The Chiefs of Ontario Office (COO) is requesting proposals from potential contractors to conduct an environmental scan and literature review regarding Public Health and First Nations in Ontario.

Catalysed by threats of potential pandemic outbreaks, there has been an increasing urgency for First Nations to develop Public Health Strategies across all Regions in Canada. Recently, the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) commenced work on the development of a national First Nations Public Health Strategy. Now COO, in conjunction with its health advisory technical body, the Health Coordination Unit (HCU), is looking at ways to best prepare for a made-in-Ontario approach to future Public Heath programs and service delivery activities, as required.

2.0 Objectives

The objectives of this contract will be to assist First Nations in Ontario with;

(1) Establishing a mechanism for Ontario First Nation policy engagement on public health issues.

(2) Developing recommendations for a made in Ontario approach to improve First Nation access to public health programs and services working within the existing public health legislative framework of the Province of Ontario.

(3) To liaise with officials from First Nation organizations, First Nations and Inuit Health Branch (FNIHB), and the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care (MOHLTC) on public health issues, in particular public health information management and surveillance activities.

(4) Engage First Nation public health expertise, analysis and strategic planning advice and increase First Nation participation in public health integration.

3.0 Activities

In order to carry out the objectives, the Recipient of the Contract shall:

(1) Conduct an assessment of public health activities to identify gaps, strengths and weaknesses of public health programs and services delivery in First Nation communities (communities will be randomly selected based on certain criteria from each Provincial Territorial Organization).

(2) Facilitate the establishment of a working group with representatives of First Nation communities/organizations with knowledge and expertise on public health issues and a representative from MOHLTC and FNIHB.

(3) Collaborate with the MOHLTC, FNIHB, and First Nations building upon previous work to develop a consensus on a strategic approach and work plan for the integration of public health for First Nations in Ontario.

(4) Consult with key First Nation and government informants to develop a template outlining key roles and responsibilities.

(5) Coordinate a meeting of key officials from the MOHLTC, FNIHB and First Nations before March 31, 2006

4.0 Proposal Submissions should include the following:

1. Proposed methodology for conducting the environmental scan as well as the process for involving key informants.
2. Detailed explanation of estimated time, fees and expenses.
3. Names of any additional staff proposed for the project.
4. Identification of qualifications and similar work previously completed by the Consultant.
5. Minimum of two references for similar work/activities completed over the last 5 years.

5.0 Project Timeframes

The deadline for completion of this project is March 31, 2006.

6.0 Consultant Accountability

Based on a preliminary meeting with COO, the Consultant will;

• Identify a mutually agreed upon Scope of Work and Methodology
• Provide a detailed workplan itemizing activities and timelines required to complete the project objectives

7.0 Budget

The project budget shall not exceed $50,000 including any associated administrative and travel fees.

8.0 Reporting

The successful Contractor shall report the Executive Director of the Chiefs of Ontario in compliance will existing contract staff policies ad procedures.

• Initial draft workplan shall be completed by January 6th, 2006
• Interim report to be provided by February17th, 2006
• Final Report due by March 30, 2006

9.0 Forward Bids

All bids should be forwarded no later than December 14th, 2005 by 4 pm.

Bids may be mailed, electronically mailed or faxed, with accurately date stamping, and sent to the attention of:

Alice Longboat
Health Administrative Assistant
Chiefs of Ontario Office
188 Mohawk Street
Brantford, Ontario N3S 2X2

Fax: (519) 750-1316
Email: alice@coo.org

The successful candidate will notified by December 19th, 2005.

For any further information please contact Tracy Antone, Health Coordinator, Chiefs of Ontario Office (519) 750-1016