Request for Proposals: First Nations Data Governance in Ontario – Models and Options

Download Full RFP Here: RFP First Nations Data Governance

SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

You are invited to submit a proposal for a project undertaken by the Chiefs of Ontario to examine models and develop options for the exercise of First Nations data sovereignty in Ontario. As part of this project, the successful applicant will be required to complete two principal tasks. First, to evaluate the present structure and performance of the Chiefs of Ontario First Nations Data Governance Committee (FNDGC). Second, to identify and explore alternative approaches to data governance that First Nations can refer as they develop models appropriate to present needs and circumstances, and those of the future.

The findings of the evaluation will inform discussion on the present and future direction of FNDGC operations. The report on alternative models of First Nations data governance, meanwhile, will provide First Nations leadership with options should they wish to explore new ways of asserting First Nations data sovereignty in Ontario.

Please add this page to the front of your proposal:

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Submission Deadline: August 30^th, 2024 AT 5:00PM Eastern Standard Time (EST)

Send Proposal to:

• Research and Data Management, Attn: Zachary Smith, Associate Director of Research and Data Management
• Chiefs of Ontario
• 468 Queen St. E. – Suite 400
• Toronto, ON M5A 1T7
• Email: zachary.smith@coo.org

A proposal must be submitted as a PDF file to the Chiefs of Ontario with two (2) hard copies of the proposals shipped to the Chiefs of Ontario. The proposal must be received by Chiefs of Ontario no later than the deadline date. A proposal submitted in any other manner or late may be disqualified.

The proposal shall be irrevocably open for acceptance and binding on the Consultant or Consulting Firm for fourteen (14) days after the Submission Deadline date.

The interested candidate’s proposal must include the following:

• A demonstration of their expertise in addressing issues related to First Nations data sovereignty and First Nations data governance.
• A demonstrated understanding of relevant federal and provincial legislation.
• A work plan in alignment with project deliverables within the provided timeframe (September 13, 2024 – December 16, 2024).
• A proposed budget with a budget schedule for each project deliverable.

BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT

 Background

In 2010, the Political Confederacy of the Chiefs of Ontario passed a motion to negotiate a Memorandum of Understanding on Data Governance with ICES to control and manage the collection, use and disclosure of First Nations health data and submit an application to access Indian Registry System (IRS) data from Indian Affairs.

In 2012, the Data Governance Agreement between the Chiefs of Ontario and ICES was signed. The Agreement sets out the development of the First Nations Data Governance Committee (FNDGC) and that ICES will act as a data steward for the collection of First Nations data until First Nations in Ontario build the necessary capacity to act as their own data steward. A data sharing agreement between Indian Affairs and ICES was also signed to permit the transfer of the IRS data file.

The First Nations Data Governance Committee provides the Chiefs of Ontario, Health Coordination Unit (HCU) and the Chiefs Committee on Health (CCOH) advice and recommendations on the collection, utilization and requests for First Nation data in regional research and surveillance projects. Comprised of individuals with expertise in community-based health research, the FNDGC is a non-political technical body that meets twice a year to review research proposals to ensure that they are both OCAP® compliant and advance existing First Nations health research priorities.

The work of the First Nations Data Governance Committee is detailed in its Terms of Reference.  The Terms of Reference outlines the First Nations Data Governance Committee’s purpose and role, specifies its responsibilities, and provides guidance on matters that range from membership to meetings. It also mandates that the FNDGC be subject to periodic review; specifically, to determine whether the process described in the Terms of Reference needs to be changed or improved.

Context

The First Nations Data Governance Committee is subject to evaluation after three years of operation. In 2024, that three-year period passed. As a result, there is a need to evaluate both the FNDGC’s structure and performance, its evolving role in First Nations research, and to consider whether the FNDGC’s existing mandate needs to be adjusted so that it meets current needs and expectations. In line with its changing role, the question of whether the Chiefs of Ontario requires a new model of data governance that is inclusive of other sectors and research beyond health is one that should be thoroughly addressed throughout this project.

The evaluation of the FNDGC and consideration of alternative approaches to data governance in Ontario comes at an important time for the Chiefs of Ontario and for ICES as several key pillars of the relationship have come up for renewal.

In 2023, for example, the Chiefs of Ontario and ICES concluded negotiations on a new 10-year Data Governance Agreement that will provide ongoing protection to First Nations data, and see ICES continue as data steward while COO develops a First Nations Information Governance Centre in Ontario. Efforts are also underway to secure an updated Indian Registry System (IRS) data file from Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) that will be housed at ICES upon the conclusion of negotiations. Upon being transferred to ICES, the IRS file will join three regional First Nations surveys – the Regional Health Survey Phase I, II & III; the First Nations Education, Employment and Early Childhood Regional Survey; and the First Nations Labour and Employment Development Regional Survey – as data sets now subject to FNDGC oversight and OCAP® compliance.

For these reasons, it is critical that the Chiefs of Ontario have in place the infrastructure necessary to discharge its responsibilities in a manner that is efficient, timely, and consistent with the spirit of the COO-ICES Data Governance Agreement.

RECEIPT OF PROPOSAL

Packages to be clearly marked: “RFP: First Nations Data Governance in Ontario – Models and Options” by August 30, 2024 at 5:00 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST).

Submit electronically to Research and Data Management Sector at zachary.smith@coo.org. Submissions received after the stated deadline will not be accepted.

The successful candidate will be notified by September 6, 2024.