Request for Proposal: Strategic Planning Services BEFORE THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
OF LEWIS COUNTY, WASHINGTON
IN THE MATTER OF
Issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) for )
Strategic Planning Services for ) RESOLUTION NO 19- 62.
Lewis County )
WHEREAS, the Lewis County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) has
identified a need to update and amend the 2012-2015 Strategic Plan for Lewis County
which was adopted on July 30, 2012, and
WHEREAS, qualified consulting services are needed, and
WHEREAS, Lewis County is seeking proposals from qualified consulting firms
with expertise in strategic planning services, and
WHEREAS, publication to solicit for strategic planning professional services is
needed to contract with a professional consultant
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners
that the County Manager is instructed to prepare an RFP, evaluate responses and
negotiate a contract with the qualified consultant for BOCC approval, and the Clerk of
the Lewis County BOCC is instructed to proceed with all appropriate and necessary
notifications to advertise for said purpose
DONE IN OPEN SESSION this 1st day of April 2019
APPROVED AS TO FORM. BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Jonathan L Meyer, Prosecuting Attorney L 'IS ' OUNTY, WASHINGTON
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By Civil Deputy Robert C Jackson, Chair
ATTEST Gary Stamper, Vice Chair
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Rieva Lester, Clerk of t Le ty\i`o o Edna J Fund, /mmissioner
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LEWIS COUNTY NOTICE TO CONSULTANTS FOR
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP)
STRATEGIC PLANNING SERVICES
Lewis County is seeking interest from consulting firms with expertise in strategic planning services
to guide the county with the development of a renewed comprehensive strategic plan
Firms desiring consideration shall submit ten (10) copies and one (1) electronic PDF of a complete
proposal packet to Erik Martin, County Manager, 351 NW North St, Chehalis, WA 98532, by 5 00
PM local time, April 22, 2019
The Request for Proposals and supporting documents are available for review on the Lewis
County website, www lewiscountywa.gov, or at the Lewis County Board of County Commissioners'
office, 351 NW North St, Chehalis WA 98532 during regular business hours
For more information about the project and submittal requirements contact Lara McRea at 360-
740-2660 or Lara.McRea(c�lewiscountywa.gov or www lewiscountywa gov for an information
packet.
Lewis County is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer
DATED this 1st day of April, 2019
Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners
Lewis County, WA
PUBLISH The Chronicle — April 2 and April 9, 2019
Daily Journal of Commerce (Seattle) April 3, April 6 and April 10, 2019
Daily Journal of Commerce (Portland) April 3, April 5 and April 10, 2019
Lewis County Web Site @www lewiscountywa gov
LEWIS COUNTY REQUEST FOR
PROPOSALS
Comprehensive
Strategic Planning
Services
Please Submit Ten (10) Paper
Copies and One (1) Electronic
PDF by:
April 22,
2019
5:00
PM
Lewis
County
1
351 NW North
St
Chehalis, WA
98532
2
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP):
STRATEGIC PLANNING SERVICES
Estimated RFP Schedule
RFP Issued April 1, 2019
Final Date for Questions Related to RFP April 16, 2019
Proposal Deadline: April 22, 2019
Applicant Interviews. May 6-10,
2019* Selection of Consultant by Board of COUNTY
Commissioners
and Contract Development May 13, 2019*
*Exact dates are subject to change at the COUNTY's discretion
Any interested individual may request to be on an email list to receive
updates on the RFP process, including addenda to the RFP if any are issued
Lewis County may alter the RFP at any time.
