Register to Attend: Virtual Information Session – UTS Program Trainer RFP

The African Canadian Association of Ottawa invites interested trainers, facilitators, and organizations to a short virtual information session on the Unity Through Service (UTS) Program Trainer RFP.

This session will provide an overview of the UTS Program, expectations for trainers, bilingual delivery requirements, and the proposal submission process. There will also be time for questions and clarifications.

Date: Monday, February 9

Time: 6:00 PM – 7:15 PM

Location: Virtual (via Zoom)

If you are considering submitting a proposal in response to our RFP published on January 30 requesting trainers and facilitators for the UTS Program, or if you would like to learn more before doing so, we encourage you to attend.

Please confirm your interest by registering for the information session using the link below:

https://zoom.us/meeting/register/I1FqVaVxSU-XKP88MLClCw

1. Background
The African-Canadian Association of Ottawa (ACAO) empowers Black youth in the Ottawa-Gatineau region through community-centred programs that build skills, confidence, and civic engagement. The Unity Through Service (UTS) Program is funded by the Government of Canada’s, Canada Service Corp and it offers youth age 12- 30 the opportunity to learn, grow capacity, and make positive contributions in their communities through volunteering. Workshops and training sessions (In-person & virtual) are central to the UTS program, focusing on leadership, communication, problem-solving, and professional development.
We are now inviting proposals from experienced trainers and facilitators to lead a series of sessions that are dynamic, culturally responsive, and impactful for youth participants in our upcoming cohorts.

2. Purpose
The purpose of this RFP is to identify qualified individuals or organizations to deliver bilingual (English and French) training sessions for the UTS Program. Proposals should demonstrate a strong ability to engage youth audiences, adapt content for diverse learners, and contribute to an inclusive, supportive learning environment.
3. Scope of Work
Selected trainers will be expected to:
Design and deliver workshop content in areas such as:
• Foundational Skills – leadership, time management, communication, teamwork & collaboration etc.
• Volunteer & Community Impact – understanding volunteerism, community engagement etc.
• Inclusive Citizenship – civic engagement, African heritage & the diaspora etc.
• Problem-solving and social innovation
• Personal Development – career readiness and personal branding
Deliver sessions in both English and French. Trainers must be fluent in both languages, or must provide a qualified interpreter as part of their proposal.
Trainer will deliver a total of 7 sessions comprising a total of 4 in-person and 3 virtual sessions
Engage youth effectively through interactive formats (group work, storytelling, role play, case challenges, reflection sessions).
Coordinate logistics of printing and deployment of training materials (worksheets etc.) in collaboration with the ACAO UTS Program team.
Provide progress reports and participant feedback summaries following each workshop and training sessions.

4. Proposal Requirements
Proposals should include the following:
Cover Letter
• Trainer/organization name and contact information
• Brief statement of interest and experience with youth training
Training Approach
• Detailed description of proposed workshops
• Learning outcomes and session structure
• Relevance to UTS Program goals
Language Plan
• Explanation of bilingual delivery (English and French)
• Interpreter credentials if applicable
Qualifications and Experience
• Trainer biography and relevant experience
• Examples of past work with youth or community programs
Budget
• Fee structure (course development and delivery)
• Travel or material costs (if applicable)
References
• Two professional references with contact information

5. Evaluation Criteria
Proposals will be evaluated based on:
• Relevance and strength of training approach
• Demonstrated experience with youth engagement
• Clarity and feasibility of bilingual delivery plan
• Value for budget
• Quality of references

6. Submission Details
Deadline: Monday, February 16th, 2026, by 4:00 pm (EST).
Submit by sealed mail to:
The Unity Through Service Project.
African Canadian Association of Ottawa
#200- 888 Belfast Road, Ottawa. ON K1G 0Z6

Subject Line: RFP Submission – UTS Program Trainer -African Canadian Association of Ottawa
7. Expected Timeline
• RFP Released: Friday January 30th, 2026.
• Proposal Submission Deadline: Monday, February 16th, 2026, by 4:00 pm (EST).
• Selection and Notification: Thursday, February 26th, 2026,
• Training Begins: April 2026 – Date to be communicated later

8 Information Session
There will be a general information session for all prospective trainers on Monday, February 9th at 6pm EST.

9. Contract Terms
Selected trainers will enter a contract with ACAO. Payment terms and deliverables will be agreed upon prior to commencement of services.

Important Information: submit electronic copy of submitted bid to olasupo@acaottawa.com on Wednesday February 18th between 10:55 -10:59 am.
Sealed bid will be publicly opened in the presence of bidders present by 11am on Wednesday, February 18th. Everyone or organization that submitted a bid in response to this Request for Proposal will be invited to the opening of the bid.
Note: Nonparticipation in the bid opening process by any of the bidders does not invalidate the process.