Central_District_Black_Legacy_Plan.pdf

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATION # PRK730307-38

Consultant Contract

Project Title: Central District Black Legacy Plan

Table 1: Solicitation Schedule

Solicitation Release August 1, 2026

Deadline for Questions August 14, 2026, 5:00pm

Response Submission Deadline August 21, 2026, 5:00pm

Interviews if Conducted (estimated) September 8-10

The City reserves the right to modify this.

Changes will be posted on the City website or as otherwise stated.

RESPONSES MUST BE SUBMITTED ELECTRONICALLY TO:

https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/seattle/projects/189497

Procurement Contact Information

Procurement Contact: Tamara Barnett, Admin Staff Analyst, tamara.barnett@seattle.gov, (253) 797-8440

Unless authorized by the Procurement Contact, no other City official or employee may speak for the City regarding this solicitation until award is complete. Any Proposer contacting other City officials or employees does so at Proposer’s own risk. The City is not bound by such information.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Procurement Contact Information

2. Purpose and Background

3. Performance Schedule

4. Solicitation Objectives

5. Minimum Qualifications

6. Scope of Work

7. Contract Modifications

8. Procedures and Requirements

9. Selection Process

10. Evaluation Section

11. Award and Contract Execution

12. Response Materials and Submittal

Attachments:

A - FAS City-wide Standard Roster Consultant Agreement

1. Procurement Contact Information

Procurement Contact: Tamara Barnett, Admin Staff Analyst, tamara.barnett@seattle.gov, (253) 797-8440

Qualifications are to be submitted through the e-Procurement portal at https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/seattle, no later than 5:00 pm on Friday, August 21, 2026.

Unless authorized by the Procurement Contact, no other City official or employee may speak for the City regarding this solicitation until award is complete. Any Respondent contacting other City officials or employees does so at Respondent’s own risk. The City is not bound by such information.

2. Purpose and Background

Purpose

The scope of this project is to develop a park and open space capital improvement plan that celebrates the legacy and history of pivotal Black activists, entrepreneurs, philanthropists, and property owners credited as catalysts for the Central District neighborhood of Seattle.

Parks listed in the initial proposal include William Grose Park, Powell Barnett Park, and Judge Charles M.

Stokes Overlook. This neighborhood also houses the renowned Northwest African American Museum within

Jimi Hendrix Park—a potential partnership opportunity in the planning process and long-term effort. This plan should be driven by a meaningful, community-led engagement process to finalize the list of parks to be included, the individual(s) to be represented, and the capital investments most appropriate to exemplify their story within the respective sites.

Through this solicitation, Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) seeks a consultant or team of consultants to lead a comprehensive, community-driven planning process focused on engagement, site analysis, and high-level identification of feasible potential capital investments to meaningful achieve the purpose of this request. Future phases of this effort may include full design development and oversight of implementation of proposed capital investments. While a final list of sites will be determined as part of this process, projected funding availability indicates that 3 to 5 sites are feasible for implementation.

Project Background

The Park CommUNITY Fund (the “Fund”), administered by SPR, advances park equity in Seattle through a community-led funding process using participatory budgeting and equitable grant-making practices. The Fund is focused on frontline communities - communities that experience high displacement risks, disproportionate exposure to environmental harms, and a history of disinvestment and lack of green space access.

Fund projects are identified, prioritized, and selected through a three phase, participatory approach: idea collection, project development, and community selection. During the 2024-

2025 Fund round, SPR staff partnered with eight Frontline Community Partner organizations to connect opportunities for anyone who lives, works, plays, and worships in the City of Seattle to submit their capital park project ideas during citywide engagement efforts, particularly working to connect with frontline community members and in equity priority areas. Over 200 unique project ideas were submitted and moved on to phase two: project development. SPR staff then worked alongside City subject matter experts, community members, the Board of https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/seattle

Parks and Recreation Commissioners (BPRC), and City Commissions to screen, review, and develop these submissions into 15 detailed proposals that were feasible, achievable, and aligned with the goals, mission and objective of the Fund.

The Black Legacy Community Parks Strategic Plan is one of 15 projects funded through the Park CommUNITY

Fund in 2024-2025. It captures the need to identify culturally significant parks in the Central District and develop a long-range strategy for capital improvements and enhancements.

