MINERVA SAFE MANITOBA
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
“Promoting Awareness and Understanding of Occupational Safety and Health Among Post-Secondary Students”
Date of Issuance: April 2, 2007
Questions or points of clarification regarding any aspect of the RFP should be directed to:
Judy Fraser
Minerva SAFE Manitoba Coordinator
Phone: (204) 945-5359
Fax: (204) 948-2209
Email:
1. PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVE
This Request for Proposals (RFP) by Minerva SAFE Manitoba (Minerva) invites submissions from post-secondary institutions to undertake research and development that will increase understanding about the significance of this aspect in the world of work and the management of occupational safety and health (osh) in the workplace.
The project could consist of one or more of the following:
· Program materials for delivery to students within a specific faculty
· Program materials for delivery to faculty members on osh principles and management
· Case studies that could be used to enhance the study and application of osh principles once students enter the workforce
· Development of programs and/or tools to increase professionals’ understanding of occupational safety and health concepts and practical application upon graduation e.g. teachers, physicians, etc.
2. BACKGROUND AND RATIONALE
Minerva SAFE Manitoba is a volunteer, not-for profit organization that exists to promote and facilitate the efforts of post-secondary institutions to develop educational resources for integrating occupational safety and health concepts into existing curricula and to assist faculty and staff to become informed about occupational safety and health issues.
The work of the organization is carried out by a volunteer steering committee.
The need for the work of Minerva is clear. Each year thousands of workers are injured on the job and the human and economic costs are compelling. At any given time 8 to 12% of the workforce is incapacitated because of lost time injuries. Billions of dollars are lost in benefit payments, health care expenses, and reduced productivity. Research has consistently shown that effective and productive companies have a CEO and Senior Team who understand the benefits of safety and health management and are committed to it. Safety and health management education is a cornerstone of leading corporations. At Minerva we target future leaders through their colleges and university education. Safety and health management education is the right way to go, and the right thing to do.
Minerva Manitoba was established in 1998 through a grant from the Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba. The Manitoba committee works in cooperation with Minerva Canada and other regional committees. The members of Minerva Manitoba are working toward a future where graduates of Manitoba’s post-secondary institutions – future managers, supervisors and workers - will have a far better understanding of the principles of occupational safety and health than they do today. Out of this learning, it is hoped they will develop the knowledge and understanding to not only protect their own health and safety but as well, form an enduring commitment to the reduction of the human, social and financial costs of injury and illness in their future workplaces.
It is recognized that, if we want to make any significant move toward eliminating workplace injuries and deaths, we must begin when people are young. They will be the future workers, business owners, managers, professionals and leaders.
Post secondary educational institutions must play a significant role in facilitating improvement in the health and safety of work environments. Only those who are more educated about health and safety issues will be enabled to facilitate the development of healthier workplace policies and practices. Minerva Manitoba will promote and facilitate the efforts of universities and colleges to develop educational resources for integrating occupational safety and health concepts into existing curricula and to assist faculty and staff to become informed about OSH issues.
Visit www.safetymanagementeducation.com for more detail about Minerva.
3. PROPOSAL SELECTION AND FUNDING PROCESS
Minerva may fund research and programs on occupational safety and health issues in post-secondary environments.
The purpose of the program is to support initiatives that address areas of need within post-secondary environments that will ultimately have an impact in the workplace community through better understanding and management of osh issues.
The Steering Committee of Minerva SAFE Manitoba will review and recommend proposals that will be accepted for funding. It is anticipated that the decision will be communicated by August, 2007. Funding for accepted proposals will commence upon finalizing of a contract.
See APPENDIX “A” Criteria for Reviewing and Funding of Minerva Proposals
4. SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED
The responsibilities of the principal applicant will include, but are not limited to, the following:
a) Develop the project design, draft methodology and required data collection instruments for the study or project, as appropriate;
b) Submit to Minerva a draft proposal, including data collection instruments if any, for review;
c) Provide a project budget and a project work plan with significant milestones required to complete the project;
d) Provide written and/or oral progress reports when requested, satisfactory in form and content to Minerva;
e) Prepare, upon completion of the project, a draft report which will contain at least:
· Executive summary
· Background information
· Description of methodology
· Findings
· Analysis of the findings
· Conclusions
· Copy of final product if appropriate
f) Make changes as requested by MINERVA and submit a final report including a completed budget report.
