About this opportunity
AI summaryThe Alliance of Community Assistance Ministries, Inc. (ACAM) requires strategic planning consultant services to facilitate, design, and draft two separate but aligned 2028–2032 strategic plans and editable implementation roadmaps. The consultant must review the agency's 2024–2027 plan, execute a stakeholder-engagement process including an in-person retreat, and provide a substantially complete draft for review. Only onshore US organizations are eligible to bid. Proposals must be emailed to the ACAM Grants & Contracts Manager at [email protected] by Friday, November 20, 2026, at 12 pm CST. Questions are due by Monday, November 9, 2026, at 12 pm CST, and an optional RFP conference occurs on Thursday, November 5, 2026. Submissions must include a signed cover sheet, scope response, work plan, pricing proposal (Attachment 2), Attachment 3, W-9 form, three references, and up to three work samples. Evaluation is based on a 100-point scale assessing relevant qualifications and experience, proposed approach and deliverables quality, and cost reasonableness. ACAM anticipates a contract start date of Monday, January 11, 2027.
Buyer and opportunity details
- Client
- Alliance of Community Assistance Ministries, Inc.
Scope of work
- Review current 2024-2027 strategic plans and conduct an environmental scan
- Design and conduct stakeholder engagement using interviews, focus groups, and surveys
- Design and facilitate structured strategic planning sessions and an in-person retreat
- Develop two separate but aligned 2028-2032 strategic plans for ACAM and GHOYC
- Create unique editable implementation roadmaps for each strategic plan
- Develop a performance-tracking framework identifying indicators of success
- Provide draft strategic plans and facilitate structured review with stakeholders
- Present final strategic plan and implementation framework to ACAM Board and staff
How proposals are evaluated
| Criterion | Weight / scoring |
|---|---|
| Relevant strategic planning, nonprofit/network/intermediary experience, and qualifications of the proposed consultant/team, including references and work samples | 35 points |
| Quality, clarity, and effectiveness of the proposed strategic planning methodology, stakeholder engagement approach, and project management plan | 30 points |
| Quality and practicality of the proposed 2028-2032 Strategic Plan deliverables, implementation roadmap, and performance framework | 20 points |
| Cost reasonableness, pricing transparency, completeness of proposed fee, and overall value | 15 points |
Minimum qualifications
- At least three years of direct professional experience leading strategic planning, organizational strategy, or executive decision-making processes
- Demonstrated experience facilitating organizational leaders, Boards of Directors, staff members, partner/member organizations, and community stakeholders
- Demonstrated experience translating strategic priorities into measurable objectives, indicators of success, and practical implementation frameworks
- Strong analytical, synthesis, facilitation, project management, visual presentation, and executive communication skills
- Ability to facilitate at least one substantive in-person retreat or equivalent facilitated session in the Greater Houston area
- Ability to provide all final customized deliverables in fully editable electronic formats
- Ability to provide at least two references for comparable strategic planning engagements and relevant work samples
Documents to include with your response
- Signed Application Cover Sheet (Attachment 1)
- Organizational Background and Qualifications statement
- Key Staff and Project Team details
- Scope of Services Response
- Work Plan, Project Management and Communication schedule
- Pricing Proposal and completed Pricing Reply (Attachment 2)
- List of Subcontractors (Attachment 3)
- Current W-9 Form
- At least three references for comparable strategic planning engagements
- Up to three relevant work samples or excerpts
Key dates
- RFP Release Date
- Wednesday, October 28, 2026 (10/28/2026)
- Optional RFP Conference
- Thursday, November 5, 2026, (11/4/2026), 11am CST
- RFP Questions Due
- Monday, November 9, 2026 (11/6/2026), 12 pm CST
- Release Date of ACAM answers to written questions
- Tuesday, November 10, 2026 (11/10/2026)
- Proposals Due
- Friday, November 20, 2026 (11/18/2026), 12 pm CST
- Preliminary/Conditional Award Announcements
- Monday, December 7, 2026 (12/7/2026)
- Anticipated Contract Start Date
- Monday, January 11, 2027 (1/11/2027)
How to submit
- Method
- Instructions
- Submit electronically in PDF format to ACAM Grants & Contracts Manager Anuja (Ann) Deshpande at [email protected] with signed cover sheet.
Contract details
- Term
- January 11, 2027 through October 15, 2027
- Place of performance
- Offsite and Greater Houston area for in-person sessions
- Insurance and bonding
- Upon request, the respondent should be able to provide evidence of insurance coverage and applicable security requirements.