If you have not previously done so, register at: https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/seattle, then subscribe to the City’s Procurement Portal. The Procurement Portal is used by City staff to identify companies for future solicitation lists and check certifications. Women- and minority-owned firms are asked to self-identify their business as such within the Procurement Portal. Registration in the City's Procurement Portal is required to submit a response to this solicitation.

The objective of this RFP is to create long-term careers for individuals, with a focus on Priority Hire individuals, in registered construction apprenticeship and/or clean energy jobs.To achieve this goal, proposals must address one or more of the following five core objectives:Increase Priority Hire Representation: Successfully outreach, recruit, and enroll individuals, with a focus on Priority Hire individuals, into construction pre-apprenticeship, and/or apprenticeship, and/or clean energy jobs.Deliver Quality Training: Provide construction training and/or job-readiness services that prepare participants for construction apprenticeship and/or clean energy jobs. Placement: Connect pre-apprenticeship graduates and/or job readiness individuals directly with construction apprenticeships, and/or clean energy employers, and/or contractors, and/or unions, and/or open shops (non-union).Support Worker Retention: Offer ongoing support after training and/or placement to help workers stay employed, and advance in their careers. Examples include contractor check-ins, mentorship, mental health services, driver licensing services, and certifications for upskilling, etc.

The City has attached its boilerplate contract terms to allow Proposers to be familiar with boilerplate, and the non-negotiable terms before submitting a proposal. The City may negotiate with the highest ranked apparent successful Proposer. The City cannot modify contract provisions mandated by Federal, State or City law: Equal Benefits, Audit (Review of Vendor Records), WMBE and EEO, Confidentiality, and Debarment or mutual indemnification. Exceptions to those provisions will be summarily disregarded.

The City may negotiate elements of the proposal with the highest ranked successful proposer as required to best meet the needs of the City, with the apparent awardee(s). The City may negotiate any aspect of the proposal or the solicitation. The City does not intend to negotiate the base contract or the terms and conditions. The City cannot modify contract provisions mandated by Federal, State or City law: Equal Benefits, Audit (Review of Vendor Records), WMBE and EEO, Confidentiality, and Debarment or mutual indemnification. The City has attached its boilerplate contract terms so Proposers can be familiar with the boilerplate and the non-negotiable terms before submitting a proposal. Any questions about the City’s boilerplate should be made in advance of submittal. If a Consultant seeks to modify the Contract, the Consultant must request that within their Proposal response as taking an “Exception”. The Consultant must provide a revised version that shows their proposed alternative contract language. The City is not obligated to accept such proposed changes. If you request Exceptions that materially change the character of the contract, the City may reject the Consultant’s Proposal as non-responsive. The City cannot modify provisions mandated by Federal, State or City law: Equal Benefits, Audit (Review of Vendor Records), WMBE and EEO, Confidentiality, and Debarment, or mutual indemnification. Such Exceptions would be summarily disregarded.Although the City may open discussions with the highest ranked apparent successful Proposer to align the proposal or contract to best meet City needs, this does not ensure negotiation of modifications proposed by the consultant through the exception process above.

Multiple awarded proposals will have an anticipated contract term through December 31, 2029. The City may extend contracted terms through December 31, 2031, and will notify awardees with executed contracts prior to the contract term end date. The City will amend current contract scope of work, deliverables, and budget based on performance and availability of funding.

Minimum qualifications are required for a Consultant to be eligible to submit a proposal response. Your submittal response must show compliance to these minimum qualifications. Those that are not responsive to these qualifications shall be rejected by the City without further consideration:ADD MIN QUALS HERE