Central District Historical Background

Seattle’s Central District is the historical heart of the city’s Black community. The Central District’s histories tell the story of settlement, resilience, and enduring cultural legacy amid ongoing change and gentrification. The

Central District’s Black History roots trace back to 1800's when William Grose, an African American entrepreneur, established a restaurant and hotel. He built a home on property acquired from Henry Yesler that became a hub for other Black settlers in the city. The public spaces in the Central District reflect the neighborhood’s history and leadership. Many parks were developed due to both the volunteer advocacy and volunteer labor of the Black community. Including Judkins Park, Powell Barnett Park, developed in 1967, and

Edwin T. Pratt Park. They were also named to commemorate local and national leaders and activists. Together, these spaces serve as both gathering places and reminders of the community’s legacy.

This Strategic Plan will honor the legacy of several black activists, entrepreneurs, philanthropists, and property owners who are credited as catalysts for the beginning of Seattle's Central District Black community. During the idea collection phase, ideas for investment ranged from existing amenity repair to introducing new community gathering elements. The amenities at these parks need to be maintained to reduce the disparity in park quality and increase equity in a multi-faceted approach to address key parks within the black communities of Seattle.

These improvements will not only enhance the visual appeal of the parks but will also serve to preserve the rich Black History of the Central District parks. We are committed to creating safe and accessible parks that cater to a variety of recreational uses and provide contemplative respite, ensuring the safety and confidence of our community members.

Consultants selected are expected to work alongside Community in the development of the Black Legacy

Community Parks Strategic Plan to uphold the three core purposes of the Park CommUNITY Fund:

• Expanding inclusive access to clean and safe parks

• Closing gaps in access to quality parks and park facilities

• Centering efforts in partnership and transparency with communities.

Today, the Central District stands as a testament to Seattle’s Black history, its struggles, its institutions, and its enduring spirit.

3. Performance Schedule

The work is expected to take 12 to 18 months once a contract is executed. Anticipated timing for completion of each phase of work is below:

https://www.seattle.gov/parks/about-us/projects/park-community-fund https://www.seattle.gov/parks/about-us/projects/park-community-fund

Task Date of Completion

Consultant onboarding Early Fall 2026

Launch community engagement; initial site analysis;

preliminary cultural/historical research; early feasibility review

Late Fall 2026

First ProView review and public meeting (presentation of early findings and preliminary frameworks)

Winter 2026

Completion of site analysis reports; completion of feasibility assessments; development of prioritization framework

Early Spring 2027

Second ProView review and public meeting (refinement of park list, framework, and initial concept directions)

Spring 2027

Refinement of capital investment project concepts and preparation of Draft Black Legacy Community

Parks Strategic Plan

Late Spring 2027

Third ProView review and public meeting (incorporation of feedback and production of Final Black Legacy

Community Parks Strategic Plan)

Early Summer 2027

Close-out activities: delivery of final materials, editable files, and documentation of engagement outcomes

Summer 2027

A more detailed timeline and scope of work will be agreed upon once a consultant is selected.

4. Solicitation Objectives

SPR expects to achieve the following outcomes through this consultant solicitation:

• Identify a community-driven list of culturally significant parks that best represent and honor the legacy of Seattle’s Black History within the Central District

• Develop and implement an outreach and engagement strategy that centers and partners with Frontline Community groups in determining which parks, capital investment projects, stories, and individuals are highlighted in the Central District

• Conduct equitable, culturally responsive, and accessible outreach that supports community participation

• Provide clear documentation of outreach activities, engagement outcomes, participation metrics, and lessons learned

• Support park equity by identifying capital investments that expand inclusive access to clean and safe parks, closing gaps in access to quality parks and park facilities, and centering efforts in partnership and transparency with communities

• Evaluating capital investments for feasibility, equity impacts, cost considerations, and alignment with community priorities

• Develop a clear, community-driven prioritization framework that ranks proposed investments based on equity impacts, cultural importance, feasibility, cost considerations, and community preferences

• Create a strategic plan that guides future capital investments across 3-5 parks

• Provide high-level cost estimates for identified capital investment work across 3-5 parks.

5. Minimum Qualifications

Minimum qualifications are required for a consultant(s) to be eligible to submit a proposal response. The submittal response must show compliance to these minimum qualifications. Those that are not responsive to these qualifications shall be rejected by the City without further consideration:

• The consultant or consultant team must be led by an individual that has a minimum of five years’ continuous experience in planning

• The consultant or consultant team must include an individual or entity that has:

o a minimum of five years’ continuous, active experience in planning for public works projects o at least three years’ experience working with frontline community groups, preferably in Seattle’s

Central District o Consultant must have or be able to obtain (prior to contract execution) a valid Washington State and City of Seattle business license and register with the Washington Secretary of State

Corporations.

