Request for Proposals - Strategic Planning Consultant Services

Location:	Ohio
Posted:	Feb 27, 2026
Due:	Mar 20, 2026
Agency:	Ottawa County
Type of Government:	State & Local
Category:	Q - Medical Services R - Professional, Administrative and Management Support Services
Publication URL:	To access bid details, please log in.

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Request for Proposals (RFP)

Strategic Planning Consultant Services

Issued by: Ottawa County Senior Resources

RFP Issue Date: February 27, 2026

Proposal Due Date: March 20, 2026

Contact Person: Tory Thompson, Director

Email: tthompson@co.ottawa.oh.us

Phone: 419.898.6459

1. Introduction

Ottawa County Senior Resources (OCSR) invites qualified consultants or consulting firms to

submit proposals to facilitate and develop a comprehensive strategic plan to guide the

organization over the next three to five years.

OCSR seeks a collaborative, experienced consultant who can engage board members, staff,

community partners, and older adults to create an actionable, realistic, and mission-driven

strategic plan that supports sustainability, growth, and high-quality service delivery.

2. Organizational Background

Ottawa County Senior Resources is dedicated to supporting the health, independence, and

quality of life of older adults in Ottawa County. The organization provides a range of programs

and services designed to meet the evolving needs of seniors, including nutrition services,

transportation, wellness activities, social engagement opportunities, and supportive services.

OCSR operates multiple senior centers and community-based programs and works closely with

local partners, funders, and state and regional aging networks. As the needs of older adults and

the funding environment continue to change, OCSR is seeking strategic guidance to ensure

long-term sustainability and responsiveness.

3. Purpose of the RFP

The purpose of this RFP is to select a strategic planning consultant to assist OCSR in:

● Developing a clear, actionable 3–5 year strategic plan

● Aligning organizational goals with community needs, funding requirements, and

regulatory expectations

● Strengthening organizational sustainability and capacity

● Identifying strategic priorities, measurable goals, and implementation strategies

● Engaging stakeholders in an inclusive and accessible planning process

4. Scope of Work

The selected consultant will work closely with OCSR leadership and staff to complete the

following activities. Proposers may recommend refinements to this scope based on their

methodology.

Anticipated Scope Includes:

1. Project Planning and Kickoff

○ Meet with OCSR leadership to confirm goals, expectations, timeline, and

communication plan

2. Document Review and Assessment

○ Review relevant organizational materials (e.g., mission/vision, prior strategic

plans, budgets, program data, organizational charts, policies)

3. Stakeholder Engagement

○ Facilitate engagement with board members, staff, senior center teams, program

participants, and community partners

○ Utilize accessible methods such as surveys, focus groups, interviews, or

facilitated sessions

4. Environmental Scan and Analysis

○ Conduct a SWOT or similar analysis

○ Identify trends impacting aging services, funding, workforce, and community

needs

5. Strategic Planning Facilitation

○ Facilitate strategic planning sessions or retreats with board and/or staff

○ Guide development of strategic priorities, goals, and objectives

6. Drafting the Strategic Plan

○ Prepare a draft strategic plan including goals, objectives, strategies, and

timelines

○ Incorporate feedback from OCSR leadership and stakeholders

7. Final Plan and Presentation

○ Deliver a final strategic plan

○ Present the plan to the OCSR Board of Directors

5. Deliverables

The consultant will be expected to provide the following deliverables:

● Project work plan and timeline

● Summary of stakeholder engagement findings

● Draft strategic plan

● Final strategic plan (PDF and editable format)

● Implementation roadmap or action plan

● Executive summary suitable for sharing with funders and community partners

● Board presentation materials

6. Timeline

OCSR anticipates selecting a consultant by April 3, 2026 with the project beginning shortly

thereafter. The strategic planning process is expected to be completed within approximately

[4–6 months], though proposers may suggest an alternative timeline.

Anticipated RFP Schedule:

● RFP Issued: February 27, 2026

● Questions Due: March 16, 2026

● Proposals Due: March 20, 2026

● Interviews (if applicable): March 23-27, 2026

● Consultant Selection: by April 3, 2026

● Project Start: May 1, 2026

7. Consultant Qualifications

Proposals should demonstrate the consultant’s qualifications, including:

● Proven experience facilitating strategic planning processes

● Experience working with nonprofit, public sector, healthcare, or aging services

organizations

● Strong facilitation and stakeholder engagement skills

● Knowledge of funding and regulatory environments impacting senior services

● Ability to present information clearly and accessibly

● References from at least two comparable organizations

8. Proposal Submission Requirements

Proposals must include the following components:

1. Cover letter introducing the consultant or firm

2. Organizational or firm background and relevant experience

3. Description of proposed approach and methodology

4. Proposed project timeline and work plan

5. Budget and fee structure (including any anticipated expenses)

6. Description of key personnel who will be assigned to the project

7. At least two professional references

8. Optional: Description of approach to accessibility, inclusion, or community engagement

9. Budget

Proposals should include a detailed budget outlining all costs associated with the project. OCSR

anticipates a total project budget not to exceed $17,000, inclusive of all fees and expenses.

Consultants may propose alternative pricing structures if appropriate.

10. Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

● Understanding of OCSR’s needs and project goals

● Quality and feasibility of proposed approach

● Relevant experience and qualifications

● Demonstrated ability to engage stakeholders effectively

● Cost and value

● References

OCSR may invite selected proposers for interviews prior to final selection.

11. Submission Instructions

Proposals must be submitted electronically in PDF format to:

Email:tthompson@co.ottawa.oh.us

Subject Line: Strategic Planning Consultant RFP – OCSR

Proposals must be received no later than March 20, 2026 at 11:59 pm. Late submissions may

not be considered.

12. Terms and Conditions

● OCSR reserves the right to reject any or all proposals

● OCSR may request additional information or clarification

● All materials submitted become the property of OCSR

● The selected consultant will be required to enter into a formal contract

● Payment terms will be negotiated upon selection

13. Accessibility and Inclusion

OCSR values inclusive and accessible engagement. Consultants should be prepared to use

plain language, accessible formats, and facilitation approaches appropriate for older adults and

diverse stakeholders.

Thank you for your interest in supporting Ottawa County Senior Resources through this

strategic planning process.

This is the opportunity summary page. It provides an overview of this opportunity and a preview of the attached documentation.

Bid Title:	Request for Proposals - Strategic Planning Consultant Services
Category:	Ottawa County
Status:	Open

Request for Proposals - Strategic Planning Consultant Services

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