RFP for Strategic Direction Setting
Facilitation of Strategic Direction Setting for the Regional Centers for Healthy Communities/Mass Partnership for Healthy Communities System
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR PROVIDING
Facilitation of Strategic Direction Setting for the Regional Centers for Healthy Communities/Mass Partnership for Healthy Communities System
OVERVIEW OF PROJECT
Opportunity: Provide consultation to a cutting edge state-wide community health technical assistance system.
Background: The MA Department of Public Health (MDPH), Office of Healthy Communities and the Bureau of Substance Abuse Services established, by an RFP, in 2002 a community health technical assistance system comprising six Regional Centers for Healthy Communities and one Mass Partnership for Healthy Communities. (This system has its roots starting in the late 1980s and was previously known as the MA Prevention Centers and Prevention Support Services). Today, these 7 entities make up what is called the Healthy Communities System. Each entity is managed by a different not-for-profit agency This system is largely funded through MDPH Bureau of Substance Abuse Prevention Federal Block Grant and is currently at a crossroads now and is reevaluating a broader public health role in the prevention of disease/health promotion model. It will engage in a process to develop strategic direction that will serve to as a catalyst for both a deeper conversation and the creation of a more encompassing vision to assist the system in responding to new challenges
Project Goals:
The development of core of strategic direction recommendations that will serve to enable a reformatting of this system into a new, more marketable entity able to respond to emerging public health opportunities and challenges. The consultant will lead the system in asking and answering three key questions towards a larger goal of improving community health:
1. What is the most ideal configuration for a capacity building system?
2. If the answer is our current system, how do we strengthen it; if not, how do we create a better system?
3. How do we measure our effectiveness?
PURPOSE:
The intent of this Request for Proposal is to obtain a consultant to facilitate various levels of dialogue, to answer these questions and conduct environmental scans through key informant interviews, conversations with stakeholders and other research to inform the process.
CONSULTANT RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Clarify areas of inquiry for the purpose of information gathering
2. Lead development of key informant interview process (Interviews are likely to be shared between consultant and group).
3. Research and present comparative models (from public health and other disciplines) for capacity building systems (including the pros and cons) and the potential impact of health care reform. Work with the group to define application of the model if a new one is chosen.
4. Convene directors and funders to answer above questions (under Project Goals) and to review data collected.
ANTICIPATED DELIVERABLES:
Issue a report of recommendations for implementation by all parties involved along with pertinent research used.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
1. Proven capacity to facilitate in complex organizational structures with challenging groups to meet outcomes in accordance with a timeline.
2. Ability to think on the level of organizational structures and understand and ask core questions about complex systems.
3. Excellent communication and writing skills
4. Relevant experience with multi?sector collaborations/partnerships
5. Willingness to ask and address complex issues and topics
6. Ability to operate in an ambiguously defined area
TO APPLY:
In order to be considered responsive to this invitation, proposals submitted should contain the following information:
1. A cover letter summarizing the consultants relevant experience, qualifications
2. Rsum or Curriculum Vitae
3. Proposed scope of services (1-2 pages)
4. Detailed budget
5. Names, affiliations, and phone numbers for three client references
SELECTION PROCESS
A subcommittee of the RCHC/MPHC directors and MDPH will review cover letters and related materials (refer to To Apply) from interested applicants. Proposals will be evaluated and those applicants with the highest qualifications will then be invited to interview and will be notified by phone or in writing once a decision has been made. We will strongly consider candidates who have worked with and understand the constraints of non-profit organizations. Interviews will be conducted on January 27, 2009 in Boston.
COMPENSATION: Payment for services is negotiable up to a maximum of $10,000.00 inclusive of travel.
How to Apply:
PROJECT COORDINATOR: Contact Stefanie Valovic at [email protected] for more information.
TO APPLY: Send application materials to Stefanie Valovic at [email protected] by January 19, 2009.
SPECIAL PROVISIONS: Services must be delivered no later than June 30, 2009.
