City of Ellsworth, Maine
Request for Proposals (RFP)
Professional Development Training Services
RFP Issue Date: August 19, 2025
Proposal Due Date: September 8, 2025, 5:00PM
Contact Person: Kerri Taylor, HR Manager
Contact Email: ktaylor@ellsworthmaine.gov
Contact Phone: 207-669-6603
Fall 2025 Professional Development RFP (PDF)
I. Introduction
The City of Ellsworth, Maine is seeking proposals from qualified professional development trainers, consultants, or organizations to deliver engaging and impactful training to City employees. This initiative will serve two distinct cohorts of employees, one returning for a second year of training after completing adaptive leadership workshops in the fall of 2024, and another beginning the professional development process for the first time.
The City’s goal is to provide both groups with tools and strategies to strengthen collaboration, enhance communication, manage conflict constructively, depersonalize workplace challenges, and foster overall professional growth.
While proposals may incorporate an adaptive leadership framework, the City is open to other proven professional development systems, models, or approaches that meet our objectives.
II. Background
The City of Ellsworth values continuous learning, professional excellence, and a collaborative work culture. In 2024, the City invested in adaptive leadership training for a group of employees. Those employees will now advance their learning with a second year of development. Simultaneously, the City will welcome a new cohort beginning their journey in structured professional growth.
The selected training provider will be expected to design and deliver programming appropriate for both groups, ensuring that each receives targeted content relevant to their stage in the learning process.
III. Scope of Work
The professional development training shall include, but not be limited to:
1. For the Returning Cohort (Year 2 Participants):
- Advanced application of leadership and communication skills.
- Strategies for fostering cross-departmental collaboration.
- Deepening conflict management capabilities.
- Enhancing capacity to depersonalize problems and lead through challenges.
- Practical exercises, real-world case studies, and peer-to-peer learning opportunities.
2. For the New Cohort (Year 1 Participants):
- Foundational concepts of professional communication.
- Teamwork and collaboration skills.
- Introduction to conflict management and problem-solving frameworks.
- Methods for separating personal feelings from workplace challenges.
- Interactive and accessible learning approaches to encourage engagement.
3. General Requirements for Both Cohorts:
- Training Dates: The City requires that all workshops for both cohorts be delivered during the week of October 20-23, 2025. Proposers must confirm availability for these dates in their submission.
- Delivery of workshops or sessions in-person in Ellsworth, Maine (with possible virtual components if appropriate).
- Facilitation methods that promote participation, reflection, and skill application.
- Materials, resources, or toolkits for participants to reference post-training.
- Evaluation tools to assess training effectiveness and participant satisfaction.
IV. Deliverables
- Customized curriculum for each cohort.
- Delivery of 1-2 full day workshops per cohort (proposers may suggest structure and frequency).
- All necessary training materials and handouts.
- Final summary report including participant feedback, evaluation results, and recommendations for future training.
V. Proposal Requirements
Proposals must include:
- Organization Information: Name, address, primary contact, and relevant qualifications.
- Proposed Approach & Methodology: Description of framework(s) and instructional methods.
- Work Plan & Schedule: Proposed training timeline and session outline.
- Experience & References: Examples of similar work with municipal or organizational clients.
- Cost Proposal: Itemized costs, including trainer fees, materials, and travel (if applicable).
- Additional Information: Any other relevant information the proposer wishes to include.
VI. Evaluation Criteria
Proposals will be evaluated based on:
- Alignment with City objectives and scope of work.
- Quality and clarity of proposed approach.
- Relevant experience and demonstrated success.
- Cost-effectiveness and value.
- Creativity and adaptability of the training model.
VII. Submission Instructions
Proposals must be submitted electronically in PDF format to:
Kerri Taylor
ktaylor@ellsworthmaine.gov
Submissions must be received no later than September 8, 2025, 5:00 PM. Late submissions will not be considered.
VIII. Additional Information
The City of Ellsworth reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, to negotiate modifications to proposals received, and to award the contract in a manner that is in the best interest of the City.
