Request for Proposal: Consultant for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Organizational Strategies

We are requesting proposals for consultants and/or businesses to perform consulting, review, and training services related to organizational EDI improvement.

Who we are

Since 1989, the Schatz Center has been a leader in applied research and project development for clean and renewable energy. Our current portfolio includes microgrid development, solar product testing, offshore wind feasibility studies, sustainable transportation design, carbon life cycle analysis, and planning and policy for clean energy access around the globe. Our research and project expertise includes: solar power, microgrids, and demand response; clean transportation, electric vehicle deployment, hydrogen, and fuel cells; biomass technology assessment; off-grid energy access, planning and policy, energy efficiency, environmental and human health impacts of energy use; and training, education, and outreach.

Our interdisciplinary team of 43 people comprises directors, faculty, professional staff, and student employees, and includes nine PhD researchers with degrees ranging from civil, environmental, and mechanical engineering to energy resources, chemistry, and environmental health. We also have four professional engineers on staff, covering civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering.

The Schatz Center operates under the auspices of the Humboldt State University Sponsored Programs Foundation, an auxiliary organization to Humboldt State University. We are located on campus in Arcata, California. Arcata’s 800-acre community forest and 11 miles of trails begin one block away, and we are within biking distance of California’s second largest inland bay and the Pacific Ocean. As residents of a rural coastal community, we are keenly aware of our social and environmental responsibilities. We are committed to increasing energy access and resilience for communities worldwide — and do so through clean and renewable design that reduces climate change and restores environmental and human health.

Scope of work and deliverables

1. Provide knowledge and insight on best inclusion practices in our field.
2. Perform an analysis of existing organizational practices, strengths, and gaps and provide clear recommendations on how to strengthen and encourage equity, diversity, and inclusion across the organization.
3. Evaluate current self-study data collection and tracking regarding equity, diversity, and inclusion, and provide a plan for improvement.
4. Engage with leadership and EDI committee members to identify, develop, and implement a training strategy for Center staff that will increase EDI awareness, knowledge, and skills.
5. Collaborate with leadership and EDI committee members to develop a comprehensive plan and long-term vision of EDI goals that align with the Center’s mission. The plan should include assessment methods to monitor and evaluate areas including recruitment and onboarding, community partnership engagement, and ongoing education for Center staff.

Qualifications and proposal elements

• Minimum three years of experience in organizational equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Clear understanding of issues and challenges that face higher education and/or nonprofit research institutions serving the public and private sector.

The Center will accept proposals until no later than February 24, 2021 at 4 pm PST via email to info@schatzcenter.org. For consideration, submit proposals in PDF format with the following five elements included:

1. Contact information
2. Summary of organizational EDI experience that includes (a) narrative examples of experience with other organizations, (b) strategies used with other organizations of similar size and scope, and (c) description of why proposers wish to work with the Schatz Center in this process
3. Scope of Work and Timeline
4. Cost information that includes a rate sheet, the estimated number of hours and cost per task for the consultant, and the estimated level of effort per task for the Center
5. Resume of key personnel and three professional references

Evaluation criteria

The EDI Consultant Search Committee (composed of members from the Center’s leadership and EDI committees) will review proposals. Proposals will be considered on the following basis:

• Includes all required elements
• Demonstrates experience, understanding, and success with organizations of similar size and scope
• Proposed approach and timeline aligns with Center objectives and schedule*
• Cost is competitive and commensurate with effort

RFP Schedule (estimated)

*The timeline for initial work through final deliverables is based on an estimated six months to achieve the tasks outlined in the scope of work. It is understood that the schedule may be
adjusted based on consultant feedback and/or depending on the specific tasks that are
contracted.

Questions?

For inquiries, please contact the search committee:

• Cassidy Barrientos, Research Engineer: email
• Ian Guerrero, Research Engineer: email
• Allison Hansberry, Operations Director: email