Title
Hermosillo, Mexico Trade Development Services Contract Award - RFP-CED22-HTDS (Ordinance S-49105)
Description
Request to authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to contract with Discover Phoenix and Arizona LLC to provide trade development consulting services in and around Hermosillo, Mexico. Further request to authorize the City Controller to disburse all funds related to this item. The aggregate amount for the first two years this contract will not exceed $280,000. Funding is available in Community and Economic Development Department's General Fund budget.
Report
Summary
In May 2022, City Council authorized staff to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) for Hermosillo, Mexico Trade Development Services to facilitate activity between Hermosillo and Phoenix. A one-year contract for Trade Development Services was approved last year and expires on Nov. 26, 2022. This contract award will allow trade development services to continue beyond the expiration of the current contract.
If approved, Discover Phoenix and Arizona, LLC will:
- Operate the City's trade development services office in Hermosillo, Mexico.
- Assist Phoenix companies with supply chain sourcing opportunities in Mexico.
- Develop and enhance business to business connections between Mexico-based companies and Phoenix-based companies.
- Foster Phoenix business expansion connections for Mexico-based companies seeking growth opportunities in the U.S.
- Identify perspective Phoenix investments for Mexico-based investors seeking both development investment opportunities and business ventures in the U.S.
Procurement Information
RFP-CED22-HTDS, Hermosillo Trade Development Services, was issued on June 13, 2022 and conducted in accordance with Administrative Regulation 3.10. The City received one responsive proposal for this solicitation. Staff recommends moving forward with Discover Phoenix and Arizona LLC, the sole responsive proposer, as the recommended proposer for this business opportunity.
Contract Term
If approved, the term of the contract will be one year with four one-year renewal options to be exercised at the City's discretion. Staff will return to Council for approval of additional funding before subsequent option years, three, four, and five are exercised.
Financial Impact
The aggregate amount for the first two years of this contract will not exceed $280,000. Funding is available in Department's General Fund budget.
Concurrence/Previous Council Action
On May 25, 2022, City Council authorized staff to issue an RFP for Hermosillo, Mexico Trade Development Services to facilitate economic activity between Mexico and Phoenix. This item was recommended for approval by the Economic Development and Equity Subcommittee at its Sept. 28, 2022 meeting by a vote of 4-0.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Ginger Spencer and the Community and Economic Development Department.