Pierce County
Criteria
Pre-Design, Architectural, and Engineering Services for the Pierce County Juvenile Justice Center
2026-RFQ-109
Evaluation Criteria
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An evaluation team will review the SOQ and evaluate all responses received based upon the criteria listed herein. The County may request clarifications or additional information, if needed. A selection may be made based on the Firms and initial evaluation criteria alone or the firms determined to be most qualified through the initial evaluation phase may be interviewed and the final determination will also consider reference checks and interviews.The County intends to select the Consultant who represents the most qualified team (or teams, as determined by the evaluation team) to Pierce County and begin the negotiation and award process based on the evaluated scores.Selected Consultant will be invited to enter contract negotiations with the County. Should the County and the selected consultant not reach a mutual agreement, the County will terminate negotiations and move to the next highest ranked consultant and proceed with negotiations. A Consultant’s inability to agree to the terms of the County’s Professional Service Agreement "Attachment B" may be a basis for the County to terminate negotiations and begin negotiating with one or more other Consultant.Selected Consultant(s) may be asked to provide the following for negotiationPer Employee Direct Labor RatesProvide the most recent audit of the firm received from WSDOT or a State or Federal agency that can establish the overhead rate.Subcontractors (if used) fully burdened, per-employee labor rates direct labor rates (if available). If subcontractors are on an ad hoc basis no rates needed.The County reserves the right to accept or reject any or all submitted SOQs, and to waive as informalities any irregularities, and to contract as the best interest of the County may require. The County also may reject SOQs that are non-responsive or that are submitted by non-responsible firms
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Scope of Work
The high-level scope of work includes, but is not limited to the following: Working with owner and stakeholders to complete pre-design (5% design). Produce final pre-design report for initial phase. Upon written approval to move forward, advance through Schematic Design to develop and produce a 30% Design and Outline Specifications. Upon written approval to move forward, advance to Design Development and produce a 60% Design. Upon written approval to move forward, advance to Construction Documents and Finalize technical drawings and specifications to 100% Drawings Upon written approval, assist with remaining bidding, permitting, construction administration, closeout and any additional services. The following are a list of services that may be required on this project. Pierce County is in the early development of this project and recognizes that it could benefit from alternative delivery. If alternative delivery is selected, the County anticipates no work would occur beyond at the latest Schematic Design on the resulting contract. Additional required services may be added via amendment at a later date should it be required for completion, as it is impossible to anticipate all required services. The County may also elect at any time to self-perform in whole, or in part any of the duties identified in the scope of services. General All Phases Attend all virtual and in-person Owner and Design team meetings through the duration of Project. Attend and present to Executive or Council Meetings, when requested and as needed, to provide project updates and recommendations. Stakeholder engagement including Remann Hall youth and families, staff, and partners, and community engagement and presentations as required. Perform services for programming, planning, design, and construction phases of the Project to ensure that all elements of the work meet the required quality design, standards, budget, and construction schedule. Facilitate lessons learned from other Washington State facilities of similar nature for recommendations for inclusion or exclusion in the project. Schematic Design through last Phase. Contract bid documents produced shall comply with RCW 39.04 for public works. Consultant will include security consultant on enhancements. Consultant will create phasing plans as part of renovation as may be required for successful project execution. Provide architectural, civil, structural, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical engineering for all required elements including security, audio/visual, signage, FF&E, interior design, and telecommunications. The County prefers all hazardous materials assessments, reports and abatement plans and oversite be provided through selected consultant. Provide cost estimating services Preliminary Design: Work with Facilities Management and Superior Court Juvenile Staff and Stakeholders to determine space requirements and preferred option for advancement. (Deliverables shall include final pre-design report - Report, including illustrations or graphics depicting recommended options, how requirements and/or needs are met.Report should include the following: Executive Summary: Summarize the problem, opportunity, or program requirements; alternatives considered; preferred alternative; and why that alternative was selected. Include basic project cost information. Problem Statement Identify the problem, opportunity or program requirement addressed by the project and how it will be accomplished. Identify and explain the statutory or other requirements that drive the project’s operational programs and how these affect the need for space, location, or physical accommodations. Include anticipated caseload projections (growth or decline) and assumptions, if applicable. Explain the connection