Request for Proposals

Contact: Steven D. Decker, Director
Cedar City Public Library
303 North 100 East
Cedar City, UT 84721
dsteve@cedarcity.org
435-586-6661 x1001

Important Dates:
Completion of RFP: April 3, 2009
Create list of potential recipients: April 3, 2009
RFP to potential participants: April 6, 2009
Proposals due: May 1, 2009
(All proposals are to be submitted by e-mail to the address above)
Selection of individual or team: May 15, 2009
Completion of Study: September 18, 2009

Background:
The Utah State Library Division (Grantor), in cooperation with Cedar City Public Library (Grantee), is seeking proposals from qualified econometricians, economists, and statisticians to expand a pilot study that took place early in 2009. The pilot study was aimed at determining ROI for monies spent on public libraries in Utah. A positive ROI was indicated. The methodology of the study was a survey tool sent by e-mail to public library directors, trustees, and interested parties throughout the state. Parties were asked to forward it to their contacts. It incorporated all monies spent without regard to operation or construction. This was done to determine whether the results pointed to positive, sustainable ROI figures. The survey designer is aware that differing methods of calculation may be applied to regular operating costs and to job creating monies such as construction. See Appendix 1 for the report from the pilot study.

RFP:
The successful researcher or research team will:
• Review the information obtained from the pilot study.
• Review similar studies from other states and communities.
• Develop a survey instrument for valid and reliable measurement of ROI.
• Develop a means of survey distribution and collection adequate for valid and reliable measurement.
• Analyze and return results along with a description of methodology and an explanation of anonymities.
• Deliver a product as described under “Deliverables,” below.

Deliverables:
• Deliverables will include a document that meets or exceeds all bullets under RFP, above.
• A total calculated ROI value.
• ROI value for subsets of data as appropriate.
• Calculate a margin of error for the study.
• Deliver all data no later than September 18, 2009.

Interest in Submitting a Proposal and Proposal Submission
Interested individuals or teams are hereby solicited to present a monetary bid for conducting the research outlined in this RFP and submitting it to Steve Decker at the e-mail address above. Proposals received after the advertised date will not be accepted.
Proposals should include:
1. The name and contact information of the contact researcher.
2. The name and contact information of all members of the research team (if submitted as a team project).
3. The dollar amount, in U. S. dollars, that the submitter requires for the project.
4. A resume or CV for the researcher and each member of the research team.
5. An anticipated methodology for conducting the study.
6. A written statement that the conditions of this RFP can be met, including the scheduled dates listed above.
7. A list of similar projects conducted by the researcher or research team (if not included in the resume or CV).
8. Submit responses to Steve Decker, dsteve@cedarcity.org, under the subject heading “RFP Response.”

For More Information:
Contact Steve Decker at the address, phone, or e-mail above. Cedar City Public Library reserves the right to reject any or all proposals.