Equity in strategic planning for the materials management (MM) grants

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has issued Request for Proposal (RFP) S-34000-00001510 seeking consulting and training services to integrate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) into its Materials Management (MM) Grant Program. The primary objectives include developing a comprehensive strategic plan, providing DEI training and capacity building for grant reviewers and grantees, defining DEI goals and objectives, and advising on application questions, evaluation criteria, and scoring. Proposers must demonstrate at least two years of experience in DEI consulting and grant program development, with the agency requiring a holistic and integrated approach to accomplish these tasks. The RFP covers services for the state of Oregon, specifically focusing on Multnomah County and the City of Portland jurisdictions. Proposals are due by January 31, 2022, with the agency planning to issue a notice of award around February 28, 2022. The proposed project timeline spans from March 2022 through February 2024, with key milestones to be achieved during this period. Evaluation criteria will include assessments of the strategic plan development process, DEI training and capacity building approaches, defined DEI goals and objectives, application and evaluation components, and overall implementation plan.

The RFP includes a Certified Disadvantaged Business Outreach Plan, which requires proposers to solicit and potentially subcontract with certified minority-owned, woman-owned, service-disabled veteran-owned, and emerging small businesses. Proposers must provide a list of certified and non-certified firms they have worked with in the past two years and report subcontract details to the Oregon Certification Office for Business Inclusion and Diversity (COBID) if awarded the contract. The state's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Action Plan emphasizes the importance of dismantling institutional racism and promoting equitable practices across state government. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly stated, the RFP suggests the agency is prepared to negotiate contract terms with the highest-ranking responsible proposer. The procurement aligns with broader state initiatives to support workforce development, sustainable materials management, and equitable grant programs, with a focus on creating opportunities for historically marginalized communities. The agency demonstrates a commitment to comprehensive and inclusive approaches to materials management and grant administration through this procurement process.