1. About the Canadian Agricultural HR Council
The Canadian Agricultural HR Council is a national, non-profit organization focused on addressing human resource issues facing agricultural businesses across Canada. The Council works to fully understand and meet the unique needs of those within the various commodity areas that define the national agricultural industry. We are recognized as the centre for reliable labour market information, and the access point for customizable solutions related to LMI, HR management and training. For more information about the Canadian Agricultural HR Council, visit https://cahrc-ccrha.ca/.
2. Project Description
Through CAHRC’s research, agriculture businesses have clarified that their top risk to business success, sustainability and growth is human resources and workforce development, specifically having reliable access to workers with the latest knowledge and skills required to meet existing and evolving demands (CAHRC, 2009, 2011, 2016). CAHRC has developed several tools and resources to support industry in HR best practices and workforce development. This includes working with subject matter experts across industry to develop more than fifty National Occupational Standards (NOS) that are part of the National Agricultural Occupational Framework (NAOF).
The overall project will assist the agriculture industry to secure a highly skilled workforce to grow the industry in future years by expanding our labour market information research, building a full skills framework, updating HR tools and resources and continuing to move forward on the National Workforce Strategic Plan for Agriculture and Food and Beverage Manufacturing. The objectives are to:
• Increase employer capacity by expanding and streamlining labour market intelligence (LMIg) and skills data resources based on workforce supply and demand;
• Expand the skills framework and best practices throughout the agricultural and food value chain to ensure a strong understanding of skills needs;
• Develop comprehensive strategies to address the priorities outlined in the industry-led National Workforce Strategic Plan (NWSP) for Agriculture, Food and Beverage Manufacturing; and
• Reduce barriers to employment for equity-deserving groups in the agri-food industry by embedding diversity and inclusion principles throughout the project design and delivery.
This Request for Proposal will focus on reviewing and updating existing National Occupational Standards (NOS). Over the past several years CAHRC has developed more than 50 NOS. Given the rapid introduction of technology and automation, it is necessary to review the existing NOS to ensure they reflect the reality of the current requirements and competencies.
This work will be done by conducting a full review of the existing NOS; conducting research to identify updates, including requirements driven by automation, digitalization and technology as well as environmental and sustainability practices. The outputs will be used to inform CAHRC’s National Agricultural Occupational Framework (NOAF), Skills Framework (currently under development) and HR tools and resources (e.g. job descriptions, career pathing) and to assist education and training organizations to develop training curriculum. It should be noted that the Skills Framework will be under development concurrently and will be designed to be updated regularly with information from the NOS updates as well as other data points.
2.1 Objective
The objectives of the work included in this RFP are to review and update fifty existing NOS for occupations identified by CAHRC. The NOS will be updated through secondary and primary research. The primary research will include consultation and validation with subject matter experts in the specific occupations through virtual focus groups and key informant interviews. The process and annual final delivery will follow the same format and approach as the existing NOS and include the NOS, job descriptions, job ads and job profiles. With the rapid introduction of automation, digitalization, AI and technology as well as changing workforce needs, this RFP also includes an annual review, update and validation process for an additional four years following the initial update in year one.
2.2 Activities
The Canadian Agricultural HR Council requests proposals from experienced individuals, organizations or teams acting as the consultant to undertake the following main activities:
• Update and validate occupational information fifty specific occupations. This will include updating NOSs, competency requirements, and learning & qualifications. For each occupation there are NOS at four levels: entry, experienced, supervisor and manager. It will also include validated NOSs, competency profiles, job descriptions and learning & qualification requirements. This will require:
o Occupational analysis virtual focus group sessions to inform proposed updates to NOSs, competency profiles, job descriptions and learning and qualification requirements with 10 participants per focus group, including surveys as appropriate;
o Occupational validation virtual focus group sessions with a minimum of 10 participants per, including surveys as appropriate, to support the validation of updated NOSs, competency profiles, job descriptions and learning and qualification requirements;
• Work in conjunction with the CAHRC labour market information team and third-party consultants to inform content in the development of the CAHRC Skills Framework.
• Develop and deliver a method that will allow for annual review, updates and validation of the fifty NOS over an additional four years.
2.3 Deliverables
As part of the contractual agreement, the successful bidder will deliver:
• A proposed work plan to accomplish the objectives of the project. This will outline all processes and timelines for the project including all research efforts, approach, methodology, background research activities, data collection activities for qualitative and quantitative inputs, validation methods and documentation plans.
• Updated NOSs, competency requirements (core & technical), learning & qualifications for fifty (50) agricultural roles across four (4) levels of experience (entry, experienced, supervisory, management).
• Occupational information relevant to specific roles: one for each level of experience (entry, experienced, supervisory and management)
o Fifty (50) NOSs annually
o Competency Profiles for each of NOS;
o Job Descriptions for each of the specific roles;
o Job Ads for each of the specific roles; and
o Learning and qualification requirements for each of the specific roles.
