25-00009_WDC_Consultant_25_27_RFP.pdf

WDFW RFP 25-00009 PAGE 1 OF 23

WASHINGTON DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE

PUGET SOUND PARTNERSHIP

GOVERNOR’S SALMON RECOVERY OFFICE

RECREATION AND CONSERVATION OFFICE

AND

WASHINGTON STATE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL 25-00009

PROJECT TITLE: FEDERAL GOVERNMENT RELATIONS CONSULTANT

EXPECTED TIME PERIOD FOR CONTRACT: July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2027

ESTIMATED PROCUREMENT SCHEDULE (all times given are for Pacific Time, schedule may be adjusted if necessary):

RFP Release: April 29, 2025

Questions from Bidders Due (email only) May 6, 2025 by 2:00 p.m.

WDFW Response to Vendor Questions On or About May 9, 2025

Optional Pre-Bid Conference: Tuesday, May 13, 2025 1:00 PM-2:00 PM

Bidder Proposals Due (email only): June 13, 2025 by 2:00 p.m.

Apparent Successful Bidder(s) announced: On or about June 20, 2025

BIDDER ELIGIBILITY: THIS PROCUREMENT IS OPEN TO THOSE BIDDERS WHO SATISFY THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS STATED HEREIN AND ARE AVAILABLE FOR WORK IN WASHINGTON STATE. DISADVANTAGED, MINORITY AND WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS ENTERPRISES ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY.

DELIVER PROPOSALS BY E-MAIL ONLY TO

JANICE.JACKSON@DFW.WA.GOV

Supplier Diversity WDFW is issuing this Solicitation pursuant to RCW 39.26. Pursuant to this Solicitation, the Purchaser intends to conduct a competitive procurement to award an Agency Contract estimated to be valued at less than $150,000. Because it is estimated to be less than $150,000, the Purchaser intends to award the contract to the lowest responsive and responsible bid from a Small Business or Veteran-Owned Business, unless none of these businesses are responsible and responsive to this solicitation mailto:janice.jackson@dfw.wa.gov

WDFW RFP 25-00009 PAGE 2 OF 23

CONTENTS OF THE REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

1. Scope of Work

2. Mandatory Requirements

3. RFP Coordinator

4. Instructions to Bidders

5. Evaluations and Award Procedures

6. General Provisions

7. Debriefing and Protest Procedures

8. Exhibits

Exhibit A Checklist for Responsiveness Exhibit B Certification and Assurances Exhibit C Vendor Certification Executive Order 18-03 Exhibit D Bidder Questionnaire Exhibit E Bidder Profile Exhibit F General Terms and Conditions Exhibit G Scope of Work

If any bidder does not comply with any part of this RFP their entire proposal may be rejected as non-responsive.

WDFW RFP 25-00009 PAGE 3 OF 23

1. SCOPE OF WORK

a. Purpose. The purpose of this Request for Proposals (RFP) is to identify a strategic federal relations consultant to partner with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO), Governor’s Salmon Recovery Office (GSRO), Puget Sound Partnership (PSP), and Washington State Conservation Commission (SCC), hereafter referred to as the agencies, to:

1) Represent, assist and track issues in Washington, D.C. that are important to the

State of Washington State related to salmon and wildlife conservation and management, Puget Sound recovery and agricultural voluntary stewardship-like (VSP) programs and agricultural programs. Provide development and implementation of an effective strategy to continue and increase federal funding related for a variety of programs.

2) Work with agency and state leadership to develop and implement strategies to elevate the agencies’ respective federal agenda through a variety of measures.

Establish and foster relationships amongst the Washington state delegation and federal agencies, articulate agencies’ federal level budget and policy needs, and track and report on opportunities and outcomes.

See Exhibit G, Scope of Work, for specific tasks to be performed by the Contractor selected through this procurement process.

Responding firms should be experienced in federal government relations and federal strategy development. Firms should also have established relationships throughout the Washington state delegation, relevant federal agencies, and the Administration.

The period of performance will be from July 1, 2025, or date of execution, whichever is earlier, through June 30, 2027. The agencies have budgeted $120,000 for all work detailed in this RFP.

b. Agency Overview. WDFW was established in 1994, with the merger of the Department of Fisheries and the Department of Wildlife, and is dedicated to preserving, protecting, and perpetuating the state’s fish, wildlife, and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.

The PSP is the state agency leading the region’s collective effort to restore and protect Puget Sound. The Puget Sound Partnership brings together hundreds of partners to mobilize partner action around a common agenda, advance Sound investments, and advance priority actions by supporting partners.

The RCO is a small state agency that manages grant programs to create outdoor recreation opportunities, protect the best of the state's wildlife habitat and working farms, and help return salmon from near extinction.