Submittal Instructions
Written proposals and an electronic PDF must be received by Lewis County
no later than
5PM PST on April 22, 2019 Proposals received after this deadline will
not be accepted or considered
Send proposals to Direct questions regarding the
RFP to Erik Martin Lara McRea
County Manager County Administration
Lewis County 360 740.2660
351 NW North St lara.mcrea @lewiscountywa.gov
Chehalis, WA 98532
Background
Lewis County is a beautiful rural county with a long history As Washington's
first county, Lewis County has deep economic and cultural roots in the
timber and agriculture industries Lewis County has nine incorporated
cities/towns and over a dozen other established communities The history
and culture of Lewis County are important to the elected officials, employees
and the people they serve The cultural, social, and economic factors
affecting this area are very important in understanding how a strategic plan
will be developed and what it will include
Lewis County is a safe and proud community with good schools, a growing
economy, vibrant cities, and a wealth of recreational opportunities Hunting,
fishing, hiking, biking, skiing and boating are all just a short trip in any
direction here Lewis County utilizes these natural resources in a way that
creates an environment that attracts and retains those with an appreciation
for its natural beauty and a sense of adventure
Lewis County has a growing population approaching 80,000 and Chehalis is
the County seat
Lewis County operates under the commission form of government with three
Commissioners and a County Manager, elected officials include the Assessor,
Auditor, Clerk, Coroner, Sheriff, Treasurer, and Judges for District and Superior
Courts The perspective of these officials is important to the plan as they are
the people's representatives in the county's government.
The most recent strategic plan completed was for years 2012-2015 Many of
the goals, objectives and initiatives have been successfully completed,
achieved or engaged in some phase of implementation. Of those objectives
that have not been fully realized or initiated, some could be considered no
longer valid or relevant, however, consideration should be given to those
elements to determine if they are carried forward into the new strategic plan
or omitted all together Additional background information on the most recent
Strategic Plan will be furnished upon request.
Request for Proposals
Lewis County (COUNTY) is seeking proposals from qualified consultants/firms
to guide the COUNTY with the development of a Comprehensive Strategic
Plan for Lewis County government The COUNTY anticipates that the planning
process will take approximately three months to provide adequate time for
participation by the County leadership team and key community
stakeholders The outcome of the process will be a written and graphically
represented strategic plan that presents the planning process, the research,
the analysis, opportunities and strategies along with an implementation plan
that will guide the COUNTY for the next two to five years Please note that
this RFP requests the services of a consultant to facilitate the strategic
planning process The COUNTY is aware that there are a variety of
perspectives, models, and approaches available to develop a strategic
planning document; therefore, the successful firm should be able to discern
which model or models will best enable Lewis County to complete its
organizational and programmatic goals The successful firm will be required
to demonstrate its ability to meet these requirements
The COUNTY encourages any inquiries with respect to the expectations
and/or scope of work sought through this proposal by email to the attention
Lara McRea, lara.mcreaCa lewiscountywa.gov All inquiries will receive a
response A consultant will be selected for this project based on criteria
stated in "Evaluation of Proposals" All proposals received by 5.00 p m PST
on Monday, April 22, 2019 will receive full consideration.
RFP Process
It is expected that one (1) consultant team will be selected as a result of the
RFP, although the COUNTY is under no obligation to award a contract as a
result of the selection process Based on the proposals received, the
selection committee (comprised of COUNTY officials, staff and the BOCC) will
select individuals/firms to be interviewed As a result of those interviews the
top-rated consultant will be selected for contract negotiations The COUNTY
may also elect to forego interviews and select a consultant team based on
the information provided in the submitted proposals.
Scope of Services
As envisioned, the scope of services for this proposal will include the following
components
Visioning
1. The consultant(s) will facilitate a process that will include community
input on the vision for Lewis County government This process will
consist of outreach and public input that could include, public
meetings, stakeholder group sessions, outreach forums, online
survey(s), social media, information booths at local events, discussions
with COUNTY elected officials, discussions with COUNTY staff and other
forums as determined appropriate based on a scoping process The
result of these efforts should result in a robust array of suggestions
from members of our community and county officials The desired
outcome is a vision for Lewis County, from our community members
and leaders which will include specific visioning goals that will serve as
a framework for the strategic planning process. The Consultant will
develop a work plan to guide project activities and communications
The Consultant will conduct orientation and briefing sessions for the
COUNTY to educate them on the goals of the project and the desired
outcomes The consultant must also be available for any necessary
presentations to the BOARD and/or project team to include but not
limited to a final strategic plan presentation
2 Review current COUNTY information available on the COUNTY website
including department home pages, budget information, COUNTY
ordinances, and other related documents and information The most
recent COUNTY strategic plan is available upon request.