6. Scope of Work

6.1. 6. Scope of Work

Summary

Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) seek a consultant or consultant team to lead the development of the Black

Legacy Community Parks Strategic Plan for Seattle’s Central District. The selected consultant will design and implement a culturally responsive, community-led planning process to identify culturally significant parks;

define appropriate forms of capital investment that honor Black history and legacy; and develop a strategic, feasible plan to guide future investments across approximately 3–5 park sites.

SPR values equitable, transparent, predictable, and efficient planning practices. The consultant will work collaboratively with SPR staff, Frontline Community Partner organizations, community members, subject matter experts, tribal partners, and other City departments. Innovative, community-centered, and data-informed approaches are encouraged, provided they support SPR’s commitments to park equity, inclusive access, and reliable long-term asset management.

SPR will coordinate mapping support and provide relevant data, materials, and documents. All consultant deliverables must be provided in editable digital formats compatible with SPR systems.

Required Deliverables

• Community-Driven Engagement Plan & Comprehensive Summary Report

• Draft Black Legacy Community Parks Strategic Plan that, at minimum, includes:

o Recommended List of 3–5 priority parks for capital investments with Cultural and Historical

Rationale o Feasibility Assessments for Proposed Investments o High-level cost assumptions for proposed capital investments for 3-5 priority parks o Site Analysis Reports for all parks and open spaces within central district o Comprehensive Cultural and Historical Report for the Central District to be used as a SPR resource when determining future investments in other parks and open spaces o Final Black Legacy Community Parks Strategic Plan (editable digital formats)

It should be assumed that all materials and data used to produce the above will be provided to the Planning

Unit within PCD in a digital format that can be accessed and modified by the Planning Unit for future updates.

7. Contract Modifications

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

The City has attached its boilerplate contract terms so Proposers can be familiar with the boilerplate and the non-negotiable terms before submitting a proposal. Any questions about the City’s boilerplate should be made in advance of submittal.

If a Consultant seeks to modify the Contract, the Consultant must request that within their Proposal response as taking an “Exception”. The Consultant must provide a revised version that shows their proposed alternative contract language. The City is not obligated to accept such proposed changes. If you request Exceptions that materially change the character of the contract, the City may reject the Consultant’s Proposal as non-responsive. The City cannot modify provisions mandated by Federal, State or City law: Equal Benefits, Audit

(Review of Vendor Records), WMBE and EEO, Confidentiality, and Debarment, or mutual indemnification. Such

Exceptions would be summarily disregarded.

Although the City may open discussions with the highest ranked apparent successful Proposer to align the proposal or contract to best meet City needs, this does not ensure negotiation of modifications proposed by the consultant through the exception process above.

8. Procedures and Requirements

This section details City instructions and requirements for your submittal. The City reserves the right in its sole discretion to reject any Consultant response that fails to comply with the instructions.

8.1. Registration into the City's Procurement Portal

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

8.2. Pre-Submittal Conference

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

8.3. Questions

Respondents may submit their questions through the Procurement Portal. Respondents may also email questions to the Procurement Contact until the deadline stated in the Timeline. Failure to request clarification of any inadequacy, omission, or conflict will not relieve the Consultant of responsibilities under any subsequent contract. It is the responsibility of the interested Consultant to assure they receive responses to questions if any are issued.

8.4. Changes to the RFQ

The City may make changes to this RFQ if, in the sole judgment of the City, the change will not compromise the

City’s objectives in this solicitation. Any change to this RFQ will be made by formal addendum issued by the City, through the Procurement Portal at https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/seattle and shall become part of this RFQ.

8.5. Receiving Addenda and/or Question and Answers

It is the obligation and responsibility of the Consultant to learn of addenda, responses, or notices issued by the

City, through the Procurement Portal. Some third-party services independently post City of Seattle solicitations on their websites. The City does not guarantee that such services have accurately provided all the information published by the City.

All submittals sent to the City may be considered compliant with or without specific confirmation from the

Consultant that any and all addenda was received and incorporated into your response. However, the Project

Manager reserves the right to reject any submittal that does not fully incorporate Addenda that is critical to the project.

