CMU 2870 Ruth Powell Water Center Strategic Consultant

Solicitation No.

8655073655

Type / RFx

RFP

Status

Active

Level

education

Published Date

April 2, 2026

Due Date

April 24, 2026

NAICS Code

541611AI guide

Jurisdiction

Colorado Mesa University

State

Colorado

Agency

Colorado Mesa University

The selected consultant will support the Ruth Powell Hutchins Water Center at Colorado Mesa University during this critical foundational phase by leading three interconnected areas of work: Strategic Planning, Financial Sustainability, and Organizational Development. The consultant will work iteratively and collaboratively as a thought partner to the Executive Director, while coordinating closely with the convening team (Colorado Mesa University leadership, the Colorado River District, and the Executive Director). 1. Strategic Planning Lead a collaborative and co-created strategic planning process to define and solidify the Water Center’s identity and unique niche. The process will build upon the Center’s legacy while establishing a clear, compelling five-year strategic and financial roadmap for 2027–2031. Key tasks include background research and process design, participatory facilitation with key partners, integration of financial considerations, and the provision of executive coaching and leadership training for the Executive Board and Executive Director. Primary Deliverables: • Affirmed mission, vision and identified core values • Clearly defined goals and objectives for 2027–2031 • Draft and final strategic plan (including executive summary) • Enhanced leadership and collaboration capabilities for the Executive Board and Executive Director 2. Financial Sustainability Facilitate the co-development of a realistic three-to-five-year funding plan focused on long-term sustainability and successful implementation of the strategic plan. Key tasks include conducting a financial health assessment, developing a high-level implementation plan, performing a feasibility analysis of funding opportunities (in collaboration with the Executive Director and identified key partners), and creating a prioritized funding strategy. Primary Deliverables: • Financial health assessment • High-level implementation plan • Feasibility analysis of funding opportunities • Co-created three-to-five-year funding plan 3. Organizational Development Assess and refine the Water Center’s organizational structure, including the roles, responsibilities, and representation of the Executive Board and Technical and Practitioner Committee. The assessment will occur at the beginning and end of the strategic planning process to ensure alignment with the Center’s long-term goals and the university’s governance framework. Key tasks include reviewing current and draft governance documents, aligning structure with strategic priorities, and facilitating the refinement or development of appropriate governance and guiding documents. Primary Deliverables: • Refined organizational structure with clearly defined roles and responsibilities • Finalized governance and guiding documents The consultant will employ an iterative and creative approach throughout the engagement, delivering incremental progress, incorporating feedback, and adapting as needed to ensure high-quality, practical outcomes that position the Water Center for long-term success. **Solicitation Type**: RFP - Request for Proposal (Formal) **Source ID**: PU.AG.USA.2367.C17058751 **Piggyback Contract**: No **Question Acceptance Deadline**: 04/08/2026 01:00 PM EDT **Questions are submitted online**: Yes **Bid Submission Type**: Electronic Bid Submission **Owner Organization**: Colorado Mesa University **Solicitation Number**: CMU 2870 **Reference Number**: 0000419232 **Pricing**: Lump sum **Bid Documents List**: | Item Name | Description | Mandatory | Limited to 1 file | |---|---|---|---| | Bid Documents | Documents defining the proposal | No | No |

1. April 2, 2026Published
2. April 24, 2026Responses Due