26_15_RFQQ_Forest Carbon Project.pdf

WASHINGTON STATE

DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

OLYMPIA, WASHINGTON

SOLICITATION

TITLE: Forest Carbon Offset Project Feasibility Analysis

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS AND QUOTATIONS (RFQQ): DNR 26-15

SOLICITATION COORDINATOR: Kate Dean

DNR RFQQ: 26-15

Washington State Department of Natural Resources Page 2 of 50

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS AND QUOTATIONS (RFQQ)

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION AND SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES

1.1 PURPOSE

1.2 SCOPE

1.3 MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1.4 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

1.5 ADDITIONAL GOODS, AND/OR SERVICES

1.6 SOLICITATION COORDINATOR

1.7 SCHEDULE OF PROCUREMENT ACTIVITIES

2. GENERAL INFORMATION

2.1 CONTRACTING RESTRICTIONS

2.2 DEFINITIONS

2.3 PRE-PROPOSAL CONFERENCE

2.4 NOTIFICATION TO BIDDERS

2.5 COMPLAINT, DEBRIEF, AND PROTEST PROCEDURES

2.6 PROPRIETARY INFORMATION/PUBLIC DISCLOSURE

2.7 REVISIONS TO THE SOLICITATION

2.8 SMALL AND DIVERSE BUSINESS PARTICIPATION

2.9 AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA)

2.10 VALIDITY PERIOD

2.11 MOST FAVORABLE TERMS

2.12 CONTRACT AND GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

2.13 COST TO PROPOSE

2.14 NO OBLIGATION TO CONTRACT

2.15 CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS

2.16 REJECTION OF BIDS, QUOTATIONS, and/or PROPOSALS

2.17 COMMITMENT OF FUNDS

2.18 DOING BUSINESS WITH THE STATE

2.19 INSURANCE COVERAGE

3. CONTENTS AND SUBMITTAL INSTRUCTIONS

3.1 ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION OF BIDS, QUOTATIONS, AND/OR PROPOSALS .19

3.2 BIDDER CHECKLIST

3.3 PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS AND/OR SPECIFICATIONS FORM

3.4 FUNDING

3.5 COST PROPOSAL

4. EVALUATION AND AWARD

4.1 RESPONSIVENESS (PASS/FAIL)

4.2 RESPONSIBLE BIDDER CRITERIA

4.3 BIDDER’S CERTIFICATIONS AND ASSURANCES FORM (PASS/FAIL)

4.4 WAGE LAW COMPLIANCE (PASS/FAIL)

4.5 PREFERENCE – EXECUTIVE ORDER 18-03 WORKER’S RIGHTS (SCORED) ..24

4.7 PREFERENCE – ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS (SCORED)

4.8 ORAL PRESENTATIONS MAY BE REQUIRED (SCORED)

4.9 EVALUATION AND SCORING

5. SOLICITATION EXHIBITS

EXHIBIT A – BIDDER’S CERTIFICATIONS AND ASSURANCES FORM

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EXHIBIT B – PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS AND/OR SPECIFICATIONS

EXHIBIT C – SUBCONTRACTOR INCLUSION PLAN

EXHIBIT D – SAMPLE SERVICES CONTRACT AND WASHINGTON STATE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL

RESOURCES GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

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1. INTRODUCTION AND SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES

1.1 PURPOSE

The Washington State Department of Natural Resources, hereafter called “DNR” or the “Agency”, is initiating this solicitation to solicit proposals from firms to assess the potential carbon offset credit flow from a portion of structurally complex forest on DNR lands in order to assess revenue implications and cost of project maintenance under both voluntary and regulatory carbon market protocols.

Work to be performed and/or services delivered in the county(ies) of: Statewide.

1.2 SCOPE

The Apparent Successful Bidder shall:

I. ACTION: Assess DNR managed forest lands for carbon credit generation potential under both voluntary and regulatory (Washington CCA Forest Offset Protocol:

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/laws-rules-rulemaking/rulemaking/wac-

173-446-offsets-us-forest-protocol ) protocols. The subset of lands to be assessed, as determined by DNR, are intended to retain and enhance complex older forest attributes

(such as diversity of species, height of understory and tree canopy, age classes, the presence of downed wood and the ability to sequester carbon). The Apparent

Successful Bidder will develop scenarios which include scenarios where DNR would do no management, selective harvest for high value products, or variable density thinning. For each scenario, the Apparent Successful Bidder will assess the amount of carbon potentially available for quantifying for an offset project (referred to as carbon additionality), expected credit volumes, and operational feasibility. DNR will provide the specific location of lands to be assessed in writing.

OUTPUT: The Apparent Successful Bidder will identify quantified carbon potential by management scenario and identification of scenarios best suited for carbon project development in the professional judgement of the Apparent Successful Bidder. It is likely that some combination of scenarios, if DNR later choses to pursue them, would be implemented within one project – e.g., some acres remain unharvested, others can be occasionally managed for selective high value product extraction, and other acres will be suited to thinning that can enhance or accelerate structural complexity. Nothing in this solicitation obligates DNR to pursue one or any of the options presented by the

Apparent Successful Bidder.

II. ACTION: Model carbon outcomes under voluntary and compliance market assumptions for priority pathways, which involves comparing credit volumes, price https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/laws-rules-rulemaking/rulemaking/wac-173-446-offsets-us-forest-protocol https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/laws-rules-rulemaking/rulemaking/wac-173-446-offsets-us-forest-protocol

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OUTPUT: Credit generation potential and ranges of income generation potential in both voluntary and compliance markets will be provided to DNR in writing. The

Apparent Successful Bidder will provide recommendation on target markets by pathway and scenario, identifying each by role of voluntary projects versus compliance pathways.

