Specifications include, but are not limited to: Contracts with one or more companies to convene business leaders of color (“BIPOC-owned businesses”) and other critical stakeholders. These convenings will culminate in a set of recommendations on how to support business development for businesses owned and operated by people of color. 2.2.1.Project Plan/Project Phase Outline: Within 14 business days after contract confirmation, the selected Vendor will be required to submit a draft project plan of their proposal. The project plan shall include: 2.2.1.1. Description of project tasks, subtasks and project activities (including, but not limited to, project goals, benchmarks, and measurables); 2.2.1.2. A description of the roles and responsibilities of convened group, group facilitator and all/any other roles identified; 2.2.1.3. An established mechanism for tracking and documenting all project communications and deliverables; 2.2.1.4. An identified process for updating and submitting bi-weekly project updates to full convened group; and 2.2.1.5. An identified process and timeline for the drafting, and the submission, of a final report summarizing the groups work and recommendations. 2.2.2.The selected Contractor shall identify, convene and facilitate no less than 4 meetings of: 2.2.2.1. BIPOC businesses, organizations, and community leaders; 2.2.2.2. other business organizations; and 2.2.2.3. representatives from the ACCD and other State agencies and departments as necessary. 2.2.3.The selected Contractor shall utilize the input, communications and facilitated meetings to create a set of recommendations on how to support BIPOC business development in Vermont. These recommendations shall be created and informed through the convening process, as described in the group’s legislative intent, and the resultant recommendations may include but need not be limited to: 2.2.3.1. the creation of a BIPOC business network, external to state government; or 2.2.3.2. the creation of a minority business development center/authority, or one or more other similar entities or organizations.