between the agency’s mission, goals, and objectives, including Task Force report recommendations; statutory requirements; and the problem, opportunity, or program requirement. Describe in general terms what is needed to solve the problem Analysis of alternatives (including preferred alternative)Describe all alternatives that were considered, including the preferred alternative. Alternatives may include renovation, new construction, a combination of renovation and new construction, phased construction or other options explored. Include the following: The advantages and disadvantages of each alternative. Include a high-level summary table with your analysis that compares the alternatives, including the anticipated cost for each alternative.Cost estimates for each alternative. Provide enough information so decision makers have a general understanding of the project costs, requirements; and the problem, opportunity, or program requirement. To compare the Energy life cycle cost of different alternatives, use an ELCCA modelling tool that evaluates energy using systems such as heating, cooling, lighting, building envelope and domestic hot water greenhouse gasses. equally compared all alternatives. Include the completed life cycle cost summary as an appendix.Schedule estimates for each alternative. Estimate the start, midpoint, and completion dates. Schedule should be based on recommended delivery method of the A/E team, or in conjunction with Owner and Owner’s representative. Detailed analysis of preferred alternativeDescribe the preferred project alternative in detail, including the following:Nature of space. How much of the proposed space will be used for what purpose (e.g., office, housing, conference, classroom, etc.) including exterior program space. Occupancy numbers. Basic configuration of the building, including square footage and the number of floors. Space needs assessment. Compare the proposed project space needs in comparison to space needs. Site analysis Identify site studies that are completed or underway and summarize their results. These studies may include: Phase 1 environmental survey assessment Site surveyGeotechnical assessment Transportation or traffic study Building footprint and its relationship to adjacent facilities and site features. Provide an aerial view, sketches of the building site and basic floor plans.Water rights and water availabilityStormwater requirementsProperty setback requirements Potential issues with the surrounding neighborhood, during construction and ongoing once operationalUtility extension or relocation issues Potential environmental impacts: Green space and natural amenities that need to be preserved or accorded special treatment.Required or potential site mitigation, including history of possible contamination.Wetlands and shoreline impacts, including a wetlands delineation and the need to fill wetlands. Requirements for the State Environmental Policy Act, National Environmental Policy Act, or an environmental impact statement. Other regulatory requirements, such as conditional use or other site specific permits. Parking and access issues, including improvements required by local ordinances, local road impacts and parking demand.Impact on surroundings and existing development with construction lay-down areas and construction phasing. Identify whether the proposed project is consistent with applicable long-term plans (such as Pierce County and City of Tacoma master plans).Identify action steps for non-conforming use and work with Owner to initiate discussions with the City. Consistency with other laws and regulations. Provide documentation that indicates the preferred option is consistent with the following Proposed building projects over 20,000 gross square feet must follow the state energy standards for clean buildings, per RCW 19.27A.210.Compliance with required vehicle charging capability for new buildings that provide on-site parking (RCW 19.27.540).American’s with Disabilities ActIdentify technology infrastructure and other related IT investments that affect the building plans.Identify radio communication networks and impacts of building materialsData fiber loops required.Identify any site-related security measures such as setbacks, lighting, etc. and/or physical security measures such as security systems, barrier protection, etc. for the projectDescribe any future phases, plans or other facilities that will affect this project. Include detail on the need to backfill space or cost assumptions for vacant space.Delivery method alternatives considered. Provide a comparative discussion of the pros and cons of the project delivery methods considered for this project and offer a recommendation of proposed procurement method for the preferred alternative. The delivery methods considered could include design-build, phased construction, general contractor/construction manager (GC/CM) or conventional design/bid/build. The proposed method of project delivery must be justified. For design-build, link the justification to RCW 39.10.300 for uses, RCW39.10.320 requirements and RCW 39.10.330 for process.For GC/CM, link the justification to the requirements in RCW 39.10.340 for uses, RCW 39.10.350 for requirements and RCW 39.10.360 for process.ScheduleProvide a high-level milestone schedule for the project, including key dates for budget approval, design, bid, acquisition, construction, equipment installation, testing, occupancy and full operation Incorporate value-engineering analysis and constructability review into the project schedule Describe factors that may delay the project schedule, such as an environmentally sensitive location, possible presence of archaeological or historical assets, or possible contamination of the site or buildings undergoing renovation. Describe the permitting or local government ordinances or neighborhood issues (such as location or parking