B-41917 Goal-Setting Consultant SPO v2(AMW031124).docx

Goal-Setting Consultant

The Illinois Commission on Equity and Inclusion (CEI) is seeking a supplier diversity expert to develop a legally defensible and standardized goal-setting process and training materials for agencies and public institutions of higher education (PIHEs) under the jurisdictions of the Chief Procurement Office for General Services (CPO-GS), the Chief Procurement Office for Higher Education (CPO-HE), and the Chief Procurement Office for Capital Development Board (CPO-CDB) for the Business Enterprise Program (BEP) and Veterans Business Program (VBP).

For the purposes of this request for quote, “supplier diversity” is a proactive business strategy that encourages buying from businesses that identify as belonging to a specific socioeconomic, historically disadvantaged, or underutilized demographic as suppliers, vendors, and contractors.

The consultant must be available for a bi-weekly video call with CEI to discuss the project, draft a comprehensive report with findings and recommendations, and conduct a final presentation via video call explaining the work product. The consultant must also develop BEP and VBP goal-setting manuals.

The contract will be awarded to the lowest-priced, responsive, and responsible vendor.

The contract term shall be 12 weeks. Pay for the project will occur in two payments upon satisfaction by CEI: 1/3 of the contract price may be invoiced on the Friday of week 5 and the remaining 2/3 on the Friday of week 12.

Project Deliverables

Goal-setting process: Provide a standardized, consistent BEP goal-setting process for agencies and public institutions of higher education under the CPO-GS, CPO-HE, and CPO-CDB portfolios.

Provide a standardized, consistent VBP goal-setting process for agencies and public institutions of higher education under the CPO-GS, CPO-HE, and CPO-CDB portfolios.

Based on an objective and data-driven approach that considers the availability of BEP-certified vendors and the overall market availability within specific sectors.

Include recommended changes to the current BEP goal-setting formulas and forms.

Adhere to legal requirements and regulations to ensure it is legally defensible and compliant with procurement policies and practices.

Incorporate mechanisms for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of the goal-setting process and making necessary adjustments as requested by CEI.

Goal-setting manual: Provide a comprehensive overview of the goal-setting process, explaining the underlying principles, methodology, and key factors to consider when determining goals.

Illinois Commission on Equity and Inclusion Nina Harris, Chairperson Alexandria Wilson, Acting Executive Director 115 S. LaSalle, Suite 4N Chicago, IL 60603

Include step-by-step instructions, examples, and templates to guide agencies and PIHEs in setting goals that align with the State's objectives and legal requirements.

Address common challenges or issues that may arise during the goal-setting process and provide strategies for resolution.

Incorporate best practices and industry standards.

User-friendly, accessible, and designed to facilitate effective implementation and understanding of the goal-setting process.

Comprehensive report: Provide a detailed analysis and evaluation of the current goal-setting practices in agencies and PIHEs.

Include findings and recommendations for improving the goal-setting process to align with best practices, legal requirements, and the State's objectives outlined in the BEP Act, Illinois Procurement Code, and administrative rules.

Present data and evidence to support the proposed changes, highlighting the potential benefits and impact of the standardized goal-setting process.

Outline the rationale behind the recommendations, including considerations of equity, inclusion, and diversity in procurement.

Well-structured and easily understandable, catering to both technical and non- technical stakeholders.

Project Timeline Week 1: Kick-off video call with CEI to discuss project scope, objectives, and expectations. Week 2: Conduct research on the current State of Illinois BEP and VBP supplier diversity goal-setting processes and industry best practices.

Begin developing the framework for the new standardized goal-setting process(es).

Continue developing the framework for the new standardized goal-setting process(es).

Week 5: Video call with CEI to provide progress updates and address any questions or concerns.

Based on CEI's feedback, continue refining the BEP and VBP goal-setting process framework.

Week 6: Complete research on the current State of Illinois supplier diversity goal-setting processes and industry best practices.

Finalize the framework for the new BEP and VBP standardized goal-setting process(es).

Week 7: Submit a report detailing the new BEP and VBP goal-setting process(es) for agencies and PIHEs to CEI for review and approval.

Video call with CEI to provide progress updates, present goal-setting report, and address any questions or concerns.

Continue refining the goal-setting process framework based on CEI’s feedback.

Week 8: Develop the BEP and VBP goal-setting manuals.

Submit an initial draft of the goal-setting manuals to CEI for review and approval.

Week 9: Video call with CEI to present and discuss the new BEP and VBP goal-setting manuals.

Finalize the goal-setting manuals.

Begin drafting the comprehensive report with findings and recommendations.

Week 10: Continue refining the comprehensive report.

Week 11: Video call with CEI to present progress on the comprehensive report and gather feedback.

Complete the comprehensive report, incorporating feedback and recommendations.

Week 12: Review and finalize all project deliverables.

Submit all project deliverables to CEI for review and approval.

Conduct the final presentation and Q&A session via video call, explaining the developed supplier diversity goal-setting processes, goal-setting manuals, and comprehensive report.

Consultant Requirements

The contract will be awarded to the lowest-priced, responsive, and responsible vendor. If the below requirements are not met, the vendor will be disqualified.

Provide the following with your quote:

· A resume demonstrating the following:

· 3+ years of work experience as a public and/or private supplier diversity consultant. Work experience is defined as having a contract or project involving supplier diversity consultant work.

· 3+ years of work experience with supplier diversity.

· 3+ years of work experience with supplier diversity goal-setting processes.

· 2+ years of public or private procurement consulting experience.

· 3+ years of supply chain management and procurement experience.

· At a minimum, a bachelor-level degree from an accredited college or university, with courses in business, procurement, supply chain management, public administration, political science, pre-law, communications, or other disciplines related to the work of CEI. An equivalent degree or non-degree education or education plus relevant professional experience may be considered.

· A cover letter including the following:

· At least three (3) examples within the last five (5) years demonstrating your success in developing and implementing goal-setting strategies in compliance with diversity contracting regulations for governmental units (or similar projects). Include dates on the cover letter.

· A description of your experience training governmental or private units on supplier diversity and procurement disparities.

· At least (2) examples within the last three (3) years demonstrating your ability to develop legally defensible and standardized processes and procedures.

· A description of any training content you’ve created on supplier diversity, public procurement disparities, or supplier diversity goal-setting methodology.

Pricing

The contract will be awarded to the lowest-priced, responsive, and responsible vendor. The total payments under this contract shall not exceed $100,000. The vendor shall submit pricing in the line items on BidBuy. Enter pricing in the Items Tab in BidBuy.

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