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.
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.
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:
Each topic will be delivered three times:
Total: 15 sessions
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.
To be considered, all proposals must include:
Criteria
Proposals will be evaluated based on the candidates’ ability to convey an approach and process that covers the following criteria:
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.
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
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.
Please submit all RFP responses to Project Manager, Amin Zribi