Request for Proposals: Consultancy Services for Labrador Counselling Project

Mokami Status of Women Council (MSWC) is soliciting proposals from highly qualified consultants proficient in supporting our organization and partners in co-creating a regional roster-model counselling initiative that embodies trauma-informed practice and care for both service users and providers.

At the heart of our endeavor lies a commitment to addressing an urgent requirement in our community: the provision of long-term, contextual counselling services for survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) in Labrador. To enhance accessibility, feasibility, sustainability, and foster entrepreneurship in an underrepresented field within our region, we have chosen to adopt a roster model that will offer in-person and virtual counselling options. This model anticipates the involvement of counsellors engaged in or aspiring to participate in private practice, whether on a full-time or part-time basis.

Through collaborative efforts with End Sexual Violence Newfoundland and Labrador and Violence Prevention Labrador we have secured a location in Happy Valley-Goose Bay. This space is undergoing transformation into a therapeutic hub. It will cater to in-person counselling sessions in Central Labrador and will also offer a confidential environment for virtual counselling sessions to roster-based counsellors.

Beyond our primary aim of establishing accessible, long-term, feminist counseling options, an equally essential goal is to enhance community capacity. We recognize that the well-being of our counsellors is integral to providing safe support for survivors. Counsellors often face unique challenges, including burnout and emotional strain while working with survivors. Therefore, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive training, debriefing, and supervision as an integral part of their participation in our roster. This ensures that our counsellors are equipped to deliver effective, compassionate, and sustainable support, thereby amplifying the overall impact of our project.

• Demonstrated connection and knowledge of Labrador, showcasing humility and a sincere understanding and respect for the Indigenous communities in the region.
• Extensive experience in policy and program development related to mental health, trauma support, and gender-based violence interventions.
• Experience in providing effective supervision, debriefing, and support for professionals working with trauma and gender-based violence survivors.
• Strong background in delivering trauma-informed, culturally sensitive counselling services to individuals affected by trauma, especially in the context of gender-based violence.
• Track record of working collaboratively with communities, people with lived and living exerience, partners and stakeholders to develop and implement supportive interventions.

Activity 1: Develop Project Policies and Procedures
Expected Deliverable: Comprehensive set of policies aligning with organizational values and approach.

Actiivty 2: Identify and Co-create Training and Onboarding Processes
Expected Deliverable: Training and onboarding procedures covering the project stance and areas such as gender-based violence, trauma-informed practice, and cultural humility.

Activity 3: Establish Debriefing and Supervision Model
Expected Deliverable: Structured framework for debriefing and supervision sessions to provide emotional support, guidance, and self-care for counsellors

Acitivty 4: Explore Evaluation and Impact Measurement
Expected Deliverable: Methodologies to evaluate project effectiveness, key performance indicators, and assessment tools for measuring outcomes.

Budget: $30,000
Project End Date: March 31, 2024

All inquiries related to this RFP must be made in writing by email and be addressed to the designated representative below:

Stacey Hoffe
Executive Director
Mokami Status of Women Council
stacey@mokamiwomen.ca

Such inquiries shall be delivered no later than November 15, 2023 at 4:00pm AST. Please be advised that inquiries and answers may be sent to all proponents.

Interested consultants or firms are invited to submit a proposal that includes:

• Your approach to the project
• A breakdown of costs
• Information on your/your team's qualifications and relevant experience
• A general work plan and timeline for project completion
• Any additional information you believe would be beneficial for our consideration

Submissions should be sent to stacey@mokamiwomen.ca by 12:00pm (noon) on Tuesday, November 21, 2023.

1.0 Governing Law. The laws of Newfoundland and Labrador govern this procurement and any subsequent contract arising from this RFP.

2.0 Lowest Cost. MSWC may not accept the lowest cost or any proposal and further reserves the right to cancel this RFP at any time.

3.0 Cost of Proposal. Preparation and submission of a proposal in response to this RFP is voluntary and any costs associated with proposal preparation, submission, meetings, negotiations or discussions with MSWC must be borne by the proponent submitting the proposal.

4.0 No Claim. MSWC shall not be liable to any proponent for any claims, whether for costs, expenses, losses or damages or anticipated profits, for any other matter whatsoever , incurred by the proponent in preparing and submitting a proposal, or participating in negotiations for a contract, or other activity related to or arising out of this RFP. Except as expressly and specifically permitted in this RFP, no proponent shall have any claim for any compensation of any kind whatsoever as a result of participating in this RFP and by submitting a proposal each proponent shall be deemed to have agreed that it has no claim.

5.0 Proponents Qualifications. In submitting a proposal, the proponent acknowledges and agrees that it has read, understood and agrees to all terms and conditions described in this RFP and that it has the necessary experience, skills and ability to effectively provide the services.

6.0 Acceptance of Proposal. MSWC reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals received in response to this RFP. MSWC further reserves the right to conduct personal interviews with selected proponents and contact the references as provided.

7.0 Withdrawal. Proponents may withdraw their proposal at any time prior to acceptance.

8.0 No Binding Contract. MSWC may, after reviewing the proposals received, enter into discussions with one or more of the proponents, without such discussion in any way creating a binding contract between MSWC and any proponent. There will be no binding agreement with MSWC until a formal contract with negotiated terms has been signed by both MSWC and the successful proponent.

9.0 Solicitation with MSWC. Prior to the closing date, proponents should not establish contact with anyone inside the MSWC regarding this RFP, other than the representative(s) identified, without that representative's permission.

10.0 Confidentiality. Any information acquired about the MSWC by a proponent must not be disclosed unless authorized by the MSWC, and this obligation shall survive the termination of the RFP process.

11.0 Conflict of Interest. By submitting a proposal, the proponent declares that it has no pecuniary interest in the business of any third party that would cause a conflict of interest or be seen to cause a conflict of interest in carrying out the services.