The Port of Cleveland is seeking a qualified vendor to provide comprehensive strategic planning services. The selected vendor will lead a process that actively engages both internal and external stakeholders, benchmarks best practices from leading international ports and economic development finance organizations, and translates these insights into a tailored, actionable roadmap designed specifically for Cleveland.

Key components of the project include an in-depth evaluation of current port operations, existing strategic planning documentation, key performance indicators, financial records, economic impact, and overall performance. The scope also comprises a robust market and trend analysis, covering Great Lakes and national maritime developments such as cargo trends, supply chain shifts, tariff impacts, decarbonization efforts, alternative fuel adoption, federal funding opportunities, dredging advancements, and public development finance models.

Additionally, the vendor will conduct a thorough financial and asset review, including analysis of the port's balance sheet, bond fund performance, real estate portfolio, deployment of operating surpluses, and the structure and outcomes of the Community Impact Fund. The final deliverable must address the overarching strategic questions outlined in the provided framework and offer clear guidance for future implementation.