Interested applicants could submit questions in advance, and all questions with corresponding responses have been compiled on this document. Feel free to use this to better inform your proposal.
-Issued by: BioNexus KC
-Issue Date: March 13, 2026
-Proposal Due: April 7, 2026 at 5:00 PM CST (please note this date has been updated)
-Primary Contact & Submission: Chad Grittman, Vice President
-Submission Method: Single PDF emailed to Chad@BioNexusKC.org with subject line: “Strategic Planning RFP – [Firm Name]” (may include up to 2 additional supplemental materials as part of submission)
1) Project Overview & Purpose
BioNexus KC seeks proposals from qualified facilitators or firms to lead the development of the organization’s next strategic plan, which will guide organizational priorities, programmatic direction, and areas of regional impact beginning in 2027. BioNexus KC recently completed the execution of a ten-year strategic plan and is initiating a new planning process to define the organization’s next phase of leadership in advancing the Kansas City region’s life sciences ecosystem. The selected facilitator will guide a comprehensive, collaborative strategic planning process throughout 2026 that results in a clear, actionable, and measurable strategic plan aligned with BioNexus KC’s mission and regional role. This engagement focuses on facilitation, analysis, stakeholder engagement, and plan development. BioNexus KC is not seeking implementation management through this RFP. If the planning process is successful, BioNexus KC may choose to negotiate additional work related to implementation support or evaluation frameworks in a future engagement.
2) Organizational Background
BioNexus KC is a 501(c)(3) organization advancing the Kansas City region as a global leader at the nexus of human and animal health. The organization catalyzes collaboration among academic institutions, healthcare systems, industry partners, entrepreneurs, and community stakeholders to accelerate innovation, commercialization, workforce development, and improved health outcomes. BioNexus KC’s work spans digital health, biomanufacturing, research collaboration, population health, rare disease initiatives, workforce and talent development, and regional ecosystem building. The organization serves as a neutral convener and strategic connector across Kansas and Missouri, working to strengthen the region’s life sciences competitiveness while ensuring inclusive and community-centered growth. The forthcoming strategic plan will build upon prior successes while positioning the organization to respond to emerging opportunities in innovation, federal investment, regional economic development, and evolving health challenges. The format and procurement structure of this RFP is informed by prior BioNexus KC engagements and organizational procurement practices.
3) Strategic Planning Objectives
The strategic planning process should result in a forward-looking framework that defines BioNexus KC’s priorities for the next planning horizon (to be determined by consultant, in agreement with BioNexus KC) and clarifies the organization’s role in advancing regional impact. Objectives of the planning process include establishing organizational priorities and focus areas, defining programmatic and initiative-level direction, identifying areas of greatest regional impact for the life sciences ecosystem, aligning staff, board, and stakeholder expectations, clarifying success metrics and evaluation frameworks, identifying opportunities for partnership and resource alignment, and producing a plan that is practical, implementable, and measurable. Respondents are encouraged to recommend planning methodologies that balance strategic ambition with operational clarity and organizational capacity.
4) Scope of Services
The selected facilitator or firm will be responsible for designing and executing a structured strategic planning process that includes, but is not limited to, the following components:
Planning Design and Project Management
Development of a detailed workplan, planning framework, timeline, and engagement cadence; establishment of governance structure for the planning process; coordination with staff leadership and board representatives; and definition of decision-making checkpoints throughout the process.
Organizational Assessment
Review of existing strategic materials, program outcomes, financial and operational information, and relevant regional data; assessment of organizational strengths, challenges, and opportunities; and identification of emerging trends affecting life sciences, innovation ecosystems, and regional competitiveness.
Stakeholder Engagement
Design and facilitation of limited stakeholder engagement processes including interviews, workshops, surveys, or listening sessions; engagement with board members, staff, regional partners, funders, industry leaders, academic stakeholders, and community representatives; synthesis of stakeholder input into actionable insights.
Regional and Ecosystem Analysis
Assessment of the KC region’s life sciences ecosystem including assets, gaps, competitive positioning, and opportunities for growth; incorporation of relevant national and global trends; and alignment with regional economic development and innovation initiatives where appropriate.
Strategic Framework Development
Facilitation of strategic priority setting; development of clear strategic pillars or focus areas; identification of desired outcomes and impact goals; and alignment of organizational activities with defined priorities.
