Digital Nova Scotia is seeking proposals from experienced career development service providers to design and deliver a series of live virtual workshops as part of our Skills for Hire Atlantic program. These sessions will support participants in applying their new technical skills by building confidence, expanding industry connections, and exploring career pathways in the ICT sector.

Program Overview

Skills for Hire Atlantic is a free, fully online, and cohort-based training program that supports residents of Atlantic Canada in developing high-demand digital and professional skills. The program is offered to both English and French audiences, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity across the region. Designed for individuals who are unemployed, underemployed, or looking to enhance their career prospects, the program focuses on building foundational knowledge in key digital areas: data analytics and cybersecurity. As the digital economy continues to reshape the workforce, Skills for Hire Atlantic equips participants with the tools and confidence to explore new career paths, complement non-technical skill sets, and bridge the digital divide, rather than promising direct employment outcomes.

Funded by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) works to improve the standard of living and quality of life for all Canadians. They do this by promoting a labor force that is highly skilled, and an efficient and inclusive labor market.

Scope of Work

We are looking for a partner to deliver a series of workshops ideally covering the following five career development topics, but we are open to variations and/or suggested alternatives:

• Building Your Career in Atlantic Canada
• Strategic Networking
• Optimizing LinkedIn
• Resumes, Cover Letters, and Understanding the Application Process
• Interviewing for Success

Each topic will be delivered three times:

• 2 sessions in English
• 1 session in French

Total: 15 sessions

Deliverables

• Live facilitation of 15 virtual workshops (as outlined above)
• Use of your own virtual delivery platform (e.g., Zoom) preferred
• Provision of materials (e.g., worksheets, slides) in advance of each session
• Recordings of each session, shared with our team for participant access
• Attendance reports for each session
• Workshop materials provided in both English and French as applicable

Budget

Digital Nova Scotia will be accepting proposals within a budget range of $18,000–$22,500 CAD + HST. The lowest bid is not guaranteed to be awarded the contract.

Submission Requirements

To be considered, all proposals must include:

1. Company Overview – A brief description of your organization and relevant experience.
2. Approach and Methodology – How you plan to deliver the requested services, including interactivity, accessibility, and alignment with participant outcomes.
3. Facilitator Bios – Highlight experience in career development, workshop facilitation, and working with diverse learner groups.
4. Sample Materials or Workshop Agenda – Optional, but encouraged.
5. French-Language Capacity – Details on your ability to deliver sessions and materials in French.
6. Proposed Schedule – General availability to deliver sessions between August 4th and November 24th, 2025.
7. Budget Confirmation – Confirmation that you can deliver all required sessions within the maximum budget.

Proposal Evaluation

Criteria
Proposals will be evaluated based on the candidates’ ability to convey an approach and process that covers the following criteria:

• Demonstrated expertise in career development and facilitation: 45%
• Experience working with diverse adult learners: 15%
• Capacity to deliver in both English and French: 25%
• Alignment with program objectives: 15%

Timeline
The Request for Proposals is dated July 7, 2025. Proponents may also request a copy be sent via email by contacting Amin Zribi at amin@digitalnovascotia.com. Proposals are due at 9:00am ADT on Sunday, July 20, 2025. Proposals will be evaluated immediately thereafter. During this time, we may require interviews with our evaluation team. You will be notified if this is requested. The name of the partner that has been selected will be decided by July 25, 2025.

Selection Process

Proposal evaluation: July 20-23, 2025
All proposals received by the close date will be evaluated and scored using a predetermined scoring system. Once applications have been scored, scores will be reviewed and a short list of candidates will be determined for interview.

Interviews: July 24 & 25, 2025
In person or virtual option available. Expectation that the candidate will walk the decision panel through their solution and highlight areas where it demonstrates their capabilities and experience in addressing the overall solution and design elements.

Final partner firm selection announcement: July 25, 2025

Contract Terms

Digital Nova Scotia will negotiate contract terms upon selection and the project will be awarded upon signing of an agreement or contract, which clearly outlines terms, scope, methodology, budget, and other necessary items. 

Response Submissions

Please submit all RFP responses to Project Manager, Amin Zribi