compatibility) that could affect the schedule. Identify when the local jurisdiction will be contacted and whether community stakeholder meetings are part of the process. Project budget analysis for the preferred alternative Construction Cost estimate. Provide the following: Major assumptions used in preparing the cost estimateSummary table of Uniformat II Level 2 cost estimates Costs should contain sufficient information for a final project budget request.Operating costsShow three biennia of capital and operating costs from the time of occupancy, including an estimate of building repairs, replacement, and maintenance.Include FTE assumptions. Moving costsFurniture, fixtures, and equipment. Clarify whether furniture, fixtures and equipment are included in the project budget. Schematic Design: The A/E firm shall prepare and deliver Schematic Design Documents. These documents shall consist of the complete concept of the Project, including all major elements of the buildings and site designs. Deliverables shall include: Site Plan(s) Plan of building Wall sections Preliminary construction cost estimatesAnalysis of codes, ordinances, and regulationsAll other documents as necessary to execute this project.Design Development phase: After receipt of written approval of Schematic Design/Preliminary Design Documents, the A/E firm shall revise the deliverables so that they then include the following:Drawings sufficient to illustrate project scope and character in all essential design elements.Draft specifications Cost estimates: Provide opinion of probable construction cost at design development stage for purpose of validating budget. Site plan Floor plans Elevations Engineering drawingsDocuments in the design development phase shall use computer aided drafting (Revit (preferred), AutoCAD or equivalent) to facilitate ease of revisions and to provide information compatibility with other design professionals working on this project. The firm must also provide drawings in PDF format if requestedConstruction and Contract Document phase: The A/E firm shall prepare the construction documents and shall also prepare and assemble all bidding and contract documents, excluding Divisions 0 and 1 which will be produced by the County and coordinated with other divisions. The A/E shall revise these documents until Pierce County finds them acceptable. The documents shall include in a detailed manner all work to be performed; all material; workmanship; finishes; structural, plumbing, electrical and mechanical requirements; etc. to complete the project. Documents in this phase shall be delivered in both pdf and in their native digital format to the County. County produced: Solicitation for BidsCounty produced: Form of Contract Pierce County will collaborate as to the Contract Form County produced: General and Special conditionsA/E: Technical Specifications A/E: Plans and Drawings A/E: Updated Cost Estimates: Provide updated opinion of probable construction cost at 100% design for bidding purposes.Department’s reviewBidding and Award phase: The A/E shall assist with the County prepared draft addenda as appropriate to interpret, clarify, or expand the bidding documents and attend walkthroughs as determined.Construction Contract Administration and Inspection phase: The A/E’s responsibility to provide professional services for this phase is set forth below. It commences with the award of the contract for construction and terminates at the physical completion of the project, including the County’s receipt of the deliverables as identified.The A/E shall review shop drawings that contractors submit for compliance with Construction Documents and shall submit approved copies to the County. The A/E shall review the manufacturer’s product data for compliance with Construction Documents and Federal, State and Local Regulations and will forward approved copies to the County.The A/E shall visit the project site at appropriate intervals as construction proceeds to inspect the work for compliance with contract documents and report on the progress and quality of the executed work. Inspection frequency shall be sufficient to bring to the County’s immediate attention to any discrepancies or deficiencies in the work, but not less than one (1) visit per five (5) active construction days, during daytime hours.The A/E shall interpret and clarify contract documents, draft change orders requiring special instructions and testing of the work and make recommendations as to the acceptability of the work and provide independent pricing review of contractor change orders. The A/E shall prepare sketches required to resolve problems due to actual field conditions encountered.The A/E shall coordinate with the County to review the contractor’s monthly pay applications and recommend payment based on the completed percentage of work with a pre-determined hold back. The A/E shall perform an inspection of construction work (punch-list), materials and systems when requested by the contractor. The A/E shall review and approve contractor prepared record drawings (as-builts). The A/E shall make a final inspection and written report upon completion of the project, including recommendations concerning final payments to contractors.The A/E shall coordinate with Owner to resolve any outstanding functionality where installed design did not meet the intent. Meet with contractors, commissioning agents, and customers to investigate and develop alternate solutions for installation and/or correction. Post completion/Warranty phase: The A/E firm shall consult with and make recommendations to the County during warranties regarding construction and equipment warranties. The A/E shall advise the County in construction matters relating to the project for a period up to eighteen months after completion of the project. As well as include a walk through at least one (1) month prior to expiration of warranties.
