Request For Proposal for The Creation of On-Demand Training Video
BC Food & Beverage is seeking proposals from qualified Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to develop on-demand training videos to help processors grow and scale their businesses and elevate their leadership skills. This initiative is in support of the associations’ new professional development portal (launching this Fall). By leaning on the experience of food leaders and industry vendors, BC Food & Beverage is building a best-in-class training platform we can all be proud of.
Proposal Requirements
Training proposals should be no more than (3) pages and must include a brief overview of your qualifications and experience—particularly in relation to the agri-food sector—links to relevant curriculum or presentation samples (if possible), a detailed syllabus outlining the areas of focus and key learning points for each module, a description of any accompanying supportive materials, and contact information.
SMEs can draw from suggested topics (listed in the Subject Matter Thought Starters below) or propose their own for consideration based on their expertise. Each training proposal needs to fit one of the following curriculum formats:
Tutorial
45-min
A training video with bite-sized modules (5-10min ea.) that addresses a “How to…” challenge, opportunity, tool, or best-practice and be technical or practical in nature. Curriculum can include terminology, relevant history, industry examples and step-by-step instructions (if applicable).
Workshop
90-min
A training video with robust modules (10-15min ea.) that guides food and beverage professionals through a “Deep dive” on a subject they want to approach more strategically, navigate faster, or optimize for results. Curriculum should include expert insights, demonstrate data-supported learnings and illustrate key learnings through first-hand case studies.
Training categories are focus (but not limited to) leadership, operations, manufacturing, workforce, finance, sales, and marketing for food and beverage professionals. Here are some of the topics our members have requested—Subject Matter Experts are encouraged to consider selecting from this list or make recommendations of their own (titles are suggestions only):
- How to Successfully Sell on Amazon
- Understanding Consumer Behaviors
- Deep Dive into Consumer Data Analysis
- Leveraging Retail Data Analysis
- Effective Retail Relationship Management
- Amplifying Your Key Retail Accounts
- Navigating Retail Chargebacks and Fines
- How to Handle Product Recalls Efficiently
- Fast-track to Exporting Products
- Setting and Achieving Brand Goals
- Strategies for Effective Business Planning
- Improving Time Management Skills
- Essentials of Project Planning
- Skills for Successful Negotiation
- Planning and Managing a Profit & Loss
- Succeeding in the Food Service Industry
- Building an Effective Team
- Creating a Positive Workplace Culture
- Developing Effective Workplace Policies & Procedures
- Forecasting Finances Accurately
- Best Practices in Inventory Management
- Recruiting and Retaining Top Talent
- Refreshing Your Brand Effectively
- Navigating Package Design Regulations
- Enhancing Brand Awareness
- Effective Consumer Marketing Strategies
- Ensuring Ingredient Traceability
- Building Impact through CSR and ESG
- Maximizing Your Distribution Partnerships
- Mastering the Art of Merchandising
- Fundraising Strategies for Startups
- Building Strong Investor Relations
- Securing Grants and Funding
- Navigating Legal Challenges
- Preparing for Mergers and Acquisitions
- Enhancing the DTC Experience
- Creating Effective Omni-channel Campaigns
- Designing Sales Collateral and POS Sheets
- Innovating with Effective Packaging Solutions
Proposals should state if the subject matter and teaching approach is relevant to food processors that are:
At one of the following stages of growth:
- Emerging (focused on BC growth) or
- Enterprise (focused on CA/US+ growth).
At one of the following levels of learning:
- Essential (introductory)—looking to widen their knowledge base, or
- Advanced (detailed)—looking to build off their operational knowledge.
The goal is to develop curriculum that can stand the test of time, serve a wide range of professionals, and help our food industry thrive with new-found knowledge regardless of brand, supplier, vendor, software, or service provider. Proposals will be given preferential treatment if they are agnostic wherever possible.
Proposals will be evaluated based on:
- Relevant expertise and experience in, or serving, the food and beverage industry
- Quality of the proposal and clarity of the teaching plan
- Relevant topic with compelling insights and action items for students
Note: If you plan to propose multiple subjects you’ll need to submit a separate proposal for each. Up to fourteen (14) tutorials and seven (7) workshops will be selected during this inaugural RFP, please know some unsuccessful proposals may simply be better suited for future rounds of curriculum development.
Here’s the key dates and times associated with this initiative:
- The proposal submission deadline is 1:00pm PT on June 28, 2024.
- Successful SMEs will be notified no later than 5:00pm PT on July 5, 2024.
- Curriculum must be completed by 5:00pm PT on August 20, 2024.
Note: Deadline extensions can be requested within your proposal.
Please submit your proposal (and any questions) by email.
Renumeration for the SME will be a flat-fee as follows:
- 45-min Tutorial ($3,500) plus a $300 “ask the expert” honorarium
- 90-min Workshop ($6,000) plus a $500 “ask the expert” honorarium
Note: The additional honorarium is for the SME to support the launch of their training resource and ensure a quality student experience during the first three (3) months.
For future reference, successful proposals will require SMEs to develop their courseware deliverables on behalf of BC Food & Beverage:
- High quality 45-min or 90-min on-camera / screen recording presentation
- Well-formatted, easy to read slideware using the template and virtual background provided
- Student materials, such as a PDF workbook, Excel spreadsheet, checklists and/or templates
- Q&A bonus video highlighting and addressing relevant FAQs
- Short multiple choice knowledge test so students can demonstrate aptitude and retention
- Accurate English video transcripts
Once a proposal has been approved BC Food & Beverage will provide video / audio technical requirements for the SME to perform the self-recording which will take place in their own environment with their own equipment.
Intro/outro scripts and branded slideware, virtual backgrounds, and resource templates will also be provided. Completed training videos will be considered pending until they’re approved by the association, at which time the SME will receive payment. Revision rounds may be requested.
Note: Some courseware may be selected for translation into other languages, proposals don’t need to take this into consideration.
Upon the approval of a proposal, the SME, and their company, will need to agree to and sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement, Master Services Agreement, Statement of Work, and an Intellectual Property Agreement.
Instructors will be invited to participate in the Verified BC Food & Beverage Advisor program which will help them gain in-depth knowledge of the BC food industry and acquire/maintain a professional designation. SMEs will be the dedicated “Ask an Expert” contact for their associated training video only if they are an active member of the association.
Funding Acknowledgement
We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food.
Disclaimer
The Government of British Columbia and the Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC are pleased to participate in the curriculum development of BC Food & Beverage’s professional development portal. We are committed to working with our industry partners to address issues of importance to the agriculture and agri-food industry in British Columbia. Opinions expressed in this RFP, and the subsequent training resources are those of BC Food & Beverage and/or the courseware creators and Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) and not necessarily those of the Investment Agriculture Foundation or the Government of British Columbia.