RESOURCE COLLECTION

Request for Proposals (RFP) #231

Community Economic Development and Business Development Grants

The Office of Economic and Workforce Development (OEWD) is issuing this Request for Proposals (RFP) #231 to provide critical economic development resources to support San Francisco’s residents, businesses, visitors, and workers.

This RFP will issue awards in four distinct program areas for programming delivered through Community Economic Development (formerly Invest In Neighborhoods) and Business Development divisions. The total amount of funding anticipated for initial grant awards is $4,185,000.

  • Chinatown Economic Vitality and Business Outreach
  • Accelerate Manufacturing
  • Downtown Pop-up Activations
  • Powell Street Improvement Project

Grant awards are anticipated to begin in April 1, 2025 or later.
 View the Updates section below for the latest info.


Key Dates

The anticipated schedule for this RFP is below. Check this page frequently for updates as the schedule is subject to change.

  • RFP is issued by the City: Thursday, February 6, 2025
  • Technical Assistance Conference (optional): Tuesday, February 11, 2025 from 1:00 P.M. - 2:00 P.M.
  • Deadline for submission of written questions:* Wednesday, February 19, 2025 at 12:00 P.M.
  • Answers to written questions posted online:
    • Initial posting: Thursday, February 13, 2025 by 11:59 P.M.
    • Final posting: Friday, February 21, 2025 by 11:59 P.M.
  • Proposals due: Wednesday, February 26, 2025 by 5:00 P.M.
  • Grantee selection and award notification: Tuesday, March 11, 2025 by 11:59 P.M.
  • Protest period ends: 3 business days following award notification
  • Projects begin: April 1, 2025 or later 

*Written questions:
The deadline to submit substantive questions is Wednesday, February 19, 2025 at 12:00 P.M. Substantive questions are questions that seek to clarify expectations about the RFP or administrative processes. However, you may continue to submit technical questions (e.g. "How do I complete the application?") to oewd.procurement@sfgov.org until the submission deadline and we will respond as soon as possible.

To ensure full transparency and the opportunity for all applicants to benefit from Departmental guidance, questions should only be submitted in writing. The answers to all questions asked by the deadline will be available for download in the Documents section below.
 

Apply

Link to the online application: OEWD Request for Proposals (RFP) 231 Application

Documents

Additional documents will be uploaded in this section, check back often for updates. If you would like to request any of the documents in an alternative format, email oewd.procurement@sfgov.org. The email address is monitored between 9:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M., Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays.
 

Updated Request for Proposals (RFP) #231

The formal solicitation seeking proposals for four program areas under the Community Economic Development Division and Business Development Division.

Attachment A — Application Questions (RFP 231)

For reference only. This document contains the questions that you will find in the online application.

Attachment B — Budget Template (RFP 231)

Required. This is the standard budget template that must be uploaded with your online submission.

Attachment C — City Grant Terms (RFP 231)

For reference only. This document provides standard City language that will be included in the resulting grants awarded through this RFP.

Attachment D — Applicant Requirements and Guidelines (RFP 231)

For reference only. This document provides additional details on key City administrative requirements that apply to applicants.

Attachment E — Supplier Registration Instructions (RFP 231)

For reference only. This explains how to register as a Supplier with the City and County of San Francisco.

Attachment F — HCAO and MCO Declaration Forms (RFP 231)

For reference only. Suppliers are required to file these declarations for the Health Care Accountability Ordinance (HCAO) and Minimum Compensation Ordinance (MCO) when applicable.

Attachment G — First Source Hiring Form (RFP 231)

For reference only. This contains additional information on the First Source Hiring Program and the link for where to submit online when applicable.

RFP 231 Technical Assistance Conference Slides

For reference only. View the presentation slides from the Technical Assistance Conference for RFP #231.

Question and Answer Log for RFP #231 (First Posting)

For reference only. This is the initial posting of the Q&A log, uploaded on February 13, 2025.

Question and Answer Log for RFP #231 (Final Posting)

The final posting if the Question and Answer ("Q&A") Log.

RFP 231 Selection Information

Updates

The following updates or changes have been published in this webpage:

2/12/2025 (2:01 PM)

2/13/2025 (4:28 PM)

  • The first posting of the Question and Answer ("Q&A") Log has been posted under "Documents".

2/20/2025 (11:30 AM)

  • The final posting of the Question and Answer ("Q&A") Log has been posted under "Documents".

2/26/2025 (12:45 PM)

  • An updated copy of the Request for Proposals (RFP) #231 has been posted under "Documents".

3/19/2025 (9:00 AM)

  • A document named RFP Selection Information has been posted under "Documents".

Technical Assistance

OEWD hosted an optional online Technical Assistance Conference via Zoom on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, 1:00 P.M. – 2:00 P.M. to assist applicants in determining the eligibility of proposed projects, completing the proposal package, and navigating City requirements.

Watch the recording of the Technical Assistance Conference

Resources

Partner agencies

Office of Economic and Workforce Development
Community Economic Development
Business Development