RFP - Wooden Tool Making Workshop Instructor 2026-2032

GRAND TRAVERSE BAND OF OTTAWA AND CHIPPEWA INDIANS

Wooden Tool Making Workshop Instructor

GTB 2026-032

Request for Offers

SUMMARY

Date: January 5th, 2026

Offers due by: February 2nd, 2026

To: Prospective Bidders

Subject: Request for Proposals

PLEASE DOWNLOAD THE ATTACHED PDF *located on the bottom of the posting labeled "Full Job Description."

1 Request for Offers

1.1 Summary

The Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians (GTB, Grand Traverse Band) is requesting bid proposals from an adult individual for a Wooden Tool Making Workshop Instructor. This contractor will report to the GTB Agriculture Manager.

1.2 Bidder Requirements

Each Bidder to this RFP is expected to fully inform themselves on all aspects of the work required to be performed. The bid must be kept to a maximum of $3,000 for the duration of the contract; February – April 2026. Rate of reimbursement will be based on experience and bid quality.

1.3 Qualifications of Bidder

The Bidder, through its written proposal, provide evidence of ability and experience to undertake the specified objectives/duties in this Request for Proposal.

1.4 Acceptance of Offer

Acceptance of a proposal will occur only when a contract is executed.

2 Project Overview

2.1 Project Description

The instructor will lead the coordinating and hosting at least two (2) wooden tool making workshop days; one must be during the 2026 GTB Sugar Bush Camp in Mid-March. The other workshop can take place during the camp or at another time in March or April. This will require the contractor to work with the GTB Agriculture Manager to ensure all materials needed are secured and the space needed to host the workshops is secured. This contract will pay for the time needed to plan, prepare, host, and report on the success of the workshops. This could be done in as little as 4-5 days of work during this time; 2 days of workshops and 2-3 days of preparation and final reporting.

2.2 Scope of Services

Summary:

Wooden tool making is an important Anishnaabe sugar bush tradition that GTB Agriculture & Food Sovereignty Department sees as integral to the tradition of sugar bush. This contract is funded through a USDA – ACER grant that looks to support the sugar bush industry as a whole. We believe by maintaining and advancing wooden tool making, we strengthen the industry as a whole by ensuring future generations will appreciate the history, culture and traditions surrounding this important harvest. The tools used in a traditional sugar bush include: wooden stir paddles for stirring syrup to sugar, evaporation pan depth-checking tool, wooden bowls, and wooden spoons. The contractor can choose one or multiple tools to focus on for the workshop.

The contract will require the instructor to work with the GTB Agriculture Manager to ensure all materials needed are secured and the space needed to host the workshops is secured. A space in a tent with a space heater may be suitable enough to allow this activity to take place outside at thew GTB Sugar Bush Camp. The contract timeline will work as follows:

February 2st: Contractor/bid selected

The proposal will include details about these workshop days such as:

EXAMPLE BID DETAIL:

Workshop day during GTB Sugar Bush Camp: 3 workshops, each 2 hours long; total of 6 workshops during this day. Each workshop can allow for up to 8 participants.

Workshop April 8th: 2 workshops, each 2 hours long; total of 6 workshops during this day. Each workshop can allow for up to 8 participants. One workshop in the afternoon and one workshop in the evening to allow after 5:00PM participation.

February 9th: Contractor meeting with GTB Agriculture Manager to select dates for the minimum of 2 workshops, determine space and material requirements. The format of the workshops will be determined (how many participants possible, duration of workshop)

These dates will be advertised in the GTB Social Media pages in February and March to gain participants.

February 9th – March 10: Contractor to ensure materials are prepared, pick a pattern/basket design, and prepare to host the minimum of 2 days of workshops.

March 10 – April 20: Host minimum of 2 days of workshops. The GTB Sugar Bush Camp dates will be selected by mid-January and be made available to the contractor upon their selection.

MINIMUM Qualifications:

• Must have passion for instructing on topics related to traditional crafting

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Ability to read and follow written procedures
• Knowledge of traditional or modern wooden tool crafting
• Ability to implement inclusive curriculum regarding wooden tool making and other woodworking knowledge
• Ability to connect the Anishinaabe traditions related to maple syrup/sugar production
• An ability to honor traditional sugar bush life ways while also recognizing benefits of modern techniques and technology and how it can play a role in a goal of food sovereignty

2.3 Safety Pre-Cautions

Due COVID-19 and other health issues, the follow safety guidelines need to be adhered to:

1. Follow all CDC and GTB policy during training environment
2. Recommend contractor to be fully vaccinated
3. COVID test required prior to start of contract
4. Must be able to show up on time for workshops, and work duration of assigned workshop
5. Must be able to work in "field" conditions; ability to traverse uneven, loose ground

3 Submission Requirements

3.1 General Bid Form

Each person/vendor must submit the attached Bid Form and Qualification of Bidder, which includes contact information, references, and price quote The proposal will include details about these workshop days such as:

Workshop during GTB Sugar Bush Camp: 3 workshops, each 2 hours long; total of 6 workshops during this day. Each workshop can allow for up to 8 participants.

Workshop April 8th: 2 workshops, each 2 hours long; total of 6 workshops during this day. Each workshop can allow for up to 8 participants. One workshop in the afternoon and one workshop in the evening to allow after 5:00PM participation.

3.2 Evaluation Procedure

Proposals will be evaluated by GTB Agriculture & Food Sovereignty Department staff based upon the price, past experiences, and interview. Bids/contractors will be evaluated on their experience in the following fields:

• Event hosting
• Birch Bark crafting experience

3.3 Offer Submission Deadline

To be considered, a bid package must be received by the Grand Traverse Band at the address shown below or by email by 2:00 p.m. local time on February 2nd, 2026. Bids received after this deadline will not be accepted. Bids will remain sealed until after the deadline.

Submit bid package to the following address:

William Derouin

2605 N West Bay Shore Dr

Peshawbestown, MI 49682

Or email bid to: William.Derouin@gtb-nsn.gov

3.4 Inquiries

All questions relating to this RFP, including all questions relating to clarifications or

modifications of this RFP can be submitted the below:

William Derouin

231-534-7023

William.Derouin@gtb-nsn.gov

4 Additional Requirements

4.1 Cancellation of Contract

The contract generated by this RFP may be cancelled by GTB for noncompliance with specifications, inability to perform the contracting requirements of GTB or continued safety hazards. The cancellation notification shall state the cause or reason for the cancellation. Such cancellation would be at no charge to GTB other than for work authorized and completed at the

time of termination.

4.2 Native American/Alaskan Indian

Native American/Alaskan Indian preference applies; Bidders shall submit proof of Native American Indian status along with their bid.

4.3 Background Check

Prior to award of contract, the passing of a background check.

PLEASE DOWNLOAD THE ATTACHED PDF *located on the bottom of the posting labeled "Full Job Description."

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