RFP-Strategic Planning

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) Five-Year Strategic Plan for Northern Bedrock Historic Preservation Corps (2028–2033) Issued by: Northern Bedrock Historic Preservation Corps (NBHPC) RFP Release Date: 2/27/2026 Proposal Due Date: 3/31/2026 Contact: Charley Langowski | [email protected] | 218-461-0423 1. INTRODUCTION Northern Bedrock Historic Preservation Corps (NBHPC) is a Minnesota-based nonprofit engaging young adults in hands-on historic preservation while training the next generation of trades practitioners and cultural stewards. During the 2028–2033 period, NBHPC anticipates growth in programming, facilities activation, workforce development pathways, billable services expansion, and long-term financial sustainability. Northern Bedrock Historic Preservation Corps invites qualified consultants or firms to submit proposals to facilitate and produce a comprehensive Five-Year Strategic Plan covering 2028 through 2033. This plan will guide NBHPC through a critical phase of organizational evolution, including expansion of preservation trades training, enhancement of partnerships, activation of key facilities, expansion of earned income, and diversification of funding streams. Core organizational priorities include: • Halfway Ranger Station • Tool Library • Expanded Programming • Morgan Park Office & Training Hub • Expanding Billable Services • Diversifying Funding Streams The final plan must be participatory, actionable, measurable, and fundable. For more information about NBHPC and our current program, visit www.northernbedrockcorps.org. 3. PROJECT OBJECTIVES The consultant will support NBHPC in crafting a strategic plan that: • Establishes clear organizational direction • Defines strategic priorities across facilities, programming, staffing, and revenue • Develops a diversified funding and earned revenue strategy • Strengthens organizational infrastructure • Ensures broad and equitable stakeholder engagement • Produces a measurable implementation roadmap 4. SCOPE OF WORK & EXPECTED ACTIVITIES The selected consultant will guide NBHPC through a fully co-created, equity-centered strategic planning process. The process must be structured, participatory, financially grounded, and implementation-focused. The consultant will provide facilitation, analysis, documentation, and strategic guidance throughout all phases. The implementation and time of the proposed phases will be agreed upon by NBHPC Leadership Team and facilitator. 4.1 Phase 1 – Project Leadership Team & Project Launch • Establish a Project Leadership Team (PLT) composed of board members, staff leadership, and key stakeholders. • Clarify PLT roles, decision-making authority, and communication protocols. • Conduct a kickoff meeting to confirm scope, timeline, deliverables, expectations, and success indicators. • Finalize project calendar including engagement windows and in-person site visits. • Identify key strategic questions to guide the planning process. • Prepare agendas and written summaries for all PLT meetings. 4.2 Phase 2 – Materials Review & Organizational Assessment • Review governing documents, bylaws, policies, staffing structure, budgets, financial statements, and grant portfolio. • Analyze revenue mix, funding concentration risks, and financial sustainability trends. • Review program descriptions, workforce development initiatives, tool library operations, and facilities plans. • Assess staffing capacity and leadership structure. • Identify operational gaps and strategic inflection points. Deliverable: Organizational & Financial Assessment Summary. 4.3 Phase 3 – Stakeholder Engagement Plan Develop a written engagement plan that includes: • Identification of priority stakeholders (staff, board, alumni, tribal partners, agencies, funders, community members). • Engagement strategies including interviews, surveys, focus groups, workshops, and site visits. • Exploration of program expansion, revenue opportunities, partnerships, and facilities utilization. • Timeline, logistics, facilitation tools, agendas, and communications templates. Deliverable: Stakeholder Engagement Plan. 4.4 Phase 4 – Stakeholder Engagement Activities • Conduct extended in-person facilitation in Minnesota. • Visit key facilities including Halfway Ranger Station and Morgan Park Office. • Facilitate interviews, workshops, and roundtables. • Supplement engagement with virtual sessions as needed. Deliverable: Stakeholder Findings Report capturing themes, opportunities, revenue implications, and infrastructure considerations. 4.5 Phase 5 – Board, Staff & Partner Working Sessions • Facilitate at least two structured working sessions. • Present engagement findings and assessment summary. • Explore growth scenarios and financial sustainability thresholds. • Develop or refine mission, vision, and values. • Identify 3–5 strategic pillars with measurable goals. Deliverable: Draft Strategic Plan (2028–2033). 4.6 Phase 6 – Final Plan & Implementation Workshop • Incorporate board and staff feedback. • Develop a detailed implementation roadmap including staffing, phasing, budget projections, and revenue diversification strategy. • Establish evaluation metrics and performance indicators. • Conduct final board and staff implementation workshop. Deliverables: Final Strategic Plan (2028–2033) and Implementation Toolkit. 5. PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS • Cover Letter • Qualifications & Relevant Experience • Proposed Approach & Work Plan • Project Team Bios • Budget • References or Work Samples 6. EVALUATION CRITERIA • Relevant experience • Financial sustainability expertise • Understanding of NBHPC mission • Strength of facilitation approach • Ability to deliver actionable plan • Cost effectiveness 7. PROJECT TIMELINE Milestone Date RFP Released 03/02/2026 Optional Pre-Proposal Meeting Deadline 3/20/2026 Proposals Due 3/31/2026 Consultant Selected 5/15/2026 Project Launch 09/01/2026 or after Estimated Completion 8–10 months after launch Strategic Plan Period 2028–2033 8. SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS Submit proposals electronically to Charley Langowski at [email protected]. 9. RIGHTS & CONDITIONS NBHPC reserves the right to reject proposals, request clarification, negotiate scope or budget, and award the contract to the consultant providing best overall value.