To Create a Countywide Racial Equity Action Plan

Orange County, North Carolina is seeking proposals for a comprehensive Racial Equity Action Plan through RFP #367-OC5450, targeting qualified individuals and organizations to develop a strategic framework addressing systemic inequities within the county. The primary objective is to facilitate a detailed plan that promotes inclusivity and supports social justice initiatives. Key deliverables include conducting an organizational audit, implementing extensive community engagement processes, and developing actionable implementation strategies with measurable metrics. The project requires a comprehensive technical approach that demonstrates the consultant's ability to analyze current racial equity challenges and propose transformative solutions. Evaluation criteria are structured to assess consultant experience (15 points), technical approach (25 points), project organization (25 points), firm capacity (15 points), and total project cost (20 points). Critical deadlines include a non-mandatory pre-submittal conference on February 11, 2025, and proposal submissions due on March 4, 2025, at 2:00 PM ET. The contract period will run from the award date through December 31, 2025, providing approximately nine months for plan development and implementation.

The county demonstrates a commitment to inclusive procurement by encouraging participation from Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUBs) and requiring vendors to comply with E-Verify requirements. Proposing organizations must submit proof of required insurance coverage and provide both a total project cost and itemized costs for specific project elements, including a scalable option for community engagement activities. While specific budget allocations are not publicly disclosed, the procurement is being funded directly by Orange County. The RFP does not indicate any incumbent vendors or existing technological infrastructure that require integration. Potential respondents should carefully review the full RFP document to understand the comprehensive requirements, which emphasize a nuanced and thorough approach to developing a countywide racial equity strategy that can drive meaningful organizational and community-level change.