Request for Qualifications (RFQ) #227 (Reissued Fall 2025)

The Office of Economic and Workforce Development (OEWD), on behalf of all City Departments, and in partnership with the San Francisco Small Business Development Center (SBDC), a program within OEWD, is reopening this Request for Qualifications (RFQ) #227 for business consultants to provide business counseling and training services to new and existing entrepreneurs in San Francisco.

This RFQ includes one (1) distinct program area with eleven (11) sub-areas, and the total amount of funding anticipated for grant awards is $1.5 Million.

The funding in this RFQ supports programs delivered through the Office of Small Business division.

Entities included on the list of prequalified entities pursuant to the original RFQ 227 are not required to re-qualify under this re-issued RFQ, but may choose to submit updated information regarding their qualifications in response to this re-issued RFQ.

Grant awards are anticipated to begin January 2026 or later.

Key Dates

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

• RFQ is issued by the City: Thursday, August 7, 2025
• Technical Assistance Conference (optional): Friday, August 15, 2025 at 1:00 PM
• Deadline for submission of written questions:* Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at Noon
• Answers to written questions posted online: Wednesday, August 20, 2025 by end of day
• Proposals due: Thursday, September 4th, 2025 by Noon
• Minimum qualifications review: September — October 2025
• Notification of Intent to Establish Prequalified Pool: Anticipated Tuesday, October 14, 2025 for programs beginning January 1, 2026
• Protest period ends: 3 business days following City's issuance of a Notice of Intent to Award
• Projects begin: January 1, 2026 or later

*Written questions:
The deadline to submit substantive questions is Friday, August 23, 2025 at Noon. Substantive questions are questions that seek to clarify expectations about the RFQ 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

Go to the online application

View the questions that are in the application in Appendix A linked below. All elements of the proposal package must be submitted online by the application deadline on Thursday, September 4, 2025 at Noon.

Technical Assistance

OEWD is hosted an optional online Technical Assistance Conference via Zoom on Friday, August 15, 2025 at 1:00 PM 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

• Learn more about the steps to becoming a City supplier
• View active bid opportunities throughout the City and County of San Francisco
• View the 12B Compliance Guide