Proposals may respond to one or more of the following scope options: Scope 1. Recruitment and Placement of Priority Hire IndividualsPropose an effective process that will measurably increase the number of Priority Hire individuals that enter pre-apprenticeship, and/or apprenticeship construction training programs, and/or clean energy jobs. Proposals should consider how they would:Find and recruit Priority Hire individuals.Place individuals into pre-apprenticeship, apprenticeship programs, and/or clean energy jobs. Provide ongoing support to ensure success. Scope 2: Training and Entry into Registered Apprenticeship and/or Clean Energy JobsPropose a pre-apprenticeship training program and/or job readiness program to place individuals, with a focus on Priority Hire individuals, into registered construction apprenticeship programs and/or clean energy jobs.Your proposal should consider how you will either implement, or work with partners, through these pathway steps:Outreach to identify Priority Hire candidates.Provide job readiness support and/or trade-specific and/or pre-apprenticeship training.Place graduates of your program into registered apprenticeship and/or clean energy jobs.Offer support services, either in-house or through partners.Retain individuals once they are placed in a registered construction apprenticeship and/or clean energy job.Registered Construction Apprenticeships are any Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council (WSATC) registered construction apprenticeship programs.Clean Energy Jobs are WSATC registered construction apprenticeship programs and/or non-apprenticeship jobs that focus on the electrification of buildings and transportation systems. See below for some examples of the job opportunities, apprenticeships, and certifications in clean energy:Examples of Apprenticeships and Job Opportunities in Clean Energy:Assemblers and FabricatorsBoilermakersBuilding Maintenance OperatorsLaborersMaintenance and Repair WorkersCarpentersOperating EngineersConstruction and Building Inspectors Building Envelope and Weatherization TechniciansBuilding Controls and Systems TechniciansPlumbers and PipefittersElectricians EngineersSheet Metal WorkersSolar Photovoltaic installersHeating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC)Insulation Workers (floor, ceiling, and wall)Steamfitters TechniciansHeat Pump Installers and MaintenanceEnergy Auditors Building Performance Specialist Certifications:Individuals may earn certifications and training to support the electrification of Seattle buildings to meet the Green New Deal goals and support policies like Building Emission Performance Standards (BEPS) and Clean Building Performance Standards (CBPS). These are recommended certifications and training programs to reference when developing curriculum and/or program requirements.Building Operator Certification (BOC) – widely recognized training for O&M staff on energy-efficient building operationsBuilding Performance Institute (BPI) Certifications – energy auditing and building scienceHVAC/R EPA Section 608 Certification – refrigerant handling for heat pump workWashington State Energy Code Training – relevant to both new construction and major retrofits triggering code complianceOSHA 10/30 Construction Safety – foundational for all trades pathwaysNABCEP PV Associate or ETA Photovoltaic Installer – Level 1 - entry-level solar credentials requiring about 40 hours of training to demonstrate basic PV installation and safety knowledge. Scope 3. Retention Services Propose a program that will measurably increase the retention of workers, with a focus on Priority Hire workers, in registered apprenticeship, and/or clean energy jobs.Proposals should consider how proposers would:A. Identify and provide support to existing apprentices and/or clean energy workers in your programand/or;B. Find a pool of workers in registered construction apprenticeship(s) and/or clean energy jobs to provide retention services for.

Proposals that are responsive and responsible, based on an initial review, will proceed, and be reviewed for minimum requirements, satisfactory financial responsibility, and other elements.

Procurement Contact: Julianna Tesfu, Admin. Analyst, julianna.tesfu@seattle.gov, (206) 487-2746Proposals are to be submitted through the e-Procurement portal at https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/seattle, no later than 11:55 pm on November 16th.Unless authorized by the Procurement Contact, no other City official or employee may speak for the City regarding this solicitation until award is complete. Any Proposer contacting other City officials or employees does so at Proposer’s own risk. The City is not bound by such information.

No minimum qualifications are required for a consultant to submit a proposal response. Awarded proposers will be expected to comply with the terms of the resultant contract. Contract terms can be found in section 11. Award and Contract Execution.

RFP PurposeThe purpose of this RFP is to increase and retain skilled workers, with a focus on priority hire individuals, in registered construction apprenticeship and/or clean energy jobs. For the purpose of this RFP, Priority Hire individuals are defined as individuals residing in economically distressed ZIP codes, and/or women, and/or BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and other people of color). The City is committed to strategies that increases the outreach, recruitment, training, placement, and retention of individuals, with a focus on priority hire individuals, into registered construction apprenticeship and/or clean energy jobs; and demonstrates actions towards achieving racial and economic justice. RFP BackgroundThe City of Seattle (City) is committed to people living healthy, prosperous lives, both environmentally and economically. The City's Priority Hire program and the Green New Deal are resolutions to equitably increasing access to registered construction apprenticeship pathways and/or clean energy jobs. The Priority Hire program puts people who live in Priority Hire ZIP codes to work on large City construction projects by using a community workforce agreement (CWA). The CWA requires contractors working on these projects to meet requirements for Priority Hire workers and set goals for Women and/or BIPOC. Such requirements and goals are implemented on City construction projects that are $5 million or more and/or privately funded with City investments. In addition, the City has an apprenticeship requirement for projects between $1 million and $5 million. In Seattle, buildings and transportation are the largest sources of gas emissions (e.g., carbon dioxide) into the atmosphere. When emissions are released, they pollute the air. The Green New Deal resolution has a goal to reduce pollution by shifting buildings and transportation systems from their reliance on fossil fuels (gas and oil) to adopting electric-powered alternatives. This RFP intends to create pathways to well-paying careers in apprenticeship and clean energy jobs. RFP PartnershipThe City of Seattle Finance and Administrative Services (FAS) - Purchasing and Contract division and Office of Sustainability and Environment (OSE) are jointly funding this RFP. RFP Available FundingBreakout of the estimated available budget for this RFP:City DepartmentAreas of InterestTotalFASOutreach, training and placement into any registered construction apprenticeship program, and retention$ 1,500,000OSEOutreach, training and placement into non-apprenticeship jobs or and/or registered construction apprenticeships that focus on clean energy, and retention $ 1,600,000RFP TOTAL AMOUNT $ 3,100,000 AwardsThis RFP will award multiple proposals based on the evaluation process. There is no set minimum or maximum number of proposals that will be awarded. The final amount for awarded proposals will be based on available funding and based on the most responsive and relevant proposals in the criteria scoring in Section 10. Proposal Evaluation.

