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Unlocking Opportunity: How Small Businesses and Consultants Can Successfully Find RFPs
- Janelle Taveras
- Jul 3
- 4 min read
If you're a small business owner or independent consultant, chances are you've heard of RFPs—Requests for Proposals—and know they can be powerful gateways to new contracts and revenue. But let’s be honest: navigating the RFP landscape can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Whether you're new to RFPs or looking to sharpen your strategy, this guide will help you streamline your search, avoid common pitfalls, and position yourself to win.
Read until the end to access the FREE Proposal Development Checklist.
🔍 What is an RFP and Why Does It Matter?
An RFP is a formal request issued by organizations (government agencies, nonprofits, foundations, or corporations) inviting vendors to submit proposals for a project or service. These can range from program evaluations and strategic plans to training workshops, community assessments, and technical assistance.
For small firms and solo consultants, winning an RFP can:
Provide steady, contracted income
Build your portfolio and credibility
Expand your network with larger clients
Lead to long-term relationships and repeat business
✅ Where to Find RFPs
To find public health evaluation and strategic planning RFPs (Requests for Proposals), you can explore a combination of government, foundation, and professional platforms. Here are some reliable sources to monitor:
🏛️ Government Procurement Portals
These regularly post RFPs related to health, evaluation, and strategic planning.
Federal government funding opportunities, including public health and evaluation contracts.
SAM.gov (System for Award Management)
Primary database for federal procurement opportunities (look under Contract Opportunities).
State and Local Government Sites
Search for RFP portals for departments like the Department of Health, Human Services, or Public Health at the state/county/city level. Examples:
California: https://caleprocure.ca.gov
New York: https://www.nyscr.ny.gov
💡 Foundation and Nonprofit RFP Platforms
Ideal for community-based or nonprofit public health work.
Philanthropy News Digest (PND) RFP Bulletin
Posts open calls from foundations for strategic planning, evaluation, and health initiatives.
GrantStation (membership-based)
Great for locating RFPs and grant opportunities in the nonprofit sector.
OpenGov/ProcureNow
Used by many local governments and agencies to manage RFPs.
🧑💼 Professional Associations & Listservs
These often share relevant consulting or evaluation opportunities.
American Public Health Association (APHA)
Job board sometimes includes consulting/RFP work.
American Evaluation Association (AEA) – EVALTALK Listserv
Active listserv and job board that posts RFPs and project opportunities.
Public Health Institute (PHI)
Offers contracts and partnerships for health consulting and research.
🔎 RFP Aggregator & Bid Sites
These collect RFPs from multiple sectors including health and evaluation.
GovWin by Deltek (paid) – https://www.deltek.com/en/products/business-development/govwin
BidNet Direct – https://www.bidnetdirect.com
Bonfire Hub – https://gobonfire.com
Merx (Canada) – https://www.merx.com
⭐Top 5 RFP picks closing soon
1. Strategic Planning Services for Public Health Sauk County
Request for Proposals Closing Date and Time......July 31, 2025, 4:30 PM, Central Contract Start Date.......................September 8, 2025
2. RFP-Rural Economic Strategies Review, Analysis, and Evaluation
Contract Specialist: Stephanie Wong, swong@kingcounty.gov, 206-477-5914 Alternate Contract Specialist: Michelle Poste, michelle.poste@kingcounty.gov, 206-263-9303 In order to participate in a solicitation, all interested firms must register in the E-Procurement Supplier Portal: https://kingcounty.gov/depts/finance-business-operations/procurement/for-business/register.aspx A Guide to Respond to E-Procurement Solicitation can be found by following the link below: https://cdn.kingcounty.gov/-/media/king-county/depts/executive-services/finance-business operations/procurement-payables/documents/eprocurement-supplier-guide solicitation.pdf?rev=6ff5a0daf74442ad8c4031b60d34174d&hash=71C23A14E35C1562055049B5966 7F85B
3. WWTP Master Plan and WWTP PFAS Planning Evaluation
Request for Qualifications (RFQ) RFQ2025-019 is issued by the City of Weatherford for professional services related to the WWTP Master Plan and WWTP PFAS Planning Evaluation. The project is located in Parker County, Texas. Submissions are due by July 8, 2025, at 2:00 PM CST. Contact person is Rick Shaffer. rshaffer@weatherfordtx.gov
4. Strategic advisory work, consulting, and facilitation services for the Clinical and Translational Science Institute’s project
RFP for strategic advisory work, consulting, and facilitation services for the Clinical and Translational Science Institute's project, related to Purchase, Pay & Travel Customer Service. Strategic advisory work, consulting, and facilitation services for the Clinical and Translational Science Institute’s project RFP 8/31/2025 TBD Purchase, Pay & Travel Customer
5. Strategic (Vision) Planning Services
The City of Cudahy, California is soliciting proposals for Strategic (Vision) Planning Services. The purpose of this RFP is to obtain professional services to assist the city in developing and implementing a strategic vision plan. The RFP is open for bidding with a publication date of June 12, 2025, and a closing date of July 14, 2025. Contact for inquiries is John Peraza via email at jperaza@cityofcudahyca.gov.
🔍 Need Clarity to Strengthen Your Next Grant or Strategic Proposal? Start with an Environmental Scan.
Before you write your next proposal, make sure your strategy is grounded in evidence. Dr. Janelle Taveras, PhD, specializes in proposal writing and strategic consulting. With deep experience crafting winning proposals and building data-informed strategies, JANELLE TAVERAS PHD helps organizations align their mission with funding priorities and real-world needs.
📞 Book a FREE 15-minute discovery call to explore how an environmental scan can strengthen your next proposal, strategic plan, or capacity-building effort.
📄 Bonus Resource: Get a free, editable Proposal Development Checklist to guide your internal reflection and planning. Visit www.empoweringlives.online or email janelletaveras@hotmail.com to request additional assistance.
📝 Your ideas deserve funding. Let’s build a proposal that reflects the full picture—and gets results.
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