REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS PROJECT CONSULTANT (Southeast and Southwest Region)

November 24, 2025

 

UNION OF ONTARIO INDIANS

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

PROJECT CONSULTANT

1.0            SUMMARY OF WORK

The Union of Ontario Indians is seeking a Project Consultant to support the development of the Anishinabek Nation Regional Tourism Strategy for the Southeast and Southwest Region. The consultant will collaborate with the Anishinabek Nation Economic Development Department, regional partners, and community representatives to ensure the strategy reflects local priorities and aligns with existing tourism initiatives.

The scope of work includes the collection and analysis of tourism-related data, stakeholder engagement, and the assessment of infrastructure and service capacity within the Southeast and Southwest Region. The consultant will conduct surveys, interviews, and in-person engagement sessions; undertake Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping and analysis; and benchmark comparable Indigenous and non-Indigenous tourism regions.

The final deliverables will include visual datasets and a comprehensive report summarizing findings, opportunities, and recommendations to inform sustainable tourism development and guide strategic implementation in the future.

2.0           CORPORATE OVERVIEW

The Anishinabek Nation (AN) incorporated the Union of Ontario Indians (UOI) as its secretariat in 1949. We are a political advocate for 39 First Nations throughout the province of Ontario from Golden Lake in the east, Sarnia in the south, Thunder Bay and Lake Nipigon in the North. The 39 First Nations have an approximate combined population of 65,000 citizens. The AN has four strategic regional areas, Southwest, Southeast, Lake Huron and Northern Superior.

The UOI head office is located on Nipissing First Nation, just outside of North Bay, Ontario and has satellite offices in Fort William First Nation, Thunder Bay, Curve

Lake First Nation, Garden River First Nation, Sudbury, and Munsee-Delaware Nation. We deliver a variety of programs and services, such as Economic Development, Lands and Resources, Health, Social Services, Education, Policy, and Communications, in addition to providing the necessary forum for collective First Nation action on issues through the Chiefs in Assembly.

To learn more about us, please visit our website at www.anishinabek.ca.

3.0           PROJECT BACKGROUND.

The Anishinabek Nation recognizes that tourism is an essential driver of economic growth and cultural exchange. However, many Member First Nations within the Anishinabek territory face significant challenges due to limited tourism infrastructure, fragmented promotion, and underdeveloped regional coordination. While communities across the territory hold unique tourism assets, from cultural experiences to natural attractions and locally owned businesses, these opportunities often remain untapped due to gaps in resources, marketing, and access to investment.

At the Grand Council Assembly in June 2025, held in the Southwest Region, the Anishinabek Nation passed NAAKINIGAN #2025-04, a resolution that directly addresses the need for a coordinated Regional Tourism Strategy. This resolution reinforces the Nation’s commitment to advancing a unified approach to tourism development that enhances community capacity, strengthens regional visibility, and supports long-term economic sustainability across all regions.

To advance this work, the Anishinabek Nation has received funding for this project to support Phase 1 of its Regional Tourism Strategy.

  • Phase 1 focuses on data collection, stakeholder engagement, tourism flow analysis, and Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping.
  • Phase 2 will use these findings to develop an implementation plan that addresses infrastructure gaps, strengthens tourism promotion, and identifies key investment opportunities.

The funding associated with this RFP is designated specifically for the 11 Anishinabek Nation communities within the Southeast and Southwest Regions. These communities include: Aamjiwnaang, Chippewas of Kettle & Stony Point, Chippewas of the Thames, Munsee-Delaware Nation, Chippewas of Rama First Nation, Moose Deer Point, Mississaugas of Scugog Island, Alderville First Nation, Curve Lake First Nation, Chippewas of Georgina Island, and Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn. This initiative represents a significant step toward developing a comprehensive tourism strategy that reflects the distinct strengths, priorities, and opportunities of these communities.

A partnership with Indigenous Tourism Ontario (ITO) aligns these efforts, as ITO’s existing strategy supports 22 of the 39 Anishinabek First Nations.

With the initial support for the Northern Superior region, the combined initiatives of the Anishinabek Nation and ITO will result in a comprehensive and coordinated approach across all regions.

Together, the Northern Superior regional work, the Southeast/Southwest RFP, and the collaboration with ITO will contribute to a cohesive, coordinated tourism strategy across the entire Anishinabek Nation.

