STAFF REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
DATE: Regular Meeting of August 8, 2023
TO: Mayor and Members of the City Council
SUBMITTED BY: Dante Hall, City Manager
SUBJECT: Request for Proposals for Grant Writing Services
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council receive the staff report on this issue and provide any additional comments or needs to be built into the request for proposals document.
BACKGROUND:
The City of Hercules seeks to invite qualified candidates to submit proposals for contractual grant writing services with individuals or firm s that specialize in the management of the overall grant process and can assist the City to maximize the benefits of grant funding.
It is the intentio n of the City to apply for grants which address documented City needs associated with service delivery and necessary capital infrastructure improvements. In addition, it is the intent of the City to apply for grants which not only are consistent with identified City needs but those grants that can be properly and efficiently administered by staff taking into account existing duties and responsibilities. The goal of the City’s grant program is to secure funding for services and projects which the City ot herwise would be required to utilize local tax dollars.
DISCUSSION:
The following are typical services and/or items that the successful consultant will be required to provide the City if it is awarded the contract and should be addressed in each proposal.
Funding needs analysis – Work with the City’s departments to assess the validity of current funding priority areas and identify new priority areas for funding.
Grant Funding Research – Conduct research to identify grant resources including, but not limited to federal, state, foundation, agencies, and organizations that support the City’s funding needs and priorities in the following general areas by way of illust ration but not limitation:
o Parks and Recreation
o Community/Economic Development
o Criminal Justice Technology and Programs
o Infrastructure Development and Maintenance
o Transportation/Highway /Sustainability/Transit
o GIS Geographic Information System
o Community and Municipal Planning
On-call Grant Research – In addition to the areas defined above other areas may be also identified through the Funding needs analysis process and throughout the duration of the contract.
Grant proposal Development – Provide grant proposal writing services associated with the completion of grant applications on behalf of the City and at the City Manager’s direction, including the preparation of funding abstracts, production, and submittal of applications to funding sources. A copy of each grant application submitted is to be provided to the City of Hercules.
Monthly reports – the successful consultant shall submit monthly reports to the City summarizing the amount of time expended and describe activities undertaken during the previous month.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The adopted FY 2023-2024 budget has allocated $60,000 for this initiative.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Draft City of Hercules Request for Proposals For Grant Writing Services