8.6. Qualifications Submittal

Responses must be received by the City no later than the date and time in the Timeline, except as revised by

Addenda. The submitter has full responsibility to ensure the response is submitted to the City's Procurement

Portal within the deadline. The Procurement Portal will not allow vendors to upload submissions past the deadline.

8.7. Respondent Responsibility to Provide Full Response

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

8.8. Prohibited Contacts

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

Respondent that initiates such contacts may be rejected from the process.

8.9. License and Business Tax Requirements

The Consultant must meet all applicable licensing requirements immediately after contract award or the City may reject the Consultant. Companies must license, report and pay revenue taxes for the Washington State business License (UBI#) and Seattle Business License, if required by law. Carefully consider those costs before submitting an offer, as the City will not separately pay or reimburse such costs.

Seattle Business Licensing and associated taxes

A. If you have a “physical nexus” in the city, you must obtain a Seattle Business license and pay all taxes due before the Contract can be signed.

B. A “physical nexus” means you have physical presence, such as: a building/facility/employee(s) in

Seattle, you make sales trips into Seattle, your own company drives into Seattle for product deliveries, and/or you conduct service work in Seattle (repair, installation, service, maintenance work, on-site consulting, etc).

C. We provide a Consultant Questionnaire Form in our submittal package items later in this RFP/RFQ, and it will ask you to specify if you have “physical nexus”.

D. All costs for any licenses, permits and Seattle Business License taxes owed shall be borne by the

Consultant and not charged separately to the City.

E. The apparent successful Consultant(s) must immediately obtain the license and ensure all City taxes are current, unless exempted by City Code due to reasons such as no physical nexus. Failure to do so will cause rejection of the submittal.

F. The City of Seattle Application for a Business License and additional licensing information can be found this page here: https://www.seattle.gov/city-finance/business-taxes-and-licenses/business-licenses

G. For Questions and Assistance, call the Revenue and Consumer Protection (RCP) office which issues business licenses and enforces licensing requirements. The general e-mail is tax@seattle.gov. The main phone is 206-684-8484.

H. Self-Filing You can pay your license and taxes on-line https://www.filelocal-wa.gov/Default_FileLocal.aspx

I. If a business has extraordinary balances due on their account that would cause undue hardship to the business, the business can contact the License and Tax Administration office at tax@seattle.gov or 206-

684-8484 to request additional assistance.

J. Those holding a City of Seattle Business license may be required to report and pay revenue taxes to the

City. Such costs should be carefully considered by the Consultant prior to submitting your offer. When allowed by City ordinance, the City will have the right to retain amounts due at the conclusion of a contract by withholding from final invoice payments.

8.10. State Business Licensing

Before the contract is signed, you must have a State of Washington business license (a “Unified Business

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

8.11. Federal Excise Tax

The City is exempt from Federal Excise Tax.

8.12. No Guaranteed Utilization

https://www.seattle.gov/city-finance/business-taxes-and-licenses/business-licenses mailto:tax@seattle.gov https://www.filelocal-wa.gov/Default_FileLocal.aspx https://www.filelocal-wa.gov/Default_FileLocal.aspx mailto:tax@seattle.gov https://dor.wa.gov/open-business/apply-business-license https://dor.wa.gov/open-business/apply-business-license https://dor.wa.gov/contact

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

8.13. Expansion Clause

The contract limits expansion of scope and new work not expressly provided for within the RFQ.

Expansion for New Work (work not specified within the original Scope of Work Section of this Agreement, and/or not specified in the original RFQ as intended work for the Agreement) must comply with the following:

(a) New Work is not reasonable to solicit separately; (b) is for reasonable purpose; (c) was not reasonably known by the City or Consultant at time of solicitation or was mentioned as a possibility in the solicitation (i.e. future phases of work, or a change in law); (d) is not significant enough to be regarded as an independent body of work; (e) would not attract a different field of competition; and (f) does not change the identity or purpose of the Agreement.

The City may make exceptions for immaterial changes, emergency or sole source conditions, or other situations required in City opinion. Certain changes are not subject to these limitations, such as additional phases of Work anticipated during solicitation, time extensions, and Work Orders issued on an On-Call contract. Expansion must be mutually agreed and issued by the City through written Addenda. New Work performed before an authorizing Amendment may not be eligible for payment.