III. ACTION: Synthesize results into a decision framework that identifies priority management scenarios, protocols, and markets, and outlines potential pilot projects.

The results will be presented as a report to DNR by the end of the project.

OUTPUT: The Apparent Successful Bidder will provide DNR with recommendations on how and where to DNR can pursue carbon projects; what an ideal set of implementing partners would look like (in the Apparent Successful Bidder’s professional judgement); and identity of parameters for a potential pilot project concept. The proposed pilot project will identify at a minimum the number of acres recommended to include to make it viable, accounting for any legal or regulatory restrictions applicable to DNR and the land selected for this purpose.

1.3 MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

A. Bidders must be licensed to do business in the State of Washington, or provide a commitment that it will become licensed to do business in the State of Washington prior to goods delivered or services rendered (if applicable):

• All in-state Bidders must be licensed in the State of Washington; for more information contact Washington State Department of Licensing.

• Out-of-state Bidders should seek guidance from the Washington State Department of

Licensing for specific requirements.

B. All bidders must be registered in Washington’s Electronic Business Solutions (WEBS) system prior to the Proposal Due date for this solicitation.

C. All bidders must have 3 years of documented experience in developing forest carbon offset projects through to verification and credit sales in both the voluntary and compliance markets.

Bidders who do not meet the minimum qualifications and/or the required specifications and qualifications as outlined above, will be rejected as non-responsive and will not receive further consideration. Any bid, quotation, and/or proposal rejected as non-responsive will not be evaluated or scored.

https://dol.wa.gov/

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1.4 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The period of performance of any contract resulting from this solicitation is tentatively scheduled to begin on or about June 15, 2026 and end on December 1, 2026.

DNR reserves the right to extend the contract for up to 2 additional months at the sole discretion of DNR.

Amendments extending the period of performance, if any, shall be at the sole discretion of DNR.

1.5 ADDITIONAL GOODS, AND/OR SERVICES

DNR reserves the right to add additional goods and/or services within the scope of this solicitation.

If additional goods/services are required, they shall be documented in amendments to the applicable contract document(s). There is no guarantee to CONTRACTOR additional goods and/or services will be ordered.

1.6 SOLICITATION COORDINATOR

The Solicitation Coordinator is the sole point of contact for DNR for this procurement. All communication with DNR regarding this solicitation shall be with the Solicitation Coordinator, as follows:

SOLICITATION COORDINATOR

Name: Kate Dean, DNR Policy Director

Email Address: Kate.dean@dnr.wa.gov

Mailing Address: 1111 Washington St. SE

City, State, Zip: Olympia, WA 98504

Phone Number: 360-301-1750

All oral and written communications with any party other than the Solicitation Coordinator will be considered unofficial and non-binding on DNR. Unless otherwise directed, communication to

DNR parties other than the Solicitation Coordinator may result in disqualification of the Bidder.

Bidders are encouraged to make any inquiry as early in the process as possible to allow DNR to consider and respond; however, no response is required from the Solicitation Coordinator. If a

Bidder does not notify DNR of an issue, exception, addition, or omission, DNR may consider the matter waived by the Bidder for protest purposes. If Bidder inquiries result in changes to the solicitation, written amendments will be issued and posted on WEBS, if possible.

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1.7 SCHEDULE OF PROCUREMENT ACTIVITIES

SCHEDULE OF PROCUREMENT ACTIVITIES

ISSUE SOLICITATION

DATE SOLICITATION IS POSTED IN WEBS

April 30, PRE-PROPOSAL CONFERENCE

DATE SCHEDULED FOR PRE-PROPOSAL CONFERENCE, IF APPLICABLE

ATTEND VIA VIDEO CONFERENCE:

MEETING INFORMATION MEETING HELD VIA TEAMS:

HTTPS://TEAMS.MICROSOFT.COM/MEET/241778202461085?P=UWPUC6HGFIAACGZLLW

CONF. ID/PASS CODE MEETING ID: 241 778 202 461 085 PASSCODE: G59WR7TL

DIAL-IN INFORMATION (833) 322-1218,,680031224# UNITED STATES (TOLL-FREE)

ATTEND IN PERSON:

ADDRESS NATURAL RESOURCES BUILDING, 1111 WASHINGTON ST. SE, OLYMPIA, WA

98504, ROOM 461. IF ATTENDING IN PERSON, P LEASE SIGN IN TO THE ILOBBY SYSTEM

WITH THE NRB RECEPTIONIST UPON ARRIVAL. YOUR POINT OF CONTACT WHEN SIGNING

IN WILL BE KATE DEAN/PAULA SWEDEEN. AFTER SIGNING IN, SOMEONE WILL COME DOWN

AND ESCORT YOU TO CONFERENCE ROOM 461 ON THE 4TH FLOOR.

