Employment_and_Day_Program_Services_RFQ.pdf

26-001-DD-EDPS

EMPLOYMENT AND DAY PROGRAM SERVICES RFQ

Pierce County

930 Tacoma Avenue S

Tacoma, WA 98402

RELEASE DATE: February 10, 2026

DEADLINE FOR QUESTIONS: undefined

RESPONSE DEADLINE: July 1, 2026, 2:00 pm

RESPONSES MUST BE SUBMITTED ELECTRONICALLY TO:

https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/piercecountywa https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/%7bproject.government.code%7d

Pierce County

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATION

Employment and Day Program Services RFQ

1. Introduction

2. Minimum Eligibility

3. Solicitation Guidelines

4. Scope of Work

5. Evaluation Process

6. Scoring Criteria

7. RFQ Questionnaire

8. General Terms & Conditions

Attachments:

A - SAMPLE Client Services Agreement

Request For Qualification #26-001-DD-EDPS Title: Employment and Day Program Services RFQ

1. Introduction

Welcome to Pierce County's eProcurement System. This system is inclusive to the procurement process, including submission of any questions and/or clarifications, the release of any addenda/notices, and submission of responses. It is strongly encouraged that organizations responding to any procurement first read the entire solicitation, paying close attention to the timelines, scope of work, eligibility, submission requirements, and specifically to the questionnaire section, which includes required attachments (when applicable), and ask for any clarifications regarding content and instructions early in the process.

1.1. Summary

Pierce County Human Services (PCHS) is seeking eligible providers to deliver Individual Employment, Group Supported Employment, and/or Community Inclusion services to eligible clients of

Developmental Disabilities Community Services - referred to in this Request for Qualifications (RFQ) as

Employment & Day Program Services (EDPS).

This RFQ is for new applicants seeking to qualify to provide EDPS; current providers do not need to re-apply. The intended result of this RFQ is for PCHS to offer a financial award and negotiate a contract with organizations that meet the qualifications to deliver the EDPS. Such organizations may be offered the opportunity to accept an award and negotiate a contract. An organization will not be offered an award or contract for services in which it is not qualified to deliver.

This RFQ is a solicitation for qualifications only. It shall not be construed as an offer, a guarantee, or a promise that the solicited qualification will result in a contract for services with PCHS.

This RFQ is open and continuous. Applicants may apply at any time.

1.2. Contact Information

Anne Marie Edmunds

Procurement & Contract Specialist

Email: annemarie.edmunds@piercecountywa.gov

Phone: (253) 798-7456

Department:

Human Services

Department Head:

Human Services

Human Services Director

1.3. Timeline

This RFQ is open on an ongoing basis. Applicants will receive acknowledgment of receipt within 10 days of submission and be notified of any incompleteness within 30 days of submission. If an application is determined to be complete, applicants will be provided details about next steps within 30 days of submission and prior to a full review by an independent review committee.

mailto:annemarie.edmunds@piercecountywa.gov

2. Minimum Eligibility

2.1. Organization Eligibility Criteria

In order for an organization to be eligible to submit qualifications under this procurement, the organization must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Submit a projected budget for one year of services.

• Submit evidence that shows the agency has a credit line or cash reserves that enable the agency to provide services for at least two months.

• The firm, association, corporation, or any person in a controlling capacity or any position involving the administration of federal, state, or local funds:

o is NOT currently under suspension, debarment, voluntary exclusion, or determination of eligibility by any agency;

o has NOT been suspended, debarred, voluntarily excluded, or determined ineligible by any agency within the past three (3) years;

o does NOT haves a proposed debarment pending;

o has NOT been indicted, convicted or has a civil judgment rendered against said person, firm, association, or corporation by a court of competent jurisdiction in any matter involving fraud or misconduct within the past three (3) years.

3. Solicitation Guidelines

3.1. Definitions

• "Applicant," "Bidder," "Proposer" and "Respondent" mean an organization, agency or provider that submits a formal response to this solicitation.

• "Application," "Bid," "Proposal," "Response" or "Submission" mean a formal response to this solicitation.

• “CFR” means Code of Federal Regulations.

