Request for proposals: Climate adaptation coaching

GMF’s Local Leadership for Climate Adaptation (LLCA) Adaptation in Action initiative seeks to empower municipalities across Canada in enhancing their resilience to the impacts of climate change. We are funding up to seven expert coaches to provide tailored guidance to municipalities in implementing climate adaptation projects that reduce the risks associated with climate change.  

Benefits 

As a coach you will play a crucial role in helping municipalities: 

• Accelerate their resilience to climate change impacts. 
• Integrate equity-informed practices into climate adaptation projects. 
• Improve the quality and impact of climate adaptation initiatives. 
• Guide the planning, implementation, and evaluation of adaptation projects. 

Who is this capacity development for?

These coaching services will be utilized by communities that have applied for funding for an LLCA implementation project or feasibility study.

We aim to fund deliverables that support municipalities in implementing actions to adapt to the impacts of climate change. Coaches will be expected to:

• Provide up to 100 hours of coaching services each between January 13, 2025, and February 27, 2026.
• Attend a Coaching orientation session.  
• Assessment of the opportunities to benefit equity-deserving and marginalized communities through the project 
• Provide feedback on an Adaptation in Action Workshop series. 
• Provide monthly reporting and invoicing. 
• Complete a feedback survey at the end of their mandate.
• Share any templates or resources provided to municipalities with GMF. 

• Collaborate with GMF staff throughout all deliverables.   

Funded activities 

The Adaptation in Action initiative funds coaching services for the following seven areas of expertise (one Coach for each), organized in three categories: 

• Equity 
• Indigenous Engagement and Reconciliation 
• Anti-Racism, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion  
• Inclusive Engagement and Community Collaboration 
• Management 
• Project Management, including resource optimization and financial planning 
• Technical 
• Nature-Positive Solutions 
• Asset Management
• Social Resilience 

Eligible activities

The table below outlines the eligible activities along with brief explanations for each. Full details are found in the RFP.

Lot	Area of expertise	Details
Equity	1.1: Indigenous Engagement and Reconciliation	The Indigenous Engagement and Reconciliation coach will advance Reconciliation through municipal climate adaptation actions to ensure that they embody and advance the principles of UNDRIP (The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples).
	1.2: Anti-Racism, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion	The Anti-Racism, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Coach will help ensure that the implementation of adaptation actions identifies and prioritizes the health and well-being of vulnerable populations.
	1.3: Inclusive Engagement and Community Collaboration	The Inclusive Engagement and Community Collaboration Coach will help municipalities meaningfully share power and build trust within their communities, adopt co-development approaches in implementing adaptation actions, and leverage optimal communication approaches to connect with citizens.
Management	2.1: Project Management	The Project Management Coach will accompany municipalities through the planning and impact assessment processes surrounding their adaptation initiatives.
Technical	3.1: Nature-positive Solutions	The Nature-positive Solutions Coach will provide environmental, landscaping, urban forestry, engineering, or other specific expertise related to all forms of natural infrastructure.
	3.2: Asset Management	The Asset Management Coach will provide engineering or other specific expertise relative to all municipal assets, including transportation and buildings.
	3.3: Social Resilience	The Social Resilience Coach will provide consulting on technical initiatives that advance social resilience, such as neighbourhood connections and community-building, as well as vulnerable person registries.

Eligibility requirements

Eligible applicants include:

•     Not-for-Profit Organizations: Organizations supporting municipal initiatives.
•     Private Sector: Companies with relevant expertise in climate adaptation.
•     Educational Institutions: Universities or colleges with experience in climate resilience education.

Joint ventures and consortiums are welcome to apply, provided they meet the criteria and designate a lead organization. Individuals may not submit but may be subcontracted by bidding organizations.

Applicants may choose to submit a proposal to provide coaching for multiple areas of expertise, but each proposal must be submitted separately and will be evaluated and contracted as such.

Eligible organizations must demonstrate:

    Relevant experience: Experienced in delivering capacity-building activities, particularly in the areas of expertise outlined in this RFP.

    Technical expertise: A proven understanding of climate change impacts, risks, and adaptation relevant to a Canadian context.

    Collaboration skills: Ability to work with local governments and other partners in a way that contributes to both FCM’s and the organization’s goals.

    Bilingual capability: Commitment to delivering bilingual (English and French) services and content that is equitable and accessible.

Email Émilie Campbell-Renaud to receive the Request for Proposal (RFP). Complete and submit your application October 11, 2024, at 02:00:00 PM ET.

Questions about the RFP should be submitted by email to the RFP Contact named above no later than 02:00:00 PM ET on Monday, September 30, 2024. FCM will make reasonable efforts to respond to all.

Important dates

    RFP issued: September 16, 2024
    Deadline for questions: September 30, 2024, at 02:00:00 PM ET
    Submission deadline: October 11, 2024, at 02:00:00 PM ET
    Contract award: expected by the middle of November 2024
    Coaching start date: January 13, 2025
    Coaching end date: February 27, 2026

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