MAY 6, 2026

10:00 – 11:00

AM PST

QUESTIONS DUE FROM BIDDERS

DEADLINE FOR BIDDERS TO ASK QUESTIONS OF THE SOLICITATION COORDINATOR

RELATED TO THIS SOLICITATION

May 7, 2026

ANSWERS DUE BY DNR

DATE THAT DNR WILL POST IN WEBS ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS RECEIVED FROM BIDDERS,

INCLUDING ANY QUESTIONS RECEIVED AT PRE-PROPOSAL CONFERENCE

May 11, 2026

COMPLAINTS DUE

DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING UNRESOLVED ISSUES ABOUT THE PROCESS

May 18, 2026

PROPOSALS DUE

DEADLINE FOR DNR RECEIPT OF PROPOSALS

May 26, 2026

EVALUATE PROPOSALS

PERIOD OF TIME WHEN PROPOSALS WILL BE EVALUATED BY DNR

May 28, 2026

CONDUCT ORAL PRESENTATIONS WITH FINALISTS

DATE ORAL PRESENTATIONS WILL BE CONDUCTED – IF REQUIRED

May 29, 2026

ANNOUNCE APPARENT SUCCESSFUL BIDDER June 1, 2026 https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/241778202461085?p=UWpUC6HGfiAacGZlLw

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SCHEDULE OF PROCUREMENT ACTIVITIES

AWARD DATE

HOLD DEBRIEFINGS

DATE DEBRIEFING CONFERENCES TO BE HELD – IF REQUESTED

June 5, 2026

NEGOTIATE CONTRACT

DATE RANGE DNR EXPECTS CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS TO BE CONDUCTED

June 8 – June

12, 2026

BEGIN CONTRACT WORK

DATE DNR EXPECTS THE WORK TO BEGIN

June 15, 2026

DNR RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REVISE THE ABOVE SCHEDULE.

If the Solicitation results in only one (1) Bidder, and that Bidder is found responsive and responsible, DNR reserves the right to accelerate the procurement schedule above.

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2. GENERAL INFORMATION

2.1 CONTRACTING RESTRICTIONS

Specific restrictions apply to contracting with current or former state employees pursuant to

Chapter 42.52 of the Revised Code of Washington. Bidders should familiarize themselves with the requirements prior to submitting a bid, quotation, and/or proposal that includes current or former state employees.

2.2 DEFINITIONS

Definitions for the purposes of this solicitation include:

AGENCY – Any State office or activity of the executive and judicial branches of State government, including State agencies, departments, offices, divisions, boards, commissions, institutions of higher education as defined in RCW 28B.10.016, and correctional and other types of institutions.

AGENT – Personnel authorized to act on behalf of DNR for matters contained within.

APPARENT SUCCESSFUL BIDDER – Bidder whose bid, quotation, and/or proposal provides the best value in meeting DNR needs and is selected to contract with DNR for the proposed solution, subject to completion of contract negations and execution of contract.

AWARD DATE – The announcement date of the Apparent Successful Bidder.

BID, QUOTATION, and/or PROPOSAL – A formal offer, submitted by an individual or entity, in response to a solicitation issued for goods and/or services by DNR.

BIDDER – An individual or entity who submits a bid, quotation, and/or proposal in response to a solicitation issued for goods and/or services by DNR.

BUSINESS DAYS – Monday through Friday, 8AM to 5PM, Pacific Standard Time or Pacific

Daylight Time, Olympia, Washington, USA.

CALENDAR DAY – Midnight to midnight, any day of the week.

CONTRACT – An agreement between DNR and CONTRACTOR that includes terms and conditions, all appendices and exhibits, associated scope of work (e.g. Services Contract or

Purchase Order), and all related amendments.

https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=28B.10.016

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CONTRACTOR – An individual or entity whose bid, quotation, and/or proposal has been accepted and is awarded a contract with DNR, and who is solely responsible to provide a good and/or perform a service.

DNR – Washington State Department of Natural Resources, an agency of the State of Washington, and any division, section, office, unit, or other entity of, or any of the officers or other officials lawfully representing the department.

GOODS – Products, materials, supplies, or equipment provided by a contractor.

PRIME CONTRACTOR – A contractor that signs a contract with DNR, but also subcontracts a portion of the work to other individuals or businesses and manages the performance of subcontracted work.

PURCHASE – The acquisition of goods and/or services, including the leasing or renting of goods.

RCW – Revised Code of Washington

SERVICES – Labor, work, analysis, or similar activities provided by a contractor to accomplish a specific scope of work.

SOLICITATION – A documented formal process providing an equal and open opportunity to bidders and culminating in a selection based on predetermined criteria.

STATE – The State of Washington.

SUBCONTRACTOR – One not in the employment of a contractor, who is performing all or part of the business activities related to this solicitation under a separate contract with that contractor.

The terms “subcontractor” and “subcontractors” means subcontractor(s) in any solicitation tier.

VENDOR – Individual, firm, organization, company, or other entity offering products and/or services.

WASHINGTON STATE CERTIFIED MINORITY-OWNED BUSINESS – Limited to firms certified by the Washington State Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises

(OMWBE) as a minority-owned business (MBE). See RCW 39.19.120 and WAC 326-20.

WASHINGTON STATE CERTIFIED SMALL BUSINESS – An in-state business, including a sole proprietorship, corporation, partnership, or other legal entity, that certifies location, size, and status through WEBS certification. See RCW 39.26.010.

https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=39.19.120 https://app.leg.wa.gov/wac/default.aspx?cite=326-20 https://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?Cite=39.26.010#:~:text=(22)%20%22Small%20business%22,Fifty%20or%20fewer%20employees%3B%20or

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WASHINGTON STATE CERTIFIED VETERAN-OWNED BUSINESS – Limited to firms certified by the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) as a Certified Veteran-

Owned Business. See RCW 43.60A.010(7) and RCW 43.60A.190.

WASHINGTON STATE CERTIFIED WOMAN-OWNED BUSINESS – Limited to firms certified by the Washington State Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises

(OMWBE) as a woman-owned business (WBE). See RCW 39.19.120 and WAC 326-20.

WEBS – Washington State’s Electronic Business Solution System. managed and maintained by

Washington State Department of Enterprise Services (DES).