The City consultant contract is attached (See Attachments Section).Consultants may submit proposals understanding all Contract terms and conditions are mandatory. Response submittal is agreement to the Contract without exception. The City reserves the right to negotiate changes to submitted proposals and to change the City's otherwise mandatory Contract form during negotiations. If the Consultant is awarded a contract and refuses to sign the attached Contract form, the City may reject the Consultant from this and future solicitations for the same work. Under no circumstances shall Consultant submit its own boilerplate of terms and conditions.

The City has rules to govern the rights and obligations of interested parties that desire to submit a complaint or protest to this process. See the City website at https://www.seattle.gov/purchasing-and-contracting/doing-business-with-the-city/solicitation-and-selection-protest-protocols. Interested parties have the obligation to know of and understand these rules, and to seek clarification from the City. Note there are time limits on protests, and submitters have final responsibility to learn of results in sufficient time for such protests to be filed in a timely manner.

The City issues results and award decisions to all bidders. The City provides debriefing on a limited basis for the purpose of allowing bidders to understand how they may improve in future bidding opportunities.

An evaluation team, comprised of community members and public agency employees, will evaluate proposals using the criteria below. Responses will be evaluated, scored, and ranked according to scores.

Organizations may submit joint proposals -- meaning two or more organizations (a prime and sub(s)) may submit a collaborative proposal. Joint proposals are welcomed, but not required. Examples of a joint proposal could be:A pre-apprenticeship program providing construction training and a community-based organization providing recruitment.A proposed partnership between a community-based organization providing retention services and an apprenticeship training program(s).A pre-apprenticeship and/or apprenticeship program providing construction training and a community-based organization providing driver’s license services.

The Apparently Successful Consultant(s) will receive an Intent to Award Letter from the Procurement Contact after award decisions are made by the City. The Letter will include instructions for final submittals due prior to execution of the contract.Once the City has finalized and issued the contract for signature, the Consultant must execute the contract and provide all requested documents within ten (10) business days. This includes attaining a Seattle Business License, payment of associated taxes due, and providing proof of insurance. If the Consultant fails to execute the contract with all documents within the ten (10) day time frame, the City may cancel the award and proceed to the next ranked Consultant, or cancel or reissue this solicitation. Cancellation of an award for failure to execute the Contract as attached may disqualify the firm from future solicitations for this same work.

The City offers an optional pre-submittal conference at the time, date and location on the Timeline. Proposers are highly encouraged to attend but not required to attend to be eligible to propose. The meeting answers questions about the solicitation and clarifies issues. This also allows Proposers to raise concerns. Failure to raise concerns over any issues at this opportunity will be a consideration in any protest filed regarding such items known as of this pre-proposal conference.

Breakout of the estimated available budget for this RFP:City DepartmentAreas of InterestTotalFASOutreach, training and placement into any registered construction apprenticeship program, and retention. $ 1,500,000OSEOutreach, training and placement into non-apprenticeship jobs or and/or registered construction apprenticeships that focus on clean energy, and retention $ 1,600,000RFP TOTAL AMOUNT $ 3,100,000

After the proposal evaluation, the evaluation team may decide to interview the top ranked proposers. Proposer(s) invited to interview are to only bring the key personnel named in the proposal. If interviews are conducted, they will be worth 20 additional points.

