Makwa Waakaa’igan Strategic Business Plan and Functional Programming

Procuring Entity:
Algoma University (AU)
Procurement Services
1520 Queen Street East
Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario  P6A 2G4

Contact: Meeka Bruni 
Procurement@AlgomaU.ca 

Procurement Method: Open acquisition whereby all interested Suppliers may submit a Proposal.

Description: This Request for Proposals (“RFP”) issued by Algoma University invites qualified Proponents to submit Proposals to provide Strategic Business Planning and Functional Programming services in support of Makwa Waakaa’igan, an Indigenous-led cultural, academic, and community space being developed in co-stewardship with the Children of Shingwauk Alumni Association (CSAA) at the University’s Sault Ste. Marie campus.
The successful Proponent will work collaboratively with Algoma University leadership, project representatives, and CSAA to develop a comprehensive strategic framework that will guide the implementation and long-term operations of the facility.
The scope of work includes professional consulting services required to support the development of Makwa Waakaa’igan, including but not limited to:

• Development of a Strategic Business Plan outlining long-term operational sustainability.
• Preparation of a detailed Functional Program aligned with the intended uses of the facility.
• Development of financial and operational models, including multi-year operating projections and revenue scenarios.
• Documentation of governance and decision pathways aligned with the co-stewardship framework between Algoma University and the Children of Shingwauk Alumni Association.
• Market analysis and operational planning for conference and event programming within the facility.
• Preparation of a phased implementation roadmap supporting the anticipated opening of Makwa Waakaa’igan in February 2027.

The successful Proponent must demonstrate experience delivering strategic planning or similar consulting engagements within complex institutional environments and working respectfully within Indigenous partnership contexts.

Estimated Quantities: Please refer the RFP documents
Submission Details: All submissions must be emailed to AU Contact only.
Submission Deadline: Friday, April 17, 2026 at 2:00:00 p.m. (ET)
Site Visit: Not Applicable
Public Opening: Not Applicable

Conditions for Participation:
Stage I will consist of a review of Mandatory Requirements (Appendices 1–5, insurance, and WSIB clearance). Proposals that pass will proceed to Stage II Rated Criteria.
Mandatory Submission Requirements:
Mandatory Submission Requirements:

• Appendix 1 – Submission Form
• Appendix 2 – Rate Bid Form (Excel only)
• Appendix 3 – Form of Agreement
• Appendix 4 – Similar Project Form
• Appendix 5 – Mandatory & Rated Requirements Questionnaire (Excel only)

Rectification will be permitted for limited deficiencies (signature, missing pricing, missing references, etc.) by the rectification deadline.
Scored Submission Requirements:
Proponents that “Pass” Stage I - Mandatory Criteria will move on to Stage II. Proponents that do not “pass” (answer “yes” to all criteria) will not move on to Stage II.
Stage II – Rated Criteria (70 points total)
Team Qualifications – 20
Methodology & Governance Approach – 25
Engagement & Co-Development Approach – 15
Schedule & Deliverability – 10
Stage III – Pricing & Presentations (30 points)
Total = 100 points

Suppliers must achieve a minimum of 60% in Stage II to proceed to Stage III.
Trade Agreements - This procurement is covered by Chapter 5 of the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA).
Services Delivery Date: It is anticipated that the Agreement will be executed by May 2026, with services commencing shortly thereafter.
Duration of Agreement: The Agreement will remain in effect until completion of the Deliverables anticipated by September 30, 2026, unless otherwise extended by mutual agreement.
Additional Options: Not Applicable
Negotiation: At the end of the evaluation process, AU may identify one or more Suppliers with whom it wishes to enter into negotiations, by written notification.
Responses must be submitted in English. 
Suppliers should note that information contained within this Acquisition Notice is subject to change. Suppliers are encouraged to download the acquisition document(s), which contain the most current information.
If there is a conflict between the acquisition document(s) and this Acquisition Notice, the acquisition document(s) will take precedence.

Bidding and Documents are available on http://www.merx.com. Fees may apply; See https://www.merx.com/public/pricing for more information.