REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Introduction

BCCLS is a 501(c)3 nonprofit cooperative of 78 public libraries in northern New Jersey’s Bergen, Essex, Hudson, and Passaic Counties. As BCCLS’ 2020-25 strategic plan winds down, the organization is seeking proposals to assist with the process of creating its 2026-31 plan. 

Although its stakeholders are libraries, BCCLS operates as a nonprofit rather than a library system or governmental entity. Due to its unique structure, BCCLS requires a vendor well versed in nonprofit strategic planning, particularly in terms of data gathering. 

About BCCLS

BCCLS empowers our member libraries by providing a collaborative framework made stronger by the uniqueness of its members. We demonstrate our commitment to collaboration through cost-effective resource sharing, shared professional development, and the fostering of initiatives to facilitate a forward-thinking public library system.

Founded in 1979, BCCLS provides public libraries with shared services such as delivery, IT support, professional development, and more. It is a membership organization that receives annual dues from its libraries. Its primary stakeholders are its members, as it is not directly public-facing. The organization’s current strategic plan may be found here.

Project Background

BCCLS’ current strategic plan and its predecessors have all been completed in-house by a Strategic Plan Committee composed of the organization’s Executive Director and individual Library Directors. The current committee, under the general guidance of the BCCLS Executive Board, is interested in retaining a consultant for the upcoming plan in order to receive an outside perspective and expertise on the project for such elements as data gathering and development of mission, vision, and shared values, up to the creation of a full plan. 

The target date for the introduction of a completed plan is February 1, 2025, with a backup target of May 1, 2025.

The projected budget for this project is between $30,000 and $50,000.

Project Goals

The foremost goal of the 2026-31 strategic plan is to inform BCCLS’ goals and objectives over the next five years, allowing it to better serve its member libraries. The planning process will be an opportunity to reevaluate the organization’s mission, vision, and shared values and receive feedback from stakeholders. Because of the timing of the current plan’s creation, the committee hopes to develop a plan that takes into consideration the many changes that have happened to libraries and their communities as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. We also hope to consider current and future advances in technology as it continues to impact the work of public libraries.

Target Audiences

The main audiences that will be part of the data gathering process are BCCLS Library Directors, Staff, and Trustees. Comparable nonprofit organizations both in and outside of the public library sector are a secondary target, and the committee is interested in the potential of gaining insight from them for the first time. 

Proposal Instructions

All proposals must include:

Business Information

• A brief overview of your firm
• 2-3 examples of relevant completed work
• Contact information for at least one person, in the event there are questions about your proposal
• A reference list of previous clients

Deliverables

• An outline of your proposed data gathering process, such as
  • Survey development
  • Focus groups
  • Stakeholder interviews
• An outline of how you plan to analyze the aforementioned data
• Mission, vision, and shared values development
• Creation of a final plan

Budget and Timeline

• Total pricing for both all completed deliverables as stated above, as well as à la carte pricing
• An approximate timeline for each step

Proposals must be received by 5PM EST on March 15, 2024. To be considered, please send your completed proposal to dave@bccls.org.

Timeframe

Proposals will be accepted beginning February 1, 2024.

The deadline to submit is March 15, 2024. 

The anticipated start date is May 2024.