The Consultant(s) should anticipate the Letter will require at least the following. Consultants are encouraged to prepare these documents when possible, to eliminate risks of late compliance.Seattle Business License is current and all taxes due have been paid.State of Washington Business License.Evidence of Insurance (if required)Special Licenses (if any)Form W-9 if a new Consultant for the City

Proposers may submit their questions to clarify the RFP through the Procurement Portal. Proposers may also email questions to the Procurement Contact until the deadline stated in the Timeline. Failure to request clarification of any inadequacy, omission, or conflict will not relieve the Consultant of responsibilities under any subsequent contract. It is the responsibility of the interested Consultant to assure they receive responses to questions if any are issued.The RFP Coordinator intends to provide you notice, through the City’s procurement portal, when changes or addenda are posted on our website. Nevertheless, it remains the obligation and responsibility of the proposer to learn of addenda, responses, or notices issued by the City. Some third-party services independently post City of Seattle solicitations on their websites. The City does not guarantee that such services have accurately provided all the information published by the City. All proposals submitted to the City may be considered compliant with or without specific confirmation from the Consultant that any and all addenda was received and incorporated into your response. However, the RFP Coordinator reserves the right to reject any submittal that does not fully incorporate Addenda that is critical to the project.

The City may make changes to this RFP if, in the sole judgment of the City, the change will not compromise the City’s objectives in this solicitation. Any change to this RFP will be made by formal addendum issued by the City, through the Procurement Portal at https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/seattle and shall become part of this RFP.

No proof of insurance is required.

It is the obligation and responsibility of the Consultant to learn of addenda, responses, or notices issued by the City, through the Procurement Portal. Some third-party services independently post City of Seattle solicitations on their websites. The City does not guarantee that such services have accurately provided all the information published by the City.All submittals sent to the City may be considered compliant with or without specific confirmation from the Consultant that any and all addenda was received and incorporated into your response. However, the Project Manager reserves the right to reject any submittal that does not fully incorporate Addenda that is critical to the project.

The City shall select the highest ranked proposer(s) for award. The City reserves the right to make a final selection based on the results of proposal evaluations and interviews (if applicable).

Apprentice: An individual who is enrolled in a Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council (WSATC) registered construction apprenticeship program.Apprenticeship: Construction training programs that are registered with WSATC.BIPOC: Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color.Building Maintenance and Decarbonization: The ongoing operational and upgrade work that keeps a building mechanical, electrical and structural systems running while shifting it off fossil fuels and onto clean energy, covering tasks like HVAV servicing, heat pump installation and upkeep, envelop repair and controls that work together to lower building greenhouse gas emissions over time.Building Emissions Performance Standard: codified as SMC 22.925 is a law requiring existing nonresidential and multifamily buildings larger than 20,000 square feet to meet progressively stricter greenhouse gas emissions targets over time with the goal of reaching net-zero emission by 2041-2050.Clean Energy: Transitioning buildings and transportation systems from being fossil fuel based (gas and oil) to clean energy (i.e., electrification), including the construction, installation, maintenance, and operation of these systems.Clean Energy Jobs: Construction registered apprenticeships and/or non-apprenticeship jobs that focus on the electrification of buildings and transportation systems. Community Workforce Agreement (CWA): The CWA is a legally binding agreement between the City of Seattle and the Seattle-King County Building and Construction Trades Council on Priority Hire construction projects. The CWA prioritizes the hiring of workers from economically distressed ZIP codes, women, people of color and pre-apprenticeship graduates, and sets forth terms and conditions of employment.Economically Distressed ZIP Codes: ZIP codes in Seattle and King County that have a combination of high rates of people living under 200% of the federal poverty level, experiencing unemployment, and those over the age of 25 without a college degree. Green New Deal: The Green New Deal is a directive for Seattle to substantively reduce climate pollution, create jobs and advance an equitable transition from fossil fuels (oil and gas) to clean and renewable energy by prioritizing investments in communities historically most harmed by economic, racial and environmental inequities. Job Readiness Program: A training program that helps prepare people for entry and success in clean energy jobs.Mentee: An apprentice that is receiving mentorship from a mentor.Mentor: An individual that is providing mentorship to a mentee.Mentorship: A program that provides mentees with assistance with problem solving skills, navigation to resources, and culturally inclusive guidance on behavior values and attitudes. Mentorship should be given in a way that allows apprentices to relate and see themselves as journey workers and beyond. The program should increase a sense of belonging in the industry for BIPOC apprentices, women and residents of economically distressed communities.Placement: An individual that is placed in a clean energy job or construction apprenticeship that has livable wages and provides benefits and career growth opportunities.Pre-Apprentice: An individual who is in a WSATC-recognized construction pre-apprenticeship program.Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program: Training programs that are recognized by the WSATC. They provide hands-on construction training and education that helps prepare people for entry and success in the building trades.Priority Hire Individual: For the purpose of this RFP, Priority Hire individuals are defined as residents of economically distressed ZIP codes, and/or women and/or BIPOC individuals.Retention: An individual that has been placed into a WSATC registered apprenticeship program and/or clean energy job and maintains that placement.