RCO is home to the GSRO, which was established by the Legislature through the Salmon Recovery Planning Act. The GSRO coordinates a statewide salmon strategy, secures funding for local, regional, and state recovery efforts; and produces the biennial State of Salmon in Watersheds report to the Legislature. The GSRO also coordinates Southern Resident Orca recovery for the State.

WDFW RFP 25-00009 PAGE 4 OF 23

The SCC was created by the legislature in 1939 (RCW 89.08.070). SCC is the coordinating state agency for all 45 conservation districts (CDs) in Washington State. Together, the SCC and CDs provide voluntary, incentive-based programs that empower people to practice conservation and ensure healthy natural resources and agriculture for all.

c. Need for Federal Government Relations Consulting. Federal policy and funding are critical to Washington State’s recovery of wild salmon, conservation and management of wildlife, Puget Sound health and restoration, and voluntary agriculture and conservation incentive-based programs. Federal policy and funding decisions happen in a very dynamic environment. To remain relevant and effective, a physical presence to track and represent the agencies on these natural resources issues in Washington D.C. is imperative to continued federal support for the agencies.

d. Current Challenge. The dynamic and competitive nature of the federal environment impacts federal policies and funding critical to the agencies’ ability to carry out their respective missions and mandates. Each Administration and Congress influences existing and new federal policies as well as priorities for the appropriation of federal funds. The agencies must be vigilant in understanding the implications for Washington’s fish, wildlife, and natural resources while being proactive in communicating the impacts. This can be difficult due to the state’s distance from Washington D.C. A network of well-established relationships within the delegation and federal agencies in addition to understanding the federal political and policy landscape is requisite for elevating the needs of Washington.

2. MANDATORY AND DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

a. Mandatory Experience/Qualifications. Bidders must have at least 10 years’ demonstrated experience in:

• Knowledge of the agencies’ missions and mandates.

• History working with legislative and regulatory processes at the federal executive and legislative branches.

• Developing and deploying effective strategies related to enhancing federal contributions to the conservation and recovery of fish and wildlife.

• Effective and strategic relationships with the Washington congressional delegation and their staff, and the Washington State Governor’s DC office.

• A clear strategy for representing the WDFW, PSP, RCO, GSRO, and SCC at meetings with key Congressional members as well as executive leadership within federal agencies, including USFWS, NMFS, USFS, EPA, USACE, Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), Office of Management and Budget (OMB), USDA -NRCS, and FSA.

• Experience in and knowledge of the federal budget process at both the Congressional and executive levels, and in identifying and securing a variety of federal funding sources. Possesses a documented history of assisting entities in elevating federal agendas and executing successful outcomes.

• Strong communication skills, attention to detail, and follow through.

• Understanding of, and ability to perform the activities listed in the Scope of Work.

• Must be based in Washington D. C. metropolitan area.

WDFW RFP 25-00009 PAGE 5 OF 23

b. Highly Desirable Experience and Qualifications

• Experience working on Washington’s diverse natural resources issues.

• History working with WDFW, PSP, RCO, GSRO, and SCC.

• Experience working with Washington state’s Congressional delegation and staff.

• Experience working with House and Senate congressional committees.

• Experience working with federal agencies with emphasis on natural resource conservation.

c. The Bidder is responsible to ensure that proposed Bidder staff are committed and available until the completion of the contract. Any proposal by the Bidder for changes, replacement, or substitution of contract staff during the duration of the contract must be submitted to the agencies. These agencies shall have the sole discretion to accept or reject such proposal. In no event shall such changes in Bidder staff take effect without the agencies’ written consent.

3. RFP COORDINATOR

The RFP Coordinator is the sole point of contact in the WDFW for this procurement. All communication between bidders and WDFW upon receipt of this RFP shall be with the RFP Coordinator, as follows:

Name: Janice Jackson Office: Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife

Contracts and Purchasing Telephone: (360) 902-2444 E-mail: janice.jackson@dfw.wa.gov

4. INSTRUCTIONS TO BIDDERS

All required documents must be submitted to the RFP Coordinator by e-mail by the times and dates in this RFP. Bidders are responsible for the means of delivery of all documents to ensure receipt by the RFP Coordinator by the required dates and times.

4.1 Proposal Contents

See Exhibit A, Checklist for Responsiveness, for a list of all documents that must be submitted as a part of a bidder’s proposal. All bids submitted in response to this RFP shall consist of the following documents:

a. A cover letter of no more than 400 words, signed by a person authorized to bind the proposing organization to a contract, summarizing the most important elements of the proposal.

b. Exhibit B, Certification and Assurances, signed by a person authorized to bind you or your organization to a contract.

c. Exhibit C, Vendor Certification Executive Order 18-03, signed by a person authorized to bind you or your organization to a contract.

d. Exhibit D, Bidder Questionnaire, completed by your organization; and

e. Exhibit E, Bidder Profile, completed by your organization mailto:janice.jackson@dfw.wa.gov

WDFW RFP 25-00009 PAGE 6 OF 23

4.2 Proposal Format

One copy of the complete proposal must be submitted by the Bidder to the RFP Coordinator electronically using Microsoft Word, Excel or portable document format (pdf). Any documents which require an official signature should be submitted in pdf.