• “Client,” "Participant," "Household," or "Member" means an individual (or individuals) who receives services, or is eligible to receive services, under this solicitation.

• “DDA” and “DDCS” both mean the Developmental Disabilities Community Services division, formerly known as the Developmental Disability Administration. The acronyms are intended to be used interchangeably.

• “RCW” means Revised Code of Washington.

• “WAC” means Washington Administrative Code.

3.2. Procurement Documents and RFQ Holder's List

RESPONDENTS WHO REGISTER AND DOWNLOAD RFQ DOCUMENTS will be automatically added to the

FOLLOWERS' list in the County's eProcurement Portal. Notifications for procurement updates, addendum and other procurement information will be sent to all who register on the Pierce County eProcurement Portal.

3.3. Procurement Questions

All questions must be submitted within the County's eProcurement Portal, under the Question &

Answer Section. All questions shall receive a response within ten (10) business days. Respondents must be registered in the eProcurement Portal software in order to submit questions, receive addenda and notifications, and ultimately submit a response.

3.4. Expected Term of Resulting Contract

The initial contract period is expected to be 12 months. The County has the option of renewing contracts annually after the initial contract is executed. Contracts may be renewed, without advertisement or solicitation; renewal is subject to the availability of funding, the continued need for the service(s), and/or satisfactory performance by the Contractor. The actual schedule will be negotiated with the selected organization(s) based on the final scope of work, funding, and services purchased and is subject to appropriation of funds.

The Pierce County Executive has the final authority to execute contracts. Decisions regarding contract awards for solicited services in this RFQ will be subject to Pierce County’s contract approval https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/piercecountywa process. Contracts only become effective after receiving a signature by the County Executive, or designee.

In accordance with DDA policy 6.13, newly qualified applicants will receive a twelve (12) month provisional contract. If a newly qualified applicant does not receive at least one (1) referral from the

DDA within twelve (12) months of the date that the applicant’s provisional contract is issued, the applicant’s status as a qualified provider may be revoked.

Additional federal, State, or local funds may become available during the contracting cycle and allocated through this solicitation. Funding may only be awarded for the same scope of services as described in this solicitation. It is important to note, any contract awarded as a result of this procurement is contingent upon the availability of funding. If at any time during the term of the contract the funding relied upon for the contract is reduced, modified, or eliminated, or if the funding terms are modified, the County reserves the right to amend the contract as appropriate or to terminate the contract.

3.5. Submittal Checklist and Instructions

Follow instructions carefully - if attachments are provided under this procurement, they are to be utilized as part of the response - do not replace or use the organization's own format, as the response may be deemed "non-responsive" or "not eligible."

All proposals are evaluated on the completeness and quality of the content. Only those proposers providing complete information as required will be considered for evaluation. The County will not contact the organization for correction of proposals and proposers are strongly encouraged to carefully review their proposals for completeness and accuracy before submitting. For proposals to be considered responsive and move to the review process, the proposer must, under Section 7, RFP Questionnaire:

1. Acknowledge all required "confirmations."

2. Complete all required attachments, to include uploading any supplemental documents.

3. Submit the following materials as part of the proposal. The accepted file types include, .pdf, .png, .jpeg, .docx, .xlsx, and other MS Office formats. Please label all attachments as listed below.

• Evidence of Credit Line or Cash Reservices (Question 6)

• Projected Budget (Question 8)

• Organization Chart (Question 10.7)

• Job Descriptions (Question 10.8)

• Program Monitoring Reports (Question 10.9)

• Evidence of Accreditation - Employment Services ONLY, if applicable (Question 11.1.9)

• Sample or Redacted Employment Service Plan - Employment Services ONLY (Question 11.1.10)

• Sample or Redacted Community Inclusion Service Plan - Community Inclusion Services ONLY

(Question 11.2.7) https://www.dshs.wa.gov/sites/default/files/DDA/dda/documents/policy/policy6.13.pdf

• Business License (Question 12.1)

• Pre-Award Risk Assessment and all supplemental materials (Question 12.2), including:

o 2 most recent audited financial statements, including federal single audit, management letters and findings/corrective responses.

o Prior year Balance Sheet, Profit and Loss and Cash Flow Statements for entire year period.

o Current YTD Balance sheet, Profit and Loss and Cash Flow Statements.

o Most recent IRS annual submission, if this has not been sent, please detail why it not been filed yet.

o Agency’s policies and procedures for fiscal/grant accounting, including cost allocation and record retention policies.

o Third Party monitoring reports you may have received in last two years.

o 1 example of a management timesheet and 1 example of an employee (non-management) timesheet.

o Additional documents, as applicable.

