The City consultant contract is attached (See Attachments Section).Consultants 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.

This application is ONLY for organizations who have not previously been awarded funding by EDI. If your organization is an existing EDI recipient, please go back and complete the application(s) with Existing EDI Recipients in the title.

The City expects to achieve the following outcomes through this consultant solicitation:

Procurement Contact: Dakota Murray, EDI Project Manager, dakota.murray@seattle.gov, (206) 233-7115Proposals are to be submitted through the e-Procurement portal at https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/seattle, no later than 11:59 pm on Friday, March 20, 2026.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.

[input RFP process timeline]

No minimum qualifications are required for a consultant to submit a proposal response.

Interested parties that wish to protest any aspect of this RFP selection process shall provide written notice to the Procurement Contact. Note the City shall notify Federal Transit Administration if protesting a solicitation for contracts with FTA funds.

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 consultant contract is attached (See Attachments Section).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.

ABOUT EQUITABLE DEVELOPMENT INITATIVE FUNDING The City’s purpose for Equitable Development Initiative (EDI) funding is to support projects that address displacement and lack of access to opportunity for historically marginalized communities in Seattle. Successful projects will be those that best articulate a connection between their organization and the ability to impact the Equity Drivers identified in the Implementation Plan. EDI Origin Story The EDI was envisioned by community organizations as a response to the displacement pressures and historical lack of investment that has occurred in communities of color in Seattle. The Seattle 2035 Comprehensive Plan policies emphasize equity of opportunity across the city. However, displacement pressures continue to increase, and communities need additional tools to stabilize existing communities and neighborhoods. The Office of Planning and Community Development (OPCD) and the Seattle Office for Civil Rights (SOCR) brought together and supported the Race and Social Equity Task Force in 2015. The Task Force included community leaders from three neighborhoods experiencing very high risk of displacement: The Central Area, Chinatown/International District, and Southeast Seattle. The Race and Social Equity Task Force has collectively provided their expertise to help shape the Comprehensive Plan, Growth Strategy, Equitable Development Implementation Plan and advocated for the EDI through the Equitable Development Financial Investment Strategies. They are now represented on the Equitable Development Interim Advisory Board, are involved with the Annual Equitable Development Monitoring Report, and with the implementation of the Equitable Development Projects. The projects have been identified to decrease risk of displacement and increase access to opportunity to improve racial equity and create a city in which everyone can thrive regardless of race or means. City Council adopted the Equitable Development Implementation Plan and the Equitable Development Financial Investment Strategies as part of an effort to directly resource the mitigation strategies of the Comprehensive Plan. These documents outline EDI interventions that should be targeted towards six Equity Drivers combined to create broad anti-displacement strategies. EDI 2025 Funding Available: $22 Million The current funding is only available for current EDI grantees with active projects. For the context of this RFP, active projects is defined as EDI projects previously awarded EDI funding to support building capacity, land acquisition, or construction of an anti-displacement project. Funding will be prioritized for projects that anticipate moving to the next phase of development, particularly those with acceleration towards a completed project that will begin operation and enter the annual service provision and reporting period within two years of receipt of funding. Funding will not be considered for new projects or significant project scope expansion. We anticipate a future 2025 EDI RFP will be open to new applicants as well as to current grantees. Funding will be allocated to two-year capacity-building efforts, capital and qualifying predevelopment expenses for existing projects that require additional funding support. EDI Values Centering communities most impacted by displacement – We value efforts that focus decision-making processes on structures of community development with clear accountability to impacted community members. Community-driven strategies – We believe in community self-determination, influence, and leadership. We know that communities are resilient and resourceful, and that tapping into their own collective cultural cornerstones of curbing displacement is key to ownership of initiatives and projects, as well as reducing invisibility. Broad-based community development – We value organizations that reflect the complexity of community needs such as: economic development, affordable housing, cultural development, education, healthcare, food sovereignty, etc. Acknowledging historic injustices – We value efforts that are explicit about addressing systemic racism and the institutional barriers that exist for communities of color. Accountability – We support efforts which are most likely to bring improvements to the lives of those impacted by displacement and lack of opportunity. We recognize that affected communities deserve strong, accountable, accessible, transparent, and culturally appropriate solutions that include ongoing oversight of government and other entities to address the negative impacts they have experienced. Leverage – We support efforts that leverage community resources and support the existing assets available to low-income communities that are not typically recognized or valued in community development processes. Flexibility and interdependence – We strive to create processes that reduce barriers to participation while providing a fair structure for all communities seeking to participate in the EDI. We recognize that all places and people are interconnected and commit to an approach of collective impact. System change – EDI funding is intended to advance projects that re-imagine the development process in a way that prioritizes long-term benefits and capacity for community members. Distinctive features of EDI funding Organizations that are interested in applying for EDI funding are eligible to access capital funds as the project progresses, subject to the needs of their project and funding availability. Funding is limited to organizations/coalitions led by impacted communities, working on advancing economic and racial equity in communities at high risk of displacement. EDI funding is intended to be targeted towards communities that are experiencing, or are at highest risk of experiencing, displacement pressures as a result of Seattle’s growth. Additionally, priority goes to communities that have historically experienced specific policies that limit the opportunity of people of color. EDI generally assumes that engagement with partners will involve a multi-year process of building capacity, developing a project, and overseeing implementation and reporting. We aim to distribute funding broadly among communities that are impacted by displacement and historic disinvestment. EDI may recommend alternative funding strategies for projects that are able to access existing resources to maximize the amount available to communities. EDI funding is intended to complement existing funding sources and address gaps identified by communities in the resources available to them. Applicant Eligibility EDI funding is intended to support anti-displacement strategies and promote economic development opportunities by supporting community-initiated solutions that are designed and implemented by communities that are subject to displacement as the region grows. As such, EDI funding will prioritize applicants who are best able to demonstrate a thorough organizational commitment to equitable development as both practice and outcome in the relationship between their organization and the community whose interests they seek to represent. Receiving EDI funding is contingent on meeting program requirements and completing pre-contracting due diligence activities. EDI funds cannot be used for regular organization operations as awarded funds must be applied to developing the capacity for and completing the process of completing the capital project selected for funding in the recipient organization application. In addition to the Request for Proposals, applicants are encouraged to review the Implementation Plan for guidance on the City’s priorities and vision for EDI.

