Request for Proposals (RFP):

Community-Based Participatory Action Research (CPAR) Facilitator

Release Date: May 27

Q&A Document: Click Here for Q&A

Deadline for Submission: June 13 by 5 p.m. ET

 
 

Overview

Community-Based Participatory Action Research (CPAR) recognizes that individuals with lived experience hold valuable knowledge that must be central to research and decision-making. Traditional interventions, often designed from an external perspective, frequently fail to address systemic challenges effectively. CPAR ensures that those most impacted by policies and programs are actively engaged in shaping research, identifying gaps, and co-creating solutions that advance equity and social justice.

This two-day training will introduce members of the community advisory committee (C-RAC) for the Baltimore City Youth Data Hub to CPAR principles and methods, strengthen participatory relationships between staff and community members, and support the development of CPAR projects that address systemic disparities in summer programming.

Project Scope of Work

Training Details

desired Training

Summer 2025
Tentative, based on the start of the contract

Format

  • Two-day facilitation

  • In-person OR virtual sessions

  • 4–6 hours each day

Post-Training Support

Ongoing technical assistance as needed

Training Objectives

The consultant will facilitate a two-day training designed to:

  • Build foundational knowledge of CPAR principles, ethics, and research methods.

  • Strengthen participatory relationships between staff and community members.

  • Identify systemic challenges faced by children and families during the summer.

  • Develop capacity for co-researching with participants and system partners. For example, when exploring research methods, conducting collaborative data collection methods ( ie., focus groups, storytelling, participatory mapping, etc.). Or when facilitating and building relationships with community members, asking open-ended questions, and building long-term collaborations.

  • Investigate bias, practice, and policy opportunities to reduce disproportionality.

  • Allow C-RAC members to design and initiate CPAR projects that address summer-related challenges.

Deliverables

  • Develop and facilitate a structured two-day CPAR training (including all materials).

  • Provide training resources (presentations, handouts, videos, and other forms of media).

  • Guide C-RAC members through participatory exercises to surface key summer challenges.

  • Support the formation of research teams and initial project development.

  • Offer post-training technical assistance

Expected Outcomes

  • Enhanced knowledge of CPAR principles among C-RAC members.

  • Strengthened participatory relationships between staff and community members.

  • Identification of systemic challenges affecting children and families in the summer.

  • Development of CPAR projects that align with community priorities.

  • Increased capacity for co-researching and policy analysis.

Experience

Since this group will participate in facilitation training later this year, priority will be given to applicants with both prior facilitation training experience and who have the ability to lead this project again in the future.

Application Requirements

  • Cover Letter

    • Include a high-level description of services provided and project plan

  • Team Resumes or Bios

    • Include resumes or bios for all individuals who will contribute to the project.

    • Highlight relevant experience in leading community-based participatory research, particularly with youth, families, or public systems.

  • Sample Training Materials

    • Provide examples of previously developed training modules, curricula, or facilitation tools related to participatory research, equity-centered engagement, or community capacity building.

  • Proposed Approach

    • Outline your approach to designing and delivering the two-day CPAR training.

    • Include your methodology for engaging diverse stakeholders, incorporating lived experience, and promoting shared learning.

  • Interactive Design Strategies

    • Describe how your training approach will be interactive and participatory.

    • Share specific strategies or techniques you use to ensure all participants are meaningfully engaged throughout the process.

  • Budget

    • Submit a detailed budget that includes facilitation fees, preparation time, materials, and any additional expenses.

    • Please indicate whether pricing is flexible based on the scope or number of sessions.

Questions about the RFP and role

We will compile a document answering questions about this RFP and the desired role for general distribution on June 7. Please submit any questions you have to us no later than June 5 at 5 p.m. You may send them to operations@baltimorespromise.org.

Timeline

  • Close RFP June 13 at 5 PM

  • Stakeholder Review Process 

  • Follow Up Interviews (TBD, if needed) 

  • Final decision issued (Mid-July)