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Pierce County expressly reserves the following rights
To waive any and/or all irregularities in the proposals submitted.To reject any or all proposals or portions thereof.To base awards with due regard to quality of services, experience, compliance with specifications, and other such factors as may be necessary in the circumstances.To make the award to any vendor or combination of vendors whose proposal(s), in the opinion of the County, is in the best interest of the County.Pierce County will not accept late proposals. Pierce County may return unopened any proposal or modification received after the hour and date specified.
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Submittal Checklist
For proposals to be considered the following must be included in your submittal:A letter of interest (cover letter) from the prime consultant/contractor, signed by the principal professional intended to lead the project effort. The letter needs to include contact information, number of years the consultant/contractor has been in business under current or previous names or additional assumed business names. Provide similar information concerning each subcontracted contractor. Provide documentation that the prime consultant is licensed with the State of Washington to provide Architectural services and the teams licenses, where required.Provide a comprehensive organizational chart with key personnel for your firm and potential subconsultants, clearly identifying the estimated participation of Minority, Women, and Veteran owned (MWV) businesses and estimated percentage of total work anticipated to be performed by each sub-tier partner.Your approach to this type of work and explain how you have the experience, qualifications, size, and resources to provide the services listed in the scope of work. The name and brief resume of the key individual(s) who would be assigned to this project and an individual assigned to back up the key person in their absences, together with similar information for each individual to be provided under any subcontract. A proposal that outlines your firm approach to the work, capacity and availability, as well as any additional services or procedures of benefit to the County not specifically required by this Request for Qualifications, which the Consultant offers to provide. The name and title of the person authorized to execute a contract on behalf of the firm.The caption, cause number, Court, Counsel, and general summary of any litigation pending, or judgment rendered within the past three (3) years involving the firm. (if applicable)A statement outlining any proposed exceptions to the County’s requirements or requested clarifications to the requirements, including any exceptions to the terms of the County’s standard Services Agreement, a sample of which is attached hereto as “Attachment A.” Firms should understand, however, that the County is typically unwilling to change the terms of its standard Services Agreement and a firm’s inability to agree to those standard terms may be a basis for the County to instead negotiate with one or more other firms. References listing customers with contracts for similar services.Acknowledgement (via the County's eProcurement Portal) of each addendum issued. (if applicable)Before you submit, please ensure your company profile in OpenGov and MRSC are up-to-date with your current business designations. Use the provided links below for instructions on updating your profiles. OpenGov: Updating User Profile, Company Profile, Email Address, Adding an Additional User MRSC Log In: Public Agency Membership - MRSC RostersBy submitting a proposal, proposer agrees that all documents, reports, proposals, submittals, working papers, or other materials prepared by the Contractor pursuant to this proposal shall become the sole and exclusive property of the County, and the public domain, and not property of the Contractor. The Contractor shall not copyright, or cause to be copyrighted, any portion of said items submitted to the County because of this solicitation.Only electronic submittal via the County's eProcurement Portal shall be accepted. No hard copies, emails or fax submittals are acceptable.
