RFP747 (abbr. ) - Speaker Consultant Services 2026

The Atlanta Regional Commission is requesting proposals for speaker consultant services to provide public speaking coaching for ARC executives and community partners, with proposals due July 27, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. EST and questions due July 16, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. EST. Site registration and application approval on the ARC procurement website must occur prior to proposal submission.

The primary deliverable is coaching for the ARC Chief Executive Officer's State of the Region Address (15–20 minutes) and two "What's Next ATL" presentations (5–7 minutes each) to be delivered November 4, 2026 at the Georgia World Congress Center to an anticipated audience of 1,500. The consultant will provide speech structuring, message refinement, slide deck input, vocal delivery coaching, physical presence guidance, and audience engagement strategies. Work includes up to three 60–90 minute coaching sessions with the Chief Executive Officer in the month prior to the event and on-site rehearsal November 3, 2026; four to six coaching sessions with each of two community speakers and on-site rehearsal October 23, 2025. The consultant must demonstrate a proven track record coaching C-Suite executives in mission-driven organizations, translating complex technical information into accessible narratives, and preparing leaders for flagship events.

Proposals must not exceed 30 pages and must include company background and staffing qualifications, project approach and coaching methodology, overviews of five similar previous projects, a detailed budget with line items for direct labor, direct costs, and subcontracts if applicable, and a minimum of three client references from the past five years. Evaluation weights staffing and qualifications at 40%, project approach and management philosophy at 30%, proposed budget at 15%, and references at 15%. The contract term is from August 2026 through December 31, 2026, with potential amendment for up to four additional consecutive years depending on performance and funding availability. ARC reserves the right to award based on initial proposals, select finalists for interviews, reject any or all proposals, or negotiate with multiple proposers.