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.

Proposals shall be evaluated using the evaluation criteria in the Proposal Evaluation Section.

The City may interview top ranked applicants from the proposal evaluation. If interviews are conducted, rankings of applicants shall be determined by the City, using the combined results of interviews and proposal submittals. If interviews are conducted, they will be worth the points listed in the Proposal Evaluation section.

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 virtual Information session and a live Q&A session at the time and date listed on the Timeline. Applicants are highly encouraged to attend but not required to attend to be eligible to propose.

Applicants may submit their questions through the Procurement Portal. Questions and answers submitted through the portal will be available for all applicants. Please refer to the summary timeline for the deadline to submit questions.

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

EDI staff will review existing grantee applications. The City reserves the right to make a final selection based on the combined results and/or the overall consensus of the staff review process.

The City may update this RFP if it believes the changes won’t affect its goals for the project. Any updates will be made official through an addendum posted on the Procurement Portal at https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/seattle, and those updates will become part of this RFP.

It's the applicant's responsibility to check the City’s Procurement Portal for any updates, answers, or announcements. Unless information is provided via the Portal or directly from EDI staff, the City can't promise those are accurate or complete.

It's the applicant’s responsibility to make sure their response is clear and complete. Proposals must be received by the City no later than the date and time in the Timeline, except as revised by Addenda. The applicant has full responsibility to ensure the response is submitted to the City's Procurement Portal within the deadline. The Procurement Portal will not allow applicants to upload submissions past the deadline and EDI staff may not accept proposals by email or other methods. Please try to complete your submission at least 24 hours in advance of the due date. If you experience technical difficulties with the Portal and notify EDI 24 hours or more in advance of the due date, a short extension may be granted while the technical issue is resolved.

Prior to the proposal submittal closing date and time established for this RFP, an applicant 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 can be made after the proposal closing date and time.

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.

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 on the City’s Online Business Directory. 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).

Not Applicable for the Request for Proposal. Insurance requirements for projects will be determined during the City's underwriting and risk assessment process during the contracting period.

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.

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.

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