Request for Qualifications (RFQ)
Consultant Services for Strategic Planning, Organizational Capacity Building, and
Board Development
Issued by: Appalachian Council of Governments (ACOG)
Funding Source: Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC)
Issue Date: December 5, 2025
Response Deadline: January 15, 2026
Contact: Chip Bentley, Deputy Director; bentley@scacog.org; 956-242-9733
I. Introduction
The Appalachian Council of Governments (ACOG) is soliciting qualifications from
qualified consultants to provide professional services for strategic planning,
organizational capacity building, and Board of Directors development. This procurement
is funded by the Appalachian Regional Commission and must comply with federal
procurement standards outlined in 2 CFR Part 200 Subpart D.
II. Procurement Standards
This RFQ is issued in accordance with federal procurement regulations, including:
• Full and Open Competition (§200.319)
• Documented Procurement Procedures (§200.318)
• Conflict of Interest Provisions (§200.318(c))
• Required Contract Provisions (Appendix II to Part 200)
• Clear and Accurate Technical Requirements (§200.319(d))
ACOG affirms that no consultant involved in drafting this RFQ will be eligible to compete
for the contract.
III. Project Overview
ACOG serves six counties in Upstate South Carolina and provides services in economic
development, planning, grants, government services, and senior advocacy. The selected
consultant will support ACOG in evaluating its programs, strengthening internal capacity,
and enhancing board governance.
IV. Scope of Work
The consultant will:
1. Conduct External Evaluation
o Assess the impact and relevance of ACOG’s programs and services.
o Evaluate regional needs and service demand.
2. Conduct Internal Evaluation
o Review organizational assets, staffing, and operational capacity.
o Identify gaps and opportunities for improvement.
3. Board of Directors Analysis and Strategy
o Assess board structure, engagement, and effectiveness.
o Facilitate interviews or surveys with board members.
o Develop a governance strategy aligned with organizational goals.
4. Develop Strategic Plan
o Create a roadmap to strengthen ACOG and its partnerships.
o Align initiatives with ARC priorities and regional development goals.
5. Create Implementation Plan
o Outline actionable steps, timelines, and performance measures.
V. Deliverables
• External Evaluation Report
• Internal Evaluation Report
• Board Development Strategy Report
• Draft Strategic Plan
• Final Strategic Plan with Implementation Framework
VI. Timeline
The project will span 18 months, with key milestones including:
• RFQ release and consultant selection (Months 1–4)
• Kickoff and initial assessment (Months 5–6)
• Evaluations (Months 7–12)
• Strategy development (Months 13–15)
• Finalization and approval (Months 16–18)
VII. Budget
Total consultant budget: $150,000
VIII. Submission Requirements
Interested consultants must submit:
• Cover letter
• Statement of qualifications
• Examples of similar projects
• Proposed approach and timeline
• References
• Resumes of key personnel
IX. Evaluation Criteria and Weights
Proposals will be evaluated using the following weighted criteria:
Criteria
Description
Qualifications and
Experience
Demonstrated experience in strategic planning,
organizational development, and board
governance, especially with public sector or
nonprofit entities.
Weight
(%)
30%
Approach and
Methodology
Clarity, feasibility, and innovation of the proposed
approach to meet the scope of work, including
40%
evaluation and planning processes.
Past Performance Quality of work on similar projects, as evidenced by
and References
references and past client feedback.
15%
Staff Qualifications
Expertise and roles of key personnel assigned to the
project.
15%
Total: 100%
X. Submission Instructions
Submit qualifications electronically to:
Chip Bentley, Deputy Director, Appalachian Council of Government
bentley@scacog.org
Subject Line: RFQ – Strategic Planning & Board Development Consultant
Deadline: Thursday, January 15, 2026 by 5pm EST