4.3 Proprietary Information

Clearly mark any portion(s) of your proposal which contains proprietary information. You may not mark the entire proposal as proprietary. If your proposal is successful, and WDFW receives a request to view or copy your proposal, WDFW shall respond according to public disclosure procedures described in this RFP. However, if any information in your proposal is marked as proprietary, WDFW shall not make that portion available without giving you an opportunity to seek a court order preventing disclosure.

4.4 Bidder’s Questions and Answers

Specific questions concerning this RFP may be submitted in writing to the RFP Coordinator at the email address specified in Section 3 of this RFP. There will be one opportunity to ask questions. Questions must be received by the RFP Coordinator no later than 2:00 p.m. on May 6, 2025. Responses to those questions will be sent out on or about May 9, 2025. Questions must be submitted via email and must be received by the date and time listed above. Only responses received in writing from the RFP Coordinator will be considered official and binding.

4.4.1 Pre-Bid Conference and Vendor Questions Bidders wishing to submit a proposal for this procurement may attend an optional Pre-Bid Conference on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm, local Olympia WA time. This conference will be held virtually via a Microsoft Teams meeting; the link to this meeting is below:

Join the meeting now Meeting ID: 291 810 651 921 6 Passcode: op9ZY6Qi

Dial in by phone +1 564-999-2000 927538567# United States, Olympia Find a local number Phone conference ID: 927 538 567#

4.5 Delivery of Proposals

Send complete proposal to the RFP Coordinator at the email address specified in Section 3 of this RFP. Email transmission is required.

Proposals must be received by the RFP Coordinator no later than 2:00 p.m. local time for Olympia WA on June 13, 2025. Late proposals will not be accepted and shall automatically be disqualified from further consideration.

WDFW assumes no responsibility for delay in transmission of proposals. WDFW will use the “time stamp” on the email as the official time of receipt. Time extensions will not be granted.

4.6 Procurement Complaint Process

Bidders considering submitting a bid or proposal in response to any request for bids, request for qualifications, Request for Proposals or any solicitation for goods and services under RCW https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_MDkwOTM3YTQtZWNmMi00ZTIxLWIzZmUtZjJjZjg1OGUzOWQ4%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%2211d0e217-264e-400a-8ba0-57dcc127d72d%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%226b3f8dfc-cfda-42c1-89d1-f6951d82978e%22%7d tel:+15649992000,,927538567 https://dialin.teams.microsoft.com/811a9140-4f87-4b3b-b4e5-c0df12d33f3f?id=927538567

WDFW RFP 25-00009 PAGE 7 OF 23

39.26 may submit complaints regarding a particular solicitation to the WDFW solicitation point of contact. Bidders may submit a complaint on the following for any solicitation:

• The solicitation unnecessarily restricts competition;

• The solicitation evaluation or scoring process is unfair or flawed; or

• The solicitation requirements are inadequate or insufficient to prepare a response.

All complaints submitted under this process must:

• Be in writing;

• Be received by the agencies’ solicitation point of contact by e-mail not later than five business days before the Bidder’s response to a solicitation is required to be submitted to the agencies.

• Clearly articulate the basis for the complaint; and

• Include a proposed remedy.

The agencies will respond to complaints in writing and post the response (and any changes to the solicitation required by the response) on WEBS. Bidders may not appeal the response or raise the same complaint during any protest period.

4.7 Washington’s Electronic Business Solution (WEBS)

Bidders are solely responsible for:

• Properly registering with Washington’s Electronic Business Solution (WEBS) at www.des.wa.gov , and maintaining an accurate Bidder profile in WEBS.

• Downloading the RFP packet consisting of the RFP, all Appendices, and incorporated documents related to the RFP for which you are interested in Bidding.

• Downloading all current and subsequent Amendments to the RFP to ensure receipt of all RFP documents.

Notification of Amendments to the RFP will only be provided to those Bidders who have registered with WEBS and have downloaded the RFP from WEBS. Failure to do so may result in a Bidder having incomplete, inaccurate, or otherwise inadequate information and Bid.

http://www.des.wa.gov/

WDFW RFP 25-00009 PAGE 8 OF 23

5. EVALUATION AND AWARD PROCEDURES

5.1 Evaluation Team

A team will be formed to evaluate proposals. The team will be composed of individuals with subject matter expertise from each agency. The agencies will evaluate the proposals for compliance with procedural requirements.

