United States - Request for Proposal for Advisory Services for Texas Historical Commission

Description

The State of Texas, by and through the Texas Historical Commission (THC) seeks sealed Request for Proposals (RFP) from qualified firms for Advisory Services for the Historic Sites Divisions.The respondent will work with existing leadership within the Historic Sites Division (HSD) to identify a consultant that can create an Action Plan to assist staff and sites (Levi Jordan and Varner Hogg Plantation) with inclusive strategies to improve and enhance communication of historically controversial topics at the site level. Travel to the sites, meet the staff, and assess customer interactions with the staff.Conduct an environmental scan to quickly evaluate existing work, resources, and public interactions at these sites for inclusion in the Action Plan and to identify current gaps.Analyze feedback and results; incorporate findings in a final Action Plan and provide training to the staff and leadership.Sites are located in Brazoria and West Columbia, Texas. Applicable State of Texas rates will apply to this request.Services shall include the requirements contained in the RFP. Services set forth that contain the words "must" or "shall" are mandatory and must be provided as specified with no alteration, modification, or exception. Services set forth that contain the words "may" or "can" allow Respondents to offer alternatives to the manner in which the commodities/services are provided. The requested services and corresponding deliverables are detailed in the subsections below.The Texas Historical Commission (THC) is the state agency for historic preservation. THC staff consults with citizens and organizations to preserve Texas’ architectural, archeological, and cultural landmarks. The agency is recognized nationally for its preservation programs. The THC is composed of 15 citizen members appointed by the governor to staggered six-year terms. As of September 1, 2021, the agency had authorized 284.5 full-time employees who work in various fields including archeology, architecture, history, economic development, heritage tourism, and public and historic site administration. Since 1953—when it was established as the Texas State Historical Survey Committee—the agency now known as the Texas Historical Commission has served as the Lone Star State’s leader in the preservation of Texas history. The THC administers more than two dozen programs that protect the precious places Texans value—colonial missions, courthouses, battlefields, and more. Through our stewardship of Texas’ State Historic Sites, National Register properties, irreplaceable archeological sites, and historic county courthouses, the THC has become one of the most respected state preservation offices in the nation. We have also become a powerful engine of economic development for Texas communities. The mission of the THC is to protect and preserve the state’s historic and prehistoric resources for the education, enjoyment, and economic benefit of present and future generations. As of FY 2021, the Texas Historical Commission has 284.5 authorized full-time employees, according to the General Appropriations Act. The workforce is comprised of 46 percent males and 54 percent females. More than half of the THC staff is over the age of 40. The Employees Retirement System estimates that between FY 2020 and FY 2024, 21 percent of the workforce is eligible to retire (based on FY 2020 data).  However, THC is expected to grow to roughly 346 FTEs by the end of FY 2024.THC is seeking firms that provide human resources-related services, including those who specialize in facilitating crucial/difficult conversations and meet the following qualifications:    1. Knowledge and experience in the research and implementation of inclusive strategies to improve and enhance communication of historically controversial topics. 2. Proven ability to work within an organization and engage others in creating a vision and philosophy around inclusiveness.3. Experience working with underrepresented communities.4. Experience utilizing universal design for learning and culturally responsive approaches in interacting with stakeholders and developing materials. 5. Strong facilitation and organizational skills. 6. Excellent presentation, verbal, and written communication skills.The Texas Historical Commission (THC) is soliciting proposals in response to this Request for Proposal No. 808-24-240742, from qualified vendors to provide advisory services.1. Travel to the sites, meet the staff, and assess customer interactions with the staff.2. Sites are located in Brazoria and West Columbia, Texas. Applicable State of Texas travel rates will apply to this request.3. Work with existing leadership within the Historic Sites Division (HSD) to create an Action Plan to assist staff and sites (Levi Jordan and Varner Hogg Plantation) that includes:a. strategies to improve and enhance communication of historically controversial topics at the site levelb. strategies to create an inclusive working environment and culture for staff at the sitesc. strategies to address external challenges while maintaining a positive and supportive working environment4. Conduct an environmental scan to quickly evaluate existing work, resources, and public interactions at these sites for inclusion in the Action Plan and to identify current gaps.5. Analyze feedback and results; incorporate findings in a final Action Plan6. Provide training and/or resources to the staff and leadership to resolve identified issues. Services are estimated to take place between March 1, 2024, through August 31, 2024. An initial meeting or conference call to agree on the approach must be scheduled to occur within (2) two weeks of the last signature date of the contract. Services shall be performed under the coordination of THC’s Human Resources Director in the Administration division.Any face-to-face meetings deemed necessary by Respondent and/or THC will take place at an approved upon location by both parties. Environmental scan to evaluate existing work and resources for inclusion in the Action Plan and to identify current gaps that need addressing completed by June 1, 2024. Action Plan that includes the results of the environmental scan and provides recommendations, next steps, outcomes, goals, and strategies to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion in the specified sites by July 1, 2024.Training related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging to staff as determined by the action plan and environmental scan by August 1, 2024.Schedule of Events: Issue RFP/ESBD Posting Date                         January 19, 2024Deadline for Submission of Questions                 January 29, 2024 Official Response to Questions Posted on the ESBD January 31, 2024Deadline for Submission of Proposals/RFP                 February 9, 2024, 2:00 PM CT(Late responses will not be considered)Public Bid Opening                         February 9, 2024, 2:01 PM CTRFP Evaluations                         February 12-14, 2024Interviews with Top Candidates (if necessary)         February 15-21, 2024Expected Award of Contract                 February 22-29, 2024Expected Contract Start Date                 March 1, 2024Should any Respondent find discrepancies among the Proposal Document, or should the Respondent be in doubt as to their exact meaning, the Respondent should notify the THC at once. All inquiries shall be submitted in writing by the date listed above in the Schedule of Events. Verbal inquiries and responses will not be valid or binding.For questions contact Christi Duve, THC, at (512) 475-3909 or christi.duve@thc.texas.gov. All inquiries will result in written responses as an addendum posted on the Electronic State Business Daily (ESBD), available at http://www.txsmartbuy.com/sp. If a Respondent does not have internet access, a copy of all written responses may be obtained through the administrative point of contact listed above. Proposals shall be submitted to THC by one of the following methods:  US Postal Service, Overnight/Express Mail, Hand Delivered or Emailed.The delivery addresses are located in the RFP. If you plan to email your bid electronically, you may email your bid to responses@thc.texas.gov including the bid# RFP 808-24-240742 in the subject line.Late bids will not be accepted.

Opportunity closing date

09 February 2024

Value of contract

to be confirmed