Project Information

Bid Title

RFP for Library Strategic Facility Plan

Issuing Agency

Washington County

Location

Minnesota

Published Date

Apr 22, 2026

Closing Date

May 22, 2026

Government Level

State & Local

Status

Closed

Original Source

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Bid Documents

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Project Description

Bid Title:	RFP for Library Strategic Facility Plan
Category:	Washington County Public Works
Status:	Open

Description: 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. Publication Date/Time: 4/22/2026 8:00 AM Closing Date/Time: 5/22/2026 4:00 PM Contact Person: Andrea Rehm, Planner II andrea.rehm@washingtoncountymn.gov Related Documents: RFP for Library Strategic Facility Plan (PDF)

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

Page |2

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.

Page |3

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

Page |4

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

Page |5

Commodity Codes

• NAICS 541611Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services

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