5.2 Information Used For Evaluation

The evaluation team will use the information in the Bidder Questionnaire, information gathered from Bidder’s references and cost proposal. No other information will be supplied to or used by the evaluation team. The following weighting and points will be assigned to the bid for evaluation purposes:

5.3 Evaluation Process

The agencies will evaluate the bidders’ proposals through the following process:

a. Preliminary screening. WDFW contract management staff will review proposers’ submissions and determine whether they are responsive to the procedural instructions in this RFP and meet criteria specified. Non-responsive proposals will be eliminated from further consideration.

b. Evaluations of Proposals. An evaluation team will be formed to review responsive proposals. The team will use the information provided by the proposer as described in Section 4.1 above; sample work products; and information gathered from reference checks.

No other information will be supplied to or used by the evaluation team.

The following weighting will be used to evaluate the Proposals:

Capabilities: Weight Assigned

Proposed Experience and Qualifications 50 Existing Federal Relationships 25 Federal Strategy Development 15 Cost 10

c. Supplier Diversity WDFW is issuing this Solicitation pursuant to RCW 39.26. Pursuant to this Solicitation, the Purchaser intends to conduct a competitive procurement to award an Agency Contract estimated to be valued at less than $150,000. Because it is estimated to be less than $150,000, the Purchaser intends to award the contract to the lowest responsive and responsible bid from a Small Business or Veteran-Owned Business, unless none of these businesses are responsible and responsive to this solicitation

• SMALL BUSINESS – A Washington State business, including a sole proprietorship, corporation, partnership or other legal entity, that (a) self-certifies in WEBS that it is owned and operated independently from all other businesses and has either: (i) fifty or fewer employees; or (ii) a gross revenue of less than seven million dollars annually as reported on its federal income tax return or its return filed with the Washington State Department of Revenue over the previous three consecutive years; or (b) is certified

WDFW RFP 25-00009 PAGE 9 OF 23

with the Washington State Office of Women and Minority Business Enterprises under chapter 39.19 RCW.

• VETERAN-OWNED BUSINESS – A veteran-owned business certified as such by the Washington State Department of Veteran Affairs.

• WEBS - the Washington Electronic Business Solution (WEBS) system; the procurement announcement system for Washington State government.

The Bidder is responsible to ensure that proposed Bidder staff are committed and available until the completion of the contract. Any quote and qualifications by the Bidder for changes, replacement, or substitution of contract staff during the duration of the contract must be submitted to WDFW. WDFW shall have the sole discretion to accept or reject such quote and qualifications. In no event shall such changes in Bidder staff take effect without WDFW’s written consent.

d. Reference checks. The agencies may check references for the top bidder(s) only. In addition to contacting the references provided by bidders, the agencies may contact additional professional references to determine the bidders’ experience and past performance.

Bidders whose references cannot be verified will be contacted and allowed one (1) business day to arrange for reference verification.

e. At the conclusion of the process described above, the evaluation team will compile the scores for all responsive proposals and name the Apparent Successful Proposer. The agencies reserve the right to interview the top scoring Proposer(s) prior to making the apparent successful proposer determination.

5.4 Notice of Apparent Successful Bidder

The agencies will notify all bidders via WEBS and e-mail of the selection of Apparently Successful Bidder.

WDFW RFP 25-00009 PAGE 10 OF 23

6. GENERAL PROVISIONS

6.1 Public Disclosure

Proposals shall become the property of WDFW. All public records of the WDFW are available for disclosure except: “Competitive procurement instruments, such as a Request for Proposals or an invitation for bids, prior to the release to potential respondents/bidders; proposals and bids received in response to competitive contract procurement instruments until either the public response to the competitive contract procurement instruments until either the opening of bids or, for proposals, the contractor and the department have signed the contract.”

WDFW will not disclose RFP records until the announcement of the apparent successful bidder.

At that time, all information about the competitive procurement is disclosable with the exception of the portion(s) of the any proposal designated proprietary until the respondent/bidder has an adequate opportunity to seek a court order preventing disclosure.

WDFW may charge for copying and shipping any copies of material requested – contact WDFW for estimate of cost. WDFW will not charge a fee for inspection of RFP or contract files. Address requests for copying or inspecting materials to the RFP Coordinator.

6.2 Costs for Proposal Preparation

WDFW will not be liable for any costs or liabilities incurred by the Bidder associated with the preparation of the proposal in response to this RFP.

6.3 Waiver of Minor Irregularities

WDFW reserves the right to waive minor irregularities contained in any proposals submitted in response to this RFP.

6.4 Right to Reject All Proposals

WDFW may, at any time at its sole discretion and without penalty, reject any and all proposals and issue no contract as a result of this RFP.

