Issued by: Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors (OAND)
Issue Date: June 20th, 2025
Proposal Deadline: July 15th, 2025
Selection of Vendor: July 22nd, 2025
Project Start Date: End of July 2025 (TBC)
Final Report Due: November 30, 2025
1. Overview
The Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors (OAND) is seeking a qualified consultant or firm to conduct a comprehensive diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA) audit to assess internal practices, governance, communications, and culture. This audit will serve as a foundation for strengthening the internal practices, culture, governance, and external-facing activities at OAND with a lens toward equity and inclusivity, and justice. The goal is to develop a clear, action-oriented roadmap that will foster meaningful, sustained inclusion across the organization.
2. About the OAND
The OAND is a professional association for naturopathic doctors in Ontario. We serve as the collective voice for the profession, offering leadership, advocacy, professional development, and public education. Our membership includes licensed naturopathic doctors practicing in a variety of clinical, academic, and community settings across the province.
We are committed to creating an inclusive and equitable environment for our members, staff, board, and the communities we serve.
3. Scope of Work
The consultant will be expected to complete the following key activities:
- Organizational Review
Conduct a comprehensive audit of OAND’s internal structures, including policies, procedures, communications, governance, and workplace culture, with a focus on identifying barriers and opportunities related to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
- Engagement with Staff and Board
Facilitate confidential interviews and/or surveys with OAND staff and board directors to gather input on lived experiences, organizational climate, and perspectives related to.
- Recommendations and Action Plan
Provide a detailed written report outlining key findings, practical recommendations, and a prioritized, action-oriented DEIA strategy. This should include suggested timelines, implementation stages, and resource requirements.
- Staff and Board Training
Deliver one to two interactive training sessions or workshops designed to build foundational knowledge and awareness of equity, diversity, and inclusion among staff and board directors.
- Ongoing Support (Optional)
Proposals may include an optional package for continued consultation and implementation support following delivery of the final report.
4. Timeline
We aim to initiate the audit in Summer 2025 and complete it within approximately 3–4 months. Below is the proposed project timeline:
RFP Issued - June 20, 2025
Proposal Submission Deadline - July 15, 2025
Selection of Successful Vendor - July 22, 2025
Project Start date - Week of July 22, 2025
Final Report due - November 30, 2025
5. Budget
We invite proposals that include a clear breakdown of costs and timeline for each deliverable.
7. Submission Requirements
Interested consultants are invited to submit a proposal that includes the following components:
- Proposed Work Plan
A detailed description of your approach, including key deliverables, timeline, and budget.
- Organizational Overview
A summary of your organization or team, highlighting relevant experience in equity, diversity, and inclusion, particularly with health organizations, professional associations, or regulatory bodies.
- Team Qualifications
Brief biographies and roles of the individuals who will lead and support the work.
- Client References
Contact information for two recent clients who can speak to your experience delivering similar work.
- Work Samples (Optional)
Examples of previous DEIA audit reports or related deliverables (redacted, if necessary).
Submission Format:
Please submit your proposal in PDF format by email to: supadhya@oand.org, by July 15th, 2025.
6. Evaluation Criteria
Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Demonstrated Expertise and Approach
Clear understanding of DEIA principles and practices, and evidence of experience conducting similar audits. Familiarity with health-focused or member-based organizations is preferred.
- Alignment with OAND’s Values and Goals
Evidence that the consultant’s philosophy, approach, and recommendations will reflect OAND’s commitment to equity, inclusion, and accountability.
- Clarity and Feasibility of Work Plan
A well-structured and realistic timeline, clear deliverables, and methodology for stakeholder engagement and data collection.
- Action-Oriented and Practical Recommendations
Focus on deliverables that result in tangible outcomes, including a prioritized, phased strategy for implementing DEIA improvements.
- Value for Cost
A reasonable and transparent budget that demonstrates cost-effectiveness and value in relation to the proposed work.
- Team Qualifications and Past Performance
Relevant experience of team members, quality of previous DEIA work, and strength of client references.
