Request For Proposals - DIALOGUE FORUM SERIES


Deadline to submit a proposal is February 5, 2010 @ 4:00 p.m. to marlane.christensen@icab.ca

PROJECT INFORMATION
1. Introduction and Background

ICAB's Dialogue Forums arise from the insight that business-specific discussions between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people are often made difficult or impossible by issues and perceptions far removed from -- and often far bigger than -- the business at hand. Talking about the issues can be risky and painful because they constitute the social, financial, legal, political and cultural gap between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Canadians. ICAB believes that many of the solutions to problems will be found through the in-depth exploration of these more difficult, deeper questions.  The Dialogue Forums will provide a safe place for that discussion.

2. Description, Purpose and Rationale
The purpose is to provide an opportunity to engage in dialogue about issues which prevent progress.

ICAB’s philosophy is that differences, respectfully expressed and received, contribute to the strength of a relationship. ICAB’s position is that being familiar and comfortable with each other’s differences will inevitably lead to the recognition of similarities and consequently the joint pursuit of common or complementing objectives.

The goal of the program is to encourage thought-provoking and high-level conversation without the expectation of specific outcomes. It will be up to the group to decide what outcome best reflects the nature and results of the dialogue.

The desired impact is the improvement of communication between corporations, governments and Aboriginal communities through effective dialogue techniques and a collective body of expertise developed by ICAB’s diverse network of decision-makers.

3. Key Deliverables
The program’s key value is to engage in thoughtful, frank, open and safe dialogue without the risk of ridicule or embarrassment, economic or political cost.

Vital to the success of the Dialogue Forums is skilled facilitation, preparation and debrief of the Dialogue Forum participants.

The Contractor will work with ICAB’s Executive Director and Board Committee to develop the pilot of the Dialogue Forum Series including the following key-deliverables:

a) facilitation approach and plan from preparation to debrief;
b) meeting logistics such as time-span, food & beverage arrangements, set-up and location;
c) schedule;
d) definition of discussion topics in close collaboration with ICAB leadership and membership;
e) methodology of documentation and communication of outcomes; and
f)

evaluation criteria.

The Contractor will work with ICAB leadership and pilot participants to make alterations to all of the above based on the pilot’s evaluation in order to transition the Dialogue Forums into standard ICAB programming.

4. Term
The initial term will be February 8, 2010 to March 31, 2010

The Contractor will plan, run and evaluate two dialogue forums before March 31, 2010. In addition the Contractor will assist ICAB in the re-design of the program based on the evaluation of the outcomes of the two sessions.

LOCATION:The dialogue forums will take place in Vancouver, B.C. From time to time, the contractor may be required to travel within British Columbia to successfully complete the project. Meetings may take place by conference call or videoconference from time to time. The contractor is expected to provide his/her own office space and equipment.

The contractor will be expected to provide the following reports:
• Written and verbal status reports and updates to ICAB
• A comprehensive final report including all findings, sources, observations, and recommendations.

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: The project schedule will take place from February 8, 2010 to March 31, 2010. 

NOTE: This is not a tender. ICAB reserves the right to reject any or all proposals at its sole discretion, and may not accept the lowest cost proposal. ICAB will enter into a contract with the successful proponent, if any, on terms incorporating those set out above. This RFP is subject to available funding.