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Application Guidelines
Invitation for Proposals (IFP)
Consultant for Small Business Catalyzer Pilot
IFP # 2019-10-16
Issue Date: Wednesday, October 16, 2019
Closing Date:Wednesday, October 30, 2019 at 5 PM
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1. INTRODUCTION
(A.C.C.E.S) Accessible Community Counselling and Employment Services (“ACCES
Employment”) is inviting qualified consultants with experience supporting entrepreneurs
and/or developing small business support programming to lead the implementation of the
ILEO Small Business Catalyzer (SBC) pilot.
During the initial project period that is covered by this IFP (November 2019 – March 31,
2020), the consultant’s responsibilities will include:
Contribute to the ongoing design of the SBC pilot, inclusive of developing
program materials and processes.
Support private sector volunteers to serve as coaches and provide a range of
coaching sessions to entrepreneurs.
Liaise with community agencies and other pipeline actors (i.e. City of Toronto) to
support entrepreneur recruitment to the program
Deliver SBC program initiation and other entrepreneur-facing sessions, as needed
in community.
Work closely with United Way Greater Toronto to prepare for and host
Investment Committee meetings.
The consultant contracted by ACCES Employment will work with UWGT staff, as well
as with advice from ILEO Small Business Catalyzer Taskforce/Investment Committee.
Some work will be based out of UWGT’s corporate office (26 Wellington Street East) as
well as appropriate locations at community partners in Toronto for certain activities.
2. PROJECT DESCRIPTION
2.1 Project Overview
The ILEO Small Business Catalyzer (SBC) aims to contribute to a vibrant neighbourhood
retail environment by enabling emerging locally owned small retail businesses to
commercialize and scale. The Corporate Leadership Table SBC Taskforce has developed
an operating model (see below) that includes:
A two-phased application process that first assesses candidate entrepreneurs
against the program’s mandate and then on the feasibility of their business plan.
Access to business plan development support between Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the
application process.
Access to rent subsidies, financing to cover startup and retail fit-up costs,
mentoring and coaching, and professional services such as legal advice,
marketing, technology for entrepreneurs accepted to the program.
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Upon successful completion of the program, the entrepreneur would transition to
market rate tenancy in their retail space.
2.2 Small Business Catalyzer Operating Model
2.3 Consultant Role and Relationship with United Way
The consultant contracted by ACCES Employment will work closely with the UWGT
Manager, Strategic Initiatives. The UWGT Director, Strategic Initiatives, who will
provide oversight and guidance for the work. Managerial authority for the work will be
shared by the consultant and UWGT staff.
3. SCOPE OF WORK & DELIVERABLES
The development of this initiative is already underway. The consultant will be
responsible for contributing to the ongoing design of the pilot and driving its
implementation, by undertaking the following pieces of work, alongside UWGT staff.
3.1 Pilot Design: Nov 2019 – Mar 2020
Building off the Operating Model, and with direction and guidance from UWGT
staff and the SBC Investment Committee, the consultant will contribute to the
ongoing design of the SBC Pilot..
The consultant will develop SBC orientation materials, business plan support
materials, coaching session tracking tools, as well as a ‘readiness assessment, and
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monitoring ‘health checks’ to track and report on participant progress as they
advance through the program.
3.2 Pilot Implmentation - Candidate Recruitment and Assessment:
Nov 2019 - Feb 2020
The consultant will liaise/conduct outreach with select community agencies and
other pipeline actors to recruit potential entrepreneurs to the SBC. Aim is to pilot
the program with ~3 entrepreneurs.
The consultant will support and manage the application process of potential
entrepreneurs, assess fit with the program and prepare packages for the
Investment Committee’s Cohort 1 Assessment.
The consultant will manage communications between the SBC and entrepreneurs.
The consultant will connect the applicant with business plan development support
between Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the application process.
3.3 Pilot implementation - Initial Execution: Feb – Mar 2020
The consultant will support private sector volunteers to serve as coaches and to
provide a range of pro-bono supports to entrepreneurs.