The City reserves the right to independently solicit and award any New Work to another firm when deemed appropriate or required by City policy.

8.14. Effective Dates of Offer

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

8.15. Cost of Preparing Submittals

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

8.16. Readability

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

8.17. Changes or Corrections to Submittal

Prior to the submittal closing date and time established for this RFQ, a Consultant may change or correct its proposal by following the Instructions here: https://opengov.my.site.com/support/s/article/4f4218bf-7da6-

4fc6-b0c3-7eade0776ebe. No change to a submission shall be made after the solicitation closing date and time.

8.18. Errors in Submissions

Respondents are responsible for errors and omissions in their submissions. No error or omission shall diminish the Respondent’s obligations to the City.

8.19. Withdrawal of Submission

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

8.20. Rejection of Submissions

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

8.21. Incorporation of RFQ and Respondent Submission in Contract

This RFQ and Respondent’s submission, including promises, warranties, commitments, and representations made in the successful response once accepted by the City, are binding and incorporated by reference in the

City’s contract with the Respondent.

8.22. Independent Contractor

The Consultant works as an independent contractor. The City will provide appropriate contract management, but that does not constitute a supervisory relationship to the Consultant. Consultant workers are prohibited from supervising City employees or from direct supervision by a City employee. Prohibited supervision tasks include conducting a City of Seattle Employee Performance Evaluation, preparing and/or approving a City of

Seattle timesheet, administering employee discipline, and similar supervisory actions.

Contract workers shall not be given City office space unless expressly provided for below, and in no case shall such space be provided for over 36 months without specific authorization from the City.

The City will not provide space in City offices for performance of this work. Consultants will perform most work from their own office space or the field.

8.23. Equal Benefits

Seattle Municipal Code Chapter 20.45 (SMC 20.45) requires consideration of whether Consultants provide health and benefits that are the same or equivalent to the domestic partners of employees as to spouses of employees, and of their dependents and family members. The Consultant Questionnaire requested in the

Response Materials and Submittal section includes materials to designate your equal benefits status.

8.24. Insurance Requirements

Any special insurance requirements are provided as an Attachment. If attached, provide proof of insurance and additional insured endorsement policy language to the City before Contract execution. The apparent successful

Proposer must promptly provide proof of insurance to the City upon receipt of the notice of intent to award.

https://opengov.my.site.com/support/s/article/4f4218bf-7da6-4fc6-b0c3-7eade0776ebe https://opengov.my.site.com/support/s/article/4f4218bf-7da6-4fc6-b0c3-7eade0776ebe

Consultants are encouraged to immediately contact their Broker to begin preparation of the required insurance documents, if the Consultant is selected as a finalist. Respondents may elect to provide the requested insurance documents within their Submittal.

8.25. Proprietary Materials

The State of Washington’s Public Records Act (Release/Disclosure of Public Records): Under Washington State

Law (reference RCW Chapter 42.56, the Public Records Act) all materials received or created by the City of

Seattle are considered public records. These records include but are not limited to bid or proposal submittals, agreement documents, contract work product, or other bid material.

The State of Washington’s Public Records Act requires that public records must be promptly disclosed by the

City upon request unless that RCW or another Washington State statute specifically exempts records from disclosure. Exemptions are narrow and explicit and are listed in Washington State Law (Reference RCW 42.56 and RCW 19.108).

Respondents must be familiar with the Washington State Public Records Act and the limits of record disclosure exemptions. For more information, visit the Washington State Legislature’s website at http://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=42.56.

If you have any questions about disclosure of the records you submit with your response, contact the

Procurement Contact named in this document.

Marking Your Records Exempt from Disclosure (Protected, Confidential, or Proprietary)

As mentioned above, all City of Seattle offices (“the City”) are required to promptly make public records available upon request. However, under Washington State Law some records or portions of records are considered legally exempt from disclosure and can be withheld. A list and description of records identified as exempt by the Public Records Act can be found in RCW 42.56 and RCW 19.108.

If you believe any of the records you are submitting to the City as part of your bid/proposal or contract work products, are exempt from disclosure you can request that they not be released before you receive notification.

To do so you must complete the City Non-Disclosure Request Form (“the Form”) provided by the City (see page

4 on the Consultant Questionnaire) and very clearly and specifically identify each record and the exemption(s) that may apply. (If you are awarded a City contract, the same exemption designation will carry forward to the contract records.)