3, Conduct a situational analysis of COUNTY organization
4 Identify and assess the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and
threats of the COUNTY organization
5 Based on the assessment data, facilitate revitalization of the Vision,
Values, and Mission for the COUNTY organization
6 Facilitate the development of goals and objectives that support the
Vision, Values, and
Mission of the COUNTY organization
7 Identify potential strategic initiatives with outcomes that support
community commerce, community collaboration, community condition
and community character.
8 Facilitate the development of performance metrics - key indicators
and outcomes that can serve as the basis for performance measures of
the Lewis County organization
9 Facilitate the development of a process to keep elected officials
involved and engaged in a continual strategic planning process
including use the Executive Steering Committee (ESC) meeting
agendas to handle strategic discussions, feedback loops, newsletters
and regularly scheduled reviews and reports
10 Facilitate the development of a process to keep employees involved
and engaged in a continual strategic planning process including focus
groups, feedback loops, newsletters and regularly scheduled reviews
and reports
11 Submit recommendations for appropriate implementation measures
for COUNTY staff Include proposed policies and administrative
guidelines that will need to be revised or created to administer the
comprehensive strategic plan These policies and administrative
guidelines should be very specific in nature Develop a system to
measure the effectiveness of COUNTY activities in meeting the
objectives of the comprehensive strategic plan Ensure the measures
are linked to the overall vision, mission and goals of the COUNTY as a
whole
Strategic Planning Session Preparation
As necessary, the COUNTY envisions holding several short
retreats/workshops dedicated to this effort We seek input from the
consultant to help structure and facilitate the event to maximize impact.
Among topics that can be addressed at the retreats are.
Needs Assessment - Assessment of the values, strengths, weaknesses, and
competencies of the
COUNTY
Program Inventory and Analysis - Inventory existing program offerings
and partnerships to serve as a baseline to identify service gaps and
opportunities for different delivery options, partnerships and
collaborations.
Identification of Opportunities, Strategies and Vision - Refining the vision
for the COUNTY which identifies its priorities, opportunities and strategies,
and clarifies the COUNTY's role and confirms its mission and values
Citizen Services - how can the COUNTY be structured and operate to
maximize citizen services and sustain these services at a high level
Community priorities - what are the top projects or programs community
members are interested in and would like to see prioritized as part of
moving the COUNTY forward
Information Gathering
During this phase, the consultant will collect data and information to
become more familiar with COUNTY The consultant shall perform a SWOT
analysis to identify the COUNTY's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities
and threats involving and relating to the organization This effort should
include determining the community's strengths, weaknesses, threats and
assets, its resources, and other valuable insight in light of current trends
and topics influencing and impacting the community Such information
may include, but should not be limited to an inventory of COUNTY
resources including its finances, infrastructure, staff, opportunities, a
community inventory of people, education, health care, business
development, job opportunities, housing, arts, culture, heritage, history,
recreation, natural features, entertainment, geography, demographics,
socioeconomics and technology.
The consultant will describe the methodology to identify vital challenges
and opportunities identified In addition, develop plan implementation
steps and techniques along with a schedule of target dates to further
define the goals. Benchmarks or milestones will be identified to help
measure the COUNTY's success in implementing the Strategic Plan.
Development of initiatives to promote public involvement designed to
engage the community, stakeholders and COUNTY leadership
throughout the process is critical
Report Review
At the end of this exercise, the consultant and the project team will draft a
final plan document for review and presentation to the COUNTY The
consultant will be participating in review and refinement of this document.
The BOARD, leadership team and consultant will work collectively to
develop a series of implementation techniques designed to keep
community members, stakeholders, business leaders, COUNTY staff and
COUNTY elected officials engaged in the implementation of the identified
goals, objectives and initiatives of the Strategic Plan This process could
be coordinated with an oversight or implementation committee tasked with
meeting regularly to ensure the Strategic Plan remains a viable "living"
project for the next two to five years At a minimum, the consultant will
provide the following deliverables.