6.5 Authority to Bind WDFW

As the proposal proponent, only the Director of WDFW and his/her designated representatives may legally commit WDFW to contracts. The Bidder shall not incur, and WDFW shall not pay, any costs incurred before a contract is fully executed.

6.6 Contract Terms

The Apparently Successful Bidder will be required to sign a contract which contains general terms and conditions substantially the same as those included with this RFP as Exhibit E. The contract will also incorporate this RFP and the successful proposal.

WDFW RFP 25-00009 PAGE 11 OF 23

7. DEBRIEFING AND PROTEST PROCEDURES

7.1 Debriefing of Unsuccessful Proposers

Bidders that have submitted a proposal that was not selected will be given the opportunity for a debriefing conference. The request for a debriefing conference must be received by the RFP Coordinator within three (3) business days after the Notification of Unsuccessful Bidder award letter is faxed to the Bidder. The debriefing must be held within three (3) business days of the request.

Discussion will be limited to a critique of the requesting Bidder’s proposal. Comparisons between proposals or evaluations of the other proposals will not be allowed. Debriefing conferences may be conducted in person or on the telephone and will be scheduled for a maximum of one hour.

7.2 Protest Procedures

As the proposal proponent, RCW 39.26.170 requires WDFW to have a clear and transparent complaint process that allows bidders to submit protests after the announcement of the apparent successful bidder (ASB). The purpose of this process is to allow WDFW to correct evaluation process errors and problems before a contract is executed. After the announcement of the ASB, the WDFW solicitation point of contact must offer a debriefing conference to any bidder upon request. Bidders must request a debriefing conference within three (3) business days after the ASB is announced. To submit a protest for a solicitation:

• The bidder must have submitted a response for that solicitation;

• The bidder must have participated in a debriefing conference for that solicitation;

• The protest must be received by the WDFW solicitation point of contact by e-mail or letter within (5) business days after the bidder’s debriefing conference; and

• The protest must be in writing and clearly articulate the basis for the protest.

Bidders may submit a protest on the following issues for a solicitation:

• A matter of bias, discrimination, or conflict of interest on the part of an evaluator;

• Errors in computing the scores; or

• Non-compliance with procedures described in the procurement document or agency protest process.

The WDFW Technology and Financial Management Assistant Director is responsible for investigating and responding to the protest in writing within 10 business days from receipt of the protest, unless additional time is needed. If additional time is needed the Technology and Financial Management Assistant Director will notify the protesting bidder within 10 business days from receipt of the protest. The WDFW Technology and Financial Management Assistant Director’s decision regarding a protest is final.

8. RFP EXHIBITS

Exhibit A Checklist for Responsiveness Exhibit B Certification and Assurances Exhibit C Vendor Certification Executive Order 18-03 Exhibit D Bidder Questionnaire Exhibit E Bidder Profile Exhibit F General Terms and Conditions Exhibit G Scope of Work

WDFW RFP 25-00009 PAGE 12 OF 23

Exhibit A

CHECKLIST FOR RESPONSIVENESS

� A cover letter of no more than 400 words, signed by a person authorized to bind the proposing organization to a contract, summarizing the most important elements of the proposal.

� A signed copy of the Certifications and Assurances document (Exhibit B), signed by a person authorized to bind you or your organization to a contract.

� A signed copy of the Vendor Certification Executive Order 18-03 document (Exhibit C), signed by a person authorized to bind you or your organization to a contract.

� Your company’s response to Bidder Questionnaire (Exhibit D); and

� A completed Bidder Profile (Exhibit E), including information about subcontractors.

WDFW RFP 25-00009 PAGE 13 OF 23

Exhibit B

CERTIFICATIONS AND ASSURANCES

We make the following certifications and assurances as a required element of submitting this Proposal, affirming the truthfulness of the facts declared here and acknowledging that the continuing compliance with these statements and all requirements of the solicitation are conditions precedent to the award or continuation of the resulting contract.

1. We have read, understand, and agree to abide by all information contained in the solicitation, all Exhibits, and incorporated documents.

2. The attached Proposal is a firm offer for a period of 90 days following the Proposal Due Date specified in the solicitation, and it may be accepted by WDFW without further negotiation (except where obviously required by lack of certainty in key terms) at any time within this period. In the case of a protest, our Proposal will remain valid for 90 days or until the protest and any related court action is resolved, whichever is later.

3. In preparing this Proposal, we have not been assisted by any current or former employee of the state of Washington whose duties relate (or did relate) to the state's solicitation, or prospective Contract, and who was assisting in other than his or her official, public capacity. Neither does such a person nor any member of his or her immediate family have any financial interest in the outcome of this Proposal. (Any exceptions to these assurances are described in full detail on a separate page and attached to this document.)

