RFP for Library Strategic Facility Plan
| Location: | Minnesota |
|---|---|
| Posted: | Apr 22, 2026 |
| Due: | May 22, 2026 |
| Agency: | Washington County |
| Type of Government: | State & Local |
| Category: |
|
| Publication URL: | To access bid details, please log in. |
| Bid Title: |
RFP for Library Strategic Facility Plan
|
| Category: | Washington County Public Works |
| Status: | Open |
|
Attachment Preview
Request for Proposals (RFP) for
Library Strategic Facility Plan
RFP release date: April 22, 2026
Submission due date: May 22, 2026
Government Center | 14949 62nd Street North | P. O. Box 6 | Stillwater, MN 55082-0006
P: 651-430-6001 | F: 651-430-6017 | TTY: 651-430-6246
www.washingtoncountymn.gov
Washington County is an equal opportunity organization and employer
Table of Contents
1. Introduction ....................................................................................................................................................... 3
1.1. Background Information................................................................................................................................ 3
1.2. County Authorized Representative................................................................................................................ 4
1.3. Schedule......................................................................................................................................................... 4
2. Scope of Work and Deliverables ........................................................................................................................ 4
2.1 Scope of Work................................................................................................................................................ 4
2.1.1 Project Management and Coordination .................................................................................................... 4
2.1.2 Development of Accessibility Standards and Inventory of Existing Facilities............................................ 4
2.1.3 Demographic and Trend Analysis .............................................................................................................. 5
2.1.4 Stakeholder Engagement ........................................................................................................................... 5
2.1.5 Washington County Library Vision for Service Delivery ............................................................................ 5
2.1.6 Gap Analysis ............................................................................................................................................... 6
2.1.7 Recommendations ..................................................................................................................................... 6
2.1.8 Final Report & Supporting Materials ......................................................................................................... 6
2.1.9 Additional Tasks ......................................................................................................................................... 6
2.2 Deliverables ..................................................................................................................................................... 6
3. Proposal Content ............................................................................................................................................... 7
3.1. Cover Letter ................................................................................................................................................... 7
3.2. Qualifications and Experience ....................................................................................................................... 7
3.3. Project Understanding and Approach ........................................................................................................... 7
3.4. Project Work Plan and Budget....................................................................................................................... 7
3.5. References ..................................................................................................................................................... 7
3.6. Appendix A – County’s Standard Terms and Conditions ............................................................................... 7
3.7. Conflict of Interest ......................................................................................................................................... 8
4. Proposal Submittal............................................................................................................................................. 8
5. Proposal Evaluation and Selection..................................................................................................................... 9
5.1. Evaluation Committee ................................................................................................................................... 9
5.2. Evaluation Criteria ......................................................................................................................................... 9
5.3. Interview/Presentation.................................................................................................................................. 9
5.4. Final Selection ................................................................................................................................................ 9
5.5. Conditions of this RFP .................................................................................................................................... 9
6. Proposal Questions .......................................................................................................................................... 10
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Washington County Library Strategic Facility Plan
1. Introduction
Washington County is soliciting proposals from qualified firms to develop a comprehensive Library Strategic
Facility Plan. The Library Strategic Facility Plan will help guide Washington County decision-making and
investment over the next fifteen years related to the condition of current library buildings, built
environment needs within libraries, and equitable access to library services in alignment with countywide
goals. The plan will identify library facilities in need of remodeling, expansion, or replacement and show
geographical and population-based gaps in library locations throughout the county.
Washington County Public Works (Planning and Building Services Divisions) will manage the project and
closely collaborate with Library leadership.
1.1. Background Information
Washington County, Minnesota is the fifth most populous county in Minnesota with a diverse population,
including longtime residents, young professionals and families, and new immigrant communities. Over the
last 20 years, Washington County has experienced rapid growth from a rural, farming community to an
expanding urban area. Today, the County serves an area of 423 square miles, with an estimated population
of 262,748 which is expected to grow to 340,000 by 2040.
Washington County adopted its 2024-2029 Countywide Strategic Plan in 2024. One of the priorities set forth
in this plan is “Strong and Sustainable Environment,” with the goal of enhancing and maintaining
investments in the built and natural environment to encourage growth, accessibility, and resilient
communities. Specific to the Library, the plan called for the completion of library renovations at Park Grove
Library and R.H. Stafford Library, and an audit of all Library spaces to ensure they are welcoming and
accommodating. Today, Washington County Library proudly serves county residents at seven branch
locations, a Law Library in the Washington County Government Center, three Library Express locker
locations, and a popular digital branch for online services and support.
Washington County Library launched its 2024-2028 Library Strategic Plan following a comprehensive two-
year engagement process that included nearly 8,000 community survey responses, focus groups, and
targeted outreach to historically underserved populations. The strategic plan established four priorities:
evaluating and improving library service delivery; strengthening organizational culture and operational
effectiveness; enhancing physical spaces and technology infrastructure; and expanding the reach of the
library. Community engagement revealed strong support for library spaces and facilities, while also
identifying challenges related to space limitations and accommodating diverse user needs. Building on the
strategic plan's emphasis on equitable service delivery and welcoming spaces, the forthcoming Library
Strategic Facility Plan will translate these priorities into a physical infrastructure roadmap, guiding decisions
about service delivery models and facility investments to ensure all Washington County residents have
equitable access to library services.