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Federal Terms and Conditions
1. Without limitation as otherwise set forth in this Agreement, Subrecipient shall comply with all relevant Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Listing Requirements, as amended and supplemented. Specifically, but not by way of limitation, CFDA 21.027 has the following policy requirements:1.1. 31 CFR Part 35, as amended by the Interim final rule published May 17, 2021, at 26786 FR Vol. 86, No. 93; or otherwise subsequently amended by Final Rule.1.2. 2 CFR Part 200, including Subparts B through F1.2.1. Additional Information: The following 2 CFR Policy requirements also apply to this assistance listing: 2 CFR Part 25, Universal Identifier and System for Award Management; 2 CFR Part 170, Reporting Subaward and Executive Compensation Information; and 2 CFR Part 180, OMB Guidelines to Agencies on Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension (Non-procurement). The following 2 CFR Policy requirements are excluded from coverage under this assistance listing: For 2 CFR Part 200, Subpart C, the following provisions do not apply to the SLFRF program: 2 CFR § 200.204 (Notices of Funding Opportunities); 2 CFR § 200.205 (Federal awarding agency review of merit of proposal); 2 CFR § 200.210 (Pre-award costs); and 2 CFR § 200.213 (Reporting a determination that a non-Federal entity is not qualified for a Federal award). For 2 CFR Part 200, Subpart D, the following provisions do not apply to the SLFRF program: 2 CFR § 200.308 (revision of budget or program plan); 2 CFR § 200.309 (modifications to period of performance); CFR § 200.305 (b)(8) and (9) (Federal Payment). 2. Without limitation as otherwise set forth in this Agreement, Subrecipient shall ensure that any procurement involving funds authorized by this Agreement complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including but not limited to, 2 CFR 200.318 through 200.327, as well as Appendix II to 2 CFR Part 200 (entitled “Agreement Provisions for Non-Federal Entity Contracts Under Federal Awards”).
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Security Requirements
Consultants and their sub-consultants shall adhere to Pierce County security requirements when working onsite. including security clearances and tool control. Interior projects or those in secure courtyards require moderate background checks for staff onsite. Higher security areas require a Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) background checks such as in attorney office areas and information technology closets. Each Consultants personnel, will be an employee of the Consultant or an employee of a Subcontractor contracted by Consultant. The Consultant is responsible for the compliance of all the Consultants personnel performing work. Prior to any Consultants personnel commencing on-site work, Consultant will have the appropriate and necessary criminal background checks/security clearances forms completed and submitted to the assigned Project Manager and their backup. CJIS background checks also require fingerprinting and training. After determining proper levels of background checks required with Pierce County project manager, all cleared personnel must obtain a photo ID badge from the security office currently located in the County-City Building. The County will not reimburse the Consultant for any costs incurred in obtaining background checks, including fingerprinting processing fees and personnel time. Background check clearances and CJIS training are required to be renewed every two years. See Attachments for forms and background check and badging process and procedure.
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Reimbursement
The County will not reimburse proposers for any costs involved in the preparation and submission of responses to this RFQ or in the preparation for and attendance at subsequent interviews.
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Submittal Format
Please use the following as a guideline to format your qualifications:Submittals should present information in a straightforward and concise manner, while ensuring complete and detailed descriptions of the proposing team (to include the key team members including prime and major subconsultants who will be providing the requested services) and the team’s ability to meet the requirements of this RFQ. Emphasis will be on technical competence and completeness of content. The written SOQ should be prepared in the sequential order as outlined below.Each SOQ is limited to 20 numbered (single-sided) pages (8 ½ by 11 inch) excluding the cover page (limited to one single-sided page), cover letter (limited to 2 single-sided pages) and appendices. Resumes attached in the appendices shall not exceed 1 page each. All pages shall be in portrait orientation with 1-inch margins. Font size shall be 11 point or larger. If charts and/or graphs are utilized, text must be no smaller than 9-point font. For attached schedules requested, the pages may be in landscape orientation. The Statement of Qualifications shall be submitted as a (PDF) file. Submittals that do not follow this format may be rejected. These requirements are in addition to any other requirements identified herein.