WORKING DAYS – Midnight to midnight, Monday through Friday, excluding Saturday, Sunday, and State legal holidays.

2.3 PRE-PROPOSAL CONFERENCE

☒ A Pre-Proposal Conference is scheduled to be held as set forth in Section 1.7 Schedule of

Procurement Activities of this competitive solicitation. Attendance is not mandatory.

Bidders, however, are encouraged to attend and participate. The purpose of the Pre-

Proposal Conference is to clarify the solicitation as needed and raise any issues or concerns that Bidders may have. If changes to the solicitation are required as a result of the Pre-

Proposal Conference, the Solicitation Coordinator will post an amendment to this solicitation to WEBS, when possible. Assistance for disabled, blind, or hearing-impaired persons who wish to attend the Pre-Proposal Conference is available with prior arrangement by contacting the Solicitation Coordinator.

DNR will be bound only to DNR’s written answers to questions. Questions arising at the Pre-

Proposal Conference or via other communications with the Solicitation Coordinator will be documented and answered in written form. A copy of the questions and answers will be provided to all Bidders via posting to WEBS on the date indicated in Section 1.7 Schedule of Procurement

Activities.

2.4 NOTIFICATION TO BIDDERS

Upon completion of the evaluation process, DNR will notify the Apparent Successful Bidder of their selection via WEBS. Individuals or firms whose bids, quotations, and/or proposals were not selected for further negotiation or award will be notified via WEBS.

2.5 COMPLAINT, DEBRIEF, AND PROTEST PROCEDURES

COMPLAINT PROCESS – PRIOR TO BID, QUOTATION, and/or PROPOSAL DUE DATE:

https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=43.60A.010 https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=43.60A.190 https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=39.19.120 https://app.leg.wa.gov/wac/default.aspx?cite=326-20

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The purpose of a complaint process is to settle unresolved issues or concerns that either were not or could not be resolved during the question and answer period.

Any Bidder may submit a complaint regarding this solicitation based upon the following:

• The solicitation unnecessarily restricts competition;

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

• The requirements are inadequate or insufficient so that a response/bid, quotation, and/or proposal is difficult to prepare.

Complaints not based on procedural matters will not be considered. Complaints will be rejected as without merit if they address issues such as: 1) an evaluator’s professional judgment on the quality of a proposal, or 2) DNR’s assessment of its own and/or other agencies’ needs or requirements.

If no complaint is filed, a Bidder cannot later file a protest based on one of the above complaint criteria.

Any complaint to the solicitation must be in writing and submitted to the Solicitation Coordinator up to five (5) business days prior to the date when the bid, quotation, and/or proposal is due, and shall clearly articulate the basis for the complaint and include a proposed remedy.

Responses to complaints will be articulated in writing, including any resulting changes to the solicitation, and will be posted on WEBS, and DNR leadership will be notified.

DNR’s decision is final; no further administrative appeal is available.

DEBRIEFING OF UNSUCCESSFUL BIDDERS:

Any Bidder who has submitted a bid, quotation, and/or proposal and been notified that they were not selected for contract award may request a debriefing. The request for a debriefing conference must be received by the Solicitation Coordinator within three (3) business days after the unsuccessful bidder notification is emailed to the Bidder. The debriefing must be held within three (3) business days of the request.

Discussion at the debriefing conference will be limited to the following:

• Evaluation and scoring of the Bidder’s bid, quotation, and/or proposal;

• Critique of the bid, quotation, and/or proposal based on the evaluation; and

• Review of Bidder’s final score in comparison with other final scores.

Comparisons between bids, quotations, and/or proposals or evaluations of the other bids, quotations, and/or proposals will not be allowed. Debriefing conferences may be conducted in person, on TEAMS, or via telephone and will be scheduled for a maximum of one (1) hour.

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PROTEST PROCEDURE:

This procedure is available to Bidders who submitted a response to this solicitation and who have participated in a debriefing conference. Upon completing the debriefing conference, the Bidder is allowed five (5) business days to file a protest with the Solicitation Coordinator. Protests must be submitted in writing via email and signed by the protesting party or an authorized agent.

The protest must state the grounds for the protest with specific and complete statements of the action(s) being protested. A description of the relief or corrective action being requested should also be included.

Bidders protesting this procurement shall follow the procedures described below. Protests that do not follow these procedures shall not be considered. This process constitutes the sole administrative remedy available to Bidders under this procurement.

Only protests stipulating an issue of fact concerning the following subjects shall be considered:

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

• Errors in computing the score; or

• Non-compliance with procedures described in the solicitation document, or applicable

State or federal laws or regulations.

Upon receipt of a protest, a protest review will be held by DNR. Available facts will be considered and a decision will be issued by the Commissioner of Public Lands or their delegate within five (5) business days of receipt of the protest. If additional time is required, the protesting party will be notified of the delay.

In the event a protest may affect the interest of another Bidder who submitted a bid, quotation, and/or proposal, such Bidder will be given an opportunity to submit its views and any relevant information on the protest to the Solicitation Coordinator.

The final determination of the protest shall:

• Find the protest lacking in merit and uphold DNR’s action; or

• Find only technical or harmless errors in DNR’s process, determine DNR to be in substantial compliance, and reject the protest; or

• Find merit in the protest and provide DNR’s resolution to the protest, which may include:

o Correct the errors and reevaluate all bids, quotations, and/or proposals; and/or o Reissue the solicitation document; and/or o Make other findings and determine other courses of action as appropriate.

If DNR determines that the protest is without merit, DNR will continue with the solicitation process with the Apparent Successful Bidder(s).

