RFP Request

January 26, 2026: RFP Questions & Responses – Our West Bayfront

1. What is the total approved budget allocated for this strategic planning project?

OWB is using a Qualifications-Based Selection (QBS) process and has intentionally not set or published a fixed budget for this project. Our goal is to identify the most qualified lead consultant and then work collaboratively to refine scope and negotiate a fair and realistic fee based on the agreed-upon level of effort.

That said, OWB has identified this as a significant, organization-wide investment and is utilizing philanthropic and other funding to support the project in its entirety. Proposers should assume that OWB is seeking a high-quality, comprehensive effort appropriate to the scope described in the RFP, rather than a minimal or piecemeal engagement

2. The RFP requests “examples of similar work.” Due to client confidentiality, would providing references satisfy this requirement?

Yes. OWB understands confidentiality constraints.
Proposers may satisfy this requirement by:

Describing relevant projects at a summary level, and/or
Providing client references who can speak to the firm’s role, approach, and outcomes

Where available, work samples such as public-facing plans, excerpts, or representative materials are welcome, but full copies of confidential strategic plans are not required.

3. Clarification on the neighborhood plan component

OWB is seeking a distinct neighborhood plan deliverable, but one that is intentionally integrated with the organizational strategic plan.
The neighborhood plan should:

Center resident and business owner voice through meaningful engagement (e.g., focus groups, workshops, interviews)
Be informed by relevant quantitative data (housing, demographics, market trends, mobility, etc.)
Address key neighborhood priorities such as housing, safety, mobility, public spaces, economic opportunity, and environmental quality
Result in implementation-ready recommendations, not just analysis

The approach described in the question (stakeholder engagement combined with quantitative research and contextual analysis) would be appropriate if it leads to a clear, usable neighborhood plan output. OWB is not looking for engagement findings alone; a synthesized plan document or equivalent deliverable is expected.

4. For the 2026–2030 Strategic Plan, is OWB seeking an update or a rebuild?

OWB is seeking a thoughtful update and refinement, informed by new organizational and neighborhood insights, rather than a wholesale rebuild from scratch.
The intent is to:

Build on existing plans and lessons learned
Reassess priorities in light of current capacity and neighborhood conditions
Clarify strategic focus, implementation roles, and organizational readiness for the next five years

Proposers should assume that prior planning work provides a foundation, but that the new strategic plan should reflect where OWB is now and where it is going next.

5. Will additional datasets or background materials be provided at project start?

Yes. In addition to the community plan currently available on OWB’s website, OWB anticipates providing background materials such as:

Internal planning documents and prior assessments
Program and project summaries
Select housing, property, or neighborhood data already in OWB’s possession
Board and organizational materials relevant to governance and strategy

The exact materials will be shared during project kickoff and refined in coordination with the selected consultant.

6. Expectations for the board retreat

The board retreat should primarily support:

Strategic alignment
Implementation readiness
Shared understanding of roles and priorities

That said, OWB welcomes the inclusion of targeted board development elements where they directly support implementation, such as:

Clarifying governance roles and responsibilities
Committee structure and effectiveness
Board engagement in fundraising and advocacy
Shared norms and expectations

The retreat should be practical and forward-looking, focused on preparing the board to lead effectively during the implementation phase.

7. Scope of the anniversary communications plan

OWB is seeking strategic guidance as the core deliverable, including:

Messaging framework and narrative
Key themes and audiences
Sample assets or content outlines
Recommendations for channels, timing, and partners

Execution-level support (e.g., content production, campaign management, media placement) is not required as part of the base scope, but proposers may describe how such support could be provided as an optional or future phase if desired.

OWB appreciates the thoughtful questions submitted and looks forward to reviewing proposals that demonstrate a clear understanding of the organization, the West Bayfront community, and the importance of an integrated, implementation-focused approach.