The consultant will deliver program orientation and other entrepreneur-facing
sessions, as needed, in community.
The consultant will perform a “readiness assessment” check one month before
entrepreneur(s) are ready to open their doors to the public.
The consultant will work with internal UWGT staff and the Investment
Committee to plan a grand opening launch to celebrate ILEO’s first
neighbourhood-based initiative.
3.4 Investment Committee Support: 3 Meetings
The consultant will work with internal UWGT staff to prepare for and co-chair
the SBC Investment Committee meetings.
3.5 Deliverables
The Consultant’s work will enable UWGT to announce the opening of SBC businesses in
the Golden Mile by Spring 2020. An addendum may be issued after the period covered
by this RFP for additional and ongoing work for the pilot implementation through to the
end of the pilot. Deliverables for March 31, 2020 include:
o Recruiting entrepreneurs and supporting them through the application
phase.
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o Preparing materials to support the Investment Committee to adjudicate
entry into the SBC.
o Coordinating and supporting business plan support between Phase 1 and
Phase 2 of the application process.
o Design and delivery of orientation sessions and other entrepreneur-facing
sessions/supports to on-board successful candidates into the program.
o Design and delivery of a ‘readiness check’ 1 month prior to doors open.
o Coordinating and supporting a series of coaching sessions between
entrepreneurs and private sector volutneers.
o Design of‘health check’ progress reports to monitor the progress of SBC
entrepreneurs for the length to the program and to support their exit from
the program when the time comes.
Neighbourhood launch event:
o Supporting the planning for a public event that will celebrate the launch of
1 or more SBC businesses in Spring 2020 (TBC).
4. SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS
4.1 Submittal Format & Requirements
Only proposals that include all the listed requirements in sections 4.1 to 4.4 will
be considered
The proposal should not exceed 2,000 words in total, including details on how the
budget will be used, but excluding appendices (CV, work samples, references,
etc.). Type size should be 12 pt.
The subject line of the email is to indicate the proponent’s name and the IFP
number. All quotations are to be submitted to the attention of:
Selection Committee - IFP # 2019-09-24
Proponents are Invitationed to compile the proposal into a single PDF file.
Inquires and Proposals are to be submitted electronically to ACCES
Employment at [email protected] as per deadlines outlined in
Section 5 Timeline and Key Dates
List name and contact information
Conflict of Interest – Appendix B, completed, signed and enclosed
References – Appendix C, completed and enclosed
Bid Form – Appendix D, completed, signed and enclosed
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4.2 Samples of Previous Projects
Description of the applicant’s work, including experience in supporting small
business entrepreneurs and/or designing small business programs.
List of similar projects currently or previously undertaken.
2–3 work samples by the applicant.
4.3 Project Approach and Methodology
Overview of the applicant’s understanding of the scope and requirements of the project,
and the approach that the applicant will take.
A project proposal with rationale for chosen methods and tools.
A work plan that reflects the deliverables and timelines identified above.
A clear breakdown of the tasks, showing the amount of time the consultant or
each member of the consultant team will spend on this project.
A brief description of how the applicant would work with UWGT staff managing
the project.
4.4 Cost
A budget for the total cost of the work, including all personnel, materials and other
expenditures. We anticipate budgets that identify ~10 days of dedicated of pilot design
and ~ 30 days of implementation support.
5 TIMELINE AND KEY DATES
Activity Date
IFP Release Date Wednesday, October 16, 2019
Last Day for Questions Tuesday, October 22, 2019 at 12 Noon
Last Day for Issuing Addenda Wednesday October 23, 2019
Proposal Submission Deadline Wednesday, October 30, 2019 at 12 Noon
Review/Selection Period: Interviews of
selected Candidates
Thursday, Nov 7, 2019
Selection and awarding of Contract Week of November 11, 2019
Pilot Design November 2019 – March 2020
Pilot Implementation - Candidate
Recruitment and Assessment
November 2019 – February 2020
Pilot Implementation – Initial Execution February – March 2020
Deliverables Throughout the contract period
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6 EVALUATION CRITERIA
6.1 Evaluation of Proposals
A selection committee will conduct an evaluation of the qualifications and award the
contract to the bidder whose proposal offers the best value to ACCES Employment. This
may not necessarily be the lowest priced proposal. The evaluation process will involve
the review and scoring of the information provided in the proposal against the criteria
outlined below.
