Request for Proposals (RFP): Basic Digital Skills Program Development

1.0 Introduction

NPower Canada is a national charitable organization that launches underserved youth and adults into meaningful and sustainable digital careers. We currently operate three employment-focused training streams: Junior IT Analyst, Junior Data Analyst, and Cybersecurity Analyst. As part of our 2026–2027 strategy, and in response to employer and community feedback, we are developing a fourth stream focused on Basic Digital Skills for individuals who face barriers to employment due to limited digital readiness.

We are seeking an experienced Education Consultant with a proven track record in designing high-quality, employment-focused training programs. Experience in the non-profit sector, adult education, Indigenous education principles, digital literacy, and/or employment services is strongly preferred. The consultant will lead the design of a 4-week Basic Digital Skills program that strengthens learners’ confidence and work-readiness to gain employment in entry-level administrative, clerical, customer service, and front-office roles.

2.0 Project Objectives & Scope of Work

2.1 Project Objectives

2.2 Scope of Work

The consultant will be responsible for designing a 4-week version of the program. It must align with NPower Canada’s instructional model and incorporate the content highlighted in the provided materials.

2.2.1 Curriculum Design Requirements

2.2.2 Required Technical & Administrative Skills Content

Using the outline provided, content should include (at minimum):

Computer Fundamentals (Prerequisite Module)

• Basic computer concepts & principles
• How to use hardware/software
• Mouse, keyboard, and file management basics
• Utilizing common office software such as Microsoft 365 and Google Suite
• Understanding fundamental processes

Digital Literacy Core Modules - (Aligned with the Find → Create → Communicate → Evaluate framework)

Find

• Browser navigation
• Online search fundamentals
• OneDrive/Google Drive
• Intro to AI tools (ChatGPT + basic AI)

Create

• Microsoft Word / Google Docs
• Microsoft PowerPoint / Google Slides
• Microsoft Excel / Google Sheets

Communicate

• Email professionalism (Outlook or Gmail)
• Calendar management
• Zoom and Teams (meetings + chat)
• Digital etiquette

Evaluate

• Evaluating credible online information
• Navigating misinformation
• Digital citizenship
• Safety, security & privacy
• Ethical AI use

Clerical & Administrative Work-Readiness

The consultant will integrate clerical-specific skill-building across the program:

• Professional phone etiquette
• Booking appointments
• Calendar & scheduling workflows
• Managing inboxes & folders
• Front-desk simulation activities
• File naming conventions
• Basic CRM or data entry simulations
• Documentation and note-taking skills
• Customer service scenarios

Weekly Schedules & Pacing

The consultant must design pacing that aligns with:

• Week 1 focus: “Find” fundamentals
• Week 2 focus: “Create”
• Week 3 focus: “Communicate”
• Week 4 focus: “Evaluate”

2.2.3 Deliverables

The consultant will deliver:

1. Curriculum Blueprint,
2. Detailed Learning Objectives and Outcomes
3. Full lesson plans & facilitator guides
4. Learner workbook or participant handouts
5. Slides & instructional assets
6. Assessment tools + marking rubrics
7. Recommended technology stack
8. Final program flowchart and weekly overview
9. One revision cycle based on NPower Canada feedback

3.0 Proposal Submission Requirements

The bidder’s proposal must be no more than 8 pages (single-sided), font size 11 or greater, and submitted electronically as a single PDF. A Table of Contents is required.

Proposals must include the following:

• Cover Letter: Introduce the firm/consultant, summarizes relevant expertise, explains why you are a strong fit for this engagement, and demonstrates understanding of NPower Canada’s mission.
• Proposed Methodology: Describe your approach to curriculum design for adult learners, how you will incorporate the required content, your collaboration approach with NPower Canada’s teams, key project milestones, and your plan to engage an Indigenous education consultant/firm/group to ensure alignment with Indigenous learning principles.
• Consultant or Company Profile: Outline your organization or individual background, relevant team members, applicable experience in adult education, digital literacy, workforce development, Indigenous education principles, nonprofit program delivery, and notable accomplishments.
• Budget & Fee Structure: Detail the full project budget in CAD, including the consultant /organization’s involvement aligned with the $30,000–$50,000 target range, along with hourly rates (if applicable), cost breakdowns, any anticipated travel costs, and acknowledgement that Phase 2 will be priced later and costs may be negotiated.
• Relevant Experience: Summarize comparable curriculum or digital literacy projects, including objectives, outcomes, timelines, and key challenges addressed.
• Client References: Provide at least two references (name, title, organization, email, phone) who can speak to your experience with similar work in the past three years.
• Conflict of Interest Statement: Confirm that no conflict of interest exists or identify any potential conflicts.
• Confidentiality & NDA Acknowledgement: Confirm willingness to sign an NDA before receiving detailed materials or participating in interviews.

DEI: Based on the scope of this training program, we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, with a particular encouragement for members of Indigenous communities to apply.

4.0 Project Timeline

RFP Release: November 18, 2025
Deadline for Questions: November 24, 2025
Proposal Submission Deadline: November 28, 2025 (11:59 PM EST)
Interviews: Week of December 1, 2025
Consultant Selection: Week of December 8, 2025
Project Commencement: Week of December 15, 2025
Project Completion: January 30, 2025