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Procurement Documents & RFQ's Holder List
BIDDERS WHO REGISTER AND DOWNLOAD BID DOCUMENTS will be automatically added to the FOLLOWER'S list in the County's eProcurement Portal. Notifications for bid updates, addendum and other bid information will be sent to all bidders who register on the Pierce County eProcurement Portal.
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Procurement Questions
All questions must be submitted within the County's eProcurement Portal, under the Questions and Answer Section not later than 4:30 pm on Wednesday, April 22, 2026. Bidders must be registered in the eProcurement Portal software in order to submit questions, receive addenda, notifications and ultimately submit a proposal.Proposals must be received by the Procurement & Contract Services and the Finance Department before 1:00 pm on Wednesday, April 29, 2026. The proposer is responsible for submission of proposal before the deadline. The County shall not be responsible for late submittals.
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Title VI Compliance
Pierce County, in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 78 Stat. 252, 42 U.S.C. 2000d to 2000d-4 and Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Department of Transportation, subtitle A, Office of the Secretary, Part 21, nondiscrimination in federally assisted programs of the Department of Transportation issued pursuant to such Act, hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively ensure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, disadvantaged business enterprises as defined at 49 CFR Part 26 will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, or national origin in consideration for an award.
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Cooperative Purchasing
The Washington State Interlocal Cooperation Act, Ch. 39.34 RCW, authorizes public agencies to cooperatively purchase goods and services if all parties agree. By responding to this RFQ, Consultants agree that other public agencies may purchase goods and services under this solicitation or contract at their own cost and without Pierce County incurring any financial or legal liability for such purchases. Pierce County agrees to allow other public agencies to purchase goods and services under this solicitation or contract, provided that Pierce County is not held financially or legally liable for purchases and that any public agency purchasing under such solicitation or contract file a copy of this invitation and such contract in accordance with RCW 39.34.040.
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Expected Term of Resulting Agreement
The initial contract period is anticipated to be for pre-design and schematic design. The County has the option of amending and extending this agreement for additional phases as they are determined to continue and funding is appropriated. The actual schedule will be negotiated with the selected firm based on consultant and agency staff availability and finalized scope of work.
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Public Records and Proprietary Material
Proposals submitted under this Solicitation will be considered public documents and, with limited exceptions, will become public information and may be reviewed by appointment by anyone requesting to do so following the conclusion of the evaluation, negotiation, and award process. This process is concluded when a signed contract is completed between the Pierce County and the Proposer. If a firm considers any portion of its response to be protected under the law, the vendor shall clearly identify each such portion with words such as “CONFIDENTIAL,” “PROPRIETARY” or “TRADE SECRET” on each page for which the protection is sought. If a request is made for disclosure of such portion, Pierce County will notify the vendor of the request.
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Contract Compliance For Professional, Technical, Supply or Services
It is the policy of Pierce County to foster an environment that encourages economic growth and diversification, business development and retention, increases competition and reduces unemployment. In support of that policy, Pierce County reaffirms its commitment to maximize opportunities in public contracting for all contractors including minority and women owned business enterprises.Proposers are encouraged to utilize qualified, local businesses in Pierce County and Washington State where cost effectiveness is deemed competitive. In addition, Proposers are encouraged to subcontract with firms certified by the Washington State Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises (MWBE).MWBE DIRECTORY ASSISTANCEA directory of MWBE firms is published quarterly by the Washington State Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises (OMWBE). Copies of the directory are available from the State OMWBE (360-753-9693) or may be viewed at the Public Works Department, 2702 S 42nd St Suite 201, Tacoma 98409, and the Tacoma Public Library, 1102 Tacoma Avenue South, Tacoma, 98402. Contact the Contract Compliance Office for additional information at (253) 798-7250.