6.2 Evaluation Criteria Table
Evaluation Criteria Max Points
Samples of Previous Projects:
- Understanding of the project
requirements
- Understanding of related knowledge
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20
Project Approach and
Methodology:
- Expertise and skills related to the
project scope
- Ability to manage this project as
necessary to meet deadlines and
delivery high-quality deliverables
20
20
Ability to work collaboratively with
ACCES Employment and UWGT
staff and its corporate and
community partners
10
Cost
10
Total Score 100
6.3 Evaluation Process
The proponent that receives the highest score will be invited to enter a contract with
ACCES Employment. In the event that the highest scored proponent declines the
invitation to further participate, ACCES Employment reserves the right to invite the next
highest scoring proponent to enter the contract instead.
Any award made by ACCES Employment shall be made in writing and is subject to the
availability of funding at the time of award.
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7 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
7.1 ACCES Employment is not Committed to Proponent’s Expenses
The application process will not necessarily result in a commitment to sign a
contract with the Proponent. ACCES Employment shall not be liable for any
expenses incurred by any Proponent, including the expenses associated with the
cost of preparing the Application.
7.2 Entering into a Contract with ACCES Employment
The successful proponent(s) will be required to enter into a Service Agreement
with ACCES Employment.
Please be advised that successful Proponents will be required to:
(a) Provide the services for a defined period of time;
(b) Provide invoices to ACCES Employment on account of their services,
accordingly;
(c) Provide ACCES Employment with an HST number for their business;
(d) Report their income and directly remit the payment of all taxes or
payments assessed or levied against or in respect of their business,
including income tax, Canada Pension Plan, and all other premiums or
levies required by law to the appropriate Government Agency; and
Provide proof of Liability Insurance and/or WSIB upon the Invitation of
ACCES Employment.
7.3 New Information by Way of Addenda
If ACCES Employment, for any reason, determines that it is necessary to provide
additional information relating to this IFP, such information will be
communicated to all proponents by addenda. Each addendum shall form an
integral part of this IFP. Such addenda may contain important information,
including significant changes to this IFP.
7.4 External Factors
ACCES Employment reserves the right to withdraw this IFP or terminate the
resulting contract within the terms of the contract without penalty. ACCES
Employment programs and services receive funding from various sources and
therefore all contracted services are subject to budget constraints.
7.5 Response to be Retained by ACCES Employment
ACCES Employment will not return the response or any accompanying
documentation submitted by a proponent. Late submissions will not be accepted.
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APPENDIX A – About ACCES Employment and United Way Greater Toronto
About ACCES Employment
ACCES Guiding Principles
Our Vision
A fully inclusive labour force that reflects the diversity, skills and experience of Canada's
population.
Our Mission
ACCES assists job seekers from diverse backgrounds who are facing barriers to
employment, to integrate into the Canadian job market. We achieve this by providing
employment services, linking employers to skilled people and building strong networks
in collaboration with community partners.
Our Values
We value and respect the uniqueness of each individual, including our clients, our
employers, our community partners and ourselves. We strive to provide every person
with Customer Service Excellence and an exceptional customer experience.
Inclusive - We are committed to respecting individual differences and being accessible to
all those we serve. ACCES staff reflects the diversity of our community.
Accountable - We provide transparent, high quality services, and achieve results that are
measurable and fiscally responsible.
Client Focused - Our services are customized to meet the needs of our clients,
communities and employers.
Collaborative - We work together to achieve our goals and respect the contributions of
others, both within ACCES and with our stakeholders.
Learning - We listen and stay connected to our communities, clients, employers and
other partners, to continuously improve.
Entrepreneurial - We seek new, innovative and creative opportunities to be a leading-
edge organization.