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DNR protest decision is final, with no further appeal allowed. If a protesting Bidder does not accept

DNR’s protest response, the Bidder may try to seek relief from Thurston County Superior Court.

2.6 PROPRIETARY INFORMATION/PUBLIC DISCLOSURE

Bids, quotations, and/or proposals submitted in response to this solicitation shall become the property of DNR and shall be deemed public records as defined in RCW 42.56 (Public Records

Act).

Per RCW 39.26.030 (State procurement records – Disclosure), bid submissions and bid evaluations are exempt from disclosure until DNR announces the Apparent Successful Bidder. The Apparent

Successful Bidder is the Bidder whose bid, quotation, and/or proposal provides the best value in meeting DNR needs and is selected to contract with DNR for the proposed solution, subject to completion of contract negotiations and execution of contract.

Any information in the bid, quotation, and/or proposal that the Bidder desires to claim as proprietary and exempt from disclosure under the provisions of RCW 42.56, or other State or federal law that provides for the nondisclosure of Bidder’s document, must be clearly designated. The information must be clearly identified and the particular exemption from disclosure upon which the Bidder is making the claim must be cited. Each page containing the information claimed to be exempt from disclosure must be clearly identified by the words “Proprietary Information” printed on the lower right-hand corner of the page. Marking the entire bid, quotation, and/or proposal exempt from disclosure or as proprietary information will not be honored.

If a public records request is made for the information that the Bidder has marked as "Proprietary

Information", DNR will notify the Bidder of the request and of the date that the records will be released to the requester unless the Bidder obtains a court order enjoining that disclosure. If the

Bidder fails to obtain the court order enjoining disclosure, DNR will release the requested information on the date specified. If a Bidder obtains a court order from a court of competent jurisdiction enjoining disclosure pursuant to RCW 42.56, or other State or federal law that provides for nondisclosure, DNR shall maintain the confidentiality of the Bidder information per the court order.

Pursuant to RCW 42.56.120, DNR uses the default fee schedule. However, records may be viewed in person for no fee. All requests for copies of identifiable records should be directed to the public disclosure office: publicdisclosure@dnr.wa.gov and the Solicitation Coordinator listed in the solicitation, posted in WEBS (wa.gov).

2.7 REVISIONS TO THE SOLICITATION

https://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=42.56 https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=39.26.030 mailto:publicdisclosure@dnr.wa.gov https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpr-webs-customer.des.wa.gov%2F&data=05%7C02%7CJeremy.Hiles%40dnr.wa.gov%7C19a3d0b969b14dcd8c5808dc34b18acb%7C11d0e217264e400a8ba057dcc127d72d%7C0%7C0%7C638443184339511228%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=OHk8qqlhT564BcOQbpIhWrCyHHcmfA75j4RRlkzBmXw%3D&reserved=0

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DNR reserves the right to cancel or reissue all or part of this solicitation at any time as allowed by law without obligations or liability.

In the event it becomes necessary to revise any part of this solicitation, an amendment will be posted in WEBS, when possible. Questions and answers and any other pertinent information shall be provided as an amendment to the solicitation and will be posted in WEBS, when possible.

2.8 SMALL AND DIVERSE BUSINESS PARTICIPATION

DNR strongly encourages the participation of minority and women-owned businesses, Veteran owned businesses, and small businesses, as contractors or subcontractors.

If a small business needs assistance responding to this solicitation, help is available. Please visit

OMWBE Small Business Assistance at https://omwbe.wa.gov/small-business-assistance to see the services offered. The Washington Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) is also available with no cost, confidential technical assistance for small businesses doing business with state government.

Minority and Women-Owned Businesses

In accordance with the legislative findings and policies set forth in RCW 39.19, the State encourages participation in all of its contracts by firms certified by the Office of Minority and

Women’s Business Enterprises (OMWBE). Participation may be either on a direct basis in response to this solicitation or on a subcontractor basis. Bidders may go to https://omwbe.wa.gov/directory-certified-businesses to obtain information on certified firms.

No preference will be included in the evaluation of bids for the participation of minority and women-owned businesses. See Section 4.6 Preference – Small and Veteran Businesses for information on preference points for small and veteran owned businesses.

2.9 AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA)

DNR complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Bidders may contact the

Solicitation Coordinator listed above for additional assistance.

2.10 VALIDITY PERIOD

All bids, quotations, and/or proposals shall be valid for ninety (90) calendar days from the date of submission.

2.11 MOST FAVORABLE TERMS

Once a proposal is submitted, DNR reserves the right to make an award without further discussion of the bid, quotation, and/or proposal submitted. Therefore, the bid, quotation, and/or proposal https://omwbe.wa.gov/small-business-assistance https://washingtonptac.org/ https://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=39.19 https://omwbe.wa.gov/directory-certified-businesses https://www.ada.gov/

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Template update: 02.04.2026 should be submitted initially on the most favorable terms that the Bidder can propose. There will be no best and final offer procedure. DNR reserves the right to contact a Bidder for clarification of its bid, quotation, and/or proposal.

The Apparent Successful Bidder should be prepared to accept this solicitation for incorporation into a contract resulting from this solicitation.

2.12 CONTRACT AND GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

The awarded Apparent Successful Bidder is entering into the Washington State Department of

Natural Resources generic Services Contract, including, but not limited to, the General Terms and

Conditions, all appendices and exhibits, associated scope of work or purchase orders, and all related amendments.

DNR contractors hereby have access to Sample Services Contract and Washington State

Department of Natural Resources General Terms and Conditions.