The City will not withhold materials from disclosure simply because you mark them with a document header or footer, page stamp, or a generic statement that a document is non-disclosable, exempt, confidential, proprietary, or protected. Do not identify an entire page as exempt unless each sentence is within the exemption scope; instead, identify paragraphs or sentences that meet the specific exemption criteria you cite on the Form.

Only the specific records or portions of records properly listed on the Form will be protected and withheld for notice. All other records will be considered fully disclosable upon request.

If the City receives a public disclosure request for any records you have properly and specifically listed on the

Form, the City will notify you in writing of the request and will postpone disclosure. While it is not a legal obligation, the City, as a courtesy, will allow you up to ten business days to file a court injunction to prevent the http://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=42.56

City from releasing the records (reference RCW 42.56.540). If you fail to obtain a Court order within the ten days, the City may release the documents.

The City will not assert an exemption from disclosure on your behalf. If you believe a record(s) is exempt from disclosure you are obligated to clearly identify it as such on the Form and submit it with your solicitation. Should a public record request be submitted to Purchasing for that record(s), you can then seek an injunction under

RCW 42.56 to prevent release. By submitting a bid document, the bidder acknowledges this obligation; the proposer also acknowledges that the City will have no obligation or liability to the proposer if the records are disclosed.

Requesting Disclosure of Public Records

The City asks bidders and their companies to refrain from requesting public disclosure of bids until an intention to award is announced. This measure is intended to protect the integrity of the solicitation process particularly during the evaluation and selection process or in the event of a cancellation or re-solicitation. With this preference stated, the City will continue to be responsive to all requests for disclosure of public records as required by State Law. If you do wish to make a request for records, visit https://www.seattle.gov/public-records/public-records-request-center.

8.26. Ethics Code

Familiarize yourself with the City Ethics code: http://www.seattle.gov/ethics/etpub/et_home.htm. For an in-depth explanation of the City’s Ethics Code for Contractors, Vendors, Customers and Clients, visit:

http://www.seattle.gov/ethics/etpub/faqcontractorexplan.htm. Any questions should be addressed to Seattle

Ethics and Elections Commission at 206-684-8500.

No Gifts and Gratuities.

Consultants shall not directly or indirectly offer anything (such as retainers, loans, entertainment, favors, gifts, tickets, trips, bonuses, donations, special discounts, work, or meals) to any City employee, volunteer or official, if it is intended or may appear to a reasonable person to be intended to obtain or give special consideration to the Consultant. An example of this is giving sporting event tickets to a City employee who is also on the evaluation team of a solicitation to which you submitted or intend to submit. The definition of what a “benefit” would be is broad and could include not only awarding a contract but also the administration of the contract or evaluating contract performance. The rule works both ways, as it also prohibits City employees from soliciting items from Consultants.

Involvement of Current and Former City Employees.

The Consultant Questionnaire within your submittal documents prompts you to disclose any current or former

City employees, official or volunteer that is working or assisting on solicitation of City business or on completion of an awarded contract. Update that information during the contract.

Contract Workers with over 1,000 Hours.

The Ethics Code applies to Consultant workers that perform over 1,000 cumulative hours on any City contract during any 12-month period. Any such employee must abide by the City Ethics Code. The Consultant is to be aware and familiar with the Ethics Code accordingly.

https://www.seattle.gov/public-records/public-records-request-center https://www.seattle.gov/public-records/public-records-request-center http://www.seattle.gov/ethics/etpub/et_home.htm http://www.seattle.gov/ethics/etpub/faqcontractorexplan.htm

No Conflict of Interest.

Consultant (including officer, director, trustee, partner or employee) must not have a business interest or a close family or domestic relationship with any City official, officer or employee who was, is, or will be involved in selection, negotiation, drafting, signing, administration or evaluating Consultant performance. The City shall make sole determination as to compliance.

Campaign Contributions (Initiative Measure No. 122)

Elected officials and candidates are prohibited from accepting or soliciting campaign contributions from anyone having at least $250,000 in contracts with the City in the last two years or who has paid at least $5,000 in the last 12 months to lobby the City. See Initiative 122, or call the Ethics Director with questions.

8.27. Background Checks and Immigrant Status

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

8.28. Use of Hyperlinks and URLs in Submittals

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

9. Selection Process

9.1. Initial Screening

The City will review responses for responsiveness and responsibility. Those found responsive and responsible based on an initial review shall proceed to Step 2. Equal Benefits, Minimum Qualifications, an Inclusion Plan (if applicable), satisfactory financial responsibility and other elements are screened in this Step. A significant failure to perform on past City projects may also be considered in determining the responsibility of a firm.

