Request for Proposals (RFP) for
Window Shades and Blinds
RFP release date: 12/18/2025
Submission due date: 1/16/2026
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 .......................................................................................................... 3
1.3. Schedule ................................................................................................................................................... 3
2. Scope of Services............................................................................................................................................... 4
2.1. Mandatory Services.................................................................................................................................. 4
3. Proposal Content............................................................................................................................................... 4
3.1. Cover Letter .............................................................................................................................................. 4
3.2. Qualifications and Experience .................................................................................................................. 4
3.3. Fee Schedule............................................................................................................................................. 4
3.4. References ................................................................................................................................................ 4
3.5. Appendix A – County’s Standard Terms and Conditions.......................................................................... 4
3.6. Conflict of Interest.................................................................................................................................... 5
4. Proposal Submittal ............................................................................................................................................ 5
5. Proposal Evaluation and Selection.................................................................................................................... 5
5.1. Evaluation Committee.............................................................................................................................. 5
5.2. Evaluation Criteria .................................................................................................................................... 5
5.3. Final Selection........................................................................................................................................... 6
5.4. Conditions of this RFP............................................................................................................................... 6
6. Proposal Questions ........................................................................................................................................... 6
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Window Shades and Blinds
1. Introduction
The purpose of this Request for Proposals (RFP) is for Washington County to secure services for acquisition,
installation and repair of window shades and blinds. The County is seeking a five-year contract not to exceed
$175,000. These services will go through the RFP solicitation process every five (5) years at minimum.
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.
The County was established in 1849 and has the powers, duties, and privileges granted counties by state
law, codified in Minn. Stat. § 373. The County serves an area of 423 square miles, with an estimated
population of 262,748. The County’s fiscal year begins on January 1 and ends on December 31. The County is
governed by a five-member County Board of Commissioners representing separate districts. In addition, the
Offices of County Attorney and Sheriff are elected on a countywide basis.
The County offers a full range of services including property tax administration, law enforcement and
corrections, public works, parks, solid waste management, library, community health, county extension,
human resources, courts, and general administration. The County employs approximately 1,400 employees.
The Building Services Division of Public Works manages approximately 20 buildings throughout the County.
1.2. County Authorized Representative
The County Authorized Representative for this RFP is:
Christina Mastro
christina.mastro@washingtoncountymn.gov
1.3. Schedule
Washington County anticipates the following schedule:
Schedule
RFP Release Date
Questions Due
Addendum Release Date
Proposals Due
Notification of Award
Commencement Date
Completion Date
Due Date
12/18/25
1/2/2026
1/9/26
1/16/26
1/20/26
1/31/26
1/31/2030
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Window Shades and Blinds
2. Scope of Services
The successful Contractor will have the ability to perform all the functions below. Contractors who cannot
provide the full range of requested services may submit a proposal, but must clearly note any services listed
in this request which would not be provided. Contractors are also encouraged to highlight any services for
which they possess particularly notable qualifications.
2.1. Mandatory Services
The successful Contractor will have the ability to perform all the functions under mandatory services at all
County owned or operated buildings.
1. Sell commercial and residential window blinds and shades
2. Install commercial and residential window blinds and shades
3. Repair commercial and residential window blinds and shades
Sales and repair should include motorized window shades.
3. Proposal Content
The following will be considered minimum contents of the proposal and must be submitted:
3.1. Cover Letter
Introduce the Contractor submitting the proposal and state the Contractor’s understanding of the services.
Include name, address, telephone number, and email address of two the contact people, as well as the
names of any others participating in the proposal.
3.2. Qualifications and Experience
Provide demonstrated qualifications and experience that proves the ability to perform the services and
meet the requirements of this RFP.
3.3. Fee Schedule
Provide all costs associated with the proposed contract for services in a complete and understandable form.
Indicate labor rates for repair and installation. Washington County would prefer but will not require a cost
plus pricing model for the purchase of shades, as such indicate your markup over cost for purchase and
parts. Indicate any additional charges that will appear on your invoice, such as trip charges, along with the
cost.
3.4. References
Provide three references for organizations currently utilizing your services that are similar in size and with
similar needs as Washington County. Include agency name, contact name, email address, phone number,
and a brief description of the services you provide.
3.5. Appendix A – County’s Standard Terms and Conditions
Submit a signed Appendix A as the Contractor to whom the contract is awarded shall be required to comply
with the terms and conditions contained therein.
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Window Shades and Blinds
3.6. Conflict of Interest
The Contractor must identify any potential conflict of interest it may have with the County or any other
party or entity that may be affected by the terms of this RFP and responsive proposals. The Contractor
agrees that, should any conflict or potential conflict of interest become known, it will immediately notify the
County of the conflict or potential conflict, and will advise the County whether it will or will not resign from
the other engagement or representation. Unless waived by the County, a conflict or potential conflict may,
in the County's discretion, require withdrawal or rejection of the Contractor’s proposal.
4. Proposal Submittal
Proposals will be limited to no more than five (5) pages in length, excluding a cover sheet, a cover letter,
table of contents, and appendices. The proposal must be combined as one document and the font shall be
no smaller than 11-point. All proposals must include Proposal Content set forth in Section 3 and be sent
electronically to the County Authorized Representative:
Christina Mastro
christina.mastro@washingtoncountymn.gov
Contractors must submit to the e-mail address above with a subject line clearly marked as Window Shades
and Blinds, no later than January 16, 2026 at 4:00pm CST. Late submittals will not be considered.
All proposals, once submitted, become the property of the County. They will not be returned to the
Contractor. Submission of a proposal indicates acceptance by the Contractor of the conditions contained in
this RFP unless clearly and specifically noted in the proposal submitted and confirmed in the contract
between the County and the selected Contractor.
5. Proposal Evaluation and Selection
The County will evaluate the information the Contractor provides in response to this RFP. Step one will
consist of a review to determine which proposals comply with all mandatory submission requirements. Non-
compliant proposals will, subject to the express and implied rights of the County, be disqualified and not
evaluated further. Step two will consist of scoring each compliant response based on the evaluation criteria
below.
5.1. Evaluation Committee
The evaluation committee consists of representatives of Washington County.
5.2. Evaluation Criteria
The criteria and assigned weight on which proposals will be evaluated are:
Evaluation Criteria
Points
Signed Appendix A
Expressed understanding of the services and requirements of
this RFP
Qualifications and Experience
Cost
Yes/No
30
30
20
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This is the opportunity summary page. It provides an overview of this opportunity and a preview of the attached documentation.