Project Information

Bid Title

Executive Search Services Department Directors and City Attorney

Issuing Agency

City of Bainbridge Island

Location

Washington

Published Date

Sep 25, 2026

Closing Date

Oct 7, 2026

Government Level

State & Local

Status

Closed

Original Source

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Bid Documents

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Project Description

Bid Title:	Executive Search Services Department Directors and City Attorney
Category:	Executive
Status:	Open

Description: Request for Qualifications – Executive Search Services Planning and Community Services Director, Public Works Director, City Attorney Recruitment Publication date: September 25, 2026 The City of Bainbridge Island, Washington (City) respectfully invites the submission of qualifications from firms interested in assisting the City Manager with the development of the City’s leadership team through the recruitment of its next Planning and Community Services Director, Public Works Director, and City Attorney. The City seeks a firm to identify qualified candidates, develop an applicant pool, and screen and vet candidates for these key positions. The City's specific needs are detailed in this Request for Qualifications ("RFQ"). Background The City of Bainbridge Island is in Kitsap County, Washington, and the entire island is incorporated as one city. Bainbridge Island has an area of 28 square miles, with 52 miles of shoreline, dense forests, mostly suburban development patterns, and an estimated population of 25,000. The City operates under Washington State laws applicable to a non-charter code city with a Council-Manager form of government, a structure adopted in 2009. The City is led by a new City Manager, who began in September 2026. The City’s leadership team has been supported by a contracted City Attorney since 2023; interim Planning & Community Development and Public Works Directors have been in place since June 2026. The City provides the following municipal functions: general executive and administrative services, police, emergency preparedness, judicial, water supply/treatment/distribution, sewer collection and treatment, storm water (drainage) collection, street maintenance and construction, planning and zoning, permits and inspections, some parks, and boat docks. Other local governments provide public education, fire suppression, library, and most parks services. The city staff is comprised of 141 full-time equivalent employees (FTE). Submittals Firms responding to this RFQ will provide a concise description of provider capabilities to satisfy the requirements of the request. Each submittal must include the following components: History of the firm and experience or capacity to lead executive search processes for local governments. Identify the specific individual assigned to this engagement, their experience with executive recruitment, and their knowledge of municipal organizations and the roles of Planning and Community Services Director, Public Works Director, and City Attorney. The City must be assured that key team members will be available for the full term of the engagement and provide the necessary attention and care this important recruitment requires. Discuss the approach, tasks, and steps. How will the firm identify potential candidates? How will the firm evaluate candidates? How will the firm present recommended candidates to the City Manager? Proposed schedule of work. Proposed fee. Details of any guarantees the firm provides. Submittals must be received by 8:00 AM PST on Wednesday, October 7, 2026. Submittals are limited to 15 pages, not counting the cover pages. Responses should be sent via email under the subject “Executive Search Services” to Kate Brown, Human Resources Manager, City of Bainbridge Island ( For security reasons, you must enable JavaScript to view this E-mail address. ). Submittals received after the deadline will not be considered. Email is the preferred method, but responses may also be mailed or dropped off at City Hall (Monday – Friday, from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM). Print copies should be double-sided, with no cover or binding: 280 Madison Ave N Bainbridge Island, WA 98110 Attention: Human Resources Anticipated Compensation Firms responding to this RFQ will include their proposed compensation plan with their submittal. Review and Selection Process It is assumed the City Manager, or an interview panel, will interview firms prior to making a selection. Firms should be available for interviews at relatively short notice during the week of October 12 via Zoom. Tentative Schedule Week of Oct. 5 – City to review proposals Week of Oct. 12 – Potential interviews Week of Oct. 20 – Finalize agreement Terms and Conditions Selected applicants will be required to execute a City of Bainbridge Island Professional Services Agreement, obtain a City of Bainbridge Island Business License, and demonstrate compliance with the City’s insurance requirements (briefly explained below). ? ? The City reserves the right not to select any of the applicants, and the right to select an individual or firm not from this application process. The City further reserves the right to waive irregularities and informalities in this process. This RFQ does not obligate the City to pay any cost incurred by applicants in responding to this RFQ. All such costs shall be borne solely by each applicant. Furthermore, this RFQ does not obligate the City to enter into a contract with any applicant responding to this RFQ. Assurances of Nondiscrimination Title VI The City of Bainbridge Island, in accordance with the provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (78 Stat. 252, 42 U.S.C. §§ 2000d to 2000d-4) and the Regulations, hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively ensure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, disadvantaged business enterprises will be afforded full and fair opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, or national origin in consideration for an award. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Information/Pledge? The City of Bainbridge Island in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (Section 504) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) commits to nondiscrimination on the basis of disability in all its programs and activities. ? We pledge to make our bid process accessible and user-friendly for everyone. If you are having difficulty viewing or navigating the content of this document, or note any content, feature, or functionality that you believe is not fully accessible to people with disabilities, please contact us at For security reasons, you must enable JavaScript to view this E-mail address. or 206-842-2545 for assistance. Please note the nature of your accessibility concern, the preferred format in which to receive the online material (hard copies are available), the Web page address of the requested material, and the best way to contact you. Nondiscrimination Statement The City of Bainbridge Island hereby notifies all bidders that all bidders and contractors will be selected, compensated and, if necessary, terminated without regard to sex/gender, race, national origin, religion, creed, color, marital status, veteran status, age, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, genetic information or any other basis prohibited by law. In alignment with the City of Bainbridge Island’s equity and inclusion goals, we encourage organizations led by those who identify as women or members of traditionally marginalized communities, or who are or could be certified as Minority Business Enterprise/Women Business Enterprise (MBE/WBE), Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE), or equivalent to respond. Publication Date/Time: 9/25/2026 12:00 AM Closing Date/Time: 10/7/2026 11:59 PM Related Documents: RFQ - Department Directors and City Attorney Search 2026

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Commodity Codes

• NAICS 541110Offices of Lawyers
• NAICS 561312Executive Search Services

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