RFP:?Leadership Consulting Services

State of Minnesota
Minnesota State Lottery
First Amended REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL
Leadership Consulting Services
Date Posted: Monday August 10 through Friday August 28, 2026
* Written questions must be received by 2:00 p.m., Central Time, Monday 8/31/26.
* Responses must be received by 2:00 p.m., Central Time, Wednesday 9/9/26 9/16/26.
* Late responses will not be considered.
Minnesota's Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
The State of Minnesota is committed to diversity and inclusion in its public procurement process. The goal is to
ensure that those providing goods and services to the State are representative of our Minnesota communities
and include businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, and those with substantial physical disabilities.
Creating broader opportunities for historically under-represented groups provides for additional options and
greater competition in the marketplace, creates stronger relationships and engagement within our communities,
and fosters economic development and equality.
To further this commitment, the Department of Administration operates a program for Minnesota-based small
businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, and those with substantial physical disabilities. For
additional information on this program, or to determine eligibility, please call 651-296-2600 or go to the Office
of Equity in Procurement home page, at www.mn.gov/admin/oep.
SPECIAL NOTICE: This is a request for proposal. It does not obligate the State of Minnesota to award a contract or
complete the proposed program, and the State reserves the right to cancel this solicitation if it is considered in its
best interest. All costs incurred in responding to this solicitation will be borne by the responder.
Rev. 07.28.2026 Page 1 of 40

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Solicitation Content
SECTION 1 - INSTRUCTIONS TO RESPONDERS ..................................................................................................... 3
SECTION 2 - SUMMARY OF SCOPE ...................................................................................................................... 5
SECTION 3 - PROPOSAL INSTRUCTIONS AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION .......................................................... 7
SECTION 4 - PROPOSAL CONTENT ...................................................................................................................... 8
SECTION 5 - EVALUATION PROCEDURE AND CRITERIA ........................................................................................ 9
SECTION 6 - UNENFORCEABLE TERMS AND SOLICITATION TERMS .................................................................... 10
Solicitation Attachments
* Attachment A: Responder Declarations
* Attachment B: Exceptions to State's Terms and Conditions
* Attachment C: Cost Detail
* Attachment D: Responder Form
Workforce and Equal Pay Declaration Page
o
* Attachment E: Reference Form
Sample Contract
* Exhibit A: Contract Terms
* Exhibit B: Insurance Requirements
* Exhibit C: Specifications, Duties, and Scope of Work
* Exhibit D: Pricing
Rev. 07.28.2026 Page 2 of 40

