Statement of Work
Title
Gender-Based Analysis of Inuit Women-Owned Business
Introduction
There are currently over 65,000 Inuit in Canada. They are the fastest growing population in Canada, with 51 Inuit communities across the Arctic and almost 30% of Inuit living in urban centres.
Inuit in Canada consistently experience lower economic participation levels than the national average. In 2012, the national average unemployment rate was approximately 7.3%, while for Inuit the average was more than double at 16%. The unemployment rate for Inuit women in 2012 across Inuit Nunangat was 16.2%, compared with a rate of 23.5% for Inuit men, while Inuit women are more likely to be employed or self-employed. The labour market reflects a participation rate of 60% for Inuit women in Inuit Nunangat. In order to develop programs and services targeted to support Inuit women, a greater understanding of gendered needs, challenges and gaps across the Inuit Nunangat is required.
Goals of the Project
This project will further develop existing operations and resources of the Inuit Women in Business Network (IWBN), to be available in both languages, English and Inuktut, and made available across Inuit Nunangat and the rest of Canada. The project will also provide strategic direction on the organization’s broad economic development activities directly from Inuit women. This approach will facilitate the sharing promising practices and identify pertinent economic development priorities as they relate to Inuit women, while developing corresponding strategies.
The project activities will sustain and enhance existing networking and mentorship initiatives besides supporting Inuit women’s entrepreneurship, a group which has historically been under represented in the Canadian economy.
By undertaking a comprehensive consultation and engagement process in collaboration with Inuit business women and relevant partners, such as regional economic development organizations, the project will establish the needs and priorities of Inuit women for their economic advancement and participation in the labour force, while building the partnerships vital to encourage economic development. This project will promote a greater understanding of the unique priorities, needs and challenges faced by Inuit women across Canada to reduce the barriers to their participation in the economy.
The long-term objectives of this project are:
- To establish the needs and priorities for Inuit women’s economic development;
- To help close services gaps; and,
- To strengthen the capacity of Inuit businesswomen within the entrepreneurship ecosystem.
Scope of Work
This is an open call to individuals, firms, or organizations to conduct a gender-based analysis plus (GBA+) of businesses that are currently owned by Inuit women across Canada, so that Pauktuutit may better advocate on their behalf. The findings of the study will be used to better understand the capacities of Inuit women-owned businesses as well as the programs/funding/supports that are needed to further enhance these operations.
More specifically, the following factors must be assessed:
It is important for applicants to show an understanding of Inuit culture and the socio-economic realities in Inuit Nunangat. Applicants must also have experience working with Inuit communities, actors and organizations, possess effective communication skills and method and have the proven expertise to produce culturally relevant work.
Specifications
- Development a structured, GBA+ interview guide, in conjunction with Pauktuutit, which will incorporate the specifications described above
- Virtual/remote interviews with all relevant actors including: Inuit businesswomen across Canada; economic development officers across Inuit Nunangat and urban centres; and federal, provincial/territorial and local representatives mandated to support Inuit economic development
- A final report summarizing the findings of the study
Please note that the timeline for all deliverables may be extended to accommodate the quality of work.
In addition, the successful applicants will be required to:
- take part in project meetings and teleconferences as appropriate.
- provide progress updates as required; and,
- submit all final project documents upon completion.
Timeline
The duration of the contract will be from:
- Bids accepted until, January 29, 2021.
- Contract begins, February 5, 2021.
- Delivery of resources, March 31, 2021.
- Contract ends; March 31, 2021.
Pauktuutit’s Roles and Responsibilities
The primary contact at Pauktuutit for this project is Lema Ijtemaye, Manager of the Social and Economic Development Department (lijtemaye@pauktuuit.ca). Pauktuutit commits to provide the information and materials necessary to complete the work and will respond to requests for information in a timely fashion.
Pauktuutit will provide a decision within three business days.
Confidentiality, Privacy and Copyright
The successful applicant shall not disclose to any party any confidential information gained or resulting from activities undertaken under this project, nor shall the applicant disclose any information concerning Pauktuutit or their affairs where such information is obtained through this project.
Pauktuutit and the successful applicant will agree to publicly and mutually acknowledge and accord credit for each other’s contribution in this project, including any products developed and disseminated. Both parties will come to an agreement on how credit is attributed, depending on each organization’s contribution.
It is understood that Pauktuutit retains ownership of all materials and intellectual property created, designed, or produced as a result of activities undertaken by the successful applicant when awarded this project.
It is understood that the successful applicant will generate original work for this project.
- Applicants must submit their company name, and confirm their incorporation, references, and/or portfolio
- Submit by email to lijtemaye@pauktuutit.ca.
- Provide submission in Word or PDF formats.
- Estimates/budgets must remain firm until March 31, 2021.
No payment will be made for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of a proposal in response to this RFP.
- No costs incurred before receipt of a signed contract can be charged to the proposed contract.
- Travel that may be required will be separate from this scope of work budget and will be paid for by Pauktuutit; and,
- Pauktuutit reserves the right not to award a contract because of this RFP.
Budget
The proposal must:
- Include a detailed budget not exceeding $90,000 including HST, which demonstrates that the objectives and deliverables for the project can be met.
- Indicate the billing rate.
- List any other expenses applicable; and,
- Include 13% HST tax.
Rights of the Organization
Pauktuutit reserves the right to:
- Enter negotiations with one or more bidders on any or all aspects of this proposal.
- Accept any proposal in whole or in part.
- Cancel and/or re-issue this requirement at any time.
- Award one or more contracts.
- Verify any or all information provided by the bidder regarding this requirement.