MSU Strategic Plan Facilitator Details.docx

LIMITED SOLICITATION

MSU STRATEGIC PLAN FACILITATOR MSU President’s Office Solicitation Number: 11192026 Issue Date: Friday, November 14, 2025 Closing Date: Friday, December 5, 2025 at 5:00pm MST Point of Contact: James Tobin, Executive Ass’t to the President, Montana State University

1. PURPOSE

Montana State University (MSU) is seeking proposals from qualified vendors to support the development of its next strategic plan. The selected vendor will provide facilitation and project management services, as well as data collection and analysis assistance to a seven-member steering committee and the MSU Executive Team during the planning process. The successful vendor will develop an innovative approach to engaging multiple stakeholder groups and will have experience working with higher education clients.

2. SCOPE OF WORK

The selected vendor shall provide facilitation services with the following capabilities:

2.1 Innovative Ideas for Engagement

· The facilitator should bring innovative ideas for engagement with multiple stakeholder groups that may include, but are not limited to:

· On-campus faculty, staff, and students

· Local, state, and federal government affairs representatives

· Montana University System Board of Regents and staff at the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education (OCHE)

· MSU Agricultural Research Stations (7 across the state)

· MSU Extension Offices (1 in every county in the state, 56 total)

· Tribal College Leaders

· MSU Alumni and donors

· Business and industry leaders

· K-12 school leadership

· These engagement ideas should incorporate in-person, virtual, online forms, and other methods that will generate significant engagement from groups that may not otherwise engage the strategic planning process.

· The facilitator should keep in mind that some constituent groups may not have the ability to travel and/or access to technology.

2.2 Lead meetings and listening sessions

· The facilitator will be required to be in person for key meetings and listening sessions.

· Facilitator will work directly with the seven-member steering committee as well as with the MSU Executive Team.

· Organize, lead, and summarize key listening sessions and engagement activities with the various stakeholder groups.

3. Experience

· Facilitator must have previous experience with the development of strategic visions or plans in higher education.

· Previous experience with innovative ways connecting with campus-based, local, state, and federal stakeholders is preferred.

· Experience working with a public and/or land-grant university to assist in the development of strategic visions or plans is preferred.

4. Timeline The contracted vendor/facilitator shall assist MSU in meeting the anticipated timeline

· January 2026 – Initial meeting with steering committee and executive team

· Early February 2026 – Proposed plan for engagement opportunities due to MSU

· Late February 2026 – April 2026 – Engagement activities, primarily on campus and in Gallatin Valley

· April 2026-July 2026 – Engagement activities, primarily off campus and beyond the Gallatin Valley

· July 2026 – Key points and summaries shared and discussed with steering committee and executive team

· August 2026 – Framework of proposed themes submitted to executive team

· September 2026 – Key themes and strategic plan framework shared with campus community for feedback

· October 2026 – Draft and creation of formal strategic plan developed

· November 2026 – MSU Strategic Plan unveiled at Board of Regents Meeting (November 19, 2026)

3. DELIVERABLES

The vendor shall:

1. Plan to travel for key planning meetings, selected listening sessions, and other key engagement events (not expecting more than 8 times)

2. Provide a full detailed plan for engagement with stakeholder groups prior to beginning listening sessions

3. Facilitate key meetings, listening sessions, or engagement events

4. Assist with collection and analysis of data gathered from engagement activities

4. CONTRACT PERIOD

The contract period shall be from the date of award until completion of the contracted services which shall be no later than December 31, 2026.

5. PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS

Interested vendors must submit proposals including:

5.1 Experience

· Facilitator / vendor resume

· 3-5 references from previous clients

· Higher education references/clients required

· Public higher education references/clients preferred

5.2 Proposed Timeline & Plan

· Detailed engagement plan including methods, project timeline, and innovative engagement ideas

5.3 Pricing Proposal

· Detailed pricing structure showing costs for all services broken down either by hour, week, or month

· Estimated travel expenses

· Estimated cost of all materials and supplies

6. EVALUATION CRITERIA

Proposals will be evaluated based on the following weighted criteria:

7. SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

Proposals must be submitted by Friday, December 5, 2025 by 5pm MST to:

MSU President’s Office Attn: James Tobin Email: jtobin@montana.edu All proposals should be sent by email.

Late submissions will not be accepted.

8. QUESTIONS AND CLARIFICATIONS

All questions regarding this solicitation must be submitted in writing to James Tobin, jtobin@montana.edu.