REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS RFP SOLICITATION NUMBER: Provision of Executive Recruitment Services for the position of President of URC-CHS Date of Issue: April 4, 2016 Closing Time and Date for Proposals: April 22, 2016 5:00 pm (EST) Contact: Cornelia Simpson, Chief Administrative Officer Proposals must be emailed to: csimpson@urc-chs.com Deadline for Questions: April 15, 2016 5:00 pm (EST) Questions by email ONLY to: csimpson@urc-chs.com Issuance of this RFP does not constitute a contract commitment on the part of URC nor does it commit URC or the US government to pay for costs incurred in the submission of a proposal. Furthermore, URC reserves the right to reject any and all proposals, or to award a contract without further discussion or negotiations if it is considered to be in the best interests of the project and URC.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Background 1 Purpose and focus 1 Submission of Proposals 2 Conflict of Interest 2 Confidentiality 2 Annex 1. Position Description 3 Annex 2. Deliverables 7 Annex 3. Evaluation criteria 9
BACKGROUND University Research Company., LLC (URC) and its nonprofit affiliate, the Center for Human Services (CHS), is a global professional services firm dedicated to improving the quality of and access to health, social, educational and vocational services in the United States and internationally. For 50 years, URC/CHS has helped government clients and the private sector design, operate, and evaluate programs using evidence based approaches. URC-CHS collaborates with such partners and clients as the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, UNICEF, the World Health Organization (WHO), the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the U.S. Department of Education. Currently, URC- CHS has over 1,500 staff working on projects in 45 countries. URC-CHS is privately owned and the owner serves as CEO and Chairman of the Board. The company is managed by a President. The company also has a Board of Advisors who selected two members to oversee the recruitment process to fill the forthcoming vacancy of the President s position. PURPOSE AND FOCUS Through this request for proposals ( RFP ), URC-CHS is seeking to acquire the professional services of a qualified and reputable recruitment firm to provide executive recruitment services in sourcing well-qualified candidates and selecting the President of the company. Questions may be submitted through April 15, 2016 at 5:00 PM (EST). Proposals must be submitted not later than April 22, 2016 at 5:00 PM. Please note that this document is an RFP and not an invitation to bid. The terms set forth in this RFP will be an integral part of the contract contemplated as a result of this competition. Any such contract will require full compliance with all factual statements and representations included in the proposal, subject to any modifications agreed to by the Board of Advisors in the context of any negotiations entered into it. URC-CHS may, at its discretion, cancel the requirement in part or in whole of this RFP. It also reserves the right to accept or reject any proposal and to annul the selection process and reject all proposals at any time prior to selection, without thereby incurring any liability to offerors/firms. 1
Offerors may withdraw the proposal after submission provided that written notice of withdrawal is received by URC-CHS prior to the deadline prescribed for submission of proposals. All requests for modification received after the deadline will be disregarded. All proposals shall remain valid and open for acceptance for a period of 90 calendar days after the date specified for receipt of proposals. SUBMISSION OF PROPOSALS Interested firm(s) shall submit their proposal in an electronic copy to Cornelia Simpson, Chief Administrative Officer at csimpson@urc-chs.com by 5:00 PM (EST) on Friday, April 22, 2016. Technical and financial proposals must be submitted simultaneously as separate documents. Offerors should include the RFP number and title of the project on their proposals. It is URC-CHS standard requirement that all URC-CHS staff, offerors/bidders, suppliers, service providers and any other person or entity involved in URC-CHSrelated activities or business observe the highest standard of ethics during the procurement procedures and execution of all contracts. URC-CHS will reject any proposal put forward by proposers, or where applicable, terminate their contract, if it is determined that they have engaged in corrupt, fraudulent, coercive, collusive or other prohibited practices. CONFLICT OF INTEREST Offerors must confirm in writing that, based on their best knowledge, there are no real or potential conflicts of interest involved in rendering services for URC-CHS, and set out their policy on dealing with conflicts of interest should they arise. CONFIDENTIALITY Information relating to the evaluation of proposals and recommendations concerning final selection of the wining firm will not be disclosed to other offerors that their offers did not reach final selection. 2
