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The Columbus Metropolitan Library (CML or Library) is issuing this Request for Proposal (RFP) for Strategic Planning Consulting Services The Columbus Metropolitan Library (CML/Library) is seeking proposals from qualified firms to provide strategic consulting services for the development of the Library's new strategic plan. The selected firm will work in close collaboration with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and designated CML leaders to shape a forward-thinking plan that will guide the Library into the future. SCOPE OF WORK CML requires a full-service consultant with: A strong understanding of public and mission-driven organizations. Knowledge of fiscal responsibility and taxpayer investment. Experience in evaluating the evolving role of libraries in urban communities. The final strategic plan must be bold and ambitious yet actionable, providing clear guidance for Library Executives, the Board of Trustees, and staff. As part of the scope of work, the consultant will assist the Library in determining if the new strategic plan will cover a time period of 5 years or 10 years. Key Responsibilities 1. Outreach, Communications, and Engagement To ensure broad and meaningful participation, the consultant will: Engage stakeholders (Library staff, Board of Trustees, and community members) to gather input on the Library's current services and future aspirations. Review and refine the Library's vision, mission, and values through inclusive engagement. Develop a robust outreach strategy to collect diverse perspectives via surveys, focus groups, interviews, and other accessible methods. Provide written reports documenting all engagement activities, methodologies, findings, and analytical summaries to inform the strategic plan. 2. Data Analysis and Strategic Insights The consultant will be responsible for: Reviewing relevant documents and past strategic efforts. Requesting and analyzing all necessary data, including demographic trends, library usage statistics, and projections with a focus on unique community needs. Should also include organizational benchmarking to peer libraries of similar size, population served, service area, etc. Applying leading and innovative practices from peer urban libraries and industry organizations to enhance Library services. 3. Strategic Plan Development The final strategic plan must include: A revised vision, mission, and values focused on organization-wide goals and annual priorities. Community-centered objectives and success metrics for programs, services, collections, and partnerships, with strategies for future growth and resilience. High-quality visual materials that are uniquely CML for the Board of Trustees, stakeholders, staff and the community, formatted for both print and digital distribution, including online. Appendices documenting the planning process, survey results, and best practice research. 4. Project Management & Execution To ensure timely and effective completion, the consultant will: Assign a dedicated project manager and define clear roles for Library leadership, staff, and the Board of Trustees. Develop a detailed work plan with milestones and regular check-ins. Document all processes related to engagement, data analysis, and deliverable development, with a clearly defined submission timeline. 5. Presentation & Final Deliverables The consultant will: Support CML in presenting the strategic plan's development and findings. Prepare and deliver at least three presentations (introductory overview, interim update, and final presentation) for Library leadership, staff, and the Board of Trustees. Ensure presentation materials are suitable for public access via online. The Library reserves the right to waive any defect or technicality in any Proposal received or to eliminate any firm that submits an incomplete or inadequate Proposal or that is not responsive to the requirements of the RFP. Each Cost Proposal package must be clearly marked "CML #25-009 - Cost Proposal" The Proposer must address all of the requirements listed in the Request for Proposal. All Proposals must be emailed to procurement@columbuslibrary.org , with the Proposal Identification Number CML #25-009, title, and Proposer's name in the subject line of the email and the file names. Question Deadline 02/25/2025 at 12:00 PM ET All questions or requests for clarifications must be submitted to procurement@columbuslibrary.org, and reference CML #25-009 Strategtic Planning Consulting Services. All questions will be answered in the form of an addendum and posted electronically. Library responses will be posted on or before March 4, 2025. Respondents are responsible for accessing, reviewing, and acknowledging any addenda in accordance with this RFP, prior to submitting a Proposal. CML shall not be held liable for technical or other issues or obstructions. The Respondent declares to have read and understood and agrees to be bound by all the instructions, terms, conditions and specifications of this RFP and agrees to fulfill the requirements of any contract (Contract) for which it is selected to provide the specified services at the prices proposed. The Respondent certifies, by signature affixed to this Request for Proposal Cover Sheet, that the information provided by it in response to the RFP, including certified statements, is accurate and complete. By submitting a response to this Request for Proposal, the Proposer acknowledges that it complies with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. The method of Contractor Selection has not been Determined at this time.