4.0           STATEMENT OF WORK

The consultant will lead the development of the Anishinabek Nation Regional Tourism Strategy for the Southeast and Southwest Region by carrying out the activities outlined below. This work will be completed in close collaboration with the Anishinabek Nation Economic Development Department, regional partners, and community representatives to ensure alignment with existing tourism initiatives and local priorities.

To support meaningful engagement and robust data collection, the consultant will be required to travel within the Southeast and Southwest Regions to conduct in- person meetings, site visits, and stakeholder engagement sessions.

Capacity Data Collection

The consultant will collect and organize data on the current tourism infrastructure and service capacity within the Southeast and Southwest regions. This includes:

  • Identifying and documenting accommodation options, transportation networks, attractions, environmental and cultural sites, and supporting
  • Gathering quantitative and qualitative data to assess readiness for increased visitor activity.
  • Compiling data into a format suitable for integration with GIS mapping and subsequent analysis.

Stakeholder Surveys and Interviews

The consultant will design and conduct surveys and interviews to gather insights from local businesses, community members, tourism operators, nearby municipalities, and tourism organizations such as Ontario Southwest and ITO. This engagement will:

  • Assess seasonal needs, opportunities, and challenges in tourism operations across both reserves and the traditional territories of those
  • Identify community priorities, capacity shortfalls, and desired tourism
  • Ensure representation from a range of Member First Nations and tourism
  • Include in-person engagement sessions within the Southeast and Southwest Region to build relationships and capture community

Research and GIS Mapping

Using data collected through previous activities, the consultant will conduct research and spatial analysis to inform strategic planning. Activities will include:

  • Analyzing tourist flow patterns and travel corridors within and around the Southeast and Southwest Region.
  • Utilizing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to map existing infrastructure, key attractions, and points of interest.
  • Creating visual maps and datasets to support investment planning and identify areas of opportunity.

Identify Current Infrastructure Status

The consultant will assess the region’s current infrastructure to determine readiness for expanded tourism activity. The assessment will include:

  • Evaluating capacity in areas such as transportation, water, waste management, and healthcare facilities.
  • Identifying key deficiencies and recommending areas for improvement to support sustainable tourism growth.

Environmental and Social Impact Assessments

The consultant will examine potential environmental and social implications of increased tourism activity. This will include:

  • Identify potential impacts on natural resources, ecosystems, and community well-being.
  • Recommending mitigation strategies and sustainable development practices that align with community values and stewardship principles.

Benchmarking

The consultant will undertake a benchmarking exercise to assess how the Southeast and Southwest Region compares to other Indigenous and non- Indigenous tourism regions. This will include:

  • Identifying best practices and successful tourism development
  • Analyzing comparable regions to identify opportunities and lessons
  • Recommending successful tourism approaches from other regions that can be adapted to the Anishinabek Nation context.

Analysis Compilation

The consultant will combine all findings and prepare a comprehensive report to inform the phase 2 strategy implementation.

5.0           DELIVERABLES

The consultant will be required to provide the following deliverables and biweekly updates throughout the duration of the project to ensure continuous communication and coordination with UOI staff:

  1. Adjustment to Current Workplan: Review and adjust the existing project workplan to make data collection processes more efficient and effective, ensuring strong coordination with UOI staff.
  2. Engagement Summary: Documentation of all meetings, surveys, and interviews conducted within the Southeast and Southwest Region, including key themes and community feedback.
  3. GIS Maps and Datasets: Visual outputs and geospatial data files summarizing key infrastructure, tourism assets, and development
  4. Draft Report: A preliminary version of findings and recommendations shared with UOI staff for review and feedback. The draft report should include a SWOT analysis for each First Nation prior to developing and presenting recommendations.
  5. Final Report: A comprehensive report integrating all data, analysis, and
  6. Presentation of Findings: An in-person or virtual presentation to Anishinabek Nation leadership and project partners summarizing key outcomes and proposed next steps.

6.0           FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS

The total budget for this project should not exceed $90,000. The total budget for this project must include all costs associated with personnel, travel, key informant interviews, preparation of reports and required documentation, overhead costs, all eligible taxes and any other anticipated expenditures.

7.0           TIMEFRAME

The project will run from January 16th, 2026, to July 31st, 2026.