Implementation and Measurement Framework
Development of high-level implementation guidance including sequencing of priorities, recommended performance indicators, and evaluation approaches; development of metrics and dashboards that support accountability and ongoing evaluation; and recommendations for periodic plan review and updates. Note: this framework is our largest priority for the Strategic Plan.
Plan Development and Finalization
Preparation of draft and final strategic plan documents suitable for internal and external use; facilitation of review sessions with leadership and board; and incorporation of feedback leading to a final approved plan.
5) Deliverables
Deliverables may include but are not limited to a strategic planning workplan and engagement schedule, organizational and ecosystem assessment summary, stakeholder engagement summary and findings report, strategic priorities and impact framework, implementation roadmap overview, performance measurement and evaluation framework, executive summary suitable for public release, and final strategic plan document ready for organizational adoption. Respondents may recommend additional deliverables that strengthen plan usability and longterm effectiveness.
6) Vendor Qualifications
Firms should demonstrate experience facilitating strategic planning processes for nonprofit organizations, innovation organizations, healthcare or life sciences entities, economic development organizations, or comparable mission-driven institutions.
Respondents should demonstrate strong facilitation and stakeholder engagement capabilities, experience working with diverse stakeholder groups, strong analytical and synthesis skills, and the ability to translate complex input into clear strategic direction. Familiarity with regional innovation ecosystems, public-private partnerships, and cross-sector collaboration is preferred. Experience working with organizations operating at the intersection of economic development and health innovation is strongly preferred.
7) Proposal Instructions & Format
Proposals should include an executive summary describing the firm’s approach and understanding of the engagement, firm profile and relevant experience, proposed methodology and workplan, description of stakeholder engagement approach, team composition and roles, project governance and communication approach, examples of comparable strategic planning engagements, references from at least three recent clients, proposed timeline aligned with a 2026 planning process, and a cost proposal as described in Section 8.
Optional work samples may be included. Proposals must remain valid for 90 days following submission.
8) Pricing & Compensation
Provide a fixed fee proposal for the full strategic planning engagement, including a clear breakdown of major phases or milestones. Include hourly rates for additional or out-of-scope work, travel and expense policy, and identification of any subcontractors. Success-based or percentage-based compensation structures will not be considered.
9) RFP Timeline (Subject to Change)
-RFP Released: 3/13/26
-Deadline for Questions: 3/23/26
-Answers Posted: 3/31/26
-Proposals Due: 4/7/26, 5:00 PM CST
-Finalist Notifications: 4/9/26
-Interviews: 4/13/26 – 4/17/26
-Intent to Award: 4/24/26
-Anticipated Project Start: 5/1/26
The selected facilitator is expected to begin work in May 2026, with completion by no later than October 1st in advance of 2027 implementation. Respondents should not contact staff or board members outside the procurement channel.
10) Evaluation Criteria
Proposals will be evaluated using a competitive, points-based scoring system. BioNexus KC will review submissions based on demonstrated relevant experience and comparable strategic planning outcomes, quality and feasibility of proposed methodology, qualifications and capacity of proposed team, stakeholder engagement and facilitation approach, clarity and competitiveness of cost proposal, and references and client satisfaction from similar engagements.
11) Terms & Conditions
– Right to Reject/Modify: BioNexus KC may amend, withdraw, or reject any/all proposals and negotiate scope/pricing.
-Confidentiality: Materials shared with respondents must be treated as confidential; finalists may receive additional data under NDA.
-Ethics: Adherence to recognized fundraising ethical standards; no commission-based compensation.
–Non-Discrimination: Comply with applicable laws and provide equal opportunity without regard to protected classes.
-Insurance: Provide evidence of insurance: Commercial General Liability ($1M per occurrence), Professional Liability ($1M), Workers’ Compensation (statutory), and Cyber/Privacy ($1M) or describe equivalent protections.
-Independent Contractor: Vendor acts as independent contractor; no employment relationship.
-Ownership: Work products created under this engagement will be owned by BioNexus KC; portfolio use requires prior written approval.
BioNexus KC welcomes proposals from firms committed to advancing an equitable, globally competitive health-innovation ecosystem anchored in the Kansas City region.
Contact Information
To submit a proposal or ask clarifying questions, please contact Chad Grittman at chad@BioNexusKC.org
Email Chad Grittman