1 A proposed list of methods and or documents to support and facilitate
public outreach and community engagement
2 A final Strategic Plan document that includes an implementation plan
with defined milestones and benchmarks intended to measure the
COUNTY's progress.
3 An executive summary of the Strategic Plan in a condensed, easy to
understand, 1-2 page graphic document that can be distributed to the
public and key stakeholders
Proposal Submission Requirements
1 Cover letter of interest and transmittal not to exceed one page in
length
2 Legal name of the consultant firm, address, phone, fax, and email
address, year the firm was established, and type of business
3 An organization chart indicating roles of all individuals and firms
involved in this project, as appropriate Include brief resumes for all
individuals identifying their proposed roles and applicable
qualifications and experience The name of the person intended to be
the project coordinator for this Strategic Plan and a list of recently
completed projects relevant to the scope of this RFP
4. A clear articulation to the firm's approach to be used in this project
including a proposed schedule and description of the proposed
methods of public involvement
5 A summary of qualifications, related experience and references
6 Proposed scope of work and, project approach and plan to accomplish
the work Describe in detail your firm's project approach and
methodology in managing and implementing a project of this size and
scope and experience of developing and supporting the
implementation of a comprehensive strategic plan Key elements
include.
• Project Understanding
• Project Methodology and Deliverables
• Roles & Responsibilities
• Project Management
7 A minimum of three (3) examples of relevant written work related to
strategic planning, with no less than one example prepared on behalf
of a local government organization or comparable entity
8 Fee schedule and proposed fee to accomplish the work (separate,
sealed envelope marked Fee Schedule).
9 Proposals must be complete in order to be considered by the
evaluation committee
Submittals may be mailed or delivered to
Erik Martin, County Manager
Lewis County
351 NW North St
Chehalis, WA 98532
Applicants must submit ten (10) hard copies to the COUNTY by the
deadline The submittals shall be clearly marked on the exterior to denote
both the names of the submitting firm and the particular professional
services contract for which the proposals are offered, "Strategic Planning
Services" For items 1-6 under Proposal Submission Requirements must
be limited to ten (10) pages, front and back, in length
All proposals should also be submitted as computer files in PDF format
Electronic files may be transferred via email to Erik Martin at
erik martin @lewiscountywa gov_or provided on a portable electronic
storage device The COUNTY is not responsible for returning portable
storage devices. Large files should be uploaded with a link to download
files provided via email
Lewis County is not responsible for communication errors. Applicants are
advised to call the COUNTY Administration Department at 360-740-2660 to
confirm that a submittal has been received
Evaluation of Proposals
Lewis County's project team will review and evaluate all properly submitted
proposals received on or before the deadline The project team will first
review each proposal for compliance with the minimum qualifications and
mandatory requirements of the RFP Failure to comply with any mandatory
requirements may disqualify a proposal The project team shall participate
in the analysis of RFPs, the interview process and the final recommendation
of the selected consultant for the project Upon successful negotiations
with the selected consultant, the contract will be recommended for
approval by the project team to the Board of COUNTY Commissioners for
final approval
The COUNTY will rank proposals based on the criteria stated below.