• Annually updated Competency Dictionary
• Monthly status reports on the progress of the project.
• Annual report summarizing trends observed over the year and recommendations for future development.
3. Project Management and Oversight
3.1 Project Authority
The Consultant will report to Phyllis MacCallum, Director, Research and Knowledge Mobilization. The Consultant shall appoint a corresponding lead contact from its team with whom the Director, Research and Knowledge Mobilization and CAHRC staff shall communicate.
3.2 Oversight and Guidance
The Director, Research and Knowledge shall liaise between the Consultant and CAHRC staff, naming additional contacts as appropriate.
3.2 Oversight and Guidance
The Director, Research and Knowledge shall liaise between the Consultant and the Advisory Committee. The Committee will ensure that all project activities remain on track and that all research and data requirements are vetted by industry.
4. Budget
The maximum budget for this project is $165,000 exclusive of applicable taxes.
5. Timeline
It is anticipated that the project will start June 22, 2026 and will end August 30, 2030.
6. Submission Process
6.1 Enquiries
All enquiries for clarification of information must be forwarded to pmaccallum@cahrc-ccrha.ca in English by June 5, 2026 at 12:00pm Eastern Standard Time. Response to questions will be provided by June 9, 2026 8:00am Eastern Standard Time.
6.2 Submission
Proposals shall be submitted by email to pmaccallum@cahrc-ccrha.ca and have RFP Response: NOS Update in the email subject line.
6.3 Closing
Consideration will be given to all proposals received via e-mail by 3:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, June 12, 2026. It shall be the sole responsibility of the proponent to ensure that the proposal is received at the email address prior to the specified time. The Council shall reply to all proponents with an email confirming receipt of their proposal. Only complete proposals received before closing time will be considered.
7. Evaluation
7.1 Criteria
Upon receipt of proposals, the Council will examine each submission for compliance with bidding requirements, prior to carrying out the primary evaluation.
Mandatory Criteria
• The proposal must be received by the Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council before the specified closing time.
• The proposal must be in English and must be submitted by email in PDF format.
• Submissions must not exceed 8 pages, excluding consultant CV’s. Proposals exceeding this limit shall be disqualified.
• All proposals must include bidder’s name and quote the title of the project.
The proposed team must have experience in the following areas:
• CV’s that outline each team member’s relevant knowledge, skills and experience as it pertains to their project roles;
o The team must include member at least one member with:
Knowledge of the agricultural sector in Canada;
In-depth knowledge of learning and qualification frameworks;
In-depth knowledge of certification and accreditation;
o The team must include at least one member with at least five years of experience in:
Job analysis, including the development of national occupational standards and competency profiles;
Competency-based human resource (HR) management, including large-scale industry-wide applications;
Designing and developing HR support tools, including competency dictionaries, HR reference materials, self-assessments, online resources, and return on investment communications;
Training and development, including training needs assessments, curriculum design, content development for various learning modalities (webinar, course, workshop, e-learning), training delivery and evaluation;
Stakeholder engagement, including working with project advisory oversight bodies;
Project management;
Facilitation;
Stakeholder presentations;
Delivering large-scale research projects; and
• Outline information regarding intended use of AI, as per the Use of AI Terms outlined in Appendix A of this document.
• Three references from clients for which the bidder has completed similar work. References should include client name, contact person, phone number, e-mail address, project description, project duration, and team lists for each of the three projects.
7.2 Evaluation Criteria
Evaluation of proposals will be conducted by a committee formed by the Council and may include members of the Board of Directors, employees, and contractors of Council. All personnel will keep confidential all information in the proposals. The Council’s intent is to enter into a contract with the proponent achieving the highest overall ranking.
Proposals must meet all of the mandatory criteria to be considered, and will be further assessed against the following evaluation criteria:
A: Understanding the Requirements (10)
• An understanding of the project’s objectives, elements, and outcomes.
B: Work plan (30)
• A proposed work plan including a description of project activities and the work products for each activity.
• Proposed research methodologies to realize the project’s objectives.
• A schedule, including timelines and milestones, for undertaking the work on time and on budget.
• A matrix specifying how much time each member of the consulting team shall dedicate to each activity and their role(s) in undertaking that activity.
• A description of reporting methods on the progress of the project.
• A description of potential challenges or issues that might be encountered in undertaking the project, how the consultant would respond to ensure that project deliverables and deadlines are respected, and what implications these responses might have for the Council in undertaking the project.
C. Deliverables (15)
• A detailed description of all project deliverables and how they align to the project objectives.
• How implementing the work plan will result in the full realization of the project’s deliverables and objectives.
• Special features or services the proponent can provide to enhance the project objectives.
D: Experience (25)
• Includes history, mission, area(s) of consulting focus of the proponent, identification of a project lead and contact information.
