Question 1

Can you explain the City of Detroit Treasury requirement and why I have to submit a clearance with my submission?

Accepted Answer

Detroit Means Business was identified by the City of Detroit to provide services funded through ARPA. Therefore, the City of Detroit wants to ensure that you do not owe any taxes to them before being identified to provide services paid through ARPA. You must provide the clearance from the City of Detroit Treasury Department, which can be accessed here: https://detroitmi.gov/departments/office-chief-financial-officer/ocfo-divisions/office-treasury/clearances-income-tax-and-accounts-receivable.

Question 2

How long is the RFQ open?

Accepted Answer

Small Business Digital Technical Assistance Services RFQ is open from February 10, 2026 through March 10, 2026.

Question 3

For the summary portion of the application, can one share the LinkedIn reviews from clients?

Accepted Answer

In section 3 of the application, 2 to 3 case examples are required to be provided that demonstrate the Proposer's experience and shall include the following information: past experience serving small businesses - with references. Each case example should include a summary of services provided, the total contract value of services delivered, and reference contact information including name, address, telephone number, and email. LinkedIn reviews can be printed off and uploaded as additional supporting documentation, however the case example must outline the required ask.

Question 4

Who is part of the selection committee?

Accepted Answer

Currently, the selection committee includes the DMB & DEGC Small Business Services Leadership Team.

Question 5

For applicants who deal with confidentiality clauses, what level of detail should be provided in case examples?

Accepted Answer

In section 3 of the application, 2 to 3 case examples are required to be provided that demonstrate the Proposer's experience and shall include the following information: past experience serving small businesses - with references. Each case example should include a summary of services provided, the total contract value of services delivered, and reference contact information including name, address, telephone number, and email. For those proposers providing legal counseling in which information is privileged, a basic summary of the service provided (Ex: assistace with cease and desist documentation), the cost for all services rendered in order to complete that service (Ex. consultation, paperwork processing, and any court representation, etc.) and the contact information available in public record should be noted.

Question 6

Does every service have to be done in person? We have a multi-person firm and offer multiple services. Due to my phsycial limitations I provide all my services via Zoom, but my employees meet in person.

Accepted Answer

Someone from the firm needs to be available to meet in person as requested by the small business being serviced.

Question 7

If we’ve already applied to be a TA provider through Motor City Match, can we be considered for this RFQ or is it completely separate?

Accepted Answer

Motor City Match and Detroit Means Business are two separate entities under the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation, therefore, an application as a Business Service Provider to provide business assistance and technical assistance services must be submitted directly.

Question 8

When do services begin after being approved as a Business Service Provider?

Accepted Answer

All parties will be notified of the planned timeline.

Question 9

When is the estimated timeline of approval (if approved?)

Accepted Answer

Communication regarding approval or denial of participation in the Program will be sent via email to the TA Provider within 45 business days of the Detroit Means Business receipt of a completed application.

Question 10

What’s an example of conflict of interest?

Accepted Answer

A conflict of interest is an employee, elected official or appointed official or officer of the City of Detroit government (the City); the spouse or dependent of an employee or board member of the City, Detroit Economic Growth Corporation, Economic Development Corporation, Detroit Economic Growth Association, an affiliate with the Detroit Means Business program, or a Detroit Means Business lending partner or juror who applies for the RFQ. All conflicts of interest must be disclosed and upon upon receipt of this disclosure, the DEGA will determine whether a true conflict of interest exists and if the conflict can be mitigated and/or granted an exemption in accordance with DEGA policies and federal regulations.

Question 11

What are the Federal Funding Guidelines for the RFQ?

Accepted Answer

Find on the formal RFQ document:

Question 12

Is the final payment net 30 days upon completion?

Accepted Answer

Assuming confirmation of completion from the business being serviced has been received, payments should be received in 14 business days.

Question 13

It sounds like there's a start and end date for Statement of Work (SOW),  what if an awardee needs on-going services after the end of the SOW, are we able offer more services? EX: Accounting services - these services are on-going, books need to be closed and financials need to be produced on a on-going basis.

Accepted Answer

This initiative is for projects with a defined stop and start. Companies are free to continue to work with each other without the subsidy that this program provides.

Question 14

Are SBOA Prime and SBOA Fellows eligible to apply?

Accepted Answer

Yes.

Question 15

Do we need business insurance at the time we submit the RFQ?

Accepted Answer

Find on the formal RFQ document:

Question 16

I have operated on and off for years as an independent consultant but my current LLC is less than 2 years old. Would I be eligible?

Accepted Answer

We need to be able to substantiate a track record of over 2 years. We will look at each situation on a case-by-case basis to verify the required track record.

Question 17

As many are still working virtually do you want corporate address or is work email acceptable

Accepted Answer

For the case study, if you provided virtual services to a business, you can list that in the case study example and make note that the services were virtual. However, please provide a contact name, number and email for the business you provided services to for reference.

Question 18

How long does DMB have to spend the allocated dollars from MEDC?

Accepted Answer

All MEDC funding must be allocated by July 31, 2026.

preguntas frecuentes

Preguntas frecuentes