KDLA Library Services & Technology Act-5 Year Evaluation

The Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives is requesting proposals for a personal service contract to evaluate the 2023–2027 Library Services and Technology Act Five-Year Plan and develop an outline for the 2028–2032 plan, with proposals due June 5, 2026, at 3:30 p.m. Eastern Time.

The contractor must possess relevant library and/or evaluation experience and comply with Institute of Museum and Library Services guidelines. Work commences July 1, 2026, with the evaluation phase concluding by January 2027 and plan outline development completing by April 15, 2027. Key deliverables include two draft evaluation reports and one final report with a 2–3 page summary of findings; a Needs Assessment, recommended goals, and Evaluation Plan for the 2028–2032 outline; two draft outlines and one final outline; and presentation to the State Libraries, Archives, and Records Commission by December 10, 2026. The evaluation methodology must document stakeholder input through focus groups (maximum 20 hours) and interviews (maximum 24 sessions of one hour each), data analysis from LSTA State Program Reports and Public Libraries Survey data, and monthly check-ins with KDLA staff. Travel costs for in-person focus groups and regional stakeholder sessions in Frankfort are the contractor's responsibility.

The contract is a fixed-fee arrangement with a one-year term from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027. The Commonwealth does not disclose budget information in competitive RFPs and reserves the right to negotiate compensation. Contractors must carry Commercial General Liability Insurance with minimum limits of $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate, and Professional Liability Insurance of $1 million per claim.

Technical proposals are evaluated on 700 points (firm history and experience, detailed scope of services, implementation plan/timeline), cost proposals on 250 points with lowest price receiving maximum points, and oral presentations, if required, on 50 additional points. Written questions were due May 12, 2026. Proposals must be submitted electronically through Kentucky's Vendor Self Service System in three separate parts: Technical Proposal, Cost Proposal, and Proprietary Information. No bidder's conference is scheduled. The contract is not effective until approved by the Secretary of the Finance and Administration Cabinet and filed with the Legislative Research Commission Government Contract Review Committee.