Request for Proposals: The Nourish and Develop Foundation Cannington, Ontario

The Nourish and Develop Foundation (TNDF) has been provided the opportunity to oversee the use of the Paterson Community Services Building, a state of the art facility being constructed in Cannington, Ontario. TNDF is committed to the concept of social enterprise and requires an innovative approach in developing a Business Model-Plan for the use of this building and co-shared space. Construction of the Paterson Community Services Building is scheduled to begin in the spring of 2012. It is most important that community stakeholders in Brock Township have a clear sense of the new facility and prioritize what services will be housed in the Patterson Building.

TNDF will hire a Fee-For-Service Consultant to research and develop materials that will guide the planning and development of a business model based on a social innovation framework. This process will provide the opportunity to create, improve and develop new community resources utilizing the design of the building to provide meeting space, a shared resource base, connectivity, education and through the development of new services and information to the community of Brock.

This model of collaboration will house a Multi-Service Hub and a Learning and Innovation Centre under one roof. The future community services and educational activities under the Paterson Building will be coordinated through a business model capable of creating economic opportunities through the provision of services, education, training, e-connectivity, effective partnerships across sectors, and the exploration of new business opportunities to create and retain quality employment in Brock.

There are two separate but integrated components to this RFP. Applications may be submitted for one or both sections of this work. Given the very tight timeframe of this contract it is critical that the individual or team has considerable knowledge of Brock Township and/or the dynamics of rural communities. The successful candidate(s) will have the expertise to facilitate input from diverse interest groups and demonstrated experience in social enterprise and/or community development. It is also imperative for the consultant to recognize the community as experts, aiming for participatory methods and approaches. The successful candidate/s will have exceptional organizational skills and superior communication skills both verbal and written.

Section 1: “Information Gathering and Consultations”
Expected timeframe: Feb 1st to March 7th of 2012
Expected work hours: 140 hours total or 28 hr/wk (only as a reference)
Expected compensation: $50 per hour (or $7,000 total)
Other paid Expenses: Travel, printing, meetings and materials (as approved)

Expected work assignment: See below
a. Facilitate an information gathering and community consultation process to determine the local needs and key priorities that can be included in the new building proposed framework.
b. Identify actual gaps in community services that could become an opportunity to be part of this collaborative space and co-shared approach.
c. Identify key community stakeholders that that could fit within the proposed building and are willing to co-share the new space and proposed social innovation framework.
d. Identify potential strategic partnerships to participate in the development of a Community Service Hub and Learning and Innovation Centre within a social enterprise approach.
e. Produce a report on the above information gathering and findings in a succinct and clear format that outlines the consultation format/process and conclusions.

The information collected and collated in Section 1 will provide the foundation to elaborate a business model-plan for the use of the Paterson Community Services Building and to ensure it is responsive to the economic and social needs of the local community.

Section 2: “Best Practices – Business Model Elaboration”
Expected timeframe: Feb 15th to March 28th of 2012
Expected work hours: 168 hours total or 28 hr/wk (only as reference)
Expected Compensation: $50 per hour (or $8,400 total)
Other paid Expenses: Travel, printing, meetings and materials (as approved)

Expected work assignment: See below
a. Research, analyze, and create a report exploring relevant existing models of co-managed, shared workspace and social innovation, including potential management structure and operational aspects for the Paterson Community Services Building as a social enterprise.
b. Elaborate and recommend a business model-plan that combines local community findings (Section 1) and researched best practices. The result will be the determination of a suitable and sustainable business model for the Paterson Building space and framework of collaboration.
c. Produce a Final Report that integrates findings, the proposed model and guides implementation within a social innovation and social enterprise framework, including the outputs of section 1.
d. Develop recommendations for a future Learning and Innovation Centre based on community need; availability of services; potential partnerships and resources for further development of the centre including coordination and potential funding.

Overall:
The above work, sections 1 and 2, will be guided by the designated project supervisor (TNDF Director of Operations), the Paterson Building Community Advisory Board and the overall community feedback. Relevant best practices should also guide the work. The consultant/s is expected to meet with the Community Advisory Board at least twice over the term of the contract. Ongoing supervision will be provided by the Director of the Nourish and Develop Foundation. Community consultation and collection of materials may include previous reports, use of Survey Monkey, focus groups and individual interviews.

All applications must include: relevant experience; references; any additional expenses required and invoicing practice.

All applications must be delivered to:
33 Cameron Street, Cannington
P.O Box 220
Cannington, Ontario L0E 1E0

No later than noon on January 25, 2012 to the attention of Cesar Caneo, Director of Operations, Nourish and Develop Foundation. Applications may also be sent by email but ensuring receipt is the responsibility of the applicant.

Please direct all inquiries to Cesar Caneo by email ccaneo@ntdf.ca or by phone 705- 432-2444.