4. We understand that the state of Washington will not reimburse us for any costs incurred in the preparation of this Proposal. All Proposals become the property of the state, and we claim no proprietary right to the ideas, writings, items or samples unless so stated in the Proposal. Submittal of the attached Proposal constitutes an acceptance of the evaluation criteria and an agreement to abide by the procedures and all other administrative requirements described in the solicitation.

5. We understand that any Contract awarded as a result of this Proposal will incorporate all solicitation requirements. Submittal of a Proposal and execution of this Certifications and Assurances document certify our willingness to comply with the Contract terms and conditions appearing in the solicitation, all Exhibits, and incorporated documents if selected as a Contractor. It is further understood that our standard Contract will not be allowed as a replacement for the terms and conditions appearing in the solicitation, all Appendices, and incorporated documents of this solicitation.

6. By submitting this Proposal, we hereby offer to furnish materials, supplies, services and/or equipment in compliance with all terms, conditions, and specifications contained in this solicitation.

7. We are not submitting any exceptions.

8. That neither we nor our “principals” (as defined in 49 CFR 29.105) are presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, declared ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from participation in this transaction by any federal department or agency, or the state of Washington.

9. That we have NOT been determined by a final and binding citation and notice of assessment issued by the Washington Department of Labor and Industries or through a civil judgment entered by a court of limited or general jurisdiction to have willfully violated, as defined in RCW 49.48.082, any provision of RCW chapters 49.46, 49.48, or 49.52 within three (3) years prior to the date of the

WDFW RFP 25-00009 PAGE 14 OF 23

solicitation date.

I certify (or declare) under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of Washington that the foregoing is true and correct.

SIGNATURE OF PROPOSER

PLACE OF SIGNATURE

TITLE DATE

WDFW RFP 25-00009 PAGE 15 OF 23

Exhibit C

VENDOR CERTIFICATION EXECUTIVE ORDER 18-03 – WORKERS’ RIGHTS WASHINGTON STATE GOODS

& SERVICES CONTRACTS

Pursuant to RCW 39.26.160(3) (best value criteria) and consistent with Executive Order 1803 – Supporting Workers’ Rights to Effectively Address Workplace Violations (dated June 12, 2018), the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife will evaluate bids for best value and provide a bid preference in the amount of 3% to any bidder who certifies, pursuant to the certification below that its firm does NOT require its employees, as a condition of employment, to sign or agree to mandatory individual arbitration clauses or class or collective action waiver.

I hereby certify, on behalf of the firm identified below, as follows (check one):

� NO MANDATORY INDIVIDUAL ARBITRATION CLAUSES AND CLASS OR COLLECTIVE ACTION WAIVERS FOR EMPLOYEES. This firm does NOT require its employees, as a condition of employment, to sign or agree to mandatory individual arbitration clauses or class or collective action waivers.

OR

� MANDATORY INDIVIDUAL ARBITRATION CLAUSES AND CLASS OR COLLECTIVE ACTION WAIVERS FOR EMPLOYEES. This firm requires its employees, as a condition of employment, to sign or agree to mandatory individual arbitration clauses or class or collective action waivers.

I HEREBY CERTIFY, UNDER PENALTY OF PERJURY UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON, THAT THE CERTIFICATIONS HEREIN ARE TRUE AND CORRECT AND THAT I AM AUTHORIZED TO MAKE

THESE CERTIFICATIONS ON BEHALF OF THE FIRM LISTED HEREIN.

FIRM NAME: _____________________________________________________

NAME OF VENDOR – PRINT FULL LEGAL ENTITY NAME OF FIRM

dba, if applicable ____________________________________________________

By: __________________________________

SIGNATURE OF AUTHORIZED PERSON

Title: ________________________________

TITLE OF PERSON SIGNING CERTIFICATE

Date: ________________________________

PRINT NAME OF PERSON MAKING CERTIFICATIONS FOR FIRM

Place: ________________________________

PRINT CITY AND STATE

WDFW RFP 25-00009 PAGE 16 OF 23

Exhibit D

Bidder Questionnaire

Instructions to Bidders: Please ensure that you have included the following information in your response, as these are the items that will be used to evaluate your response:

Experience and Qualifications In 5 or fewer pages, provide a complete description of the Bidder’s experience and qualifications meeting the Scope of Work. This section should convey the depth of the Bidder’s experience working on natural resources policy, with federal agencies and the Washington state congressional delegation, and with the five state agencies. Additionally, it is important to provide a history of initiatives, relevant to the agencies’ missions, the Bidder has led and a description of their outcomes.

