Cleveland Department of Health - 2027-2029 Strategic Plan

The City of Cleveland Department of Public Health is soliciting proposals for strategic planning services to develop its 2027-2029 strategic plan under RFP #2026-RFP-137, with proposals due August 17, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. and a non-mandatory pre-proposal conference on August 3, 2026. A 10% Cleveland Area Small Business (CSB) subcontractor participation goal applies, with proposers required to demonstrate good-faith efforts to utilize certified Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs), Female Business Enterprises (FBEs), and CSBs; failure to submit all required Office of Equal Opportunity (OEO) Schedules results in bid rejection.

The scope encompasses project initiation, environmental scanning with internal and external stakeholder engagement, facilitation of an in-person strategic planning working session, and development of draft and final strategic plans with accompanying action plans. CDPH employs approximately 180 staff and serves roughly 360,000 residents. The contractor must complete all deliverables by January 31, 2027, with key milestones including kickoff by September 1, 2026; environmental scan summary by November 1; in-person workshop by November 15; draft strategic plan by December 15; draft action plan by December 31; and final deliverables by January 31.

Qualified proposers must demonstrate a minimum of two continuous years of experience within the last five years providing strategic planning or business consultation services. Preferred qualifications include knowledge of Cleveland, commitment to anti-racist and pro-equity practices, and ability to accommodate in-person and virtual work. Proposers must maintain professional liability insurance with limits of not less than $100,000 per occurrence and deductible not exceeding $25,000.

Compensation is based on hourly billing rates or a fixed price arrangement to be negotiated, with reimbursable expenses permitted under the City's Reimbursables Policy. Monthly invoices detailing actual hours and approved billing rates are due within thirty days. Evaluation is weighted 40% on strength of proposed services and solution, 15% on qualifications, 15% on timeline feasibility, 10% on public health experience, 10% on client references, and 10% on stakeholder engagement approach. The contract term begins upon execution and continues until all deliverables are completed and approved by the Director. Contractor selection is anticipated for August 25, 2026. Questions are due August 10, 2026.