Request for Proposal – Historical Investigation RFP

Project Background And Desired Services

Time extended until March 6th 2020

In October, 2019 The Oregonian, a local newspaper in Portland, Oregon, published a story concerning allegations that Mercy Corps’ co-founder Ellsworth Culver sexually abused his daughter and other individuals in the Portland area, as well as potential Mercy Corps beneficiaries.  

 Mercy Corps seeks the assistance of an investigation team (individuals or firm) to conduct an historical sexual exploitation and abuse investigation to determine the extent of sexual abuse by Ellsworth Culver of any individuals he may have encountered in the course of his work and travels with Mercy Corps. 
 
This scope will include: 
 
1) Locating and examining relevant documents, identifying and interviewing survivors, and identifying and interviewing potential witnesses, in order to determine the extent of the abuse perpetrated by Ellsworth Culver, 
 
2) To evaluate how Mercy Corps handled the allegations of sexual abuse perpetrated by Ellsworth Culver in the 1990s. 

The successful bidder will have extensive experience conducting sexual abuse and sexual exploitation investigations, and specific experience with cases that are historical in nature. Successful bidders will have international experience and an understanding of the international aid sector, as well as references that confirm their sensitivity working with different cultures and a commitment to a survivor-centered approach. 
 
The investigation team will be required to work from the Mercy Corps’ Headquarters in Portland, Oregon for a portion of the investigation and may be required to conduct investigations outside of the United States depending on investigative outcomes.