1.0 Purpose of the Request
The purpose of this request for proposal (RFP) is to initiate the acquisition of services from an instructional designer (“vendor”) to take developed content from the Private Directors Association (“PDA”) and create the design in which to upload into the Word Press LMS. The qualified vendor will be experienced in the development and implementation of all aspects of comprehensive online education content. The selected vendor may work with PDA to develop the online education content and provide expertise and ongoing support to PDA for any revisions or updates of the content once launched. This specific request for proposal (RFP) is to develop one online education program, approximately 6 hours in length. There is potential for additional online education projects. 

2.0 Background    
The Private Directors Association is a virtual, independent 501(c)(6) founded in 2014. It is the only national association dedicated to improving private companies' growth and sustainability through board governance.

Over the last 10 years, PDA has continued to expand as a national ecosystem of 3,500 business executives, corporate members, and sponsors across the globe. With 21 chapters (and more launching soon), PDA’s membership represents a diverse and experienced community of executive leaders, including current and qualified future board members, private company owners, C-level executives of family-owned businesses, ESOPs, private equity-backed companies, and early-stage ventures.

3.0 Scope of Work & Expected Deliverables
The scope of the work entails designing a robust online program for the Word Press platform. The Private Directors Association (PDA) has created a study curriculum specifically directed to PDA members who are veterans of military, civil, and first-response organizations. The program is a six-hour interactive, self-paced course of study. It culminates with a multiple-choice test and an oral exam conducted by senior members of the PDA.
PDA’s educational model is that of self-guided content, with one program including a live mentor session to complete the program. The goal for this program will be to mirror the program's process, including the live mentor session. 

• The work aims to design education content similar in style to the current content that PDA currently offers as listed on privatedirectors.org:
  •    Certificate in Private Company Governance
  o          This includes a two-hour live mentor session.
  •    ESOP Governance Essentials
  •    Private Equity Portfolio Company Governance

Specific program objectives to be provided once the selection process has been completed. 
The tasks listed below are intended to describe the services provided by the vendor. The services listed are not all-inclusive but rather represent those normally expected during performance of the engagement.

•    Design content for this program that meets the requirements of PDA.
•    Design to follow PDA Brand & Style Guidelines
•    Make the design of the content engaging for the participants.
•    Design in an accessible format for all participants.
•    Include final exam component (multiple choice format) at end of online program.
•    Inform and suggest potential improvements using the current LMS to enhance the educational experience.
•    Provide final design in MS Word to PDA for internal implementation. 
•    Provide support along with basic training and communication to efficiently use and manage the content.

4.0 Selection Process
All vendors will provide a written response to this RFP. As they are reviewed, the proposals will be ranked based on the thoroughness of the response, explanation of the capabilities/experience, demonstrated understanding of PDA. 

Following the review and ranking of the written responses, PDA will invite the identified finalists to meet via individual videoconferences to discuss their approach. Vendors not selected for the videoconference will be notified via email. After completion of the individual videoconferences, the vendor that best meets PDA’s expectations will be asked to perform the work.
Unless otherwise noted, the prospective vendors may make email inquiries concerning this RFP or arrange a conference call to obtain clarification of services requested. Email inquiries or requests for a clarification conference call should be directed to Sue Siradas (ssiradas@privatedirectors.org).

5.0 Response Timeline
Vendors invited to participate in the RFP process will be asked to provide a written response to items listed in section 3.0 Scope of Work and 7.0 Response Requirements. Based on the collective review and agreement of the search committee, a subset of potential vendors will be invited to the videoconferences. A final vendor will be selected following the videoconferences. Key dates are as follows:

12/12/24:       Vendors invited to participate in the RFP.

1/12/25:         Proposal to PDA due.

1/10-13/25:   Proposals reviewed, and a brief list of vendors identified for videoconferences with PDA.

1/15-17/25:   Videoconferences conducted.

1/22/25:         Vendor selected and notified.

1/29/25:        Work to begin.

4/21/25:        Completion Deadline

6.0 Response Preparation
The Private Directors Association requests qualified vendors to submit a concise response addressing specific items and outlining their qualifications to meet the requirements delineated in section 3.0 and Section 7.0 of this RFP.

Responses must be received by 5:00pm PST on January 12, 2025. Late responses will not be accepted. It is the responsibility of the respective vendor to ensure that the response is received by PDA on or before the RFP closing date and time. Vendors must follow the instructions for responding to this RFP as outlined. Vendors should email their responses to Sue Siradas, Director, Education & National Events (ssiradas@privatedirectors.org). A confirmation email will be returned to verify receipt.

7.0 Response Requirements

7.1 General Information
Vendor to provide a brief description of your firm including:
•    Vendor’s approach for instructional design and how it differs from other vendors.
•    Vendor’s location and key leadership.

7.2 Experience

Please describe your experience in the education content design for the professional association field (especially board associations) and in designing and implementing education content in relevant industries.

7.3 Approach

Please explain how you would address the following items and needs as outlined:

Content Design

•    Incorporate into current platform (WordPress)
•    Provide ease of navigation
•    Make adaptable to all learning styles (accessible design)
•    Update content design to make it interactive and engaging.
o    Could smart multimedia enhance the participant experience?
•    Provide suggestions for improvement overall.

Additional Support
•    Share examples of how clients have optimized your instructional design and the impact it has had.

7.4 References
Provide a minimum of four client references whom PDA can contact. These should be clients for whom you have provided (or are currently providing) similar services in the past 12 to 18 months. At least one should be a professional association or a membership-based organization.

About Private Directors Association

Our mission is to connect, educate, and advocate for effective board governance. We bring business owners, CEOs, board members and aspiring board members together to exchange insights on why and how to effectively use boards of directors and advisory boards. PDA provides experience-based educational content specifically designed for private company leaders and current and aspiring board members, and we advocate for the widespread use of effective advisory boards and fiduciary boards and for excellence in the boardroom—from board formation to ongoing governance best practices. Our vision is to be the premier professional organization for private company governance, with our focus on serving the unique governance needs of private companies throughout the lifecycle of their businesses. Good governance drives private company growth, which helps build strong communities and economies.

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