ECONOMIC DEVELOPERS COUNCIL OF ONTARIO (EDCO)

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST 

CREATION & DISTRIBUTION EDCO DIRECTORY

Services Required

The Economic Developers Council of Ontario (EDCO) is seeking a qualified consultant/company to create the EDCO Directory (published annually)  to provide professional services to create & distribute the 2013 edition of the EDCO Directory. 

WHAT is EDCO?

 The Economic Developers Council of Ontario (EDCO) is Canada’s largest provincial economic development organization. For over 50 years EDCO has Increased the capacity of those who practise economic, industrial, and community development through professional development initiatives, information exchanges among members and the promotion of the economic development profession.  It has also been a catalyst for assisting in the development and promotion of Ontario and its municipalities.

The membership of EDCO is comprised of specialists from various disciplines. Each contributes his or her expertise to the complex job of economic development.

The Council consists of:

• Municipal, Business and Economic Development Professionals
• Municipal, Regional, Provincial, Federal Government Officials
• Land Developers
• Educators and technology assistance developers and facilitators
• Industrial and Commercial Realtors
• Tourism Industry Representatives
• Industrial/Commercial/Tourism Development Specialists from Banks, Public Utilities and Transportation Companies

EDCO enjoys a close working relationship with the Provincial and Federal Governments as well as links with other professional associations.

For further information, visit the EDCO website at www.edco.on.ca

PROJECT Background

For the past 15+ years, EDCO has worked with a consultant/company to create a membership directory that goes beyond members listings.  The publication includes general information on the economic climate in the Province, resources, and the EDCO member directory.  For the past few years, the Directory has been produced in both a hard copy and electronic format.  Advertising revenue covers the production and distribution costs.  Distribution is both mail copy and electronic blasts with a continued presence on the EDCO website.

The EDCO Board of Directors would like the opportunity to further demonstrate added value to the advertisers through innovative marketing of the publication to target markets. 

PROJECT DELIVERABLES

Develop a menu of opportunities for the creation of the EDCO Directory.
Present recommendations re distribution and return on investment for advertisers.
Develop a plan for securing advertising revenue.

RFI TIMELINES
RFI Issued Friday, June 15, 2012
RFI Submissions due by 4:00pm on August 15, 2013
Award Contract on September 15, 2013
Contract Completed by January 15, 2013.

SKILLS REQUIRED OF CONTRACTOR

The Contractor should have experience in publishing membership directories and creating advertising opportunities that make sense to advertisers.  EDCO is seeking unique methods to distribute the directory that create value to the members and the advertisers.

PROJECT BUDGET

Currently, EDCO publishes the directory in concert with a contractor that shares revenue with the association.  This is a major revenue generator for EDCO and the organization wishes to continue to collect revenue on the project.

PROPOSAL CONTENT

Your proposal should include a demonstrated understanding of the scope and particulars of the assignment, the estimated expenses to complete the assignment, and should clearly and concisely address the following evaluation criteria:

Proponent Overview (15 points)

Provide a company profile, verification of liability insurance policy and describe the relevant experience of the proponent in projects completed of a similar scope and scale.  Also provide references (minimum of three) of projects that the proponent has done in the last three years – should include company, address, and contact person, telephone number, email and website (where possible).

Understanding of Objectives/Approach & Methology (45 points)

Describe your understanding of the assignment, including overall scope and objectives, noting any specific challenges that may exist. Describe the approach and methodology to be followed in completing all aspects as described in the project background in order to achieve the stated project deliverables.

Experience and Qualifications of Key Team Members (15 points)

Identify the Project Manager and key team members of the project team to be assigned, including those from specialized sub-consultants, and describe their individual capabilities, respective roles and availability for this project.  Resumes should be included where appropriate.

Work Plan and Schedule (25 points)

Provide a work plan and schedule, including a breakdown of the major tasks and the level of effort by individual team members in sufficient detail as to allow a complete understanding as to how and by whom the work is to be carried out.

SELECTION PROCESS

An evaluation team from the EDCO Executive will review all expressions of interest received and score the proposals using a “consensus” approach, in relation to the criteria that are identified.  One or more proponents may be invited to attend a formal interview with the evaluation team, and/or to provide written clarification on their proposal.

EDCO is not bound to accept any proposal and reserves the right to modify or revise the successful submission in discussion with the proponent following acceptance of the original proposal.

SUBMISSION OF PROPOSAL

Please provide an electronic copy of your proposal in Word or PDF format to Heather Lalonde, Ec.D. , Executive Director, Economic Developers Council of Ontario at edco@edco.on.ca

Proposals must be received by no later than 4:00 p.m.EST on August 15, 2012.
Late submissions will not be given consideration.

ENQUIRIES

Enquiries regarding terms, conditions and proposal process or format of response should be directed to Heather Lalonde, Executive Director, EDCO at edco@edco.on.ca no later than 12:00pm EST Wednesday, May 9, 2012.  Responses to enquiries will be provided no later than 12:00pm EST Friday, May 11, 2012.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

The consultant will identify any perceived conflict of interest before the proposal is submitted to the Economic Developers Council of Ontario. 

OWNERSHIP OF COLLATERAL MATERIAL

Upon completion of project, all material collected and created will become the property of the Economic Developers Council of Ontario Inc.