The City of West Des Moines (population 72,000) is pleased to announce the release of the Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Development of an Economic Development Action Plan for West Des Moines, Iowa. We seek qualified consulting firms to collaborate with use to create a strategic plan supporting economic growth and community engagement in our city.

The complete RFP document is available at the following e-procurment website, Ionwave. To access the RFP and any subsequent material, please register on the platform using the link below:

http://wdm.ionwave.net/PublicDetail.aspx?bidD=92&SourceType=1

The primary objectives of the Economic Development Strategic Action Plan include:

• Strategies for developing a targeted business recruitment plan.
• Strategies to diversify the employment base in emerging of growing industry clusters.
• Strategies to build upon the concentration of healthcare, finance, and retail services in the community.
• Strategies to increase efforts to lure advanced manufacturing and clean industrial uses.
• Strategies to attract qualified employees and workforce to the community.
• Strategies to leverage the existing workforce's education, skills, and training.
• Strategies to fill vacant office space in the City.
• Development of specific economic development policies and procedures for implementing economic development financial incentive programs.
• Analysis of current economic development incentives offered locally and by comparable, competing cities.
• Specific policies and procedures to incentivize businesses to remain in the City and funding options for such incentive plans.
• Strategies to maintain the viability of Valley Junction, the redevelopment of the Valley West Mall area and adjoining Westown Parkway Office Corridor, and other older commercial areas in the City.
• Specific recommendations for maintaining viability and encouraging the redevelopment of existing commercial and office areas.
• Specific policies and procedures to support the expansion of current businesses.
• Strategies to foster entrepreneurship and small business growth.
• Strategies to remain competitive and stand out when luring prospects, site selectors, or general development.
• Development of benchmarks to measure the success of the City’s economic development program.
• Analysis of proper staffing levels for a Community and Economic Development Department in a community of this size.
• Development of specific promotional materials. (Optional)

Please note the following key details:

• RFP Issued: January 8, 2025
• Submission of Clarification and Questions: 5:00 PM, Thursday, January 16th
• Posting of City's Responses to Clarification and Questions: 5:00 PM, Monday, January 20th
• Submission Deadline: 2:00 PM, Wednesday, February 5th
• Review & Evaluation of Submitted Proposals: February 14th
• Interview Qualified Consultants: February 24th-February 28th
• Selection of Consultants & Recommendation to City Council: March 2025

Submission Requirements: Your proposal must be sealed and marked with five (5) hard copies and one (1) USB flash drive, as outlined in the RFP.

We encouage all interested firms to review the RFP carefully and submit proposals by the deadline. Should you have questions or require clarifications, please contact Ryan Moffatt, Community and Economic Development Director, at 515-222-3535 or ryan.moffatt@wdm.iowa.gov

We look forward to receiving your proposal and the opportunity to work together on this imporant initiative.