How to apply for RFP: Feasibility Study exploring shared services and fee-for-service opportunities

About Ohio Association of Community Action Agencies

The Ohio Association of Community Action Agencies (OACAA) is the statewide membership association representing Ohio's Community Action Agencies, which collectively serve all 88 counties. OACAA provides advocacy, training, technical assistance, member services, network coordination, and capacity-building support to these agencies. Working with OACAA means directly strengthening a network that fights poverty and improves lives across Ohio, making a tangible difference in communities statewide.

About the role

This is a project-based contract (not employment) to conduct a feasibility study exploring shared services, collaborative arrangements, and fee-for-service opportunities for Ohio's Community Action Network. The study will focus on administrative functions like fiscal/financial services, human resources, and information technology, while also uncovering other opportunities through research and stakeholder engagement. Your work will assess member demand, identify existing expertise, and recommend strategies to improve capacity, service quality, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness across the network.

A typical day

A typical day might involve conducting interviews with Community Action Agency directors, analyzing survey data on shared services interest, and drafting sections of the feasibility report. You would also coordinate with OACAA staff, prepare for stakeholder meetings, and refine recommendations based on feedback. This is a remote, project-based role with flexible hours, but you'll need to manage your time effectively to meet deliverables.

Who Ohio Association of Community Action Agencies is looking for

• Proven experience conducting feasibility studies or similar research for nonprofit associations, networks, or human services organizations, with a strong understanding of shared services models.
• Deep knowledge of the Community Action Network, including its funding streams (e.g., CSBG), governance, and operational challenges, particularly in fiscal, HR, and IT functions.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and facilitation skills, with the ability to gather input from diverse member agencies and synthesize findings into actionable recommendations.
• Strong analytical and report-writing abilities, capable of delivering clear, data-driven reports and presentations to executive leadership and member agencies.

Tips for this application

• Address your proposal to Jason C. Smith, Executive Director, and explicitly reference the RFP title in the subject line and cover letter.
• Demonstrate your understanding of the Community Action Network by citing specific examples of similar feasibility studies or shared services projects you have conducted for nonprofit networks.
• Outline a clear methodology that includes stakeholder engagement (surveys, interviews, focus groups) and a timeline that meets the implied project deadlines.
• Include a detailed budget and cost breakdown, as this is a contract opportunity and OACAA will need to evaluate your proposal's financial feasibility.
• Submit your proposal well before the deadline of 10/9/2026 at 5:00 PM ET, and ensure all required components (e.g., qualifications, references, work samples) are included.

What to cover in your cover letter

['Your specific experience with feasibility studies and shared services in the nonprofit or public sector, highlighting any work with Community Action Agencies or similar networks.', 'Your understanding of the operational challenges facing Community Action Agencies, particularly in fiscal, HR, and IT areas, and how shared services can address them.', "Your approach to stakeholder engagement and how you will ensure buy-in from member agencies across Ohio's 88 counties.", 'Your ability to deliver actionable recommendations that balance cost-effectiveness with improved service quality and capacity.']

Research before applying

• Study OACAA's website, annual reports, and member services to understand the current support provided to Community Action Agencies.
• Research the Community Action Network in Ohio, including the number of agencies, their service areas, and common operational challenges they face.
• Review existing literature on shared services models in the nonprofit sector, particularly examples from state associations or networks.
• Investigate the funding landscape for Community Action Agencies, including CSBG and other federal/state grants, to understand fiscal constraints and opportunities.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• What experience do you have conducting feasibility studies for nonprofit membership associations, and what methodologies did you use?
• How would you assess member demand and readiness for shared services among Ohio's Community Action Agencies?
• Can you describe a time when you identified and implemented a successful shared services arrangement? What were the outcomes?
• What are the key challenges in implementing shared services across a diverse network of agencies, and how would you mitigate them?
• How would you ensure that your recommendations are practical and sustainable for agencies with varying capacities and resources?

Common mistakes to avoid

• Treating this as a job application rather than a contract proposal; failing to include a detailed methodology, timeline, and budget.
• Submitting a generic proposal that does not demonstrate specific knowledge of OACAA or the Community Action Network.
• Missing the deadline or failing to follow the submission instructions (e.g., not emailing Jason C. Smith directly with the correct subject line).