REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)

ZONAL IMMIGRATION PARTNERSHIP (ZIP) 

COMMUNITY FEASIBILITY STUDY

Introduction

The Association for New Canadians (ANC) invites proposals from experienced community consultants to complete a feasibility study to support a Zonal Immigration Partnership (ZIP) initiative in Western Newfoundland and Labrador. The goal of the project is to conduct a needs assessment through regional consultations with key stakeholders and municipalities in Newfoundland and Labrador’s west coast region. It will explore immigration challenges in the region and how the establishment of a Zonal Immigration Partnership can address identified gaps. 

The purpose of the initiative is to:

  • Enhance collaboration, coordination and strategic planning at the community/zonal level in order to identify challenges and  build welcoming communities; and
  • Increase community capacity to create and sustain more inclusive and equitable services for newcomers.

Project Overview

Project Title:Timeline: Location: Zonal Immigration Partnership: Western NLJune 9 , 2025 to October 30, 2025Corner Brook and Western NL

Scope of Work

The consultant’s work consists of, but is not limited to:

  • Assessing municipal and local multi-sector support 
  • Developing a community profile of newcomers and identifying their needs
  • Evaluating available settlement services and identifying service gaps
  • Engaging stakeholders to determine community priorities
  • Estimating financial resources required for the introduction of a ZIP

The consultant will prepare a comprehensive research report and submit it to ANC by October 31, 2025 with a recommendation on the potential benefits and viability of establishing a ZIP in the area. Furthermore, the consultant will present to the ANC on its findings and recommendations prior to final submission. 

The responsibilities of the ANC within the project are to:

  • Offer guidance and oversight on all aspects of the project.
  • Provide access to relevant documents, data, and internal stakeholders for interviews and consultations.
  • Assign appropriate staff to support the project and act as points of contact in each division.
  • Offer logistical support where possible (meeting space, communications support) to facilitate the consultant’s work.

Key Deliverables

  • Enhanced Awareness among Community Partners: Local and provincial community partners demonstrate a clear and shared understanding of newcomer needs within their respective communities. 
  • Collaborative Community Planning: Stakeholders actively collaborate in the creation of community plans and strategic initiatives to address service gaps and maximize the effective use of local resources in support of positive outcomes for newcomers.
  • Increased Capacity of Non-settlement Stakeholders: Non-settlement organizations across all sectors—including those in large, medium, and small municipalities, as well as in Francophone minority communities—demonstrate strengthened capacity to effectively serve newcomer populations.

Proposal Requirements

Interested parties are requested to submit a proposal that includes:

  • A response plan outlining how they will collaborate with ANC on achieving the project goals
  • Previous experience in the delivery of similar projects or consultations
  • A proposed budget that itemizes expenses 
  • A timeline highlighting key milestones and deadlines
  • References for successful consulting projects

Submission Guidelines

Proposals should be sent to [email protected] no later than May 30, 2025. Late submissions will not be considered.

Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

  • Experience and track record of successfully planning and executing similar projects
  • Overall cost-effectiveness of the proposal
  • Quality and alignment of proposed plan with the project outcomes and goals

Legal Terms

  • ANC reserves the right to reject all proposals submitted under this call or to cancel or amend the RFP at any time without penalty or cost.
  • ANC is not obligated to accept the lowest-cost proposal. Evaluations are based on the criteria set in this call, including demonstrated expertise, methodology and overall value to the organization.
  • The successful proponent will be required to enter into a written agreement with the ANC.
  • All information provided to the successful bidder to meet the deliverables of this project shall be considered confidential.
  • Any material, data or intellectual property produced through the project shall become the exclusive property of the ANC.
  • The terms of the contract and deliverables will be clearly stated in the signed agreement. A failure to meet the set conditions of the contract by either party can lead to a termination of contract. In the event of an early termination due to non-compliance, ANC is only responsible for paying for the completed work.
  • In the event where the successful bidder/contractor is working with clients, then a vulnerable sector check and criminal background check shall be required.
  • The proponent must declare any actual or potential conflict of interest relating to the proposal submission.
  • The bidder/contractor must be registered with Workplace NL.
  • If the bidder/contractor is incorporated, then they are responsible for submitting HST in the final bid submission.

For further information or to set up an informational meeting, 

please contact [email protected]