a vibrant, just and growing economy where all people can thrive. SLDC conducts its
work - real estate development, industry and business development, neighborhood
engagement, and small business empowerment - through its own organization and the nine
development boards it oversees, administers, and manages. For each legal entity, SLDC
manages complex financial operations, including multi-layered grant funding and adherence to
diverse federal, state, and local statutory requirements.
For clarity, the nine development boards referenced above are:
The City of St. Louis Port Authority, which oversees public and private real estate
development in the Port District, including Mooring Leases

The Land Clearance for Redevelopment Authority of the City of St. Louis, which
oversees public and private real estate development, and reviews development
proposals requesting public assistance through tax abatement or tax-exempt revenue
bonds
The Land Reutilization Authority of the City of St. Louis, also known as the "land bank",
which manages, maintains, markets, and sells agency-owned vacant and abandoned
buildings and lots, while assisting with acquisitions, relocations, and demolitions
The Tax Increment Financing Commission of the City of St. Louis, which oversees the
establishment of TIF districts and makes recommendations to the St. Louis Board of
Aldermen on projects seeking TIF assistance
The Industrial Development Authority of the City of St. Louis, which issues tax-exempt
revenue bonds to finance large-scale industrial, multi-family residential, and nonprofit
development projects
The St. Louis Local Development Company, which provides loans to the small business
community through federal, state, and local programs
The Planned Industrial Expansion Authority of the City of St. Louis, which implements
incentives for development in areas designated under Chapter 100 by the Board of
Aldermen, and issues revenue bonds to assist in financing larger projects
The Enhanced Enterprise Zone Board of the City of St. Louis, which recommends tax
abatement for businesses located in the Enhanced Enterprise Zone to the St. Louis
Board of Aldermen
The Clean Energy Development Board of the City of St. Louis, which finances residential
and commercial energy efficiency and renewable energy projects through Property
Assessed Clean Energy programs
SLDC has designed a strategic framework around creating, accelerating, and supporting markets
to intentionally catalyze consistent growth. To execute on this framework, SLDC has identified
five lanes of operation: developer experience; deal execution; land assembly; capital
coordination; and developing a strong operational backbone.
The operational backbone work will evaluate a number of SLDC systems and processes and
identify reasonable and effective means to make meaningful enhancements that will improve
the stakeholder experience with the organization. One component of the operational backbone
is SLDC's financial systems infrastructure, including the core management system and the
related information systems technologies SLDC's Finance team uses. While existing tools have
historically served the organization well, SLDC's evolving operational scale, compliance
requirements, and strategic goals necessitate a formal review of its current financial
infrastructure. A primary objective of this engagement is to ensure best-in-class internal
controls and to support the clean annual audit mandated by our corporate bylaws.

Through this RFP process, SLDC seeks an experienced consulting partner to collaborate directly
with its existing Finance team to modernize SLDC's financial infrastructure, mitigate existing
pain points, and fully document financial processes to transition the organization to a
technology-forward highly efficient, and properly safeguarded financial system. The consultant
(or consulting firm) will not serve in a managerial or interim leadership capacity, but rather as a
technical and process expert supporting the Finance team.
Duration of Awarded Contract
This engagement will commence upon execution of a professional services agreement, and will
end no later than June 30, 2027.
II. Scope of Work
Proposals should address the following core services and related deliverables:
A. Systems and Process Evaluation
Conduct an audit of current systems used by SLDC's Finance department, including
financial software and reporting tools. Leverage existing resources and prior financial
reports and audits.
Outline technology solutions and upgrades to automate processes, streamline financial
reporting, improve data accuracy and transparency, reduce reliance on manual tasks,
and provide more timely financial insights.
B. Banking Relationship Evaluation
Assess online banking capabilities, including account monitoring, wire transfers, and
mobile solutions of existing banking partners.
Audit fraud detection and prevention tools, including positive pay, ACH blocks, and
transaction alerts available from existing banking partners.
Review capabilities to provide modern cash management, payment processing, and
account reconciliation services to support SLDC's existing financial systems
infrastructure.
Recommend updates to SLDC's banking relationships, if appropriate.
C. Change Management
Map out current budgeting procedures and identify opportunities to manage actual
revenues and expenses on a real-time basis.