9.2. Qualification Evaluation

Qualifications shall be evaluated using the evaluation criteria in the Evaluation Section.

9.3. Interviews

The City may interview top ranked firms that are considered to be the most competitive. If interviews are conducted, rankings of firms shall be determined by the City, using the combined results of interviews and submittals. Consultants invited to interview are to bring the assigned key person(s) named by the Consultant in http://www.seattle.gov/purchasing-and-contracting/social-equity/background-checks http://www.seattle.gov/purchasing-and-contracting/social-equity/background-checks the Proposal, and may bring other key personnel named in the Proposal. The Consultant shall not bring individuals who do not work for the Consultant or are not on the project team without advance authorization by the Procurement Contact. If interviews are conducted, they will be worth the points listed in the Proposal

Evaluation section.

9.4. References

The City may contact one or more references. The City may use references named or not named by the Proposer.

The City may also consider the results of performance evaluations issued by the City on past projects.

9.5. Selection

The City shall select the highest ranked Proposer(s) for award, including written proposal and the interview (if applicable). The City reserves the right to make a final selection based on the combined results and/or the overall consensus of the Consultant Evaluation Committee.

9.6. Contract Negotiations

The City may negotiate elements of the proposal as required to best meet the needs of the City, with the apparent successful Proposer. The City may negotiate any aspect of the proposal or the solicitation. The City does not intend to negotiate the base contract, which has been attached (See Attachments).

9.7. Right to Award to next ranked Consultant

If a contract is executed resulting from this solicitation and is terminated within 90-days, the City may return to the solicitation process to award to the next highest ranked responsive Consultant by mutual agreement with such Consultant. New awards thereafter are also extended this right.

9.8. Repeat of Evaluation

If no Consultant is selected at the conclusion of all the steps, the City may return to any step in the process to repeat the evaluation with those proposals active at that step. The City shall then sequentially step through all remaining steps as if conducting a new evaluation process. The City reserves the right to terminate the process if no proposals meet its requirements.

10. Evaluation Section

The City will evaluate submittals using the criteria below. Responses will be evaluated, scored and ranked.

Phase 1

No. Evaluation Criteria Scoring Method Weight (Points)

1. Consultant/team experience with frontline community engagement

Demonstrated experience with online and in-person community engagement, public presentation and facilitation with a diverse range of stakeholders including the Black community and/or similar Frontline communities.

0-5 Points 20 (28.6% of Total)

2. Consultant/team experience or familiarity with evaluating potential capital investment projects for feasibility, equity driven impacts, cost considerations, and alignment with community priorities.

0-5 Points 10 (14.3% of Total)

3. Consultant/team experience or familiarity with developing and implementing outreach methods for Frontline Communities.

0-5 Points 10 (14.3% of Total)

4. Proposed approach for delivery of service

The proposal shows an understanding of community concerns, addresses the needs of stakeholder groups in a comprehensive project design/plan, and reflects the culture and character of the community.

0-5 Points 10 (14.3% of Total)

5. Proposed plan for delivery of service

Proposal acknowledges all required milestones, outlines an approach to meet the high-level schedule, and includes a plan for all necessary specialists for the project to fully execute the scope of work.

0-5 Points 10 (14.3% of Total)

6. Consultant commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Describe how you demonstrate a commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). This can be demonstrated through WMBE ownership, stated mission and supporting practices that demonstrate a commitment to

DEI, inclusive hiring practices, inclusion of

WMBE subconsultants and total contract value to WMBE firms.

0-5 Points 10 (14.3% of Total)

Phase 2

No. Evaluation Criteria Scoring Method Weight (Points)

1. Interviews (if conducted) 0-5 Points 5 (100% of Total)

11. Award and Contract Execution

The Procurement Contact will provide timely notice of an intent to award to all Consultants responding to the

Solicitation.

11.1. Protests

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

11.2. Limited Debriefs

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

11.3. Instructions to the Apparently Successful Consultant(s)

The Apparently Successful Consultant(s) will receive an Intent to Award Letter from the Procurement Contact after award decisions are made by the City. The Letter will include instructions for final submittals due prior to execution of the contract.

