Strategic Plan Writer

Request for Proposals

Strategic Planning, Meeting Facilitation, and Strategic Plan Writing

Open Date: February 23, 2021

Proposal Due Date: March 17, 2021

Scope of Work:

Baltimore County Communities for the Homeless (BCCH) seeks contractual support from a qualified facilitator and writer to assist in the development of a strategic plan, guiding and casting a vision for the future of the organization.

BCCH is an organization comprised of community stakeholders and concerned citizens of Baltimore County. We believe in the inherent value and dignity of all human beings, that housing is a human right, that advocacy is more powerful in collaboration and that it is possible to end homelessness in the county. BCCH was established with the purpose of serving the homeless citizens of Baltimore County by advocating, raising awareness, assessing current trends, informing and educating the public about issues and conditions that impact this vulnerable population.

Selected contractor(s) will work closely with the BCCH board and its members to shape the development of this plan over the course of a 3 to 4 month period beginning in April 2021 and concluding by August 2021.

Project Requirements (subject to change based on progression):

1. Facilitate at least 3 to 4 work sessions with the BCCH board and its members to: a. Shape the planning process; b. Synthesize the major themes and critical issues identified; c. Reach consensus on the vision, mission, strategic goals, objectives, and activities of this project;
2. Design of tool and process for gathering additional input from the online community; and,
3. Writing and design of the strategic planning document.

Cost Proposal:

The proposal must not exceed the $5000 budget. Cost proposals must include an overall estimate for all work in the proposal, as well as hourly and daily rates. Proposals should also factor in time for conference calls, as necessary, with the project planning committee throughout the process.

Proposals should not include a budget for meeting space rental, food and refreshments, focus group incentives, or mass printing and distribution of the strategic plan.

Proposal Submission:

The proposal submission should not exceed six pages, with other supporting documentation appended as supplemental material, and should include:

1. Name of firm;
2. Name and contact information for the consultant(s);
3. Description of experience and qualifications;
4. Indication of availability during project period;
5. Statement of work to include a brief outline of contractor’s suggested approach for the project with the understanding that the actual scope of work will be refined after consultant selection;
6. Cost proposal; and,
7. At least three references.

Please include full resume(s) and samples of previous strategic planning work as appendices.

Proposals are due on or before 5:00 PM EST on March 17, 2021.

Please send proposals as a PDF file to:

Name: Megan Goffney

Title: BCCH President

Email: bcchboard@gmail.com

Proposal Evaluation:

A contractor will be selected through a competitive process based on:

• Background and experience in strategic planning;
• Meeting design expertise, facilitation skills, and group process skills;
• Quality of writing, based on samples of work;
• Use of technology to facilitate input from stakeholders; and,
• Cost effectiveness of proposal.

It is anticipated that the contractor will be selected by late March 2021.