REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) FOR STRATEGIC PLANNING SERVICES Issued by: Native Canadian Centre of Toronto February 6th, 2025 Deadline for Submission of Final Proposal: March 9th, 2025

3 hours ago4 min read

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 PURPOSE/GENERAL INFORMATION

● 1.1 Background of NCCT

● 1.2 Definitions

● 1.3 Scope of Work

● 1.4 Services to be Performed

● 1.5 Project Timeline

2.0 PROPOSAL CONTENTS

● 2.1 Qualifications

● 2.2 Evaluation and Selection Criteria

3.0 PROPOSAL INSTRUCTIONS AND CONDITIONS

● 3.1 Submission Instructions

● 3.2 Proposal Conditions

1.0 PURPOSE/GENERAL INFORMATION

The Native Canadian Centre of Toronto (NCCT) is requesting proposals from consulting firms to facilitate and prepare a strategic plan for the upcoming five years (2025-2030). The strategic plan will define a long-term vision for NCCT with clearly defined priorities, performance indicators, and measurable outcomes.

The successful consultant must have extensive experience in strategic planning, particularly within Indigenous communities and organizations. The consultant must be able to facilitate inclusive engagement sessions with Knowledge Keepers, board members, staff, community, and stakeholders to create a clear, actionable, and measurable strategic plan.

1.1 Background of NCCT

Since 1962, the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto (NCCT) has been a key gathering place for Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples alike. As Toronto’s oldest Indigenous community organization and one of the original Friendship Centres in Canada, NCCT provides social, recreational, cultural, and spiritual services to the community.

Mission

To provide a welcoming space for all and deliver innovative programs and services reflecting traditional Indigenous cultural perspectives.

Mandate

To maintain an inclusive environment where Indigenous people can connect to their ancestry, and all people can explore the value of Indigenous knowledge.

Vision

A world that appreciates the true value of Indigenous knowledge, a community that embraces its place in that world, and a self-sufficient centre that enables it all.

Values

Wisdom, Love, Respect, Bravery, Honesty, Humility, and Truth

Additional information can be found at: NCCT Website

1.2 Definitions

For the purpose of this RFP:

● "Administrator" means the person responsible for the RFP process and execution of the Agreement.

● "Evaluation Committee" means the decision-making body evaluating the proposals. ● "Proposal” refers to the written submission by the Proponent in response to this RFP. ● "Proponent" refers to the individual, partnership, or corporation submitting a Proposal. ● "Services" refer to the work outlined in this RFP.

● "Submission Deadline" refers to the proposal due date outlined in the RFP.

1.3 Scope of Work

The selected Consultant will work with NCCT to develop a strategic plan that:

● Defines the organization’s vision and guiding principles for 2025-2030.

● Establishes clear objectives, priorities, and performance indicators.

● Ensures engagement with Knowledge Keepers, board members, staff, community, funders, and other stakeholders.

● Utilizes surveys, focus groups, and data-driven methodologies where applicable. ● Results in a concise, actionable, and measurable strategic plan.

1.4 Services to be Performed

The Consultant will be responsible for:

● Conducting an initial consultation and kickoff meeting with board members and the Executive Director.

● Designing a structured strategic planning process with timelines and deliverables. ● Performing an environmental scan (e.g., SWOT analysis).

● Facilitating engagement sessions (e.g., Community talking circle, surveys, one-on-one interviews).

● Drafting and presenting the strategic plan for review and refinement.

● Delivering the finalized strategic plan (including an executive summary for public sharing). 1.5 Project Timeline

Milestone	Due Date
Clarifying Questions Deadline	March 3, 2025
RFP Submission Deadline	March 9, 2025
Contract Awarded	March 14, 2025
Work Plan Due	March 28, 2025
Draft Strategic Plan	June 6, 2025
Finalized Strategic Plan	July 11, 2025

2.0 PROPOSAL CONTENTS

● Executive Summary (understanding of project, estimated hours, and timeline). ● Service Approach (methodology, knowledge of Indigenous organizations).

● Firm’s Experience (history, relevant clients, qualifications).

● Key Personnel (background of team members).

● Fee Structure (detailed pricing, billing rates).

● References (minimum two references from Indigenous organizations).

● Previous Work Samples (two examples of strategic planning work).

2.2 Evaluation and Selection Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on the following weighted criteria:

Criteria	Weight (%)
Understanding of Scope	25%
Experience with Indigenous Organizations	20%
Proposed Methodology	20%
Cost & Value	15%
Team Expertise	10%
References & Past Work	10%

3.1 SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

● Proposals must be submitted via email to: arlene.d odge@ncct.on.ca

● Submission Deadline: March 9, 2025 (Late submissions will not be considered). ● Accepted formats: PDF or Word document (no fax/mail submissions).

4.0 PROPOSAL CONDITIONS

● NCCT reserves the right to reject any proposal or reissue the RFP.

● All costs associated with proposal preparation are the responsibility of the Proponent. ● Proponents may amend or withdraw a submitted Proposal before the submission deadline by notifying NCCT in writing. Amendments received after the deadline will not be accepted. Withdrawn Proposals will not be reconsidered.

● All decisions regarding the evaluation of Proposals and the selection of a successful Proponent will be made by NCCT’s Evaluation Committee. These decisions are final and not subject to appeal.

● All proposals submitted in response to this request shall be considered the exclusive intellectual property of the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto (NCCT). By submitting a proposal, the proposer acknowledges and agrees that the NCCT shall retain all rights, title, and interest in the proposal, including but not limited to any ideas, concepts, designs, or innovations contained

therein. The NCCT reserves the right to use, modify, or distribute the proposal in any way it deems necessary, without further consent from the proposer, and without any obligation to provide compensation or recognition unless otherwise specified.

● NCCT’s Evaluation Committee has final decision-making authority.

For inquiries, email Arlene.Dodge@ncct.on.ca by March 3, 2025.