USE FOR WRITTEN QUOTES

State of Montana

LIMITED SOLICITATION FORM

Department of

Montana State Library

Solicitation Number: 2019-EconDev

Solicitation Title: Economic Development in Public Libraries Consultation

Agency Contact: Amelea Kim, Lifelong Learning Librarian

Limited Solicitation is an informal procurement method for purchases of services between $5,001 and $25,000 and purchases of supplies between $5,001 and $50,000. This process is authorized by section 18-4-305, MCA, and ARM 2.5.603.

Company Name: __________________________________________________

Address: ________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________

Phone Number: __________________ Fax Number: ____________________

Federal Tax ID Number: ____________________

Responses to this solicitation will be accepted by Montana State Library via email to Amelea Kim ([email protected]) until January 31^st, 2020, at 5 pm. Initial review will begin on February 1^st, 2020.

Description of items/services: include purpose or use of product, description, including any performance or design requirements, brand names, delivery requirements, etc. (As needed, include standard statements on insurance or worker’s compensation requirements, etc. Use extra sheets as necessary.)

The Montana State Library (MSL) is requesting bids from qualified individuals to provide expertise and guidance to help direct statewide programming in public libraries that supports local economic development. Many public libraries in Montana currently provide a variety of public programming, partnerships, and business services that can be tangentially linked to economic development efforts, and the State Library would like to make those efforts more focused and effective. We are seeking a consultant who can assist the State Library in determining what areas of economic development make the most sense for public libraries to focus on, give suggestions on how to best refine current economic development activities in libraries, as well make recommendations on new efforts and projects for libraries across the state.

Some examples of current economic development activities in Montana libraries:

1. Digital literacy and technology classes
2. Job searching support
3. Access to free space, technology, and information
4. Partnerships with local job services office

Desired Qualifications:

1. Experience working with Montana’s economic development community.
   1. Able to attend major conferences and meetings related to economic development in the state to get accurate and up-to-date information
   2. Knowledge of the various reports created by economic development organizations in Montana
2. Familiarity with general public library mission, offerings and activities, public outreach, and/or community development.
3. Experience with collaboration, instruction, and program support.

Contract deliverables:

1. The contractor shall provide MSL with a statement of work and a specific timeline for creation of a final list of recommendations and ideas by no later than March 28^th, 2020. This list of recommendations and ideas will have specific, actionable items with the purpose of creating new public library offerings related to economic development, as well as focusing ongoing efforts that libraries are currently engaged in.
2. Prioritize and attend relevant economic development meetings, work groups, and conferences to represent library interests, stay updated on other projects and initiatives, and bring that information back to libraries.
3. Identify which partnerships within the economic and/or workforce development communities to pursue on a statewide level to help economic development efforts and state and local levels.
4. Schedule regular meetings (at least once a month) with the Lifelong Learning Librarian to update the State Library on important findings.
5. Provide information about other successful economic development efforts in other states that might serve as models for Montana to consider.
6. Identify ways libraries can help with economic resilience, especially in communities that are losing population and/or during recessions.
7. Identify professional development gaps in the library community and work with the Lifelong Learning Librarian (LLL) and Continuing Education Coordinator to develop a plan to prioritize and address them.
8. Develop recommendations for economic development programming in libraries of all types with the assistance of the LLL and MSL staff.
9. Develop recommendations for technology investment or service models that might support economic development.
10. Identify grants that public libraries could apply for to support economic development efforts.
11. Highly Desirable yet Optional: Work with MSL staff to measure, assess, and publicize how MSL resources support economic development
12. All work for FY20 shall be completed by June 15, 2020 and a final invoice shall be submitted to MSL by no later than June 30, 2020. All work for FY21 shall be completed by June 15, 2021, and a final invoice shall be submitted to MSL by no later than June 30, 2021.

Responses to this solicitation must include

• A comprehensive narrative statement that illustrates the respondent’s understanding of the requirements of the project and the project schedule. Respondents must demonstrate that they possess the expertise and resources to meet the requirements of this contract.

• Applicable references and contact information.

• A cost proposal that outlines costs for the project, not to exceed $5,000 for FY20 (ending June 30^th, 2020) and $5,000 for FY21 (ending June 30^th, 2021).

Responses will be scored on

• Relevant previous experience with economic development efforts and supportive references.
• Understanding of contract deliverables as shown through the narrative statement and cost proposal outline.
• Affordability.

Price: $___________________________

Vendor Signature: ________________________________________

Additional vendor information attached: Yes ______ No ______

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