Once the City has finalized and issued the contract for signature, the Consultant must execute the contract and provide all requested documents within ten (10) business days. This includes attaining a Seattle Business

License, payment of associated taxes due, and providing proof of insurance. If the Consultant fails to execute the contract with all documents within the ten (10) day time frame, the City may cancel the award and proceed to the next ranked Consultant, or cancel or reissue this solicitation. Cancellation of an award for failure to execute the Contract as attached may disqualify the firm from future solicitations for this same work.

11.4. Checklist of Requirements Prior to Award

The Consultant(s) should anticipate the Letter will require at least the following. Consultants are encouraged to prepare these documents when possible, to eliminate risks of late compliance.

• Seattle Business License is current and all taxes due have been paid.

• State of Washington Business License.

• Evidence of Insurance (if required)

• Special Licenses (if any)

• Form W-9 if a new Consultant for the City

11.5. Insurance Requirements for Award

Proof of insurance is required, see Attachments for Insurance Transmittal Form.

12. Response Materials and Submittal

Prepare your response as follows. Use the following format and provide all attachments. Failure to provide all information below on proper forms and in the order requested, may cause the City to reject your response. Items marked with an asterisk require a response.

1. Letter of interest (optional)

2. Proof of Legal Business Name

Provide a certificate or documentation from the Secretary of State in which you incorporated that shows your company legal name. Many companies use a “Doing Business As” name or nickname in daily business; the City requires the legal name for your company. When preparing all forms below, use the proper company legal name. Your company’s legal name can be verified through the State Corporation Commission in the state in which you were established, which is often located within the Secretary of State’s Office for each state. For the

State of Washington, see http://www.secstate.wa.gov/corps/

3. Statement of Qualifications*

Your Statement of Qualifications should be no more than 15 pages. It should demonstrate how you meet the objectives for the solicitation outlined in section 4.

In the response, please describe your experience with the following:

• Developing and implementing outreach and engagement strategies that centers Frontline

Communities and ensure their partnership in selecting parks, capital investment projects, stories, and individuals to be highlighted.

• Developing and implementing outreach methods that are equitable, culturally responsive, accessible, and designed to support meaningful community participation.

• Evaluating potential capital investment projects for feasibility, equity impacts, cost considerations, and alignment with community priorities.

• Developing prioritization frameworks that ranks proposed capital investments based on equity impacts, cultural significance, feasibility, cost factors, and community preferences.

• Developing high-level cost estimates for identified capital investment needs.

In addition, please describe your proposed plan and approach for community engagement, planning, and design for this project.

*Response required

4. Please describe your organization's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.*

Describe how you demonstrate a commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). This can be demonstrated through WMBE ownership, stated mission and supporting practices that demonstrate a commitment to DEI, inclusive hiring practices, inclusion of WMBE subconsultants and total contract value to

WMBE firms.

Maximum response length: 2000 characters

*Response required

5. Estimated percentage of the total contract value to WMBE firms.

Maximum response length: 100 characters

6. Minimum Qualifications*

This response is mandatory. The determination you have achieved all minimum qualifications is made from this section alone, and therefore, the Evaluation Committee is not obligated to check references or search other materials in your proposal to make this decision.

For each Minimum Qualification listed below, please describe how you meet the minimum qualification.

http://www.secstate.wa.gov/corps/

Minimum Qualification #1

The consultant or consultant team must be led by an individual that has a minimum of five years’ continuous experience in planning.

Minimum Qualification #2

The consultant or consultant team must include an individual or entity that has:

• a minimum of five years’ continuous, active experience in planning for public works projects.

Minimum Qualification #3

The consultant or consultant team must include an individual or entity that has:

• a minimum of five years’ continuous, active experience in planning for public works projects.

Minimum Qualification #4

Consultant must have or be able to obtain (prior to contract execution) a valid Washington State and City of

Seattle business license and register with the Washington Secretary of State Corporations.

*Response required

7. Consultant Questionnaire *

Please download the below document, complete, and upload.

Provide information to the extent this information is available. If your response is incomplete or requires further description, the City may request additional information within a specified deadline, or may determine the missing information is immaterial.

• fas-cpcs-consultant-questio...

*Response required

8. Contract Modifications

Make requested changes to the Contract language using track changes and upload here.

https://government-project.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/99893/1916fc87-84d7-4c73-a2b0-468094d4595e_fas-cpcs-consultant-questionnaire.docx