Existing Federal Relations In 5 or fewer pages, provide a detailed summary of existing relationships with the Washington state congressional delegation, House and Senate Committees, relevant federal agencies both in DC and the Pacific Northwest, and the four state agencies. This section should also include a description of established relationships with other states’ delegations, key influencers, and a variety of natural resources organizations.

Federal Strategy Development In 2 or fewer pages, provide a complete description of the Bidder’s proposed approach and methodology to developing and implementing strategies regarding natural resources issues at the federal level. This section should convey the Bidder’s understanding of the natural resources issues Washington faces and the Bidder’s proposed method to addressing them, including how you would provide information, advice and guidance to agency leadership.

Cost Proposal Provide a cost proposal that identifies all costs by tasks/subtasks identified in the Scope of Work, including staff costs and any expenses to be charged for performing the services necessary to accomplish the objectives of this RFP.

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Exhibit E

BIDDER PROFILE

COMPANY INFORMATION (for contract administration purposes) Company Name & Address:

Authorized Representative:

Phone:

Email:

Ordering Address:

Payment Address:

Federal Tax Identification Number

WA Dept. of Revenue Universal Business Identifier (UBI) Number*

WA Statewide Vendor Payment Number*

*Required for the vendor providing services resulting from this procurement, but not required to submit a proposal.

REFERENCES

Provide a minimum of three (3) commercial or government references for which Bidder has delivered goods and/or services similar in scope as described in the RFP.

1. Customer:

Contact:

2. Customer:

Contact:

3. Customer:

Contact:

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SUBCONTRACTORS

If applicable, on a separate sheet, identify any subcontractors who will perform services in fulfillment of contract requirements; the nature of services to be performed and include federal tax identification (TIN) number for each subcontractor. If a subcontractor is a minority or women owned business, please include their OMWBE Certification Number (if certified). If necessary, attach additional sheets (please stamp or mark each page with a company name, mark, or initial). Do not include any Social Security Numbers.

The contractor, by including subcontractor(s) as part of your signed Proposal is your agreement to take complete responsibility, contract obligations, and liability for all actions of such subcontractors. All subcontractors are subject to DES approval. DES reserves the right to approve or disapprove any subcontractor.

SALES/CUSTOMER SERVICE

Purchasing Cards Accepted:

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MINORITY/WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS STATUS

Is your firm a Minority/Women Owned Business? Yes No

Office of Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises MWBE certification #

VETERAN OWNED BUSINESS STATUS

Is your firm a Veteran Owned Business? Yes No

Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs certification #

WDFW RFP 25-00009 PAGE 19 OF 23

Exhibit F

GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

See the inserted document below

Exhibit E - sample terms and condition

WDFW RFP 25-00009 PAGE 20 OF 23

Exhibit G

SCOPE OF WORK

The following are the services that the Bidder will provide under the contract resulting from this procurement. Assumptions have been included to allow proposers the opportunity to estimate the amount of effort required and provide a firm fixed price for their proposal.

Task 1. Represent, assist and track issues in Washington, D.C. that are important to the State of Washington related to fish, and in particular salmon, and wildlife recovery and management, Puget Sound recovery, and agricultural incentive-based and voluntary stewardship programs. Develop and implement an effective strategy to maintain and increase federal funding for a variety of natural resource programs.

For WDFW, RCO, GSRO and PSP:

i. Salmon recovery initiatives, including Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund

(PCSRF);

ii. Puget Sound initiatives and funding sources, including the National Estuary Program and the Puget Sound Geographic Program;

iii. Columbia River Issues - Mitchell Act funding, Lower Snake River Compensation Plan hatchery funding, Columbia River Treaty with Canada, Columbia and Snake River Fish Passage;

iv. Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) stateside funding;

v. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Puget Sound and Adjacent Waters (PSAW) authorization, and Puget Sound Nearshore Ecosystem Restoration Project

(PSNERP);

vi. Invasive species policy and funding support;

vii. Pacific Salmon Treaty funding support;

viii. Wildlife conservation and recovery initiatives, including Recovering America’s Wildlife Act.

ix. Established and advancing new conservation programs within USDA and DOD.

For SCC:

i. Farm Bill, agricultural appropriations, and appropriations related to voluntary, incentive-based conservation programs;

ii. Federal agency funding, program implementation, and revisions to programs related to voluntary, incentive-based conservation programs. This includes the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) administered by the Farm Service Agency and all programs administered by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

iii. National organization activities relating to agricultural incentive-based and voluntary stewardship programs.

WDFW RFP 25-00009 PAGE 21 OF 23

Task 2. Work with agency and state leadership to develop, coordinate, and implement strategies, correspondence, and meetings to elevate the agencies’ respective federal agendas through a variety of measures.