All exceptions to the contract terms and conditions must be submitted as an attachment to Exhibit

A – Bidder’s Certifications and Assurances Form.

DNR will review requested exceptions and accept or reject the same at its sole discretion.

2.13 COST TO PROPOSE

DNR will not be liable for any costs incurred by the Bidder in preparation of a bid, quotation, and/or proposal submitted in response to this solicitation, in conduct of a presentation, or any other activities related to responding to this solicitation.

2.14 NO OBLIGATION TO CONTRACT

This solicitation does not obligate the State of Washington or DNR to contract for services specified herein.

2.15 CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS

DNR may negotiate with the highest scored responsive, responsible Bidder to finalize the contract and to determine if the bid may be improved. If, after a reasonable period of time as determined by DNR, DNR, in its sole judgement, cannot reach agreement on acceptable contract terms with such Bidder, DNR may suspend negotiations and undertake negotiations with the next highest scored responsive, responsible Bidder.

https://www.dnr.wa.gov/publications/em_obe_contracting_template.pdf

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2.16 REJECTION OF BIDS, QUOTATIONS, and/or PROPOSALS

DNR reserves the right at its sole discretion to reject any bid, quotation, and/or proposal received without penalty and not to issue a contract as a result of this solicitation.

2.17 COMMITMENT OF FUNDS

The Commissioner of Public Lands or their delegate is the only individual who may legally commit

DNR to the expenditures of funds for a contract resulting from this solicitation. No cost chargeable to the proposed contract may be incurred before acceptance of award, as reflected by the signatures of the parties.

2.18 DOING BUSINESS WITH THE STATE

DNR requires all awarded Bidders to be registered with the Washington State Office of Financial

Management (OFM). Additional information can be found on the Washington State Department of Enterprise Services (DES) website https://des.wa.gov/sell/how-work-state.

2.19 INSURANCE COVERAGE

Before using any of said rights granted herein and at its own expense, Bidder, now Contractor, Contractor shall purchase and maintain, or require its agent(s)/subcontractor(s) to purchase and maintain, the insurance described within Sample Services Contract and Washington State

Department of Natural Resources General Terms and Conditions for the entire duration of this agreement. Failure to purchase and maintain the required insurance may result in the termination of the agreement at DNR’s option.

All insurance provided in compliance with this agreement shall be primary as to any other insurance or self-insurance programs afforded to or maintained by DNR.

Upon notification and acceptance of award, Contractor shall provide DNR with certificates of insurance, executed by a duly authorized representative of each insurer, showing compliance with the insurance requirements specified before using any of said rights granted herein. The description section of the certificate shall contain the contract number and the name of the DNR Project

Manager. Contractor shall also provide renewal certificates as appropriate during the term of this agreement.

Contractor shall include all subcontractors and agents as insured under all required insurance policies or shall provide separate certificates of insurance for each subcontractor or agent. Failure https://des.wa.gov/sell/how-work-state

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Template update: 02.04.2026 of Contractor to have its subcontractors and agents comply with the insurance requirements contained herein does not limit Contractor’s liability or responsibility.

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3. CONTENTS AND SUBMITTAL INSTRUCTIONS

By responding to the solicitation, Bidder confirms that Bidder has read and understands all the information contained within the entire bid package, including all exhibits.

3.1 ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION OF BIDS, QUOTATIONS, AND/OR PROPOSALS

The bid, quotation, and/or proposal must be received by the Solicitation Coordinator by the due date indicated within Section 1.7 Schedule of Procurement Activities of this solicitation, or any amendments.

Bids, quotations, and/or proposals must be submitted electronically as an attachment to an email to the Solicitation Coordinator, at the email address listed in Section 1.6 Solicitation Coordinator.

The submitted bid, quotation, and/or proposal shall follow the below naming convention:

26-15_RFQQ_Bidder Name_Proposal

Attachments to email shall be in Microsoft Word format or PDF. Maximum file size for an email attachment is 30MB. Zipped files cannot be received by DNR and cannot be used for submission of bids, quotations, and/or proposals.

All forms and documents submitted must have a signature of the individual within the organization authorized to bind the Bidder to the offer. DNR does not assume responsibility for problems with

Bidder’s email. If DNR’s email is not working, appropriate allowances will be made.

Bidders should allow sufficient time to ensure timely receipt of the bid, quotation, and/or proposal by the Solicitation Coordinator. Late bids, quotations, and/or proposals will not be accepted and will be automatically disqualified from further consideration, unless DNR’s email is found to be at fault. All bids, quotations, and/or proposals and any accompanying documentation become the property of DNR and will not be returned.

3.2 BIDDER CHECKLIST

Submit the following applicable documents to the Solicitation Coordinator by the due date indicated within the Section 1.7 Schedule of Procurement Activities of this solicitation, or any amendments to the schedule. Failure to comply may result in rejection of the bid, quotation, and/or proposal as non-responsive. DNR reserves the right at its sole discretion to waive minor administrative irregularities.

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3.3 PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS AND/OR SPECIFICATIONS FORM

Exhibit B – Performance Requirements and/or Specifications Form must be completed and returned to the Solicitation Coordinator.

3.4 FUNDING

DNR has budgeted an amount not to exceed One Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($150,000) for this project. Bids, quotations, and/or proposals in excess of $ 150,000 will be considered non-responsive and will not be evaluated.

Purchase of goods and/or services resulting from this solicitation are funded by state dollars. Terms and conditions for all funding sources are included in Sample Services Contract and Washington

State Department of Natural Resources General Terms and Conditions.

Any contract awarded as a result of this solicitation is contingent upon the availability of funding.

