Request for Proposal: CS-RFP-002-2026 – Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Audit

The City of Temiskaming Shores is inviting proposals from qualified consultants or teams of consultants to conduct an Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Audit of the City’s internal operations.

Questions Deadline: Wednesday, July 15, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. local time

Submission Deadline: Thursday, July 23, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. local time

Proposals must be submitted electronically using the Electronic Bid Submissions Portal on the City’s website.

• Submission Method: Electronic Bid Submissions Portal only
• File Format: PDF
• Maximum File Size: 50 MB
• Subject Line: CS-RFP-002-2026 “Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Audit”
• Addressed To: Logan Belanger, Clerk
• Confirmation: Proponents will receive an automatic email response confirming receipt of the submission.

Proponents should contact the Municipal Clerk at 705-672-3363 ext. 4136 or clerk@temiskamingshores.ca if they do not receive a confirmation email. Late proposals, fax submissions, mail submissions, partial proposals, and proposals emailed directly to City staff will not be accepted.

The Successful Proponent will undertake a comprehensive Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Audit of the City of Temiskaming Shores’ internal operations, policies, and organizational culture. The work will include project planning and coordination, review of existing policies, procedures, and governance structures, stakeholder engagement, and a climate assessment to evaluate workplace culture and inclusivity.

• Conduct a comprehensive EDI audit of internal operations, policies, and organizational culture
• Review existing policies, procedures, and governance structures
• Conduct stakeholder engagement through consultations with staff
• Complete a climate assessment to evaluate workplace culture and inclusivity
• Conduct a gap analysis against leading practices and applicable legislative frameworks
• Develop a detailed report outlining findings and actionable, prioritized recommendations
• Develop a practical implementation roadmap and performance measurement framework
• Where appropriate, incorporate strategic positioning considerations to align EDI outcomes with the City’s broader organizational goals and community identity

The Successful Proponent shall provide, at a minimum, the following deliverables:

• Project Work Plan
• Policy, Program, and Governance Review Summary
• Stakeholder Engagement Summary
• Organizational Climate Assessment
• Gap Analysis Report
• Draft EDI Audit Report
• Final EDI Audit Report, including an executive summary suitable for public release
• Implementation Roadmap
• Performance Measurement Framework
• Presentation of Findings to Senior Leadership and/or Council
• Electronic deliverables in Microsoft Office and PDF formats
• Documents compliant with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation

Project timelines are important to the City. A detailed project schedule with key milestones should be included in the proposal.

Proponents shall identify the work to be performed based on the goals, objectives, and deliverables of the RFP. Proponents are responsible for anticipating and identifying all tasks required to perform the contract, whether or not they have been specifically identified in the RFP.

Proposals will be evaluated based on the information provided by the Proponent. Additional clarification may be requested if necessary.

• Qualifications, Expertise and Performance on Similar Projects: 30%
• Proposed Manager and Support Team: 20%
• Completeness and Schedule: 25%
• Estimated Fees and Disbursements: 25%

• The City reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals.
• The lowest priced proposal will not necessarily be accepted.
• The proposal shall be valid for 45 days from the submission date.
• The Form of Proposal must be signed by the Proponent or responsible official of the firm bidding.
• Line items and total contract price must be clearly indicated.
• H.S.T. tax will be applicable to the supply of labour and equipment.
• Proponents must acknowledge receipt of all addenda on the Form of Proposal.
• Sub-consultants and subcontractors involved in any component of the project must be identified.
• Any potential conflicts of interest with the City or any employee of the City must be identified and described in detail in the proposal.
• The Successful Proponent must provide evidence of Commercial General Liability Insurance of no less than $5,000,000 per occurrence.
• Automobile Liability Insurance of no less than $5,000,000 per occurrence is required if applicable.
• The Successful Proponent must provide a Certificate of good standing from the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board.
• The Proponent shall comply with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and the regulations thereunder.
• Any proprietary or confidential information contained in the proposal should be clearly identified.

RFP Questions

Shelly Zubyck
Director of Corporate Services
City of Temiskaming Shores
325 Farr Drive
Temiskaming Shores, ON P0J 1K0
Phone: 705-672-3363 ext. 4107
Email: szubyck@temiskamingshores.ca

Submission Confirmation / Opening Details

Logan Belanger, Clerk
Phone: 705-672-3363 ext. 4136
Email: clerk@temiskamingshores.ca