REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
FOR STRATEGIC PLANNING FACILITATION

Issued: September 6, 2023
Deadline for Submittal: October 1, 2023

Table of Contents

OVERVIEW
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
ESTIMATED TIMELINE
SCOPE OF SERVICES
CONTENTS FOR PROPOSALS
PROCESS FOR SELECTING FIRM

I. OVERVIEW

Introduction

Atlanta Neighborhood Charter School is seeking proposals from qualified consulting firms to facilitate the development of its strategic plan. The strategic planning process will result in a comprehensive five‐year plan that will outline goals and objectives that will guide priorities based on considerable research, extensive input from a variety of stakeholders, and consensus on the vision and mission of the organization.

Background

ANCS’ vision is as follows: Our vision is to be a dynamic learning community where students become life-long learners, develop self-knowledge, and are challenged to excel. Our mission contains the following five elements: Build an empowered and inclusive community of students, parents, and educators. Help all students to know themselves and be known well by their community. Collaborate with the larger community to advocate for student-centered schools. Engage the whole child-socially, emotionally and physically. Challenge each student to take an active role as an informed citizen in a global society.

Atlanta Neighborhood Charter School is composed of 2 campuses, serving 630 students in total.

Elementary Campus: 688 Grant Street, Atlanta, GA, 30315, Grades K-5
Middle campus: 820 Essie Avenue, Atlanta, GA, 30316, Grades 6-8
Approximately 130 staff members throughout both campuses

II. GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

Interested organizations should indicate their interest in submitting a proposal to apullen@atlncs.org by September 27 and proposals are due no later than 5PM on October 1 via email to the following address: Alastair Pullen, apullen@atlncs.org.

Requests for Information

Questions related to this RFP should be submitted to the Executive Director, Alastair Pullen. Please specify “RFP for Strategic Planning Facilitation” in the subject line. Responses to all questions received will be sent to all vendors who indicate their interest in the project via email by September 27, 2023.

III. ESTIMATED TIMELINE

9/8: Issue Strategic Plan RFP
9/27: All interested vendors indicate their interest in submitting a proposal to apullen@atlncs.org
9/28: Deadline to submit questions about the RFP for response
10/1: Deadline for Submittal of Proposals 5PM
10/4: Initiate Internal Proposal Review
10/5: Notify Vendors Selected for Interviews
10/12: Vendor Interviews
10/13: Select/Notify Vendor

IV. SCOPE OF SERVICES

Successful applicants will submit a proposal designed to address some or all of the following:

  • How the vendor will get to know ANCS and collaborate with and engage a strategic planning team, school administrators, school and district staff, and members of the Governing Board
  • High-level phases and/or sequence of the proposed strategic planning process including progress updates to the Governing Board and School Leadership
  • The vendor’s general approach to an internal and external assessments including plans to use/collect quantitative and qualitative data
  • The vendor’s general approach to renewal of an organization’s vision, mission, and beliefs
  • A summary of how the vendor plans to engage students, families, and community stakeholders in the strategic planning process
  • An outline of the components traditionally included in the vendor’s strategic plans

The Proposal must identify the following:

  • The consultant’s experience with charter schools, especially facilitating strategic planning processes
  • The consultant’s specific interest in working with ANCS
  • Risks that could take strategic planning off-track
  • List of deliverables to include at least the strategic plan and guidelines for resource allocation aligned to the strategic plan
  • Options for continued engagement with the vendor through implementation; all proposals must include a 1-year follow-up opportunity
  • Comprehensive (all-inclusive) budget not to exceed $20,000
  • Team members, including both the lead consultant, and team members, along with their bios
  • Proposed project timeline

V. CONTENTS FOR PROPOSALS

In order for proposals to be considered, they must include the following:

  1. Submittal Letter: Include the RFP’s title and submittal due date, the name, location, and telephone number of the responding firm. Include a contact person and corresponding email address.
  2. Description of Firm: This section should provide information regarding the size, location, nature of work performed, years in business and the approach that will be used in meeting the needs of ANCS.
  3. Organizational Structure: Describe your firm’s organizational structure and the names of the professionals who will be responsible for this project. Please provide brief bios for these individuals.
  4. Project Overview: This section should clearly convey the firm’s understanding of the nature of the work related to strategic planning and the general approach that will be used to facilitate the strategic plan process. This section should include information requested in section IV.
  5. Cost: This section must provide a full description of the expected expenditures for the work described in this RFP. Cost proposed must include all consultant fees, preparation of deliverables, printing, etc. Budget should not exceed $20,000. The lowest price is not the only criteria used for selection.

VI. PROCESS FOR SELECTING FIRM

The leadership team will evaluate and select those firms deemed to be the most highly qualified and selected firms will be notified of the opportunity to interview by October 5, 2023.