SECTION 1 - INSTRUCTIONS TO RESPONDERS
Steps for Follow the steps below to complete your response to this Solicitation:
Completing Your
Step 1: Read the solicitation documents and submit questions, if any
Response
Step 2: Write your response
Step 3: Submit your response
Incomplete A response must be submitted along with any required additional documents. Incomplete
Submittals responses that materially deviate from the required format and content may be rejected.
STEP 1 - READ THE SOLICITATION DOCUMENT & SUBMIT QUESTIONS, IF ANY
How to Ask The contact person for questions:
Questions
Sarah Pound, Purchasing Manager
Minnesota Lottery Purchasing Department
purchasing@mnlottery.com
Questions regarding the RFP must be emailed to the contact by 2:00 p.m., Central Time,
Monday 8/31/26.
Other personnel are not authorized to answer questions regarding this Solicitation. Answers to
questions will be posted publicly on https://www.mnlottery.com/vendor-opportunities.
STEP 2 - WRITE YOUR RESPONSE
The Response Content section is in this link to Section 4. Prepare a written response and
supply all requested content. Responses should address the requested information and
documents detailed in Section 4. DO NOT INCLUDE Non-Public/Trade Secret data (as defined in
this link to Minn. Stat. 13.37).
Review, sign, and include the Responder Declarations with your response.
STEP 3 -SUBMIT YOUR RESPONSE
Where to Send Submit your response via email to:
Your Response
Sarah Pound, Purchasing Manager
Minnesota Lottery
purchasing@mnlottery.com
Proposals must be received by 2:00 p.m., Central Time, Tuesday 9/9/26 Wednesday 9/16/26.
Late responses will not be considered. Faxed proposals will not be considered.
Send three emails, i.e., separate, password-protected emails of 1) the PDFs of the proposal, 2)
the cost detail, and 3) the password.
By submitting a response, responder is making a binding legal offer for the period of time set forth
below in Section 6, Conditions of Offer.
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SECTION 2 - SUMMARY OF SCOPE
Procurement Overview and Goals.
The Minnesota Lottery has been in operation since 1990 and exists to raise money for programs that positively
impact the lives of Minnesotans. Twenty-four percent of Lottery sales are contributed to the State of Minnesota
each year, representing a major source of funding for the State and for important environmental causes as
detailed on mnlottery.com/playing-our-part.
To continue this funding for state programs, the Minnesota Lottery seeks independent expertise that will allow
the Minnesota Lottery to obtain the best value for its important beneficiaries. More information about the
Lottery is in the annual report at FY25-Annual-Report_Accessible_Small.pdf on https://www.mnlottery.com, and
at https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statues/cite/349A.
Through this RFP process the Minnesota Lottery is seeking an as-needed consultancy to work with the Lottery
executive director and senior team to assist with and focus on leadership growth, decision making, strategic
planning, public affairs, communication, and activities within the Minnesota Legislature.
The Lottery is led by an Executive Director, who will be the primary point of contact for this consulting project.
Additionally, the Lottery Executive team consists of Operations, Sales & Marketing, Public Relations, Legal,
Human Resources, Information, Security, and Finance leaders. These leaders, particularly those with
communications responsibilities, may require assistance.
Tasks, Deliverables, and Qualifications.
To deliver value to the Minnesota Lottery, the consultant must have
* a deep understanding of the Minnesota Lottery, Minnesota Executive Branch agencies, the lottery
business, or other gaming businesses.
* extensive experience in executive level leadership, communications, crisis management, the state
legislative process, and strategic planning.
* extensive experience working with a state agency, lottery or similar gaming business, lottery retailers, or
government officials.
The consultant will deliver leadership consulting services on an as-needed, hourly basis to the Minnesota Lottery
executive director and senior team. The Contractor will provide consulting services in a timely manner with
delivery dates agreed on by the State and the Consultant as each request for consulting services is made by the
State.
Hypothetical Example Assignment #1:
The Minnesota Lottery is one of the most successful vendors at the Minnesota State Fair, which attracts more
than two million visitors each year. The Lottery booth draws more than one hundred thousand attendees
annually. As the Public Affairs team develops its plan, what strategies would you recommend for leveraging this
high-visibility opportunity to generate positive earned media for the Minnesota Lottery?
Rev. 07.28.2026 Page 4 of 40

Hypothetical Example Assignment #2:
The Minnesota Lottery recently promoted a long-time employee to a senior leadership position. She is now
supervising her former colleagues. How would you work with her to effectively make this transition? What skills
and insights could you bring to help her and the Lottery? Your job is not to write a plan, but to help her develop
her own plan for becoming an effective supervisor and leader.
Hypothetical Example Assignment #3:
A bill was recently introduced by a legislative leader that could have significant consequences for Lottery
operations. These consequences could be lower sales or decreased relevancy but appear to be unintended
rather than a deliberate policy choice. How would you assist the Lottery in developing a plan to educate its
stakeholders on how the bill would impact the Lottery? Your job is not to write a plan, but to help Lottery
leadership.
(intentionally blank)
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SECTION 3 - PROPOSAL INSTRUCTIONS AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Anticipated Contract Term.
The fixed term of this contract is one (1) year, with the option of up to two (1) one (1) year extension, for a total term
of three (3) years. The State and Contractor must come to agreement before extensions are enacted. The
compensation will remain strictly hourly and based on extensive details provided by the Responder on monthly time
sheets.
Question and Answer Instructions.
All questions should be submitted no later than the date and time listed in Section 1, Instructions to Responders. The
State is not obligated to answer questions submitted after the question due date and time.
Only personnel listed above are authorized to discuss this solicitation with responders. Contact regarding this
solicitation with any personnel not listed above could result in disqualification. This provision is not intended to
prevent responders from seeking guidance from state procurement assistance programs regarding general
procurement questions.
If a Responder discovers any significant ambiguity, error, conflict, discrepancy, omission, or other deficiency in the
solicitation, please immediately notify the contact person detailed above in writing of such error and request
modification or clarification of the document.
Additional Tasks or Activities.
Responders are encouraged to propose additional tasks, activities, or goods above and beyond the scope of what is
requested in this solicitation if they will substantially improve the results of this procurement. Any costs associated
with these additional tasks, activities, or goods should be clearly marked and separated from costs associated with
the tasks, activities, or goods specifically requested under this solicitation. Because cost is a factor in the evaluation of
responses to this solicitation, failure to separate costs for additional tasks, activities, or goods may result in those
costs being included in a responder's cost proposal and result in a lower cost score for that proposal.
Rev. 07.28.2026 Page 6 of 40

