TO: Prospective Bidders
FROM: United Way of South Central Michigan
CONTACT: Lyonel LaGrone II (he/him), Community Impact Director
RE: Request for Proposal (RFP) to provide public policy planning & government relations facilitation services
DATE: October 30, 2023
ABOUT UNITED WAY OF SOUTH CENTRAL MICHIGAN
United Way of South Central Michigan (UWSCMI) gathers the power of three legacy organizations—Capital Area United Way, United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region, and United Way of Jackson County—to mobilize financial and volunteer resources, partners, and voices, creating equitable and lasting change for the most vulnerable people in our communities.
Our Vision: Strong, caring communities where every person is valued, thriving, and connected for the common good.
Our Mission: We bring together the people, ideas and resources to lead with our communities and create a flourishing and equitable life for everyone.
Our Path: Our work lifts our local communities by reducing racial and economic disparities; addressing the needs of ALICE (Asset-Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) households in financial stability, education, health, and basic needs; and creating opportunities for every person to reach their full potential.
EQUITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION
UWSCMI is committed to dismantling systemic inequities that continue to cause harm for Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color (BIPOC), Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQIA+) people, women, and people with disabilities. We believe that these communities must be centered in the work we do. We strongly encourage applications from people with these identities or who are members of other marginalized communities. Together, we will continue to build capacity and accountability into our policies, practices, and partnerships.
Full UWSCMI Equity Statement can be read here: https://unitedforscmi.org/equity-diversity-and-inclusion/
Summary:
UWSCMI is seeking proposals from qualified consultants or firms to provide strategic public policy planning facilitation to assist our board and organization in designing a comprehensive public policy and government relations strategy. Only Michigan- based firms or consultants need apply.
Scope of Work:
The consultant will be responsible for leading a comprehensive public policy strategic planning process with the primary objective of developing actionable and impactful policies aligned with UWSCMI’s organizational goals. The consultant will be expected to provide strategic facilitation to:
- Conduct a thorough review of our current public policy initiatives and identify areas for improvement.
- Collaborate with key stakeholders within our organization to understand organizational priorities and objectives.
- Analyze relevant industry trends, legislative changes, and best practices to inform the strategic planning process.
- Facilitate a series of strategic planning sessions with our team, focusing on goal-setting, prioritization, and the development of specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) policy objectives.
- Draft a public policy strategic action plan, provide a framework for a public policy process, and provide guidance on the implementation and communication of the plan. This includes, but is not limited to the development of an escalation matrix analyzing proposed policies and determining what, if any position or action should be taken based on six criteria:
a) Relevance to our mission
b) Impact on people/community we serve
c) Feasibility that the policy will move
d) Opportunity for UWSCMI to impact the outcome
e) Potential Benefit to UWSCMI
f) Potential Risk to UWSCMI
REPORTING: Reports to UWSCMI Chief Impact Officer
Proposal Submission Guidelines:
- Executive Summary: A brief overview of your firm, qualifications, and relevant experience in public policy strategic planning.
- Methodology: An outline of the approach you would take to conduct the strategic planning session, including key milestones and deliverables.
- Relevant Experience: Details of previous projects that demonstrate your expertise in public policy development and strategic planning.
- Team Expertise: A summary of the qualifications and experience of the individuals who will be directly involved in the project.
- Timeline: A proposed timeline for completing the strategic planning session, including key milestones and deadlines.
- Budget: A detailed budget that includes all costs associated with the project, including consultant fees, travel, accommodation, and any other relevant expenses. (Not to exceed $30,000)
- References: Contact information for at least three professional references from clients who can speak to your experience in public policy strategic planning.
Qualified entities shall provide a proposal to UWSCMI via email to l.lagrone@uwscmi.org with the above materials by December 1, 2023. Questions about the RFP should be directed to Lyonel LaGrone II, Community Impact Director.