5. SUBMISSION OF PROPOSALS
Interested applicants are invited to deliver a response as outlined in this RFP, along with the required attachments, no later than 4:00 P.M., Friday, June 15, 2007.
In order to facilitate the RFP review process, the content and format of proposals must be as follows:
a) title of the project to which the proposal pertains;
b) detailed proposal, including detailed time frame to administer and complete the project;
c) profile of the principal applicant and other personnel who will be assigned to the project and in what capacity. Please provide curriculum vitae for each participant, specifying qualifications and related experience;
d) statement of total compensation required to perform the project, up to a maximum of $25,000.00 (Canadian), listing professional fees, expenses, travel, material and supplies, etc. If the amount being requested from MINERVA does not cover the total cost of the proposal, please indicate who is providing the additional funds. (Confirmation may be required.) Please use the budget and equipment purchase forms in Appendix B. These forms are available electronically on request;
e) the applicant must sign the proposal in ink. In the case of a partnership, the individual signing the proposal must be able to bind the partnership and will be the person to sign the written agreement;
f) six (6) copies of the proposal and the budget, with one clearly marked “Original”, must be delivered in a sealed envelope no later than 4:00 pm on June 15, 2007, addressed to:
Ms. Judy Fraser
Coordinator, Minerva SAFE Manitoba
Workplace Safety and Health Division
200 – 401 York Avenue
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 0P8
NO applications received after 4:00 PM on June 15, 2007, will be considered.
6. PROPOSAL EVALUATION CRITERIA
Factors that will be used in assessing proposals will include, but are not limited to,
a) proposed project design
b) qualifications and experience of the applicant
c) the proposed timeframe to administer and complete the project
d) estimated total cost.
e) practical application of end product
f) transferability of end product
No contract will be awarded to any applicant who, in the judgment of Minerva is not responsive to the needs of MINERVA or does not have all the necessary experience, capital, organization, and equipment to perform the project in strict accordance with the contract.
See APPENDIX “A” Criteria for Reviewing and Funding of Minerva Proposals
7. OTHER CONDITIONS
a) MINERVA may accept any proposal of its choice and is not bound to accept the proposal with the lowest fees. MINERVA may withdraw the RFP at any time and/or may not accept any proposal.
b) The submission of a proposal and the receipt and opening of a proposal by MINERVA does not in any way constitute acceptance of a proposal.
c) A proposal is not a unilateral contract. A proposal is an offer to MINERVA to carry out the services set out in this RFP. A proposal may be accepted or rejected in whole or in part by MINERVA in its absolute discretion.
d) This RFP and an accepted proposal will form part of and be incorporated into a written agreement with MINERVA. In no event will a contract be formed until a written agreement has been approved by MINERVA and executed by MINERVA and the successful applicant.
e) The written agreement with the successful applicant must be satisfactory to MINERVA and contain, among other things, confidentiality provisions and provisions acknowledging that MINERVA will have the intellectual property rights of any reports, information or other material, in any form, produced as a result of or in the course of performing the agreement.
f) MINERVA reserves the right to require or obtain additional information with respect to the applicant’s proposal, experience, financial ability and general suitability, before making a decision as to the selection of a consultant.
Minerva RFP April - 07 Page 1
APPENDIX “A”
Criteria for Reviewing and Funding of Minerva Proposals
Minerva Criteria Funding Proposals Mar-07
Criteria for Reviewing and Funding Minerva Proposals
1. MANDATE OF THE PROGRAM:
MINERVA will review and potentially finance, either partially or wholly, post-secondary based research, education, training, and other initiatives which benefit the education of post-secondary students by increasing knowledge and awareness levels in occupational safety and health management.
2. OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAM:
In supporting post-secondary initiatives, Minerva’s objectives are:
a. To promote, educate, and increase the awareness level of occupational safety and health issues and the prevention of injury and disease.
b. To achieve practical outcomes which have a positive impact on MINERVA and its stakeholders.
c. To develop a stronger understanding and further current knowledge of workplace injuries, illnesses, and disability.
d. To apply acquired knowledge to the development of educational tools and potentially new techniques and/or tools that can be taken to the workplace upon student graduation.
3. GENERAL CRITERIA TO ASSESS PROJECT PROPOSALS
Proposals will be evaluated subject to the following criteria:
a. Projects must be consistent with the stated mandate and objectives of the Minerva program.
b. Projects must demonstrate a benefit to both MINERVA and its stakeholders, and must address issues relevant to occupational safety and health.
c. It must be demonstrated that the objectives of the project cannot be met more efficiently and effectively through existing mechanisms.
d. The methodology proposed in the research project must be technically sound and the applicant(s) must demonstrate or involve sufficient competence to undertake the project.
e. It must be demonstrated that the MINERVA grant and/or any financing from other sources will provide adequate support to achieve the stated objectives of the proposal.
f. The applicant must demonstrate that there is a reasonable likelihood of a successful outcome.
g. Appropriate ethical standards must be upheld in conducting the project.
h. Grant recipients may reside outside of Manitoba, but the focus of a project must be centred on work situated in Manitoba. Consideration will be given to applicants whose work may be done outside Manitoba in cases where the proposed work is of a high significance and relevance to MINERVA and stakeholders within Manitoba.
FUNDING
1. Projects approved under this program will be funded on a time-defined basis. The maximum duration of any project will not exceed 2 years.
2. MINERVA will require that a formal contract be entered into for a project, indicating clearly all the terms and conditions of the arrangement between MINERVA and the applicant.
3. The amounts and timing of payments to grant recipients will be identified in individual contracts.
4. Funding will not be provided for requests if it would replace funds otherwise available from another source, or where funding is considered to be the clear responsibility of another party.
CONDITIONS OF CONTINUED FUNDING SUPPORT
3. Grant funding is awarded with the following conditions. Compliance is required to ensure continued support.
a) Grant recipients will exercise due diligence in undertaking the proposed project, including recording the work performed, providing accountability for funds, and communicating the results.
b) No major changes in project objectives or key personnel shall be made without prior approval from MINERVA.
c) The project must be started within six months of the grant being offered unless prior written permission for an extension has been given by MINERVA.
d) The grant recipient will acknowledge the support provided by MINERVA in any publication, presentation, press release, or any other public mention.
e) MINERVA retains the rights to use all material gathered or produced as a consequence of grant support in any manner it considers useful or helpful to promoting occupational safety and health in Manitoba.
EXIT CLAUSE
All contracts will include an exit clause that permits MINERVA to terminate all contractual obligations. MINERVA will be required to provide reasonable notice dependent on the length of the agreement, not to exceed two months. Specific terms will be stipulated in each contract.
REPORTING REQUIREMENTS:
All applicants whose proposals are funded will be required to submit progress reports, a copy of the final report/results to Minerva including a summary of the benefits of the project, and other progress reports as required. Specific reporting requirements shall be agreed upon in each contract.
APPENDIX “B”
Minerva REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
FORMS INCLUDED:
BUDGET SHEET
EQUIPMENT PURCHASES
Copies of these forms can be obtained electronically upon request.
Minerva Criteria Funding Proposals Mar-07
PROPOSAL BUDGET SHEET
Summary of Funds Requested for (Insert Company Name and Project Name):
Year 1
$$ / Year 2$$ / Total
$$
Salaries
Benefits
Stipends
Consulting fees
Material and supplies - (expendable)
(list each item >$1,000)
Equipment (non – expendable)
Complete Equipment Purchases form
Travel
Communication/dissemination costs
Other (Specify)
Request from MINERVA
Funding from Other Sources
Total Project Costs
EQUIPMENT PURCHASES