SECTION 4 - PROPOSAL CONTENT
Please submit the following information:
1. Work Plan for Example Assignment. Responder should respond to each Example Assignment listed above by
providing a description of the deliverables to be provided by the Responder along with a detailed work plan that
identifies the benefit from insights that could help the Lottery team further the Lottery's mission. This document
must not list cost detail. If cost detail is included in this document, the Minnesota Lottery will disqualify the
proposal as non-responsive. Responder should provide a statement of the objectives, goals, timelines, and tasks
to clearly show the Responder's view and understanding of the nature of each Example Assignment, the
challenges facing the Minnesota Lottery, and the value that would be added by hiring you as a consultant to
assist the executive director and senior team.
2. Qualifications, Experience, and Independence. Responder must provide an outline of background and experience,
with examples of similar work done by the Responder, including details regarding training and work experience.
Information must not contain a Responder's personal telephone number, home address, or home email address.
This section must include two (2) examples of the tasks and deliverables similar to those described in Section 2,
Summary and Scope, above.
3. References. Responder must complete and submit two (2) "Attachment E: Reference Forms" with their response.
Responder must answer every question and provide all information requested on the reference forms. Failure to
meet this requirement may result in the rejection of the entire solicitation response as non-responsive.
The Minnesota Lottery reserves the right to verify the information submitted on Attachment E before an award is
made. The Minnesota Lottery reserves the right to contact the references listed in Attachment E. The solicitation
response may be rejected if the Minnesota Lottery, in its sole discretion, receives information that indicates the
Responder is non-responsible, non-responsive, or has provided false or incorrect information.
4. Cost Detail. Complete and submit Attachment C, "Cost Detail," attached to this solicitation.
Submit all requested documentation, including, but not limited to, the following documents:
1. Attachment A: Responder Declarations
2. Attachment B: Exceptions to State's Standard Terms and Conditions
3. Attachment C: Cost Proposal
4. Attachment D: Responder Forms
a. Workforce and Equal Pay Declaration Page
5. Attachment E: Reference Form
DO NOT INCLUDE Non-Public/Trade Secret data (as defined by Minn. Stat. 13.37)
Rev. 07.28.2026 Page 7 of 40

SECTION 5 - EVALUATION PROCEDURE AND CRITERIA
The Minnesota Lottery (hereinafter referred to as "the State") will conduct an evaluation of responses to this
Solicitation. The evaluations will be conducted in three phases:
Phase 1 - Review responses for responsiveness and pass/fail requirements
Phase 2 - Evaluate responses
Phase 3 - Select finalist(s) (optional)
Phase 1 - Responsiveness and Pass/Fail Requirements
The purpose of this phase is to determine if each response complies with mandatory requirements. The State will first
review each proposal for responsiveness to determine if the Responder satisfies all mandatory requirements. The
State will evaluate these requirements on a pass/fail basis.
Mandatory Requirements. The following will be considered on a pass/fail basis:
* Responses must be received by the due date and time specified in this RFP.
* Experience working with similarly situated organizations as demonstrated at least two (2) examples of the
tasks and deliverables similar to those described in Section 2, Summary of Scope, above.
Phase 2 - Evaluate Responses
Only those responses found to have met Phase 1 criteria will be considered in Phase 2.
The factors and weighting on which responses will be evaluated are:
1. Tasks and Deliverables 400 points
2. Qualifications, Experience, and Independence 300 points
3. Cost Detail 300 points
1,000 points
4. Preference Points* (if applicable) 120 points (in addition to 1,000 available)
*Preference points are described under Solicitation Terms and will be applied to the total score after points have
been awarded.
Phase 3 - Select Finalist(s)
Only those responses that have been evaluated under Phase 2 shall be eligible for Phase 3. The State may select
finalists for interviews or presentations. If the State selects finalists, it will provide the finalists with an agenda before
the interview or presentation. Upon completion of the interview, the State may adjust its non-price scores.
The State will make its selection based on best value, as determined by this evaluation process. The State reserves
the right to pursue negotiations on any exception taken to the State's standard terms and conditions. In the event
that negotiated terms cannot be reached, the State reserves the right to terminate negotiations and begin
negotiating with the next highest scoring responder or take other actions as the State deems appropriate. If the State
anticipates multiple awards, the State reserves the right to negotiate with more than one Responder.
It is anticipated that the evaluation and selection will be completed by Friday 9/18/26.
Rev. 07.28.2026 Page 8 of 40