The City may negotiate elements of the proposal with the highest ranked successful proposer as required to best meet the needs of the City, with the apparent awardee(s). The City may negotiate any aspect of the proposal or the solicitation. The City does not intend to negotiate the base contract or the terms and conditions. The City cannot modify contract provisions mandated by Federal, State or City law: Equal Benefits, Audit (Review of Vendor Records), WMBE and EEO, Confidentiality, and Debarment or mutual indemnification.

Proposals must be received by the City no later than the date and time in the Timeline, except as revised by Addenda. The submitter has full responsibility to ensure the response is submitted to the City's Procurement Portal within the deadline. The Procurement Portal will not allow vendors to upload submissions past the deadline.

It is the Proposer’s responsibility to respond in a manner that does not require interpretation or clarification by the City. The Proposer is to provide all requested materials, forms and information. The Proposer is to ensure the materials submitted properly and accurately reflect the Proposer’s offering. During scoring and evaluation (prior to interviews if any), the City will rely upon the submitted materials and shall not accept materials from the Proposer after the RFP deadline; this does not limit the City’s right to consider additional information (such as references that are not provided by the Proposer but are known to the City, or past City experience with the consultant), or to seek clarifications as needed.

Awarded proposal(s) will have an anticipated contract term of January 2027 – December 31, 2029, with an opportunity to extend through December 31, 2031 (based on scope of work, performance, and annual availability of funding).

Proposers shall not interfere in any way to discourage other potential and/or prospective proposers from proposing or considering a proposal process. Prohibited contacts includes but is not limited to any contact, whether direct or indirect (i.e. in writing, by phone, email or other, and by the Proposer or another person acting on behalf of the Proposer) to a likely firm or individual that may discourage or limit competition. If such activity is evidenced to the satisfaction and in sole discretion of the City department, the Proposer that initiates such contacts may be rejected from the process.

The Consultant must meet all applicable licensing requirements immediately after contract award or the City may reject the Consultant. Companies must license, report and pay revenue taxes for the Washington State business License (UBI#) and Seattle Business License, if required by law. Carefully consider those costs before submitting an offer, as the City will not separately pay or reimburse such costs.Seattle Business Licensing and associated taxesIf you have a “physical nexus” in the city, you must obtain a Seattle Business license and pay all taxes due before the Contract can be signed. A “physical nexus” means you have physical presence, such as: a building/facility/employee(s) in Seattle, you make sales trips into Seattle, your own company drives into Seattle for product deliveries, and/or you conduct service work in Seattle (repair, installation, service, maintenance work, on-site consulting, etc). We provide a Consultant Questionnaire Form in our submittal package items later in this RFP/RFQ, and it will ask you to specify if you have “physical nexus”.All costs for any licenses, permits and Seattle Business License taxes owed shall be borne by the Consultant and not charged separately to the City. The apparent successful Consultant(s) must immediately obtain the license and ensure all City taxes are current, unless exempted by City Code due to reasons such as no physical nexus. Failure to do so will cause rejection of the submittal. The City of Seattle Application for a Business License and additional licensing information can be found on this page here: https://www.seattle.gov/city-finance/business-taxes-and-licenses/business-licenses For Questions and Assistance, call the Revenue and Consumer Protection (RCP) office which issues business licenses and enforces licensing requirements. The general e-mail is tax@seattle.gov. The main phone is 206-684-8484. Self-Filing You can pay your license and taxes on-line https://www.filelocal-wa.gov/Default_FileLocal.aspx If a business has extraordinary balances due on their account that would cause undue hardship to the business, the business can contact the License and Tax Administration office at tax@seattle.gov or 206-684-8484 to request additional assistance. Those holding a City of Seattle Business license may be required to report and pay revenue taxes to the City. Such costs should be carefully considered by the Consultant prior to submitting your offer. When allowed by City ordinance, the City will have the right to retain amounts due at the conclusion of a contract by withholding from final invoice payments.

