Bridges Library System Mobile App

Waukesha County, on behalf of the Bridges Library System, is soliciting sealed proposals from qualified firms for mobile app design, development, implementation, and ongoing maintenance services through Request for Proposal 2026002. The Bridges Library System comprises 24 public libraries serving Waukesha and Jefferson Counties, with a combined service population of 520,158 individuals, 211,052 active patrons, and annual circulation of approximately 4.95 million items. The mobile application must include catalog search capabilities, library account access, hold and renewal management, real-time integration with the Polaris Integrated Library System (ILS), Spanish language interface options, push notifications, WCAG 2.2 accessibility compliance, scannable library card functionality, administrator customization capabilities, comprehensive usage analytics, e-commerce payment processing through Envisionware, and integration with existing library calendars and social media platforms. The app must function on mobile devices from at least the previous three years and remain compatible with future operating system releases, with optional à la carte features including social media integration, customizable push notifications, barcode scanning, personal reading lists, and expanded multilingual support. Respondents must demonstrate completion of at least five similar projects within the past five years and possess qualified staff experienced in mobile application development. Evaluation criteria weigh proposal scope of services and responsiveness at 60 percent, cost at 20 percent, firm qualifications and experience at 10 percent, and staff qualifications and sub-contractor experience at 10 percent. Questions are due April 2, 2026, proposals are due April 23, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. CDT, finalist interviews are scheduled for May 13, 2026, and contract execution is expected July 1, 2026, with implementation and go-live required by January 1, 2027.

The RFP documentation does not specify any set-aside designations or restrictions on organizational types eligible to respond. Proposals must be submitted electronically through Waukesha County's Bonfire Purchasing Portal, and all quoted prices must remain firm for ninety calendar days from the opening date. The contractor will be required to maintain Worker's Compensation ($100,000 per accident), Commercial General Liability ($1,000,000 per occurrence/$1,000,000 aggregate), Professional Liability ($1,000,000 per occurrence/$1,000,000 aggregate), and Cyber Liability ($1,000,000 per occurrence/claim) insurance, with Bridges Library System and Waukesha County named as additional insureds. All deliverables, work products, and intellectual property become the sole property of Bridges Library System. Pricing must be submitted as a not-to-exceed, all-inclusive lump sum fee for design and development plus firm, fixed annual pricing for three years of maintenance services, with all travel, meals, lodging, and expenses included in the project fee and no additional reimbursement from Bridges. Payment will be milestone-based at 30 percent upon contract execution, 30 percent upon beta test approval, and 40 percent upon receipt and acceptance of the live app, with the County preferring payment via P-Card (VISA). The initial contract term is three years for maintenance and support, with renewal available on an annual basis thereafter subject to annual price adjustments not exceeding the Consumer Price Index or three percent, whichever is lower; specific budget or award values are not disclosed in the RFP documentation.