8.0           PROPOSAL RESPONSE GUIDELINES

To ensure your proposal is considered for evaluation, it must include the following:

Cover Letter

  • Dated and signed by a person authorized to negotiate and make commitments, and provide clarification with respect to the proposal on behalf of the bidding proponent or firm;
  • A statement indicating the proponents understanding of the proposed project and the deliverables required;
  • Reference the title of the RFP;
  • Indicate the capacity of the proponent to complete the project; and
  • The name of a single point of

Proposed Project Plan

  • A proposed project plan, with timelines, that indicates the steps to be taken from the start of the contract to the final deliverable.

Qualifications

  • Provide examples of previous relevant work experience; and
  • Identify the qualifications and experiences of the project

Costs and Charges

  • Provide an all-inclusive fixed-cost quotation for this project; and
  • Identify the expected costs and their

9.0           INQUIRIES

All inquiries about this request for proposals should be directed to:

Name: Fitzgerald Reid & Andrew Arnott E-mail: ecdev@anishinabek.ca

Telephone: 1-877-702-5200 or (705) 497-9127

10.0       SUBMISSION PROCEDURE

As a potential supplier of these professional services, you are invited to submit a proposal to provide professional 3rd-party contractor services in accordance with the terms and conditions detailed in this document.

Please submit your proposal by fax to:

Phone: (705) 497-9135

Attention: Economic Development Department

OR

Email: ecdev@anishinabek.ca

 

Proposal packages must be clearly marked: Anishinabek Nation Regional Tourism Strategy (Southeast – Southwest)

Closing Date and Time: Proposals must be received by January 9th, 2026, at 4:30pm. Proposals received after the closing time will not be considered.

Project Completion: The project completion deadline is July 31st, 2026, by 4:30pm.

11.0       REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS PROCESS

Upon closing, proposals will be reviewed for completeness. Only completed proposals will be brought forward to the selection committee for further consideration and a final decision.

Eligible proposals will be evaluated based on the response guidelines in section 8.0.

12.0       SELECTION OF SUCCESSFUL PROPONENT

The UOI reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and to accept the proposal deemed most favorable to the interests of the UOI and its partners.

The UOI reserves the right to seek clarification and supplementary information from proponents after the submission deadline.

Proponents will be notified in writing once a selection has been made.

13.0       CONTRACT NEGOTIATION

The UOI, at any time, and without liability, may withdraw from negotiations with any potential proponent.

The UOI will enter into a contractual agreement with the preferred proponent.

14.0       TERMS AND CONDITIONS

  • The UOI will not be responsible for any costs incurred by a proponent in preparing and submitting The UOI accepts no liability of any kind to a proponent prior to the signing of a contract.
  • Submissions of a proposal shall not obligate, nor should it be construed as obligating the UOI, to accept any such proposal, or to proceed further with the project. The UOI may, in their sole discretion, elect not to proceed with the project, and may elect not to accept any, or all proposals for any
  • A proponent may amend or withdraw their proposal prior to the closing date and time specified in the request for proposals by way of written notice to the UOI.
  • Proposals submitted shall be final and may not be altered by subsequent offerings, discussions, or commitments, unless the proponent is requested to do so by the UOI.
  • The proponent must identify any information in its proposal that it considers to be confidential or proprietary.
  • All proposals and accompanying documentation received under this competition will become the property of the UOI and will not be returned.
  • The UOI has reserved the right to waive minor non-compliance by a proponent with the requirements of the RFP. This will allow the UOI to consider and possibly accept, any proposal which is advantageous, even though the proposal may be non-compliant in some minor respect.
  • The UOI reserves the right to accept or reject, in whole or in part, any and all proposals.
  • The UOI reserves the right to cancel and/or re-issue this request for proposals at any time, for any reason, without penalty.
  • Prices quoted are to be held firm for a minimum of 90 days following the RFP closing date, and shall remain in effect through the duration of an agreement
  • The proponent’s proposal shall form part of the contractual agreement by attachment and will be incorporated by reference. Claims made in the proposal shall constitute contractual warranties. Any provision in the proposal may be included in the contractual agreement as direct provisions
  • The successful proponent agrees to obtain and maintain all professional certification and licenses necessary to lawfully provide the services required under this request for proposal.
  • By submitting a proposal, the proponent agrees and acknowledges that it will provide for the duration of the project, the full complement of staff required to perform the work of the project, including the specific individuals identified in its These key personnel shall remain assigned for the duration of the project unless otherwise agreed to in writing by the UOI. In the event the proponent wishes to substitute any key personnel, the individual(s) proposed must demonstrate similar qualifications and experience as required, to successfully perform such duties.
  • Intellectual property and any data associated with this project is the express property of the UOI.