Before the contract is signed, you must have a State of Washington business license (a “Unified Business Identifier” known as a UBI#). If the State of Washington has exempted your business from State licensing (some foreign companies are exempt and sometimes, the State waives licensing because the company has no physical presence in the State), then submit proof of that exemption to the City. All costs for any licenses, permits and associated tax payments due to the State because of licensing shall be borne by the Consultant and not charged separately to the City. Instructions to apply for a business license can be found at https://dor.wa.gov/open-business/apply-business-license and the State of Washington Department of Revenue contact help page at https://dor.wa.gov/contact.

The City is exempt from Federal Excise Tax.

The City does not guarantee utilization of any contract(s) awarded through this RFP/RFQ process. The solicitation may provide estimates of utilization; such information is for Consultant convenience and not a usage guarantee. The City reserves the right to issue multiple or partial awards, and/or to order work based on City needs. The City may turn to other appropriate contract sources or supplemental contracts to obtain these same or similar services. The City may re-solicit for new additions to the Consultant pool. Use of such supplemental contracts does not limit the right of the City to terminate existing contracts for convenience or cause.

The contract limits expansion of scope and new work not expressly provided for within the RFP.Expansion for New Work (work not specified within the original Scope of Work Section of this Agreement, and/or not specified in the original RFP as intended work for the Agreement) must comply with the following:(a) New Work is not reasonable to solicit separately; (b) is for reasonable purpose; (c) was not reasonably known by the City or Consultant at time of solicitation or was mentioned as a possibility in the solicitation (i.e. future phases of work, or a change in law); (d) is not significant enough to be regarded as an independent body of work; (e) would not attract a different field of competition; and (f) does not change the identity or purpose of the Agreement. The City may make exceptions for immaterial changes, emergency or sole source conditions, or other situations required in City opinion. Certain changes are not subject to these limitations, such as additional phases of Work anticipated during solicitation, time extensions, and Work Orders issued on an On-Call contract. Expansion must be mutually agreed and issued by the City through written Addenda. New Work performed before an authorizing Amendment may not be eligible for payment.The City reserves the right to independently solicit and award any New Work to another firm when deemed appropriate or required by City policy.

Solicitation responses are valid until the City completes award. Should any Proposer object to this condition, the Proposer must object prior to the Q&A deadline in the Timeline.

The City is not liable for costs incurred by the Proposer to prepare, submit and present proposals, interviews and/or demonstrations.

The City’s ability to evaluate proposals is influenced by the organization, detail, comprehensive material and readable format of the response.

Prior to the proposal submittal closing date and time established for this RFP, a Consultant may change or correct its proposal by following the Instructions here: https://opengov.my.site.com/support/s/article/4f4218bf-7da6-4fc6-b0c3-7eade0776ebe. No change to a proposal shall be made after the proposal closing date and time.

Proposers are responsible for errors and omissions in their proposals. No error or omission shall diminish the Proposer’s obligations to the City.

A submittal may be withdrawn at any time through the Procurement portal prior to the closing date or by written request of the submitter.

The City may reject any or all proposals with no penalty. The City may waive immaterial defects and minor irregularities in any submitted proposal.

This RFP and Proposer’s response, including promises, warranties, commitments, and representations made in the successful proposal once accepted by the City, are binding and incorporated by reference in the City’s contract with the Proposer.

The Consultant works as an independent contractor. The City will provide appropriate contract management, but that does not constitute a supervisory relationship to the Consultant. Consultant workers are prohibited from supervising City employees or from direct supervision by a City employee. Prohibited supervision tasks include conducting a City of Seattle Employee Performance Evaluation, preparing and/or approving a City of Seattle timesheet, administering employee discipline, and similar supervisory actions.Contract workers shall not be given City office space unless expressly provided for below, and in no case shall such space be provided for over 36 months without specific authorization from the City.The City will not provide space in City offices for performance of this work. Consultants will perform most work from their own office space or the field.

Seattle Municipal Code Chapter 20.45 (SMC 20.45) requires consideration of whether Proposers provide health and benefits that are the same or equivalent to the domestic partners of employees as to spouses of employees, and of their dependents and family members. The Consultant Questionnaire requested in the Submittal instructions includes materials to designate your equal benefits status.

Consistent with SMC 20.42, Proposers shall use good faith efforts to promote and seek maximum utilization of woman and minority businesses for any subcontracting within the contract scope of work. A woman or minority business is one that self-identifies to be at least 51% owned by a woman and/or minority. Such firms do not have to be certified by the State of Washington but must be registered in the City Online Business Directory. Efforts may include use of solicitation lists, advertisements in minority community publications, breaking requirements into tasks or quantities that promote WMBE utilization, making schedule or requirement modifications likely to assist WMBE firms, targeted recruitment, using minority community and public organizations to perform outreach.