3.5 COST PROPOSAL

The Bidder shall attach a fully detailed cost proposal in order to be considered responsive to this solicitation.

The cost proposal shall include all costs for goods delivered or services rendered as requested within.

Costs must be submitted as follows:

Identify cost for each deliverable as outlined - including staff costs, anticipated hours, administrative costs, and any other expenses necessary to complete the deliverables.

BIDDER CHECKLIST

EXHIBIT A – BIDDER’S CERTIFICATIONS AND ASSURANCES FORM

EXHIBIT A – ITEM 8 – EXCEPTIONS TO TERMS AND CONDITIONS

EXHIBIT B – PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS AND/OR SPECIFICATIONS FORM

EXHIBIT C – SUBCONTRACTOR INCLUSION PLAN (IF APPLICABLE)

SECTION 3.5 – COST PROPOSAL

STAFF MEMBER AND/OR SUBCONTRACTOR RESUMES

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IDENTIFICATION OF COSTS (SCORED)

All costs shall be in U.S. dollars, including expenses to be charged to accomplish the tasks and to produce the deliverables under this contract. Bidders are required to collect and pay Washington

State sales and use taxes, as applicable.

Costs for subcontractors are to be broken out separately.

COMPUTATION OF COSTS

The score for the cost proposal will be computed by dividing the lowest cost bid, quotation, and/or proposal received by the Bidders total cost. Then the resultant number will be multiplied by the maximum possible points for the cost section.

PROMPT PAYMENT

Bidders are encouraged to offer a discount for prompt payment of invoices. Please indicate any discount proposal on the submitted cost proposal as outlined in Section 3.5. If awarded by the

State, period of entitlement begins only after:

• Receipt of a properly completed invoice.

• Receipt of all supplies, equipment, or services ordered.

• Satisfactory completion of all contractual requirements.

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4. EVALUATION AND AWARD

The evaluation process is designed to award this procurement not necessarily to the Bidder of least cost, but rather to the Bidder whose bid, quotation, and/or proposal best meets the requirements of this solicitation. However, Bidders are encouraged to submit bids, quotations, and/or proposals that are consistent with State government efforts to conserve state resources.

DNR will award the contract to the lowest responsive and responsible Bidder that meets the specifications as determined by DNR. In determining the lowest responsive and responsible

Bidder, an agency may consider best value criteria, including but not limited to (RCW

39.26.160(3)):

a. Whether the bid, quotation, and/or proposal satisfies the needs of the state as specified in the solicitation documents;

b. Whether the bid, quotation, and/or proposal encourages diverse Contractor participation;

c. Whether the bid, quotation, and/or proposal provides competitive pricing, economies, and efficiencies;

d. Whether the bid, quotation, and/or proposal considers human health and environmental impacts;

e. Whether the bid, quotation, and/or proposal appropriately weighs cost and noncost considerations; and

f. Life-cycle cost.

If this procurement is estimated to be less than $150,000, the Agency intends to award the contract to the lowest responsive and responsible bid from a small business (as defined in RCW

39.26.010(22)(a) or veteran-owned business, (as defined in RCW 43.60A.190) unless none of these businesses are responsible and responsive to this solicitation. The Agency will verify small and veteran owned business status through WEBS certification and if applicable bidder must provide certification documentation to the Washington Department of Veterans’ Affairs WDVA and be certified by WDVA and listed as such on WDVA’s website.

The Agency will post awarded bids and bid award documents for each competitive procurement for public review.

The Agency may reject the bid, quotation, and/or proposal of any firm who has failed to perform satisfactorily on a previous contract with the state.

Responsive bids, quotations, and/or proposals will be evaluated strictly in accordance with the requirements stated in this solicitation and any amendments issued. The evaluation of bids, quotations, and/or proposals shall be accomplished by an evaluation team, to be designated by the

Agency, which will determine the ranking of the bids, quotations, and/or proposals.

https://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=39.26.160 https://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=39.26.010 https://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=39.26.010 https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=43.60A.190#:~:text=RCW%2043.60A.190%3A%20Certified%20veteran-owned%20businesses.%20Certified%20veteran-owned%20businesses.,veteran-owned%20businesses%20available%20on%20the%20department%27s%20public%20website.

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The Agency reserves the right to select and enter into contract(s) with the Bidder whose bid, quotation, and/or proposal is deemed to be in the best interest of the Agency and the State of

Washington.

It is the intent of the Agency to establish one contract for this service.

4.1 RESPONSIVENESS (PASS/FAIL)

All bids, quotations, and/or proposals will be reviewed by the Solicitation Coordinator to determine compliance with administrative requirements and instructions specified in this solicitation. The Bidder is specifically notified that failure to comply with any part of the solicitation may result in rejection of the bid, quotation, and/or proposal as non-responsive.

The Agency reserves the right at its sole discretion to waive minor administrative irregularities.

4.2 RESPONSIBLE BIDDER CRITERIA

All requested information as outlined within must be submitted in order for DNR to determine the lowest responsive and responsible Bidder.

In determining whether the Bidder is a responsible Bidder, the Agency must consider the following elements (RCW 39.26.160(2)):

a. The ability, capacity, and skill of the Bidder to perform the contract or provide the service required;

b. The character, integrity, reputation, judgment, experience, and efficiency of the Bidder;

c. Whether the Bidder can perform the contract within the time specified;

d. The quality of performance of previous contracts or services;

e. The previous and existing compliance by the Bidder with laws relating to the contract or services;

f. Whether, within the three-year period immediately preceding the date of the bid solicitation, the Bidder has been determined by a final and binding citation and notice of assessment issued by the 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 chapter 49.46, 49.48, or 49.52 RCW; and

g. Such other information as may be secured having a bearing on the decision to award the contract.

