LGBTQ+ Affairs Commission RFQ- Project Management, Strategic Planning, Annual Reporting, and Community Engagement Support

The City of Columbus invites qualified consultants to submit proposals to support the Columbus LGBTQ+ Affairs Commission through project management, strategic planning, annual report development, and expert review of its community engagement strategy.

The Commission was established for the purpose of advising the Mayor and City Council on policy matters affecting the LGBTQ+ community. [...] The Commission consists of 13 community members appointed by the Mayor and City Council.

Among its duties, the Commission must produce both (1) an engagement strategy to build awareness of its work and increase interaction with members of the LGBTQ+ community and (2) an annual report to Council and the Mayor detailing its activities and summarizing its recommendations on matters affecting the LGBTQ+ community in the City and region.

The selected consultant will:

1. Provide project management to ensure contracted activities and deliverables are completed on schedule and within scope;
2. Develop a comprehensive strategic plan in close coordination with the Commission, based on the Commission’s community engagement, deliberations, and City-provided materials;
3. Develop the Commission’s first annual report for distribution to City Council, the Mayor, and the public;
4. Provide support for, and expert review of, the Commission’s community engagement strategy, working in close coordination with the Commission and ensuring that the strategy’s content and substance reflect the Commission’s views and input.

Project Management

• Develop a detailed project plan with milestones, timelines, and responsibilities that will inform the collaborative work of the Commission;
• Monitor progress, provide regular status updates to the City’s designated project manager, and engage with appropriate internal and external stakeholders as needed to address challenges and advance the work of the Commission.

Annual Report

• Work with the Commission and City staff to develop an annual report that details the Commission’s activities; summarizes the Commission’s recommendations on matters impacting the LGBTQ+ community in the City and region; summarizes the Commission’s community engagement and educational activities, including the City Hall Pride Illumination Ceremony; and communicates any measures or recommendations developed by the Commission.
• Provide all public-facing deliverables in editable source format and as accessible, publication-ready files. Web content must conform to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 Level AA.
• Produce an editable annual report template and provide relevant training or written instructions to support continuity between the first annual report and future versions.

Strategic Plan

• Compile and analyze information from the Commission’s community engagement, discussions, research, findings, as well as City-provided materials.
• In close coordination with the Commission, draft a well-organized plan that offers a roadmap for the Commission’s work, improved City service delivery, and community impact.

Community Engagement Support

• Review, in close coordination with the Commission, social media planning, audience mapping, and other strategies and products created by the Commission’s Community Engagement, Communications, and Outreach Committee.
• Offer expert feedback on opportunities to improve the Commission’s community engagement strategy, including approaches for reaching historically underrepresented groups.
• Work in close coordination with the Commission to review, synthesize, and refine the community engagement strategy and produce a final strategy document that is stylistically congruent with the annual report.

**Submission method:** Please submit all proposals via the City’s Bonfire platform at: https://columbus.bonfirehub.com/opportunities/260982

Proposals must be submitted by **Tuesday, November 24, at noon EST**.

Proposals shall be no longer than **10 pages**. In the event that more than 10 pages are submitted, only the first 10 pages may be reviewed.

The award issued under this RFQ shall not exceed **$50,000.00**.

Evaluation Criteria

• Approach and methodology, including project management, strategic plan and annual report development, and Commission collaboration (25%)
• Relevant experience and qualifications, including public-sector board or commission work, strategic planning, and annual reporting (20%)
• Demonstrated experience working effectively with diverse LGBTQ+ communities (20%)
• Cost effectiveness (20%)
• References and past performance (10%)
• Accessibility and public-facing document design capabilities (5%)

The selected applicant must agree to the City’s standard service contract as provided in Exhibit B. Contractor shall carry at least the minimum amounts of Commercial Liability Insurance (Bodily Injury and Property Damage) naming the City as an additional insured. The Contractor shall comply with all Workers’ Compensation laws of the State of Ohio.

Project Start Date: December 2026-January 2027. Work Completed: December 31, 2027.