The Mayor’s Executive Order and City ordinance require the maximum practicable opportunity for successful participation of minority and women-owned subcontracts. All proposers must agree to SMC Chapter 20.42, and seek meaningful subconsultant opportunities with WMBE firms. At a certain threshold, the City requires a plan for including minority- and women-owned firms, which becomes a material part of the contract. The Plan must be responsive in the opinion of the City, which means a meaningful and successful search and commitments to include WMBE firms for subcontracting work. The City reserves the right to improve the Plan with the winning Consultant before contract execution. Consultants should use selection methods and strategies sufficiently effective for successful WMBE participation. At City request, Consultants must furnish evidence such as copies of agreements with WMBE subconsultants either before contract execution or during contract performance. The winning Consultant must request written approval for changes to the Inclusion Plan once it is agreed upon. This includes changes to goals, subconsultant awards and efforts.WMBE firms need not be state certified to meet the City's WMBE definition. The City defines WMBE firms as at least 51% (percent) owned by women and/or minority. To be recognized as a WMBE, register in the City’s Procurement Portal. Federally funded transportation projects require a Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) program; for that program, firms must be certified by the Washington State Office of Minority and Women Business Enterprises (OMWBE).

Insurance requirement options may change based on the amount of award.Option 1: No proof of insurance is required.Option 2: Proof of insurance is required, link to Insurance Transmittal Form below.http://www.seattle.gov/Documents/Departments/FAS/PurchasingAndContracting/Consulting/fas-city-finance-risk-transmittal-consultant-services.docx Proof of insurance and additional insured endorsement policy language must be provided to the City before Contract execution. Consultants are encouraged to immediately contact their Broker to begin preparation of the required insurance documents, if the Consultant is selected as a finalist. Proposers may elect to provide the requested insurance documents within their Proposal.

The State of Washington’s Public Records Act (Release/Disclosure of Public Records): Under Washington State Law (reference RCW Chapter 42.56, the Public Records Act) all materials received or created by the City of Seattle are considered public records. These records include but are not limited to bid or proposal submittals, agreement documents, contract work product, or other bid material. The State of Washington’s Public Records Act requires that public records must be promptly disclosed by the City upon request unless that RCW or another Washington State statute specifically exempts records from disclosure. Exemptions are narrow and explicit and are listed in Washington State Law (Reference RCW 42.56 and RCW 19.108).Bidders/proposers must be familiar with the Washington State Public Records Act and the limits of record disclosure exemptions. For more information, visit the Washington State Legislature’s website at http://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=42.56.If you have any questions about disclosure of the records you submit with your bid, contact the Procurement Contact named in this document.Marking Your Records Exempt from Disclosure (Protected, Confidential, or Proprietary)As mentioned above, all City of Seattle offices (“the City”) are required to promptly make public records available upon request. However, under Washington State Law some records or portions of records are considered legally exempt from disclosure and can be withheld. A list and description of records identified as exempt by the Public Records Act can be found in RCW 42.56 and RCW 19.108.If you believe any of the records you are submitting to the City as part of your bid/proposal or contract work products, are exempt from disclosure you can request that they not be released before you receive notification. To do so you must complete the City Non-Disclosure Request Form (“the Form”) provided by the City (see page 4 on the Consultant Questionnaire) and very clearly and specifically identify each record and the exemption(s) that may apply. (If you are awarded a City contract, the same exemption designation will carry forward to the contract records.)The City will not withhold materials from disclosure simply because you mark them with a document header or footer, page stamp, or a generic statement that a document is non-disclosable, exempt, confidential, proprietary, or protected. Do not identify an entire page as exempt unless each sentence is within the exemption scope; instead, identify paragraphs or sentences that meet the specific exemption criteria you cite on the Form. Only the specific records or portions of records properly listed on the Form will be protected and withheld for notice. All other records will be considered fully disclosable upon request.If the City receives a public disclosure request for any records you have properly and specifically listed on the Form, the City will notify you in writing of the request and will postpone disclosure. While it is not a legal obligation, the City, as a courtesy, will allow you up to ten business days to file a court injunction to prevent the City from releasing the records (reference RCW 42.56.540). If you fail to obtain a Court order within the ten days, the City may release the documents.The City will not assert an exemption from disclosure on your behalf. If you believe a record(s) is exempt from disclosure you are obligated to clearly identify it as such on the Form and submit it with your solicitation. Should a public record request be submitted to Purchasing for that record(s), you can then seek an injunction under RCW 42.56 to prevent release. By submitting a bid document, the bidder acknowledges this obligation; the proposer also acknowledges that the City will have no obligation or liability to the proposer if the records are disclosed.Requesting Disclosure of Public RecordsThe City asks bidders and their companies to refrain from requesting public disclosure of bids until an intention to award is announced. This measure is intended to protect the integrity of the solicitation process particularly during the evaluation and selection process or in the event of a cancellation or re-solicitation. With this preference stated, the City will continue to be responsive to all requests for disclosure of public records as required by State Law. If you do wish to make a request for records, visit https://www.seattle.gov/public-records/public-records-request-center.