The Agency’s determination that a Bidder is not qualified may result in rejection of the submitted bid, quotation, and/or proposal.

http://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=49.48.082 http://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=49.46 http://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=49.52

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4.3 BIDDER’S CERTIFICATIONS AND ASSURANCES FORM (PASS/FAIL)

All Bidders must submit Exhibit A – Bidder’s Certifications and Assurances Form, signed by an individual authorized to bind the Bidder contractually. DNR will evaluate the information and may, at its sole discretion, reject the Bidder’s Response if the information indicates that completion of a contract resulting from this RFQQ may be jeopardized by selection of the

Bidder.

4.4 WAGE LAW COMPLIANCE (PASS/FAIL)

Prior to awarding a contract, agencies are required to determine that a Bidder is a 'Responsible

Bidder. See RCW 39.26.160(2)(f) and (4). Pursuant to legislative enactment in 2017, the

Responsible Bidder Criteria includes Bidder’s certification that Bidder has not willfully violated the State of Washington's wage laws. See Chap. 258, 2017 Laws (enacting SSB5301). All Bidders must submit Exhibit A – Bidder’s Certifications and Assurances Form, signed by an individual authorized to bind the Bidder contractually. A Bidder’s failure to comply with the required Wage

Law Compliance certification means that the Bidder is not responsible and therefore will not be evaluated.

4.5 PREFERENCE – EXECUTIVE ORDER 18-03 WORKER’S RIGHTS (SCORED)

FIRMS WITHOUT MANDATORY INDIVIDUAL ARBITRATION FOR EMPLOYEES

Pursuant to RCW 39.26.160(3) (best value criteria) and consistent with Executive Order 18-03 –

Supporting Workers’ Rights to Effectively Address Workplace Violations (dated June 12, 2018).

A. A preference of 5 percent will be given to any Bidder who certifies, pursuant to the certification attached as Exhibit A – Bidder’s Certifications and Assurances Form that their 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.

4.6 PREFERENCE – SMALL AND VETERAN BUSINESSES (SCORED)

DNR, in accordance with State of Washington law, encourages small and diverse businesses to compete for and participate in state procurements as contractors and as subcontractors to awarded Bidders. See, e.g., RCW 43.60A.200 (WDVA Certified Veteran-Owned Businesses);

and RCW 39.26.005 (Washington Small Businesses).

Washington State Certified Veteran-Owned Businesses

In accordance with RCW 43.60A.200, the State encourages participation in all of its contracts by firms certified by the Washington State Department of Veterans’ Affairs (WDVA). For questions regarding the above go to http://www.dva.wa.gov/.

A. A preference of 10 percent will be given to any Bidder who provides evidence as set forth in Exhibit A – Bidder’s Certifications and Assurances Form that the that Bidder qualifies as a Washington Department of Veterans’ Affairs Certified Veteran-Owned Business.

http://apps.leg.wa.gov/Rcw/default.aspx?cite=39.26 http://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2017-18/Pdf/Bills/Session%20Laws/Senate/5301-S.SL.pdf https://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=39.26.160 https://governor.wa.gov/sites/default/files/exe_order/18-03%20-%20Workers%20Rights%20%28tmp%29.pdf https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fapp.leg.wa.gov%2FRCW%2Fdefault.aspx%3Fcite%3D43.60A.200&data=05%7C01%7CBeth.Hughes%40dnr.wa.gov%7C0d8bc287255247fbf7df08daededc6de%7C11d0e217264e400a8ba057dcc127d72d%7C0%7C0%7C638083902739291565%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=aoL%2BJ7PN4UZF2OtEKHO%2Fk7uW%2BIADiMnpjXtyvZQmGxI%3D&reserved=0 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fapp.leg.wa.gov%2FRCW%2Fdefault.aspx%3Fcite%3D39.26.005&data=05%7C01%7CBeth.Hughes%40dnr.wa.gov%7C0d8bc287255247fbf7df08daededc6de%7C11d0e217264e400a8ba057dcc127d72d%7C0%7C0%7C638083902739291565%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=poiVbIOH1dz18n6dIHd0mwXpeCdlXiEaiAYRWCZgS3g%3D&reserved=0 https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=43.60A.200 http://www.dva.wa.gov/

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Note: This preference does not apply if federal funds are being used. See section 3.4

Funding for funding source information.

Washington State Certified Small Businesses

In accordance with the intent of RCW 39.26.005, the State encourages the purchases of goods and services from Washington small businesses. Small business, mini-business, and micro-business are defined in RCW 39.26.010 (22), (17), and (16) respectively. Go to http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=39.26.010. All qualified state small business types are encouraged to register and identify themselves in the WEBS.

https://des.wa.gov/sell/how-work-state/register-bid-opportunities.

A. A preference of 10 percent will be given to any Bidder who provides evidence as set forth in Exhibit A – Bidder’s Certifications and Assurances Form that the that Bidder qualifies as a Washington State Small Business. Note: This preference does not apply if federal funds are being used. See section 3.4 Funding for funding source information.

4.7 PREFERENCE – ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS (SCORED)

Not Applicable.

4.8 ORAL PRESENTATIONS MAY BE REQUIRED (SCORED)

DNR, at its sole discretion, may elect to select the top-scoring firms as finalists for an oral presentation. Should oral presentations become necessary, DNR will contact the top-scoring firm(s) from the written evaluation to schedule a time and location to hold the…