Request for Proposals July 2008

Transcription

1 Request for Proposals July 2008 Proposals Requested on Behalf of the Professional Development Committee of the Ontario Chapter of the Canadian Evaluation Society

2 Request for Proposals For the development and delivery of a two day workshop on Qualitative Research and Analysis The Canadian Evaluation Society, Ontario Chapter (CES-ON) is a not-for-profit professional association, dedicated to the advancement of evaluation theory and practice. Purpose of the RFP This RFP seeks the service of a Consultant to design and offer a two-day Qualitative Research and Analysis workshop in partnership with CES-ON. The workshop should include a demonstration of qualitative analysis software. The successful consultant will have direct experience in facilitating similar courses/workshops and will likely have an approach and teaching materials already developed that can be adapted to the CES-ON audiences. Our members and our typical workshop participants span the sectors of government (mainly provincial and municipal), social services and NGO's, health, education, private firms, and others. Scope of the RFP This workshop has to meet the needs of the participants who may be experienced researchers but are novice to the field of using qualitative research methods in conducting program evaluation. As such it needs to introduce participants to Qualitative Research and Analysis by covering the following topics: A brief introduction to theoretical concepts underlying qualitative inquiry; Relationship between and integration of quantitative and qualitative inquiry; Qualitative research design and its applications to evaluation in various sectors (social service, health, etc.); Qualitative research methods and techniques (with emphasis on most commonly used methods such as: document analysis, focus groups; interviews, community forums, participant observation); Qualitative analysis and reporting (with demonstration of software); The Consultant is expected to follow adult education principles and use an interactive approach, offering a variety of ways to engage the participants, for example, exercises, discussions and case studies. Qualitative Workshop RFP (July 2008) 2

3 The examples used in case studies should be as diverse as possible to ensure relevance to different sectors (government and non government, social service, health, community development). The Consultant is expected to provide the following services for the Qualitative Research and Analysis workshop: Submit in advance a workshop overview which would be suitable for use in advertising of the workshop to include learning objectives, optimal participant profile, and approach; Prepare or adapt all teaching materials, including: relevant literature, case studies, audiovisual materials and other instructional tools; Prepare participant materials, such as workshop manual, handouts, references, etc. Facilitate the two-day workshop. A workshop evaluation form is not required as CES-ON is using its own standard questionnaire. All materials will be printed and photocopied as needed by CES-ON. Resources CES-ON has a Professional Development (PD) Committee tasked with addressing any inquiries specific to the design and development of the workshop and with overseeing the implementation of the contract. Ownership/Intellectual Property The Consultant will retain ownership of the materials and will be responsible for updating the materials over time and responding to feedback from participants. It should be understood that the Qualitative Research and Analysis workshop may be offered as a one time event or alternatively, on a repetitive basis contingent upon participant feedback and on-going CES member professional learning needs, as determined by the CES-ON. The CES logo will appear on promotion flyers and on printed workshop materials to promote the workshop as being offered by the Ontario Chapter of the Canadian Evaluation Society. Budget CES-ON will negotiate the terms of the contract at the time it is awarded. Since the successful candidate will have considerable experience facilitating the learning of Qualitative Research and Analysis, the reimbursement model will honour this achievement. Qualitative Workshop RFP (July 2008) 3

4 Proposal Submission Guidelines Proposals must include the following: 1. Resume and cover letter; 2. Summary of relevant instructional experience to include: description of similar courses/workshops conducted by bidder, full references to other training material developed by bidder; 3. Academic, training and/or practical qualifications and competencies possessed as related to using qualitative research methods in conducting program evaluation; 4. Brief overview of the topic and time breakdown for the two days; 5. Explanation of teaching approach and a discussion of how this approach is appropriate for mixed sector audience and as an introduction of Qualitative Research and Analysis to an audience with some evaluation experience. Proposals must not exceed 12 single-sided pages, typed in single space, using a font equivalent to Times New Roman 12 point type. Qualifications of Consultant The preferred consultant will have: Knowledge and experience in evaluation, qualitative research and qualitative analysis, including the use of most current technology for qualitative analysis, appropriate academic qualifications and/or direct work related experience; Knowledge of adult education principles; Experience in the design, development and delivery of interactive/participative learning events; Strong communication skills; Knowledge of the Canadian Evaluation Society. In addition, the successful consultant should not be in a position of a conflict of interest. If in doubt, please contact Erica Procter, CES-ON Board Chair at chair@evaluationontario.ca. Qualitative Workshop RFP (July 2008) 4

5 Timelines and Deliverables Proposals Due September 12, 2008 Responses to this RFP must be sent in electronically, no later than this date to Terry Spencer, PD Committee Chair at Submissions received after this date will not be accepted. Contract Awarded October 31, 2008 The selection committee will notify the successful Consultant no later than this date. A contract for the pilot of the workshop will be signed by the Consultant with the CES-ON. Workshop Piloted Within first quarter of 2009 (January, February, March) The Consultant will pilot the workshop, with participants, venue and printed materials supplied by CES-ON. If participant feedback is positive and demand remains adequate, succeeding workshops will be scheduled with the Consultant as facilitator. The Consultant will incorporate comments and suggestions from the pilot into the curriculum. Selection Criteria A selection committee will screen each proposal confidentially according to the following criteria: 20% Content of proposed workshop 20% Methodology to be used in this project 25% Past relevant course/workshop development and teaching experience 25% Past relevant evaluation experience 10% References (required from short list only) A short list of two to four candidates MAY be asked to attend an interview with members of the PD Committee and to demonstrate his/her instruction style over a ten minute period. The task should be a learning activity and the introduction to it. Scoring for this session will be added to the scores already earned. Qualitative Workshop RFP (July 2008) 5