1) For WDFW, RCO, GSRO, and PSP:

i. Facilitate a minimum of three (3) multi-state and congressional letters of support for agencies. Examples of topics may include (but not be limited to) Pacific Coast Salmon Recovery Fund (PCSRF), US EPA Puget Sound Geographic Program, and the Salmon Management Activities (i.e. Mitchell Act), and bipartisan infrastructure law or inflation reduction act related funding.

ii. Build support among the five PCSRF recipient states to make a strong and compelling case for appropriation and/or reauthorizing legislation, including coordination of annual PCSRF recipient state DC trips, and in the meantime, continuing historical levels of funding for recovery of sustainable salmon populations.

iii. Build an understanding among appropriators in Congress and key individuals in the Administration that salmon recovery will likely take decades and require a substantial investment over several salmon life cycles.

iv. Build an understanding among members of Congress on appropriations and authorizing committees, as well as committee and personal staff, and with key individuals in the Administration about the condition of statewide conservation and recovery activities underway and the substantial federal funding and regulatory actions required to leverage state and local implementation efforts.

v. Work closely with other states and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries, EPA, US Fish and Wildlife Services and other federal agencies as appropriate to communicate to Congress and key administration officials the work accomplished by current investments, and the activities that have resulted in measurable changes to fish and wildlife populations.

vi. In concert with RCO work with other states and national organizations, assist in identifying elements needed to make a strong and compelling case for continuing historical levels of funding for "state side" Land and Water Conservation (LWCF) matching grant funds for outdoor conservation and recreation.

vii. Track and report on congressional actions related to Puget Sound Partnership, PCSRF, Puget Sound Nearshore Ecosystem Restoration Project (PSNERP), LWCF, Puget Sound and Adjacent Waters (PSAW), and the Columbia River Basin hatchery programs and fish passage initiatives.

viii. Support agencies in planning events and tours that are intended to cultivate an understanding of how federal programs and funding impact actions on-the-ground in Washington state.

2) For SCC:

i. Build awareness and support among Congressional members and staff for voluntary incentive-based conservation programs and the role of conservation districts in locally led conservation.

ii. Build awareness and support among federal agency leadership and staff for the

WDFW RFP 25-00009 PAGE 22 OF 23

State's voluntary agriculture incentive-based conservation programs.

iii. Build awareness and support among various non-governmental organizations for the State’s voluntary agricultural incentive-based conservation programs.

iv. In coordination with SCC, identify and pursue opportunities for appropriation and implementation legislation necessary to meet the State’s voluntary conservation goals as well as seek funding and implementation support from federal agencies.

For all agencies:

3) Provide advice and counsel to agency Directors, Commissioners, and staff engaged in federal advocacy. Coach and mentor them to maximize their effectiveness in building relationships and catalyzing positive change in federal policy and appropriations.

4) Meet with the Federal Executive Branch and Congressional officials and staff to alert them to the critical need for continued federal support in these areas.

5) Coordinate efforts between Washington State and other recipient State delegations, while recognizing Congress and the Federal Executive Branch may have many competing interests coming from other state offices.

6) Elevate Washington’s natural resources issues within the Federal Executive Branch to best position the agencies amongst nationwide competition.

7) Facilitate Congressional or Federal Executive Branch meetings with WDFW, GSRO, RCO, PSP, and other states involved in the effort. Individually and with SCC agency leadership, meet with Federal Executive Branch and Congressional officials and staff to create and maintain support voluntary agricultural incentive-based and conservation programs.

8) Facilitate Washington Director/Commissioner/Delegated Staff meetings with Congressional staff and members and the Federal Executive Branch three (3) to five (5) times per year to be equally divided among participating agencies.

9) Be available for conference calls, meetings, and other strategic communications and, as appropriate, attend hearings or administration meetings relations to efforts related but not limited to:

a. Fish and wildlife conservation, recovery and management

b. Puget Sound recovery

c. Implementation of the VSP and issues related to funding and implementation of

CREP and NRCS programs.

d. LWCF programs

WDFW RFP 25-00009 PAGE 23 OF 23

10) Meet a minimum of three (3) times per year with Washington natural resource agencies to prioritize federal budget requests and prepare for budget processes. At least one (1) meeting will be an in-person meeting; and remaining can be by conference call.

11) Participate as appropriate in the strategy development and overall leadership and implementation of Washington State's efforts to continue the stream of federal assistance for wildlife conservation, salmon recovery, Puget Sound Recovery and the

VSP.

12) Identify and track emerging federal issues relevant to the state agencies. Report updates and information on a consistent basis via email. Provide a monthly update to WDFW, RCO, PSP, and WSCC via conference call to ensure deliverables are being met.

13) Counsel state agencies on applicable Executive Orders and federal agency rulemaking Elevate issues state agencies are encountering in applying for and implementing funding opportunities to congressional offices and federal agencies.