• A description of the team’s relevant knowledge, skills and technical experience, including competencies in project management, web development, client and stakeholder relations, writing, quantitative and qualitative research and analysis.
• CV’s that outline each team member’s relevant knowledge, skills and experience as it pertains to their project roles. The CV’s may be appended to the proposal.
• Three references from clients for which the bidder has completed similar work. References should include client name, contact person, phone number, e-mail address, project description, project duration, and team lists for each of the three projects.
E. Overall Impression (10)
• Completeness and quality of the proposal.
F: Financial Proposal (10)
• The anticipated material, supply, incidental, travel, human resource (external to the consulting team) and other expenses.
• The cost for each activity. Include consultant travel and any material costs, but exclude the cost of translation.
8. Terms
8.1 Development Principles
The consultant will:
• Ensure that all materials drafted are appropriate for both English and French audiences. The Council will translate project documentation.
• Ensure that equity principles are reflected in any language used and in the design of the consultations and research.
• Declare to the Council any interests in or agreements with any supplier of services or materials.
8.2 Sub-Contracting
Using a sub-contractor (who should be clearly identified in the proposal) is acceptable. However, one of these proponents must be prepared to take overall responsibility for successful undertaking and completion of the contract, and this should also be clearly defined in the proposal.
Where applicable, the names of approved sub-contractors listed in the proposal will be included in the contract. No additional subcontractors will be added or other changes made, without the written consent of the Council.
8.3 Acceptance of Proposals
This RFP should not be construed as an agreement to purchase goods or services. The Council is not bound to enter into a contract with the proponent who submits the lowest priced proposal or with any proponent. Proposals will be assessed in light of the evaluation criteria. The Council will be under no obligation to receive further information, whether written or oral, from any proponent.
8.4 Modification of Terms
The Council reserves the right to modify the terms of this RFP at any time at its sole discretion. This includes the right to cancel this RFP at any time prior to entering into a contract with the successful proponent.
8.5 Use of Request for Proposals
Any portion of this document, or any information supplied by the Council in relation to this RFP, may not be used or disclosed for any purpose other than for the submission of proposals. By submitting a proposal, the proponent agrees to hold in confidence all information supplied by Council in relation to this RFP.
Appendix I - Deliverable Requirements: Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
The Contractor must adhere to the following requirements regarding the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the development of all project deliverables:
1. Approval and Disclosure
• The Contractor must disclose any intended use of AI systems in writing prior to use.
• No AI may be used in the creation, drafting, analysis, or development of deliverables without prior written approval from CAHRC.
• All approved AI use must be formally documented in accordance with project requirements (e.g., Schedule B of the agreement).
2. Permitted Use of AI
• AI systems may only be used for the approved Intended Purpose as defined in the project scope.
• The Contractor must ensure that any AI system used is:
o Fit for purpose
o Reliable and materially free of defects
3. Data Protection and Confidentiality
• The Contractor must not use CAHRC confidential or personal information as AI input data unless explicitly approved.
• The Contractor must:
o Prevent unauthorized access, disclosure, or retention of data by AI systems or providers
o Ensure no data (input or output) is shared with third parties without consent
• Where use of CAHRC data is approved, the Contractor must ensure:
o AI providers do not use data for training or secondary purposes
o Appropriate technical and organizational safeguards are in place
o Full compliance with privacy, cybersecurity, and data protection laws
4. Ownership and Intellectual Property
• CAHRC retains full ownership of all input data and datasets.
• All AI-generated outputs are considered project deliverables and are subject to the same ownership terms.
• The Contractor must ensure:
o No AI system used claims ownership or imposes licensing restrictions on deliverables or data
o Deliverables do not infringe on third-party intellectual property rights
5. Data Use and Retention
• Input and output data may only be used for the purposes of the project.
• Upon project completion or termination, the Contractor must:
o Return or securely destroy all data
o Provide written certification of destruction upon request
6. Quality, Accuracy, and Ethics
• The Contractor must take reasonable steps to ensure that AI-generated outputs are:
o Accurate and reliable
o Free from bias or discrimination
o Compliant with applicable human rights and legal standards
7. Compliance and Legal Obligations
• The Contractor must comply with all applicable laws and regulations related to AI use.
• The Contractor must ensure that:
o AI use does not expose CAHRC data to other clients
o All AI-related activities align with contractual and legal obligations
8. Audit and Oversight
• CAHRC reserves the right to audit or review AI-related practices to verify compliance.
• The Contractor must cooperate with such reviews, provided they do not unreasonably disrupt operations.
9. Liability and Indemnification
• The Contractor is fully responsible for any risks associated with AI use, including:
o Unauthorized use of AI
o Breaches of confidentiality or data protection
o Intellectual property infringement
o Non-compliance with laws or contractual terms
• The Contractor must indemnify and hold CAHRC harmless against all claims, damages, or losses arising from AI use.