Request for Proposals (RFP): Strategic Communications and KM Support for the Pan-Canadian Women’s Health Coalition

1. Summary and Background

The Canadian Partnership for Women and Children’s Health (CanWaCH) is seeking a hands-on consulting firm to provide strategic communications and knowledge mobilization (KM) support related to the Pan-Canadian Women’s Health Coalition (the Coalition).

The Coalition brings together 10 interdisciplinary research hubs and one coordinating centre to advance a shared vision: improving women’s and gender diverse people’s health across Canada. The hubs are engaged in diverse, equity-oriented research in areas such as sexual and reproductive health, chronic conditions, mental health and more, with a particular focus on populations experiencing intersecting forms of discrimination and health inequity.

CanWaCH serves as the secretariat for the Coalition, working closely with the hubs to support communications, knowledge exchange, public engagement and collaboration. In this role, CanWaCH is responsible for amplifying the work of the Coalition, creating opportunities for cross-hub dialogue, and ensuring the broader visibility and impact of Coalition-wide research and initiatives.

To increase the visibility and impact of Coalition efforts, CanWaCH is engaging an external firm to execute a strategic, coordinated suite of KM activities. This additional capacity will complement the work of our internal team, and will help expand our reach with key communities (including policymakers, health researchers, and health care providers and implementers). The goal is to accelerate momentum and elevate the profile of the Coalition’s work across Canada and in global health conversations.

Much of this work will be branded and shared under CanWaCH’s Health Excellence Research Alliance (HERA) sub-brand — a platform created to support and amplify Canadian research in women’s health, and help build meaningful connections between local innovation and global health impact. However, proposals should reflect an integrated approach that considers the use of both HERA and CanWaCH platforms and channels, as appropriate.

2. Project Description and Scope

2.1 Objectives

The successful firm will be responsible for:

• Supporting CanWaCH in developing and executing a robust knowledge mobilization strategy that amplifies Coalition research and activities.
• Producing diverse and compelling communications collateral (e.g., media kits, key messages, digital assets).
• Conducting proactive media outreach to relevant national and regional outlets.
• Advising on and implementing knowledge mobilization tactics tailored to target audiences including health care practitioners, researchers, policymakers and the public.
• Supporting the individual hubs with tailored advice on how to promote their work, where appropriate, with CanWaCH acting as a liaison.
• Elevating the profile and impact of the Coalition through a mix of strategic and hands-on promotional efforts.

The consulting team will report to CanWaCH (under the direction of the Global Health Impact portfolio), with close collaboration across our communications and advocacy portfolios.

2.3 Intended Audiences

Target audiences for this work include:

• Health researchers, knowledge users, and academic institutions
• Policymakers at the provincial, territorial and federal levels
• Health care practitioners and health system implementers
• National and regional media
• General public interested in women’s and gender diverse people’s health
• Stakeholders in the Canadian and global health ecosystems
  

3. Project Timeline

3.1 Completion Timeline

This will be a retainer-based arrangement beginning on or before July 21, 2025, with an initial contract period of 6 months and the potential for extension pending the interest of both parties.

3.2 Key Milestones

• Week of June 16, 2025: RFP issued
  
• July 7, 2025 at 11:59 PM EDT: Proposal submission deadline
  
• Week of July 14, 2025: Firm selected and contract finalized
  
• On or before July 21, 2025: Work commences
  

4. Budget

4.1 Retainer-Based Fee Structure

Applicants must propose a monthly retainer fee, including:

• Description of deliverables covered per month (e.g., estimated number of activities, collateral pieces, KM outputs, etc.)
• Number of hours/staff estimated per month
• Any add-on services that may be available outside the retainer and their associated cost structure

4.2 Cost Transparency

All proposals must clearly outline:

• Monthly retainer fees
• Optional/additional service fees
• Whether any subcontracting is anticipated, and if so, details on the individuals or firms to be engaged
  

5. Bidder Qualifications

Applicants must demonstrate:

• Experience executing both strategy development and implementation — not just advisory
• Strong understanding of the health research landscape in a pan-Canadian context
• Relevant experience working with research networks, academic institutions or stakeholders across the health system ecosystem — including hospitals and care settings
• Track record of impactful media relations and knowledge mobilization in the health or research sector
• Fluency in digital and traditional promotional tactics that resonate with diverse audiences
• Ability to engage francophone audiences and media; French language proficiency is a strong asset
  

Please include:

• A company overview and bios of team members assigned to the project
• Portfolio of relevant work
• Two client references or testimonials
• Estimated hours and fees
• Confirmation of availability to begin work by July 21, 2025
  

6. Proposal Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Relevance of experience in health, research and knowledge mobilization communications
• Demonstrated ability to execute (not just advise) on strategic communications and knowledge mobilization activities in a health or health research context
• Alignment with project goals, intended audiences, and the Canadian health research landscape
• Value and cost-effectiveness of the proposed retainer structure and deliverables

---

Comment postuler:

7.1 Submission Deadline

All proposals must be submitted by July 7, 2025 at 11:59 PM EDT to:

Jessica Ferne
Director, Global Health Impact
CanWaCH

[email protected]

Please note: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Early submissions are encouraged.

7.2 Notification of Selection

The successful firm will be contacted by July 14, 2025.