ANNEX 1. POSITION DESCRIPTION President University Research Co., LLC Center for Human Services (URC-CHS) Location: Bethesda, MD Salary: Commensurate with senior level experience and qualifications (Exempt) Reports to: Chief Executive Officer Background University Research Co., LLC (URC) and its nonprofit affiliate, the Center for Human Services (CHS), is a global professional services firm dedicated to improving the quality of and access to health, social, educational and vocational services in the United States and internationally. For 50 years, URC/CHS has helped government clients and the private sector design, operate, and evaluate programs using evidence based approaches. URC-CHS collaborates with such partners and clients such as the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, UNICEF, the World Health Organization (WHO), the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the U.S. Department of Education. Currently, URC-CHS has over 1,000 staff working on projects in 45 countries. Position Overview The President will provide the leadership, direction and vision for the organization s longterm development efforts, directing technical/program sectors to ensure growth and sustainability in core areas of expertise and in evidence-based innovations. Working collaboratively with the Chairman/CEO and executive team, the President will assure the organization aligns its resources, and implements its strategic plans and work objectives to address long term achievement towards the organizational mission. The incumbent will also work with the staff to secure public attention and resources necessary to make lasting and positive change in national public health institutions and systems to improve health and reduce preventable illnesses and premature mortalities. Specifically, s/he will ensure that the company s fiscal, operations, marketing, human resource, technology, and programmatic strategies are effectively implemented across all segments of the organization. 3
Roles and Responsibilities Strategic Vision, Innovation, and Organizational Leadership Collaborate with the Chairman/CEO and executive team to guide the global implementation of a unified strategy tied to the mission; develop innovative ways to ensure that the organization capitalizes on various events to ensure that long-term goals are met. Cultivate a strong and transparent working relationship with the Chairman/CEO and management team. Ensure open communication about the measurement of financial, programmatic, and impact performance against stated milestones and goals. Manage and lead initiatives to ensure that progress milestones as outlined in strategic plans are met and tied to the plan and integrated where practical or needed. Serve as a leader in the organization and have a team work mentality in all interactions with the staff. Development Communicate the vision and capabilities of the organization to both internal and external constituents and funders to support partnerships and program development efforts on a large scale. Ensure that the flow of funds permits URC-CHS to make continuous progress towards the achievement of its mission and that those funds are allocated properly to reflect present needs and future potential. Formulate and execute comprehensive marketing, branding and development strategies that will ensure consistency throughout the organization and enhance revenue from major donors, foundations, and government agencies. Rationalize the delivery of programs through new and existing offices and partnerships. Strengthening Infrastructure and Operations Ensure the delivery of high quality services while managing for current and future growth; support and motivate the organization's staff. Facilitate cross-departmental collaboration and strengthen internal communications with staff throughout the organization; create and promote a positive, multicultural work environment that supports consistency throughout the organization's strategy, operational methods, and data collection needs. Oversee the financial status of the organization including developing long and short range financial plans, monitoring the budget and ensuring sound financial controls are in place; set financial priorities accurately to ensure the organization is operating in a manner that supports the needs of the program and staff 4
Desired Qualifications Extensive broad based leadership and senior management experience. At least 15 years of success with entrepreneurial organization building. Prior experience in the management of a global or multisite organization in non-profit management or organizations working in development work; knowledge or expertise in the work of development programs in the US and internationally; and understanding of and a commitment to addressing development issues in the global community. Knowledge of funding sources and demonstrated skill in generating resources to support program/product development efforts on a large scale. The adaptability and skill necessary to provide direction in a changing environment with a demonstrated willingness to take risks for social change Proven problem solving and strategic planning capability with an action orientation and the creative skills to develop effective programs and position an organization from the broadest of perspectives. Strong understanding of, and an ability to work within, a multinational culturally diverse environment. Keen analytic, organization and problem solving skills, which support and enable sound decision making Significant organization development, program development, marketing/branding and fiscal management experience A record of success in working in partnership and marshaling the forces of a diverse group of personalities, such as corporate executives, policy makers, legislators and the media. Excellent coalition building skills with an ability to communicate and work effectively with a variety of internal and external stakeholders; a persuasive negotiator able to achieve consensus amongst differing opinions Track record of effectively communicating a vision to both internal and external constituents (i.e., global sector meetings, peer organizations, Board members, fundraisers, etc. Experience and proclivity to be an outgoing spokesperson and relationship builder in order to effectively represent the organization Experience in field based positions in Africa, Asia or Latin America designing and implementing health programs with national governments, international NGOs and national/local health organizations. Minimum of a BA, with an advanced degree or knowledge and experience equivalent to a graduate degree in public health, management or public administration Up to 20 percent international travel may be required 5