Familiarize yourself with the City Ethics code: http://www.seattle.gov/ethics/etpub/et_home.htm. For an in-depth explanation of the City’s Ethics Code for Contractors, Vendors, Customers and Clients, visit: http://www.seattle.gov/ethics/etpub/faqcontractorexplan.htm. Any questions should be addressed to Seattle Ethics and Elections Commission at 206-684-8500.No Gifts and Gratuities.Consultants shall not directly or indirectly offer anything (such as retainers, loans, entertainment, favors, gifts, tickets, trips, bonuses, donations, special discounts, work, or meals) to any City employee, volunteer or official, if it is intended or may appear to a reasonable person to be intended to obtain or give special consideration to the Consultant. An example of this is giving sporting event tickets to a City employee who is also on the evaluation team of a solicitation to which you submitted or intend to submit. The definition of what a “benefit” would be is broad and could include not only awarding a contract but also the administration of the contract or evaluating contract performance. The rule works both ways, as it also prohibits City employees from soliciting items from Consultants.Involvement of Current and Former City Employees.The Consultant Questionnaire within your submittal documents prompts you to disclose any current or former City employees, official or volunteer that is working or assisting on solicitation of City business or on completion of an awarded contract. Update that information during the contract.Contract Workers with over 1,000 Hours.The Ethics Code applies to Consultant workers that perform over 1,000 cumulative hours on any City contract during any 12-month period. Any such employee must abide by the City Ethics Code. The Consultant is to be aware and familiar with the Ethics Code accordingly.No Conflict of Interest. Consultant (including officer, director, trustee, partner or employee) must not have a business interest or a close family or domestic relationship with any City official, officer or employee who was, is, or will be involved in selection, negotiation, drafting, signing, administration or evaluating Consultant performance. The City shall make sole determination as to compliance.Campaign Contributions (Initiative Measure No. 122)Elected officials and candidates are prohibited from accepting or soliciting campaign contributions from anyone having at least $250,000 in contracts with the City in the last two years or who has paid at least $5,000 in the last 12 months to lobby the City. See Initiative 122, or call the Ethics Director with questions.

The City may require background checks for the Consultant, as well as some or all of their employees and contracted workers who may perform work under this Agreement. The City reserves the right to require such background checks at any time. The City has strict policies regarding the use of background checks, criminal checks, and immigrant status for contract workers. The policies are incorporated into this Agreement and available for viewing on-line at http://www.seattle.gov/purchasing-and-contracting/social-equity/background-checks.

Background checks will be required for workers that will perform the work under the contract resulting from this solicitation. The City may require background checks for the Consultant, as well as some or all of their employees and contracted workers who may perform work under this Agreement. The City reserves the right to require such background checks at any time. The City has strict policies regarding the use of background checks, criminal checks, and immigrant status for contract workers. The policies are incorporated into this Agreement and available for viewing on-line at http://www.seattle.gov/purchasing-and-contracting/social-equity/background-checks.

Hyperlinks and URLs to web sites or references to attachments may not be used in documents submitted in response to this solicitation, unless specifically requested in the submittal requirements. The City is not obligated to evaluate, review, or score any information submitted in the form of a hyperlink or URL. Information and documentation requested for the evaluation process must be submitted in the format indicated in the solicitation instructions.

Provide a fully-loaded hourly rate, including a breakdown of the total number of hours to complete the Work and a firm fixed price based on the Scope of Work and deliverables provided in the solicitation. Costs shall include all direct, indirect and overhead expenses, including travel and lodging expenses and any other allowable reimbursable costs incurred by the Consultant to perform the Work.Do not include contingency or assumptions in your cost proposal. Instead, you may include a separate breakdown for out-of-scope costs, including scope of work, hours and any assumptions for the City to consider in your proposal.The City may request additional clarification or a breakdown of the hours and costs with the top-ranking proposers.