1 Responsiveness of the Proposal to the project objectives.
2 Responding firm's experience in completing work of a similar size and
scope Considerable weight will be given to projects in similar sized,
rural communities. Considerable weight will be given to projects in
mid-sized rural communities similar to Lewis County prepared within
the last five (5) years
3 Specific qualifications of the primary staff who will manage,
supervise, and provide services, including past experience on
projects of similar size and scope
4 Public sector experience and qualifications of the firm. This includes
past project experience and/or research projects conducted for
recognized industry associations
5 Proposer's project management methodology and experience
6 Proposer's familiarity with the strategic planning needs and
challenges of the Lewis County
7 Responses of the client references.
8 Strategic Planning approach and methodology
9 Cost of services and payment policies.
10 Such other information that may be required or secured.
Lewis County Rights
Lewis County reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, make
counter proposals and/or engage in negotiations with any or all firms or
individuals, waive any requirements or otherwise amend this RFP, or
cancel the RFP in order to achieve the COUNTY's goals and objectives for
this project. Any changes in the status of the RFP will be brought to the
attention of all parties that provide contact information for updates The
information contained in this RFP represent the COUNTY's best information
at the time of the release of the RFP and the COUNTY reserves the right to
modify any term or condition contained herein
Responsibility for Proposal Preparation
Except as otherwise specifically agreed to in writing by the COUNTY,
each consulting individual or team submitting proposals shall provide
and pay for all materials, labor, transportation, charges, levies, taxes,
fees or expenses incurred, including all costs to prepare a response to
this RFP, travel and presentation costs, and all other services and
facilities of every nature whatsoever necessary for the preparation of the
RFP.
It is neither the COUNTY's responsibility nor practice to acknowledge
receipt of any proposal as a result of the RFP process. It is the proposer's
responsibility to assure that a proposal is delivered and received in a timely
manner.
No Conflict of Interest
No member of the Board of COUNTY Commissioners, member of the
evaluation committee for this RFP, and any other officer, employee or
agent of the Lewis County who exercises any functions or responsibilities
in the selection of a proposal, shall have any personal interest, direct or
indirect, in the project
Open Records/Proprietary Information
Lewis County recognizes that in responding to this RFP, the proposer
may desire to provide proprietary information in order to clarify and
enhance their response To the extent permitted by law, Lewis County
will keep confidential such information provided that
1. The information submitted is arguably proprietary, and
2. The proprietary information is submitted in a separate file or
section that is clearly identified as containing proprietary
information, according to the submittal instructions of this RFP Only
information that is credibly propriety may be included Inclusion of
non-propriety significant information in the sealed portions may
render a submittal ineligible
Responders should note that Lewis County is a county in Washington State,
and as such its files are available for public review pursuant all applicable
public disclosure laws and the Washington State Open Public Meetings Act
BOCC AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
Resolution BOCC Meeting Date Apr 01, 2019
Suggested Wording for Agenda Item' Agenda Type Notice
Issuing a Request for Proposals-(RFP) for Strategic Planning Services for Lewis County
Contact Erik Martin Phone 3607402697
Department Board of County Commissioners
Action Needed' Call for Bids/Proposals
Description
A Request for Proposals (RFP) is to be issued to retain a qualified professional consultant for strategic planning
services to guide the county with the development of a renewed comprehensive strategic plan The proposals
must be received no later than 5 00 p.m local time, April 22, 2019, at the Lewis County Board of County
Commissioners' office (351 NW North St, Chehalis, WA 98532)
Approvals:
User Group Status
Martin,Erik BOCC Pending
Additional Copies
Erik Martin,Lara McRea
109186 Notice for RFP-
Strategic Planning
LEWIS micry
mai&TO
CONIM,T. `FOR:
ft,R
PROPOSAL.($FP)
STRATEiNlNG
Lewis County is seeking
interest from consulting
AFFIDAVIT firms with expertise in
OF PUBLICATION strategic planning county with
to ulde tM. cgiumty with
STATE OF WASHINGTON e opmepnr of s re-
newed comprehensive
COUNTY OF LEWIS :ten
Fltms; deskirg considera-
tion Shall.,submit tan (10)
copies and one (1) elec-
Alysa Andrews,and/or Mandy Klemola,says that she is the legal tonic PDF of a complete
clerk of proposal packet to Erik
Martin, County Manager.
381 t4YV Noti► St �.- .
�fje Ns,WA-. ,'r� 5. . PM.
ei'tOf ILIP -local tine,App 22;
The Request'for Proposals
a semi-weekly newspaper,which has been established,published and supporting documents on
in the English language,and circulated continuously as a the Le are Le i[abie tot'revibw wis County website,
semi-weekly newspaper in the City of Centralia,and in Lewis 36 tww.lewiscountywa.gov,
County,Washington,general circulation in Lewis County for or at the Lewis County
more than six(6)months prior to the date of the first publication Board of County Commis-
of the notice hereto attached,and that the said Chronicle was on stoners' office, 351 NW
the 7th day of July 1941 approved as a legal newspaper by the North St Chehalis, WA
Superior Court of said Lewis County And that the attached is a 98532 � g busi-
ness hours.
true copy and was published in regular issues(and not in For more information about
supplement form)of said newspaper as LEGAL#109166 the project and submittal
RE:otice for RFP-Strategic Planning requirements contact Lara
'/ ` McRea at 360-740-2680 or
once each 1i 1Or a period of 2 J . .0' L e''r a . M'c' R a a
fiPlawiscountywa.gov or
Www,tew isco u ntywa.gov
commencing on 04/02/2019 and ending on 04/09/2019 for an information packet.
