Call Out for Qualified Proponents – Economic Development Strategic Plan 2027-2032
1. COMMUNITY OVERVIEW:
The Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government (LMG) is the governing body of the Mi’gmaq community of Listuguj, located in Gespe’gewa’gi, the seventh district of Mi’gma’gi, within present day Quebec.
LMG is committed to building a strong, sustainable, and self-reliant economy that reflects Mi’gmaq values, culture, community priorities, and long-term prosperity. The plan will provide strategic direction for the Economic Development Unit and support future initiatives related to business development, employment, investment, partnerships, tourism, food security, and community prosperity.
Recent economic development initiatives have included investments in commercial greenhouse infrastructure, hydroponic food production, renewable energy partnerships, tourism development opportunities, and entrepreneurship support initiatives.
LMG is seeking proposals from qualified consultants or firms to develop a Five-Year Economic Development Strategic Plan (2027-2032) that reflects Mi’gmaq values, community priorities, and
opportunities for sustainable long-term economic growth. The plan will provide strategic direction for the Economic Development Unit and support future initiatives related to business development, employment, investment, partnerships, tourism, food security and community prosperity.
2. PROJECT BACKGROUND:
LMG previously completed an Economic Development Strategic Plan covering the years 2017 to 2022. That plan helped guide the work of the Economic Development Unit in supporting local businesses, partnerships, and community economic priorities.
Since that time, economic conditions have evolved, creating new opportunities and new challenges for the community. LMG now seeks an updated strategic plan that reflects current realities, builds on community strengths, and establishes a clear and achievable path forward for sustainable economic growth.
The updated plan will provide strategic direction for the Economic Development Unit over the next five years and support practical implementation priorities that are community-driven, culturally grounded, and economically sustainable.
3. OBJECTIVES:
The purpose of this project is to develop a practical, community-informed, and culturally grounded strategic plan that will:
⦁ Identify economic development priorities for 2027-2032
⦁ Support entrepreneurship and local business growth
⦁ Strengthen employment and workforce development opportunities
Economic Development 5-Year Strategic Plan May 29, 2026 Listuguj, QC Request for Proposals
⦁ Identify investment and partnership opportunities
⦁ Advance community priorities such as tourism and food security
⦁ Promote sustainable use of community assets and resources
⦁ Establish measurable goals, actions, and implementation priorities
⦁ SCOPE OF WORK:
The successful proponent will be expected to complete, at minimum, the following:
4.1 Review & Assessment
⦁ Review the previous 2017-2022 Economic Development Strategic Plan
⦁ Assess accomplishments, gaps, lessons learned, and emerging priorities
⦁ Review relevant economic data, trends, and community context
4.2 Community Engagement
The engagement process should reflect the principle that community members support what they help create. Proponents are encouraged to use a combination of interviews, focus groups, workshops, surveys, validation sessions, and accessible engagement opportunities.
All engagement and information gathering must respect OCAP principles where applicable.
Engagement should include, where appropriate:
⦁ Leadership and Council
⦁ Internal departments and staff
⦁ Local businesses and entrepreneurs
⦁ Youth and Elders
⦁ Community members
4.3 Strategic Planning
Develop a Five-Year Economic Development Strategic Plan that includes:
⦁ Vision, mission, and guiding principles
⦁ Strategic priorities and goals
⦁ Recommended actions and initiatives
⦁ Implementation roadmap
⦁ Roles and responsibilities
⦁ Performance measures/key indicators
⦁ Tourism development opportunities and considerations
⦁ Food sovereignty and local economic sustainability opportunities
⦁ Potential economic partnership and investment opportunities
⦁ Governance or organizational recommendations related to economic development implementation
Economic Development 5-Year Strategic Plan May 29, 2026 Listuguj, QC Request for Proposals
4.4 Drafting & Finalization
Provide draft and final versions of the plan incorporating LMG feedback
5. DELIVERABLES:
At minimum, the successful proponent will deliver:
1. Project workplan and schedule
1. Engagement plan and summary report
1. Implementation of roadmap with priorities, timelines, and recommendations
1. Draft Five-Year Strategic Plan
1. Final Strategic Plan
1. Presentation of final plan to leadership and/or staff
All deliverables must be provided in editable digital format.
6. TIMELINE:
The anticipated project timeline is approximately four (4) to six (6) months from contract award.
Estimated Schedule:
⦁ RFP Issued: June 1, 2026
⦁ Proposal Closing Date: June 19, 2026
⦁ Selection of Proponent: July 17, 2026
⦁ Project Start: August 3, 2026
⦁ Final Plan Completion: February 3, 2027
LMG reserves the right to adjust timelines as required.
7. PROPONENT QUALIFICATIONS:
Proponents should demonstrate:
⦁ Experience in strategic planning and facilitation
⦁ Experience in economic development planning
⦁ Experience working with Indigenous governments or communities
⦁ Strong community engagement and consultation skills
⦁ Knowledge of rural, regional, or First Nation economic development contexts
⦁ Ability to deliver clear, practical, implementation-focused plans
Preference may be given to Indigenous-owned firms or proponents with demonstrated experience working with Indigenous communities, particularly within Mi’gma’gi, (Atlantic Canada).
8. MANDATORY PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS:
Economic Development 5-Year Strategic Plan May 29, 2026 Listuguj, QC Request for Proposals
The Proponent must ensure that at a minimum their proposal includes the following:
References
At least one (1) reference from a First Nation community or Indigenous organization where similar work has been completed. References must include the name, title/position, organization, and telephone contact information
Project Approach and Quality Assurance
A description of the firm’s approach to consultation and engagement, including methodologies, facilitation approach, and quality control processes used to ensure accuracy, consistency, and deliverable quality
Fees and Budget Breakdown
A detailed breakdown of fees associated with each deliverable and/or phase of the project, including professional fees and any anticipated additional costs (if applicable)
Project Team and Experience
Identification of key personnel assigned to the project, including relevant experience and roles.
9. EVALUATION CRITERIA
Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
Evaluation Criteria Weight
• Experience and qualifications of the Proponent and proposed team 10%
• Understanding of the project and proposed approach 5%
• Experience working with First Nation communities 10%
• Proposal price 70%
• Indigenous-owned business preference 5%
LMG may shortlist Proponents for interviews or request clarification as needed. The lowest-priced proposal will not necessarily be selected.
10. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS:
All bids must be submitted on or before June 19, 2026, at 10:00 AM AST either:
⦁ By email, or
⦁ In a sealed envelope delivered to the Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government with attention to the
Economic Development Unit
No bids will be considered after this time.
Address:
Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government
ATTN: Economic Development Unit
Economic Development 5-Year Strategic Plan May 29, 2026 Listuguj, QC Request for Proposals
17 Riverside West
Listuguj, QC
G0C 2R0
Email Address:
ecdev@listuguj.ca
Proponents who are interested in submitting any proposal must submit their letter of interest to ecdev@listuguj.ca to receive any further information or addendums.
11. CONFIDENTIALITY & CONFLICT OF INTEREST
Proponents must disclose any actual or perceived conflict of interest, including any prior advisory or consulting relationships with LMG or associated entities.
All proposals submitted to LMG will be treated as confidential. LMG reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals, negotiate with proponents, or cancel the RFP process at any time without obligation.
12. CONTRACT TERMINATION:
The Owner has the right at any time to terminate the contract, in whole or in part, before or after commencement of performance. When the Owner decides to terminate the contract, it must notify the Consultant in writing and indicate the effective date.
LMG reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals and is not obligated to accept the lowest or any proposal.