Design and facilitate rapid change management exercises to address process
improvement opportunities.
Develop implementation plans for any mid-term or long-term technology enhancements
selected by the organization, if any.
Support the implementation of high-priority change management efforts.
D. Process Documentation and Business Continuity
Collaborate with Finance to map out all current financial processes, systems, and
responsibilities.
Create comprehensive step-by-step guides and written checklists to facilitate seamless
knowledge transfer, succession planning guide, and cross-training opportunities for the
team.
Audit team strengths and opportunities to provide training or fill resource gaps related
to the modernized systems.
Provide training resources on financial management best practices for similar
organizations and corporate structures.
E. Cross-Agency Standardization
Establish a unified monthly reporting template and standardize financial tracking across
SLDC's distinct silos and boards to guarantee organizational continuity and
transparency.
III. Respondents' Minimum Qualifications
The ideal consultant or firm must demonstrate:
Familiarity with complex finance processes and experience working with similar-sized
municipal or economic development budgets.
Proven experience managing or auditing financial operations that involve oversight of
multiple boards and agencies.
Expertise in handling grant funding, including understanding complex reporting
structures and adhering to grant-specific compliance guidelines.
A strong track record of implementing financial software upgrades and creating clear
process documentation.
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 RFP.
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.
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 execute the specific services requested above, including
a thorough description of the proposed approach, an overview of the platforms,
tools, and innovations you will utilize, and a timeline for achieving each element
thereof. Identify each of the areas listed in the Scope of Services section that the
organization desires to be considered for this RFP. Please also explain why the
firm is particularly suited to meet the 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 transparent details regarding all proposed fees for the services
listed in the scope of work, including hourly rates or fixed-fee structures for the
deliverables, and separated by the scope of work categories. Include pricing for
all of the key personnel who would staff this engagement.
G. References: Include references from three (3) clients of similar scope and
complexity for which your organization has conducted similar services.
H. Evidence of Compliance: In this section, you must produce a copy of your current
City of St. Louis Business License and other evidence that you are in good
standing to do business in the City of St. Louis and the State of Missouri.
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;
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;
J. 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 and Questions
A pre-submission conference will be held on Monday, August 31, 2026, beginning at 4:00 PM,
via Google Meet. Questions concerning this RFP must be submitted via email to Dontrinia
Baxton, Executive Assistant to the Chief Operating Officer, baxtond@stlouis-mo.gov not later
than Friday, September 11, 2026. Ms. Baxton will also provide the log-in information for the
pre-submission conference upon request. No contact with other SLDC employees about this
RFP is permitted during the RFP process, unless otherwise authorized. Unauthorized contact
regarding this RFP may result in disqualification or rejection of a proposal. SLDC will maintain a
list of all firms or individuals requesting copies of the RFP 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 RFP. Each question should begin by referencing the RFP page number and
section number to which it relates. Short procedural inquiries may also 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 RFP to SLDC or any of its employees or any Selection Committee
Members will be considered an impermissible supplementation of the respondent's proposal.
VII. Submission Deadline
In order for SLDC to consider proposals, Respondent's submission must be received by:
Date: Friday, September 25, 2026
Time: 5:00 PM central time
Location: St. Louis Development Corporation
Attn: Dontrinia Baxton
1520 Market Street
Suite 2000
St. Louis MO 63103
VIA EMAIL ONLY: BAXTOND@STLOUIS-MO.GOV
Proposals received after this deadline will not be accepted.
The subject line of the email delivering the Proposal must include
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR A
Each Respondent must submit one
FINANCIAL SYSTEMS AND PROCESS MODERNIZATION CONSULTANT.
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 RFP 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 RFP 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
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 and
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.