L Wis County Is an equal
and both regularly distributed to its subscribers during all of said opportunity and affirmative
period.That full amount of the fee charged for the foregoing action employer.
publicatio•- m of$44.22 DATED this 1st day of,
/ April,2019..
Clerk of the Board'of
.��/ —� / County Commissioners
Subscribe• ••. sworn to befor• me 04/09/2019 Lewis County,WA
PUBLISH:The Chronic*-
. 114 4 411. 1 April 2 and Apd l 9,2019
`�ptNUwprbq� Daily Journal of Commerce
April 6
Notary Public in and for the State of Washings r���� •A01'1�•r1�9 ��ii 200 and
residing at _ `�.► M;•..9 ' r -.bks�alFtfC.om
r ?q (Portland). 3, Aprti 5
3 : TA.go Lewis' COUnty Web Site
• '°VRLIC
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.' . Published:The Chronicle
may,, • .•' �.�� April 2&9,2019 -
7i�gi f f it*1 t N%N'��```
State of Washington, King County
Lewis County
Strategic Planning
Services
Proposals Due:April 22
LEWIS COUNTY NOTICE TO
CONSULTANTS FOR
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL
(RFP)
STRATEGIC PLANNING
SERVICES
Lewis County is seeking inter-
est from consulting firms with
expertise in strategic planning
services to guide the county with
the development of a renewed com-
prehensive strategic plan
Firms desiring consideration
shall submit ten (10) copies and
one (1)electronic PDF of a com
plete proposal packet to Erik
Martin,County Manager 351 NW
North St Chehalis WA 98532
by 5:00 PM local time April 22
2019
The Request for Proposals
and supporting documents
are available for review on the
Lewis County website www.
lewiscountvwa.eov, or at the
Lewis County Board of County
Commissioners' office 351 NW
North St,Chehalis WA 98532 dur-
ing regular business hours
For more information about
the project and submittal require
ments contact Lara McRea at
360 740-2660 or Lara.McReat
lewiscountywa.eov or www.lewis
countywa.gov for an information
packet
Lewis County is an equal
opportunity and affirmative action
employer
DATED this 1st day of
April,2019
Clerk of the Board of County
Commissioners
Lewis County WA
Dates of publication in
the Seattle Daily Journal of
Commerce April 3, 6 and 10
2019
4/10(372194)
STATE OF WASHINGTON -- KING COUNTY
ss
372194 No
Lewis Co Commissioners
Affidavit of Publication
The undersigned,on oath states that he is an authorized representative of The Daily Journal of
Commerce,a daily newspaper which newspaper is a legal newspaper of general circulation and It is now
and has been for more than six months prior to the date of publication hereinafter referred to,published in
the English language continuously as a daily newspaper in Seattle,King County,Washington,and it is now
and during all of said time was printed in an office maintained at the aforesaid place of publication of this
newspaper The Daily Journal of Commerce was on the 12`h day of June 1941 approved as a legal
newspaper by the Superior Court of King County
The notice in the exact form annexed,was published in regular issues of The Daily Journal of
Commerce which was regularly distributed to its subscribers during the below stated period The annexed
notice,a
CN STRATEGIC PLANNING
was published on
04/03/19 04/06/19 04/10/19
The amount of the fee charged for the foregoing publi .tion is the sum of$327.60
A
AllprAtz. OSA'
'c-k A 49'14• Subscri bed and sworn to before me on
f x 9 fr 04/10/2019
PtJBL '
• c. ri r• ding i eattle
tit ; '.
LL WAS .