County to move small‑business support contracts to open solicitations, pilot competitive model

County staff told the Economic Development Committee they plan to transition most small‑business support services from noncompetitive awards to an open solicitation model managed through the Small Business Support Services (SBSS) NDA.

Nadia Clude, Business Center manager, detailed the proposed approach: pre‑vet providers into a rotating pool, issue quarterly task orders, set fixed cost bands for cohorts and hourly consulting, require regional coverage across county service centers, and collect regular reporting and surveys. Staff said the model aims to increase equity, efficiency and reach — and that a $300,000 pilot will test the competitive process while another $150,000 will target federal‑contracting support.

Clude said the solicitation will be broadly advertised through procurement, the county executive newsletter, regional service centers and partner organizations (chambers, business centers and MCEDC), and that selection panels will include regional center directors to ensure geographic coverage and community perspective. Staff also proposed a countywide business conference and a business launch support program to help small firms access chambers and marketing opportunities.

Council members welcomed the change but emphasized clear, wide communications so smaller organizations already doing this work can compete. The committee asked staff to ensure established community partners are integrated as active partners rather than nominal collaborators.

Next steps: procurement and business center staff will issue solicitations, run the $300,000 pilot, and return with implementation details and outreach plans.