Evaluation of Hawaii's Library Services & Technology Act (LSTA)

The Hawaii State Public Library System is requesting quotations for an independent evaluation of its Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) Five-Year Plan 2023-2027, with proposals due August 20, 2026 and a contract period running October 1, 2026 through March 15, 2027.

Contractors must possess expertise in assessment and evaluation, demonstrated experience conducting research or evaluation of public library programs, familiarity with LSTA-funded projects, knowledge of federal evaluation frameworks, and capacity to produce statewide or multi-site evaluation reports. The evaluation must measure effectiveness of LSTA-funded activities, assess progress toward stated goals, and provide recommendations to inform Hawaii's 2028-2032 LSTA Five-Year Plan. The final Evaluation Report must meet Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) requirements for State Program Evaluations, including compliance with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA.

Deliverables consist of one print copy, one PDF copy, and one editable electronic copy of the evaluation report with accompanying recommendations, plus complete methodology documentation. The evaluation must address eight retrospective and process questions organized into three categories: retrospective assessment of progress toward five-year plan goals and alignment with national Measuring Success focal areas; process examination of data usage from State Program Reports, plan modifications, data sharing, and findings dissemination; and methodology documentation of the independent evaluation approach, statistical and qualitative methods, and critical partner engagement. Key project milestones include data collection during October–December 2026, draft report submission by January 20, 2027, final report delivery by February 17, 2027, and IMLS submission by March 30, 2027.

Offerors must submit itemized budgets by activity including all labor, materials, travel, and incidentals, with pricing all-inclusive except for Hawaii's General Excise Tax (4.5%), which may be listed separately. Upon award, contractors must furnish tax clearances from the Hawaii Department of Taxation and Internal Revenue Service, a Certificate of Compliance from the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, and a Certificate of Good Standing from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, or obtain a Certificate of Vendor Compliance through Hawaii Compliance Express.