Strategic Planning RFP - FAQs
The RFP indicates a six- to twelve-month period. Is there an ideal start or end date?
The six‑ to twelve‑month timeline is our expected range. Ideally, the process would take 8–10 months, with a launch as early as August 2026 and board approval of the strategic plan by June 2027.
Is there a project budget or budget range established for this work?
While the project budget is not yet board‑approved, we are seeking proposals within the $25,000–$40,000 range.
Are you expecting any in-person meetings or sessions? If so, approximately how many?
We anticipate some in‑person meetings with our strategic planning committee and constituents. However, we invite consultants to recommend the number of in‑person sessions based on best practices and their relevant experience.
Are you open to working with consultants based outside of LA?
We are open to working with consultants based outside of Los Angeles.
As an organization, how have you been monitoring the progress of the strategic plan?
Our executive leadership team has been monitoring our progress towards our goals on a quarterly basis for each of the 5 years of the plan using various dashboard formats (i.e., Excel, Asana, and Smartsheet). We have been reporting our progress to the board annually.
Does your outlined process differ from the one you used when developing your last strategic plan? Reflecting on your previous plan and planning approach, what were its strengths and drawbacks?
This outline was the same one we used the last time. However, we originally launched the process in February 2020 and had to pause due to COVID in March 2020. When we resumed the process in late Spring 2021, we realized that adjustments would have to be made in response to our new world realities such as the inability to have in-person meetings often or at all. Although having meetings virtually made it easier to get larger groups of constituents together, we did lose out on having more intimate in-person focus groups. We hope to have a better balance this time around.
How do you feel about the progress you've made on the last strategic plan? Which year 3 goals listed on page 9 of your strategic plan slide deck were you able to achieve and where did you fall short of your aspirations? What were some of the biggest barriers to achieving your aspirations?
We had mixed progress on our goals. We are able to achieve all internal-facing goals and strategies but had significant setbacks with some of the goals that were more dependent on external forces and conditions (i.e., political, economic, etc.). We will provide a detailed summary of what was achieved to the consultant that is selected to work with us on a new plan.
The RFP outlines the following strategic planning outcomes you hope to achieve. Can you elaborate on any other "intangible" or "qualitative" outcomes that you hope/desire will result from this strategic planning process? For example, something about culture, values or how people will "feel"?
Not at this time. This is something that we would like the strategic planning committee to chime in on.