From Procurement to Partnership: Crafting RFPs That Drive Result 

Date: Thursday, September 17
Time: 11:30am
Room: Salon A

Speakers:
Paul Blais – Managing Director, Economic Advisory, Deloitte
Rebecca Taylor – Manager, Economic Advisory, Deloitte

Description: Issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) is often the first and most critical step in bringing complex economic development projects to life—from strategic plans and sector studies to brand repositioning and infrastructure roadmaps. However, overly rigid scopes, unclear evaluation criteria, or unrealistic timelines can inadvertently discourage top consulting firms from bidding, leading to poor-quality submissions and compromised project outcomes. 

In this practical, high-value breakout session, senior consulting representatives from Deloitte pull back the curtain on the procurement process from the consultant's perspective. Designed specifically for municipal economic developers and public sector leaders, this presentation outlines the essential "do's and don'ts" of crafting RFPs that stand out. Learn how to clearly articulate project vision, structure realistic budgets and deliverables, and design evaluation frameworks that foster true partnership and deliver high-impact results for your community.