Responsive - We are flexible and embrace change, continuously adapting to emerging
needs and opportunities within a dynamic environment.
Results-Oriented - We focus on action, outcomes, and setting new standards of
excellence.
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For additional information about our services, please visit our website at
www.accesemployment.ca.
About United Way Greater Toronto
United Way Greater Toronto is a non-profit charity that works to create inclusive
communities where everyone—regardless of their background and circumstance—can
thrive. United Way Greater Toronto’s mission is to meet urgent needs and improve social
conditions by mobilizing the community’s volunteer and financial resources in a common
cause of caring. Across Peel, Toronto, and York Region, United Way Greater Toronto
funds over 200 organizations making a difference every single day by providing a vital
network of support.
United Way Greater Toronto is part of a worldwide not-for-profit movement. In Canada,
United Way operates in more than 100 communities. Each United Way raises support
locally, directly responding to community needs. Each is governed by an autonomous
board of directors that, along with staff and volunteers, helps to build a common cause of
caring.
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APPENDIX B – Conflict of Interest Statement
In addition to the other information and representations made by each Proponent in the
IFP, each Proponent must declare whether it has an actual or potential Conflict of
Interest. If, at the sole and absolute discretion of ACCES Employment, the Proponent is
found to be in a Conflict of Interest, ACCES Employment may, in addition to any other
remedies available at law or in equity, disqualify the Quotation submitted by the
Proponent.
The Proponent, by submitting the Quotation, warrants that to its best knowledge and
belief no actual or potential Conflict of Interest exists with respect to the submission of
the Quotation or performance of the contemplated Agreement other than those disclosed
in the Form of Offer. Where ACCES Employment discovers a Proponent’s failure to
disclose all actual or potential Conflicts of Interest, ACCES Employment may disqualify
the Proponent or terminate any Agreement awarded to that Proponent pursuant to this
Quotation process.
Conflict of Interest Response
Is there an actual Conflict of Interest,
relating to the preparation of its
Quotation, or if the Proponent foresees
an actual or potential Conflict of Interest
in performing the contractual obligations
contemplated in the IFP?
☐ Yes ☐ No
[If yes, please enter details here.]
The Proponent agrees to provide any additional information, which may be Invitationed
by ACCES Employment.
Printed Name
Position
Signature
Date
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APPENDIX C – References
Reference Number 1:
Company Name:
Contact Name:
Company Address:
Company Telephone
Number:
Contact Email Address:
Date Work Undertaken: From:
To:
Nature of Services:
Reference Number 2:
Company Name:
Contact Name:
Company Address:
Company Telephone
Number:
Contact Email Address:
Date Work Undertaken: From:
To:
Nature of Services:
Reference Number 3:
Company Name:
Contact Name:
Company Address:
Company Telephone
Number:
Contact Email Address:
Date Work Undertaken: From:
To:
Nature of Services:
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APPENDIX D – Bid Form
Design and Implementation of Pilot Project.
*Quoted Prices under “Activity Cost” to account for deliverables in Section 3.5
Please Note:
As an agent under the Broader Public Sector (BPS), Act 2010, ACCES Employment
is unable to reimburse vendors for any incidental expenses such as food, hospitality,
mileage, printing, etc.
The proponents are to list any foreseen Exclusions/Out of Scope items.
I certify that the above “Base Bid” will be valid and binding for ninety (90) days
following quotation due date and will become part of the contract that is negotiated with
ACCES Employment.
Printed Name
Position
Signature
Date
Activity Period Estimated Time for
Activity
Activity Cost* (CAD $)
Pre-HST
Pilot Design
(Section 3.1)
Nov 2019 to
March 2020
15 Days
Pilot Implementation
Candidate Recruitment &
Assessment
(Section 3.2)
Nov 2019 to
Feb 2020
20 Days
Pilot Implementation
Initial Execution
(Section 3.3)
Feb 2020 to
March 2020
10 Days
Investment Committee
Support (3 Meetings)
(Section 3.4)
Nov 2019 to
March 2020
3 Days (2.5 hours per
Meeting, plus
support)
Total Cost