Request for Proposals: HEART Hub, SPARK Space Design

Request for Proposals (RFP)

SPARK Space Design – Healthcare Education and Regional Training (HEART) Hub

Introduction & Background 

The Health Education and Regional Training (HEART) Hub is a transformative initiative designed to strengthen healthcare workforce development in Lake and Mendocino Counties. A key component of this initiative is the Students Promoting Awareness of Real-World Knowledge (SPARK) Program, aimed at introducing students (grades 5-8) to healthcare careers through immersive, hands-on learning experiences.

To support this effort, Lake County Economic Development Corporation seeks proposals from qualified design consultants to develop an engaging, functional, and interactive SPARK space that fosters early exposure to healthcare professions while aligning with best practices in experiential education.2.

 

Project Objectives

The SPARK space will be located within the HEART Hub facility at Sutter Lakeside Hospital in Lakeport, CA, and the successful candidate with work with the HEART Hub advisory groups to develop a space that:

– Incorporates interactive medical simulations, guided tours, and mentorship spaces to enhance students (grades 5-8) engagement.

– Features flexible, multi-functional learning areas that accommodate various learning formats specifically for the state guidelines for grades 6-8.

– Optimizes technology integration to provide immersive learning experiences.

– Aligns with Career and Technical Education (CTE) Pathways to support long-term career development.

– Ensures accessibility and inclusivity for diverse student populations.

 

Scope of Work  

The consultant will be responsible for the following tasks:

  1. Needs Assessment & Concept Development  

   – Participate in stakeholder meetings (educators, healthcare professionals, students, and community partners).  

   – Develop preliminary design concepts based on input and industry best practices.  

   

  1. Space Planning & Design  

   – Create a layout that maximizes engagement and accommodates interactive learning modules.  

   – Integrate appropriate simulation equipment, mentorship zones, and digital learning tools.  

   

  1. Renderings & Design Documentation  

   – Provide detailed architectural and interior design plans.  

   – Include 3D visualizations or mock-ups for stakeholder review.  

 

  1. Implementation Strategy & Budget Development  

   – Outline phased implementation plans with associated costs.  

   – Identify potential funding opportunities for long-term sustainability.  

 

Deliverables & Timeline  

The selected consultant will be expected to deliver:

– A comprehensive design proposal by December 2025.  

– Final space plans, layouts, and renderings by June 30, 2026.  

– A detailed budget and implementation roadmap.  

 

Qualifications & Proposal Submission Requirements  

Interested firms or individuals must submit:

– A statement of qualifications detailing relevant experience in designing educational and healthcare training spaces.  

– Examples of past projects, particularly those involving interactive learning environments.  

– A detailed work plan with timelines and cost estimates.  

– A minimum of three references from clients with similar projects.  

 

 

Evaluation Criteria  

Proposals will be evaluated based on:

– Experience & Expertise – Demonstrated success in designing similar learning environments.  

– Creativity & Innovation – Ability to create engaging and functional designs.  

– Feasibility & Budget Alignment  – Practicality and financial viability of the proposed approach.  

– Stakeholder Collaboration Strategy– Willingness to engage with educators, healthcare professionals, and community partners.  

 

Timeline 

RFP Release Date: June 19, 2025  

Informational Zoom Call: Monday July 9, 2025 11am-12:30pm. Sign up to attend here

Proposal Submission Deadline: July 14, 2025

Consultant Selection Announcement: August 11, 2024  

Project Start Date: September 1, 2025  

 

Submission Instructions  

Proposals must be submitted electronically to nicole@lakecountycaedc.org by 5:00 PM PDT on July 14, 2025. Late submissions will not be considered.  

 

Contact Information  

For questions or additional details, please contact:  

Nicole Flora  

Executive Director, Lake County Economic Development Corporation  

Email: nicole@lakecountycaedc.org  

 

Commitment to Diversity  

Lake County Economic Development Corporation, on behalf of the HEART Hub Stakeholders and Oversight Committee, is committed to equal opportunity and encourages proposals from diverse and underrepresented legal professionals.