SECTION 6 - UNENFORCEABLE TERMS AND SOLICITATION TERMS
Unenforceable Terms
As of July 1, 2025, certain terms are unenforceable in state contracts. See Session Laws, 2025 Regular Session,
Chapter 39, Article 2, Section 45.
Unenforceable terms
(a) A contract entered into by the state shall not contain a term that:
(1) requires the state to defend, indemnify, or hold harmless another person or entity, unless specifically authorized
by statute;
(2) binds a party by terms and conditions that may be unilaterally changed by the other party;
(3) requires mandatory arbitration;
(4) attempts to extend arbitration obligations to disputes unrelated to the original contract;
(5) construes the contract in accordance with the laws of a state other than Minnesota;
(6) obligates state funds in subsequent fiscal years in the form of automatic renewal as defined in section 325G.56; or
(7) is inconsistent with chapter 13, the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act.
(b) If a contract is entered into that contains a term prohibited in paragraph (a), that term shall be void and the
contract is enforceable as if it did not contain that term.
Solicitation Terms
Competition in Responding
The State desires open and fair competition. Questions from responders regarding any of the requirements of the
Solicitation must be submitted in writing to the Solicitation Administrator listed in the Solicitation before the due
date and time. If changes are made the State will issue an addendum.
Any evidence of collusion among responders in any form designed to defeat competitive responses will be reported
to the Minnesota Attorney General for investigation and appropriate action.
Addenda to the Solicitation
Changes to the Solicitation will be made by addendum with notification and posted in the same manner as the
original Solicitation. Any addenda issued will become part of the Solicitation.
Data Security - Foreign Outsourcing of Work is Prohibited
All storage and processing of information shall be performed within the borders of the United States. This provision
also applies to work performed by subcontractors at all levels.
Joint Ventures
The State allows joint ventures among groups of responders when responding to the solicitation. However, one (1)
responder must submit a response on behalf of all the others in the group. The responder that submits the response
will be considered legally responsible for the response (and the contract, if awarded).
Withdrawing Response
A responder may withdraw its response prior to the due date and time of the Solicitation. A responder may withdraw
its response by notifying the Solicitation Administrator in writing of the desire to withdraw.
Rev. 07.28.2026 Page 9 of 40

After the due date and time of this Solicitation, a responder may withdraw a response only upon showing that an
obvious error exists in the response. The showing and request for withdrawal must be made in writing to Solicitation
Administrator within a reasonable time and prior to the State's detrimental reliance on the response.
Rights Reserved
The State reserves the right to:
* Reject any and all responses received;
* Waive or modify any informalities, irregularities, or inconsistencies in the responses received;
* Negotiate with the highest scoring Responder[s];
* Terminate negotiations and select the next response providing the best value for the State;
* Consider documented past performance resulting from a State contract may be considered in the evaluation
process;
* Short list the highest scoring Responders;
* Require Responders to conduct presentations, demonstrations, or submit samples;
* Interview key personnel or references;
* Request a best and final offer from one or more Responders;
* The State reserves the right to request additional information; and
* The State reserves the right to use estimated usage or scenarios for the purpose of conducting pricing
evaluations. The State reserves the right to modify scenarios, and to request or add additional scenarios for
the evaluation.
Samples and Demonstrations
Upon request, Responders are to provide samples to the State at no charge. Except for those destroyed or mutilated
in testing, the State will return samples if requested and at the Responder's expense. All costs to conduct and
associated with a demonstration will be the sole responsibility of the Responder.
Responses are Nonpublic during Evaluation Process
All materials submitted in response to this Solicitation will become property of the State. During the evaluation
process, all information concerning the responses submitted will remain private or nonpublic and will not be
disclosed to anyone whose official duties do not require such knowledge. Responses are private or nonpublic data
until the completion of the evaluation process as defined by Minn. Stat. 13.591. The completion of the evaluation
process is defined as the State having completed negotiating a contract with the selected responder. The State will
notify all responders in writing of the evaluation results.
Trade Secret Information
9.1 Responders must not submit as part of their response trade secret material, as defined by Minn. Stat.
13.37.
9.2 In the event trade secret data are submitted, Responder must defend any action seeking release of data it
believes to be trade secret, and indemnify and hold harmless the State, its agents and employees, from any
judgments awarded against the State in favor of the party requesting the data, and any and all costs connected
with that defense.
9.3 The State does not consider cost or prices to be trade secret material, as defined by Minn. Stat. 13.37.
9.4 A responder may present and discuss trade secret information during an interview or demonstration with
the State, if applicable.
Rev. 07.28.2026 Page 10 of 40