Title
Consultant for Distribution of Non-Profit American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funds(B)
Explanation
On December 6th, 2021 the City Commission approved the release of a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for a consultant to manage the distribution of $7 million in ARPA funds to local non-profit entities in Gainesville.
The solicitation was posted on December 7, 2021 and closed on December 21, 2021 at 3 PM. The Procurement Division distributed five proposals to the evaluation committee on December 22, 2021 to review and evaluate. The evaluation committee consisted of four (4) community builders including representatives from the Office of Equity and Inclusion, the Office of Strategic Initiatives, the City Manager’s Office, and the Budget and Finance Department.
On January 3, 2022, the evaluation committee provided the official scores for the qualifications. After a thorough review and evaluation of the five proposals submitted, Baker Tilly firm was selected to be the most qualified. The rest of the firm’s qualifications were ranked as follows #2 CliftonLarsonAlle,LLP (CLA), #3 Community Foundation of North Central Florida Submission, #4 UHY Submission, and #5 iParametrics, LLC Submission.
Strategic Connection: This initiative meets all five goals of the Strategic Plan.
Fiscal Note
The ARPA Interim Final Rule allows for administrative expenses to be paid from ARPA funds. The cost for this service will be determined through negotiations with the first ranked firm and will meet allowable thresholds as detailed in the American Rescue Plan Act Interim Final Rule.
Recommendation
The City Commission 1) Approve the ranking of the firms as recommended by the evaluation committee, 2) Authorize the Interim City Manager or designee to negotiate and execute a contract with Baker Tilly, the first ranked firm, or if no contract agreement can be reached with them to negotiate and execute a contract with the next ranked firm subject to approval of the City Attorney as to form and legality.