Other Personal and Leadership Characteristics A person with the ability to balance the creative and strategic elements of an organization and at the same time, have the enthusiasm and energy to jump-start programs and keep them going An energetic and imaginative thinker who is strong, bold and expansive, with the flexibility and positive energy to make things happen. An inspiring and dedicated leader, spokesperson and representative who can build consensus and effect change; must impart credibility, trust, enthusiasm and integrity and motivate others in a similar vein. An individual with a collaborative style who values team work throughout the organization. Someone who is intelligent and persuasive; a creative problem solver and skilled negotiator; able to conceptualize and express ideas; able to initiate and originate, rather than just respond. Diplomatic and persuasive in order to manage and mentor a group of able professionals with strong opinions and personalities. Insightful, with the ability to listen and evaluate with good judgment and to make realistic and clear-cut decisions. Someone with a sense of humor in order to maintain balance and perspective. Mission-driven, passionate about driving high impact system changes throughout development institutions for wide scale sustainable improvement and advancements in public health. 6
ANNEX 2. DELIVERABLES 1. Develop Selection criteria and discuss with URC selection committee 2. Provide a first cut list of 20-25 candidates 3. Assist URC-CHS selection committee to select a long list of 10-12 candidates 4. Assist URC-CHS selection committee to select a short list of 5 to 6 candidates 5. Assist URC-CHS selection committee to select final list of candidates 6. Complete data and brief comments on the first cut list of 20-25 candidates 7. A report on the interviews conducted for establishing a short list of candidates 8. Draft interview questions and a scoring grid for the selection committee; 9. Prepare a report on the interviews of the final list of candidates 10. Prepare a detailed final report in collaboration with the URC-CHS selection committee on the final list of candidates and the recruitment process 7
ANNEX 3. EVALUATION CRITERIA Evaluation and Comparison of Proposals Evaluation of the technical proposals will be performed to determine responsible and response offers to all requirements of the RFP. Evaluation of the cost proposals will be performed of the firms determined technically qualified. Acceptance of Submissions All proposals are expected to adhere to the requirements for submitting a proposal. Any proposal that fail to comply will be disqualified from further consideration as part of this evaluation. In particular: Full compliance with the formal requirements for submitting a proposal; Submission of all requested documentation The Technical Proposal shall include: 1. Organizational structure: a brief description, including ownership details, date and place of incorporation of the firm, capability statement, technical approach, etc. 2. Statement of Satisfactory Performance of similar services from the firm s Top 3 Clients in terms of Contract Value, Scope, Timeline and Tenure of Placements in the past three years. 3. Listing of proposed personnel, experience and qualifications and copies of their CVs. Evaluation of Technical Proposal The technical proposal is evaluated individually on the basis of its responsiveness to the requirements and will be assessed and scored according to the following criteria: Proven track record of successfully recruiting candidates for similar positions with a timeframe based on prior placements. Proven experience in working with international for profit and nonprofit organizations Demonstrated track record of successfully recruiting senior-level candidates with the skill-set required to manage similar organizations Demonstrated availability of key individuals with applicable skills to provide the requested services (Please provide CVs of key staff that will be involved in the assignment). 8
Evaluation of Financial Proposal Preference to final selection will be given to the lowest responsible and responsive priced offer that determined technically accepted. URC-CHS has identified an internal candidate for this position. The Offerors need to address in their offers the pricing in case the internal candidate is being selected at the end of the recruitment process. Award The Award will be made to the lowest priced offer, following negotiation of an acceptable contract. URC-CHS reserves the right to conduct negotiations with the offerors regarding the contents of their offer. The award will be in effect only after acceptance by the selected firm of the terms and conditions and the technical requirements of this competition. 9