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.
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 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.
An important aspect of knowledge mobilization for this project is to have an effective website to share information, research documents, products and services. In addition to providing organizational information, the website hosts CAHRC’s labour market information dashboard as well as a library of research reports and documents. It also links to CAHRC event registrations, CAHRC’s YouTube channel and AgriHR Toolkit. The updated website will need to include this functionality.
2.1 Objective
The objectives of this Request for Proposal is to select a third-party to create and implement an updated website, modernizing the technology used and design approach. CAHRC has developed a framework for the updated website. The technology and design for the website must allow for CAHRC marketing and communications staff to update the content and design going forward. The current website has Drupal for the CMS and it is anticipated the updated site will use another CMS.
2.2 Activities
The following are the anticipated activities for this work:
A. Discovery and Project Initiation
• Conduct project kickoff meeting with CAHRC leadership and project team
• Review existing website architecture, content, integrations, analytics and performance
• Review CAHRC’s website framework, strategic objectives, branding and communications needs
• Consult with internal stakeholders to identify user needs, functionality requirements and content priorities
• Assess accessibility, bilingual requirements, SEO performance and user experience gaps
• Develop detailed project workplan, timelines and governance approach
B. Website Strategy and User Experience Design
• Develop modern website strategy aligned with CAHRC’s role as a national labour market information and workforce development organization
• Create user-centered navigation and content pathways for key audiences including employers, industry stakeholders, researchers, policy makers and job seekers
• Design wireframes and user experience flows
• Develop bilingual design concepts and responsive layouts for desktop, tablet and mobile use
• Ensure accessibility compliance and inclusive design principles are embedded throughout the website
C. Website Development and Technical Modernization
• Build and configure a modern content management system (CMS) that enables CAHRC staff to independently manage website content and design updates
• Develop bilingual website functionality
• Configure secure hosting environment and website architecture
• Integrate existing tools, platforms and external resources including:
o Labour Market Information dashboard
o Research library and publications archive
o Learning Management System
o Product point of sale capability
o Event registration systems
o YouTube channel
o AgriHR Toolkit
• Develop searchable document and resource library that can easily accommodate additional documents and resources being added by CAHRC staff
• Implement SEO best practices and analytics tracking
• Ensure website performance optimization and cybersecurity best practices
D. Content Migration and Optimization
• Inventory and assess existing website content
• Migrate approved content, reports, tools and resources to the new website
• Optimize content structure, readability and search functionality
• Ensure consistency in branding, formatting and accessibility standards
• Support bilingual content implementation
E. Testing, Quality Assurance and Accessibility
• Conduct functionality, compatibility and performance testing across browsers and devices
• Complete accessibility testing to ensure compliance with recognized accessibility standards
• Conduct user acceptance testing with CAHRC representatives
• Resolve defects and optimize user experience prior to launch
F. Training and Knowledge Transfer
• Train CAHRC marketing and communications staff on website administration, content management and design updates
• Provide documentation and knowledge transfer sessions
• Support internal capacity building for ongoing website maintenance and updates
Expected Outcomes
The successful proponent will deliver a modern, secure, accessible and scalable website that:
• Enhances knowledge mobilization and stakeholder engagement;
• Improves access to labour market information, research and workforce development resources;
• Supports implementation of the National Workforce Strategic Plan;
• Embeds accessibility, diversity and inclusion principles throughout the user experience; and
• Enables CAHRC staff to independently manage and evolve website content and design over time.
2.3 Deliverables
As part of the contractual agreement, the successful bidder will deliver:
• Fully functional bilingual website
• CMS configuration and administrator access
• CMS training sessions to CAHRC staff
• Integrated dashboards, tools and external platforms
• Searchable resource and document repository
• Mobile-responsive website
• SEO optimization implementation
• Analytics and reporting configuration
• Security and backup configuration documentation
• Website administrator guide
• Technical documentation and user guides
• Post-launch website warranty and maintenance options
3. Project Management and Oversight
3.1 Project Authority
The Consultant will report to Mélanie Fraxedas, Manager, Marketing and Communications. The Consultant shall appoint a corresponding lead contact from its team with whom the Manager, Marketing and Communications and CAHRC staff shall communicate.
3.2 Oversight and Guidance
The Manager, Marketing and Communications shall liaise between the Consultant and CAHRC staff, naming additional contacts as appropriate.
4. Budget
The budget for this project is $50,000 exclusive of applicable taxes.
5. Timeline
It is anticipated that the project will start June 22, 2026 and will end March 31, 2027.
6. Submission Process
6.1 Enquiries
All enquiries for clarification of information must be forwarded to mfraxedas@cahrc-ccrha.ca in English between 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 mfraxedas@cahrc-ccrha.ca and have RFP Response: Website Development 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:
• Demonstrated understanding of CAHRC’s mandate, audiences, labour market information role, knowledge mobilization objectives and website functionality requirements.
• Proven experience developing modern, accessible, bilingual websites for national organizations, non-profits, associations, research organizations or workforce-focused entities.
• Quality and feasibility of the proposed approach, including CMS selection, integrations, scalability, cybersecurity, accessibility, analytics and performance optimization.
• Demonstrated ability to meet Canadian accessibility standards (WCAG 2.1 AA or higher).
• Ability to create a modern, intuitive, accessible and user-focused website experience that supports diverse audiences and effective knowledge sharing.
• Demonstrated capacity to integrate external platforms and dashboards.
• Compliance with Canadian privacy and cybersecurity requirements.
• Strength of project governance, timelines, risk management, communication processes and ability to meet project milestones and deliverables.
• Demonstrated ability to provide a CMS and design approach that enables CAHRC staff to independently update content, resources and layouts with minimal technical expertise.
• Commitment to accessibility standards, bilingual implementation and inclusive design principles that reduce barriers for diverse users.
• Clarity, transparency and competitiveness of pricing, including ongoing maintenance, licensing and support costs.
• 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.
Additional Considerations
Demonstrated innovation and future readiness
• AI-enabled search or resource functionality;
• Data visualization capabilities;
• Future integration flexibility.
Knowledge Mobilization Expertise
• Experience presenting research, dashboards and labour market information in accessible ways;
• Searchable publication libraries and resource hub
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.