Town of Sudlersville – Project Consultant

• Project Consultant for the Town of Sudlersville Economic Strategy Implementation
• Response Deadline: March 28, 2025 at noon
• Contract Period: April 1, 2025 – December 31, 2025
• Budget: Up to $30,000

I. Introduction

The Town of Sudlersville, in collaboration with Queen Anne’s County Economic & Tourism Development, seeks a project-based consultant to support the implementation of an economic strategy currently in development. This consultant will function similarly to a Main Street Manager and will be responsible for advancing initiatives outlined in the town’s economic strategy, with an immediate priority of completing a Sustainable Communities application through the Maryland Department of Housing & Community Development (DHCD).

The consultant will play a critical role in advancing economic revitalization efforts, strengthening partnerships, and securing funding to support long-term community and business development in Sudlersville.

II. Scope of Work

1. Immediate Priority: Sustainable Communities Application

• Assist in the preparation and submittal of a Sustainable Communities application to Maryland DHCD to establish Sudlersville’s eligibility for state programs and funding opportunities.
• Engage stakeholders to gather necessary input and supporting documentation for the application.
• Facilitate public meetings or workshops as needed to ensure community input

2. Economic Strategy Implementation

• Implement key initiatives outlined in the economic strategy for Sudlersville, including:

• Capacity Building & Resource Development
  • Sustainable Communities Designation
  • Update of the Town’s Comprehensive Plan
  • Additional grant programs and resources
• Sudlersville Business & Community Center Redevelopment
• Business Attraction
  • Site Readiness
• Community Building
  • Agritourism
  • Community Events
• Identify and pursue grant opportunities that align with economic development goals.
• Foster partnerships with local businesses, property owners, and community organizations to support economic growth.
• Support small business development efforts by connecting entrepreneurs with resources, technical assistance, and funding opportunities.

3. Community & Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as a liaison between the Town of Sudlersville, Queen Anne’s County Economic & Tourism Development, state agencies, and other regional economic development partners.
• Organize and facilitate community meetings, workshops, and stakeholder discussions to gather feedback and foster collaboration.
• Develop and distribute public communications and marketing materials to promote economic development initiatives.

4. Reporting & Deliverables

• Monthly progress reports detailing completed tasks, challenges, and next steps.
• Submission of the Sustainable Communities application by deadline.
• Final report summarizing accomplishments, impacts, and recommendations for sustaining economic development efforts beyond the contract period.

III. Qualifications & Experience

The ideal consultant will have experience in the following areas:

• Economic and community development, preferably in rural or small-town settings.
• Maryland DHCD programs, including Sustainable Communities, Community Legacy, and Main Street Maryland.
• Grant writing, funding acquisition, and grant management.
• Stakeholder engagement and facilitation of public meetings.
• Business development and/or municipal planning.

IV. Budget & Payment

• The total budget for this contract is $30,000 for the period of April 1, 2025 – December 31, 2025.
• Payments will be made on a monthly basis and based on an hourly rate, subject to agreed-upon deliverables and approved timesheets.

V. Proposal Submission Requirements

Interested consultants should submit a proposal including:

1. Cover Letter – Brief introduction and interest in the project.
2. Approach & Work Plan – Description of how the consultant anticipates accomplishing the scope of work, including the Sustainable Communities application.
3. Experience & Qualifications – A current resume that includes a summary of relevant experience and qualifications.
4. Budget Proposal – Breakdown of anticipated costs and payment schedule, including the hourly rate being requested.
5. References – Contact information for at least two references familiar with the consultant’s work.

VI. Proposal Submission & Contact Information

Proposals must be submitted via email in one PDF document to: Rebecca Clark, Economic Development Administrator, Queen Anne’s County Economic & Tourism Development, Email: rclark@qac.org

Questions about the scope of work, requests for additional information, and/or concerns about the submission of the proposal should be directed to Rebecca Clark at rclark@qac.org. Questions via telephone or other methods will not receive responses, as email provides the best opportunity for tracking and accountability.

VII. Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Relevant experience – Demonstrated experience with economic development, Maryland DHCD programs, and rural economic initiatives.
• Approach & work plan – Feasibility and clarity of proposed methods to achieve project goals.
• Budget proposal – Cost-effectiveness and alignment with available funds.
• References – Positive feedback from past clients or project partners.

VIII. Timeline 

• RFP Release Date: March 11, 2025
• Proposal Submission Deadline: March 28, 2025 at noon
• Selection Interviews: March 31, 2025
• Contract Award & Project Start Date: April 1, 2025

IX. Equal Opportunity

All qualified persons, firms and proposers will receive consideration without regard to age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, or sexual orientation. Minority Business Enterprises (MBE), Women-Owned Enterprises (WBE), and Veteran-Owned Enterprises are encouraged to apply.

Queen Anne’s County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

X. Queen Anne’s County Standard Operating Policies: Procurement Policy #400-010

It is the responsibility of the proposer to review and adhere to all of Queen Anne’s County Procurement Policies, #400-010. The policies can be located at https://www.qac.org/593/Procurement

XI. Debarred, Suspended and Ineligible Contractors

The consultant certifies by submission of a proposal that it is not a debarred, suspended, or ineligible contractor by any Agency of Federal or State government. No proposal received from a debarred, suspended, or ineligible contractor will qualify for an award.

XII. Acceptance of Consultant Proposals

The Queen Anne’s County Commissioners reserve the right to reject any or all proposals, to waive any nonmaterial irregularities in the proposal, to accept or reject any item or combination of items and accept any proposal which benefits the people of Queen Anne’s County. Queen Anne’s County reserves the right to negotiate with any, none, or all the proposing vendors.

This project represents a unique opportunity to contribute to the economic revitalization of Sudlersville, Maryland, and we look forward to partnering with a consultant dedicated to fostering sustainable growth in this community. Funding for this project is provided by the Rural Maryland Economic Development Fund via Upper Shore Regional Council and Maryland Department of Commerce