At the time of this RFP release, Washington County’s Park Grove Library is under construction and expected
to reopen in early 2027. A major improvement project at Washington County’s most visited library, R. H.
Stafford Library, will immediately follow. Both projects are conducting stakeholder engagement to inform
design decisions. The Consultant selected for the Library Strategic Facility Plan should be mindful of this
concurrent planning effort and develop a stakeholder engagement strategy that complements rather than
duplicates these efforts.
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Washington County Library Strategic Facility Plan
1.2. County Authorized Representative
The County Authorized Representative for this RFP is:
Andrea Rehm, Planner II
andrea.rehm@washingtoncountymn.gov
1.3. Schedule
Washington County anticipates the following schedule:
Schedule
RFP Release Date
Questions Due
Addendum Release Date
Proposals Due
Consultant Interviews (if needed)
Consultant Selection
Board Approval
Due Date
April 22, 2026
May 8, 2026
May 11, 2026
May 22, 2026
Week of June 1, 2026
Week of June 9, 2026
Tentatively June 23, 2026
2. Scope of Work and Deliverables
The successful Consultant will have the ability to perform all functions described in this document to
develop a Library Facility Strategic Plan. Consultants are also encouraged to highlight any services for which
they possess particularly notable qualifications.
2.1 Scope of Work
2.1.1 Project Management and Coordination
• Provide progress updates at bi-weekly check-ins with the County project manager
• Prepare materials for, attend, and facilitate or otherwise provide support for meetings with
internal, cross-departmental stakeholders
2.1.2 Development of Accessibility Standards and Inventory of Existing Facilities
The Consultant will facilitate the development of accessibility standards for Washington County Library
Facilities, then conduct an assessment of all existing facilities, including evaluation of building conditions
and accessibility, as well as current space utilization and capacity.
• In collaboration with Library leadership and Public Works staff, facilitate the development of
accessibility standards for libraries that are modern, safe, and inviting for all.
o The standards should consider “radical accessibility,” or the commitment to making
essential resources, information, and opportunities universally available without
significant barriers. This concept should push beyond standard compliance to address
deep-seated structural inequalities that limit participation and benefit. Areas of focus
may include physical accessibility & mobility, sensory & neurodiversity, age inclusivity,
cultural & religious inclusion, family & caregiver considerations, and diverse language
inclusivity.
• Utilize County’s Facility Condition Index, site tours, and other means of assessment as deemed
necessary to evaluate building conditions
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Washington County Library Strategic Facility Plan
• Assess existing spaces based on the developed accessibility standards for libraries and document
findings
• Document current space utilization and capacity in existing facilities
2.1.3 Demographic and Trend Analysis
The Consultant will analyze demographic data and trends relevant to library service planning, including
population growth projections, shifting community needs, and emerging patterns in library usage.
• Collect and analyze current demographic data for Washington County and its communities
• Develop population growth projections for the planning horizon
• Analyze library usage patterns and trends across existing facilities
• Identify emerging community needs and shifts in service demand
• Benchmark against comparable library systems and industry best practices
2.1.4 Stakeholder Engagement
The County is seeking a consultant with experience designing and conducting outreach to agency partners
and the public. The Consultant will design and help facilitate a stakeholder engagement process to gather
input from elected and appointed officials, community members, library staff, and other relevant
stakeholders. The engagement process should build upon and complement recent Library stakeholder
engagement.
• Review stakeholder engagement conducted for 2024-2028 Library Strategic Plan, Park Grove
Library Improvement Project, and R.H. Stafford Library Improvement Project
• Design a comprehensive stakeholder engagement plan for County review and approval.
Engagement strategies may include work sessions, focus groups/listening sessions, surveys and
similar. To inform the proposal work plan and budget, the Consultant should anticipate
preparing materials for, facilitating, or otherwise supporting the following meetings/activities:
o Review past / concurrent engagement
o 5x workshop style meetings with various groups of elected or appointed officials
o Conduct a Library staff survey or similar
o 4-5x workshop style meetings with various internal staff
o In a separate contract, the County will leverage its Trusted Messenger Program to
conduct focus groups with members of the public. The consultant’s task will be to
incorporate Trusted Messengers’ engagement findings and assist with materials
preparation as needed.
2.1.5 Washington County Library Vision for Service Delivery
Working collaboratively with Library leadership and the Public Works team, the Consultant will help define
a service delivery vision for Washington County Library.
• Explore and present service delivery model options, including regional library structures,
smaller-scale libraries distributed across more communities, and co-location of library services
with other County services
• Facilitate working sessions with library leadership and other County staff to reach a service
delivery model recommendation aligned with countywide goals and supported by the Library
Board
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This is the opportunity summary page. It provides an overview of this opportunity and a preview of the attached documentation.
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