RFR 27-101 Strategic Planning Consultant

The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners is requesting responses for strategic planning consultant services under RFR 27-101, with proposals due August 6, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time. Questions are due July 27, 2026.

The consultant will analyze data from statewide focus groups, surveys, and internal meetings to develop a comprehensive five-year strategic plan (FY2026–FY2030) with a detailed Year 1 implementation plan. Deliverables include annotated draft strategy, annotated draft strategic plan, and a final report with meeting summaries, strategy, and implementation plan, all in Word and PDF formats. All deliverables must comply with WCAG 2.2 AA accessibility standards and Section 508 compliance with VPAT documentation required.

Vendors must demonstrate documented experience consulting with at least five public libraries and/or state library agencies on strategic plans, with all assigned staff holding this experience. Submissions must include a narrative proposal (addressing project scope, schedule, vendor qualifications, and detailed service descriptions), resumes of assigned personnel, a separate cost proposal with itemized administrative and deliverable costs, a minimum of three business references, samples of prior work (surveys, focus group agendas, strategic plans, and project timelines), a completed submission checklist, a business reference form, and a prompt payment discount form. All required Commonwealth forms are mandatory.

The estimated contract value is $10,000 maximum on a project-based, all-inclusive fee structure with four equal payment milestones of 25% each upon completion of specified deliverables. The contract runs three months from an estimated start date of August 17, 2026 through October 31, 2026, with no renewal options.

Evaluation criteria: narrative proposal (40 points), cost proposal (20 points), samples of work (20 points), and business references (20 points). Small Business Purchasing Program (SBPP) participants meeting best value criteria will receive award preference.