Evaluation Services to Build an Indigenous Evaluation Framework for the Setting New Directions strategic plan.

This procurement is set aside under the Procurement Strategy for Indigenous Business and seeks an Indigenous-owned contractor to conduct an Indigenous-centered evaluation of the Tri-agency Setting New Directions strategic plan (2020–present) using a co-developed mixed-methods framework grounded in relational accountability and Indigenous data sovereignty. The evaluation will assess performance across three domains—governance, institutional, and community—through qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis, with strict adherence to OCAP® principles and federal privacy legislation. All deliverables must be in English and include a detailed evaluation plan, evaluation budget, mid-term report, draft final report, and final report with a PowerPoint presentation, to be delivered between fall 2026 and March 1, 2028. The contractor must demonstrate proven experience in decolonizing evaluation practices and integrating Indigenous traditional and holistic knowledge into assessment frameworks, with at least one relevant project from the past five years. Eligibility is restricted to Indigenous businesses registered in the Indigenous Business Directory, owned by Band or Tribal Councils, Elders, or those on Modern Treaty business lists. Offers must not exceed $180,000 CAD and must be structured as firm, all-inclusive pricing tied to milestone delivery, covering all overhead, travel, and living expenses within Canada and the National Capital Region. The contractor is required to maintain detailed, machine-readable financial and operational records for seven years after final payment and make them available for audit. Payment is contingent upon invoice submission to the satisfaction of the Project Authority and will be processed through direct deposit. The evaluation process is designed to prioritize bids demonstrating sustained reciprocal relationships with Indigenous communities, project similarity to the scope of work, specific relevant experience, and other weighted criteria totaling a maximum of 85 points, with a minimum passing score of 60. The contract is governed by Ontario law, with Canada retaining full copyright ownership of all deliverables, and the contractor is bound by strict confidentiality, ethics, and anti-forced labor requirements, including prohibitions on benefit to individuals under federal conflict of interest codes. Offers must be submitted electronically by June 30, 2026, and remain valid for 180 days, along with mandatory declarations of eligibility, integrity, and compliance with the Ineligibility and Suspension Policy.