4. Acknowledge and confirm each addendum and notice issued under this procurement. The system will not allow final submission unless all required confirmations are checked.

By submitting a proposal, proposer agrees that all documents, reports, proposals, submittals, working papers, or other materials prepared by the organization pursuant to this procurement shall become the sole and exclusive property of the County, and the public domain, and not property of the organization.

The organization shall not copyright, or cause to be copyrighted, any portion of said items submitted to the County because of this procurement.

Only electronic submittal via the County's eProcurement Portal shall be accepted for this procurement.

No hard copies, emails, or fax submittals shall be accepted.

3.6. Response Deadline

Responses must be received by the Procurement & Contract Services Department before 2:00 pm on

Wednesday, July 1, 2026. The respondent is responsible for submission of their response before the deadline. The County shall not be responsible for late submittals. If a proposer misses the submission deadline, the proposal may be submitted for consideration during the next review period, which can be found under RFQ #27-001-DD-EDPS in the OpenGov portal.

4. Scope of Work

4.1. Description of Solicited Services

Supported Employment Services

Supported employment services may be provided to individuals who meet Developmental Disability

Administration (DDA) eligibility requirements and who reside in Pierce County, age 21 and older. Eligible participants are referred to qualified service provider agencies by their assigned Case Resource Manager at the DDA.

In 2006, DDA fully implemented DDA Policy 4.11 – County Services for Working Age Adults, which established employment supports as the first use of Employment and Day Program funds. The policy was informed by previous workgroup recommendations submitted to the Washington State Legislature and reaffirmed by subsequent legislation supporting employment as the first choice for adults of working age.

The goal of supported employment services is for working age adults to attain and maintain community-based employment while earning competitive wages. In accordance with DDA policies and Guiding

Values, all services offered should be individualized, responsive to client goals, and focused on building skills to promote inclusion into the community as well as financial independence.

• Individual Employment (IE) services are a part of an individual’s pathway to employment and are tailored to individual needs, interests, and abilities, and promote career development. These are individualized services necessary to help persons with developmental disabilities obtain and continue integrated employment at or above the state’s minimum wage in the general workforce. These services may include intake, discovery, assessment, job preparation, job marketing, job supports, record keeping and support to maintain a job.

• Group Supported Employment (GSE) services are part of an individual’s pathway to integrated jobs in typical community employment. GSE services are intended to be short term and offer ongoing supervised employment for groups of no more than eight (8) workers with disabilities in the same setting. The service outcome is sustained paid employment leading to further career development in integrated employment at or above minimum wage. Examples include enclaves, mobile crews, and other business models employing small groups of workers with disabilities in integrated employment in community settings.

Community Inclusion Services

Community Inclusion services may be provided to individuals who meet DDA eligibility requirements and reside in Pierce County. Eligible clients include individuals enrolled in the Basic Plus, Core, or Roads to

Community Living waivers who are 62 and older or who have accessed supported employment services for nine (9) consecutive months, except for clients with a DDA approved exception to the 9-month rule.

Eligible clients are referred to qualified service provider agencies by their assigned Case Resource

Manager at the DDA.

https://www.dshs.wa.gov/sites/default/files/DDA/dda/documents/policy/policy4.11.pdf https://www.dshs.wa.gov/sites/default/files/DDA/dda/documents/DDA%20Guiding%20Values%20Booklet.pdf

• Community Inclusion (CI) services are individualized services provided in typical integrated community settings. Services will promote individualized skill development, independent living and community integration for persons to learn how to actively and independently engage in their local community. Activities will provide opportunities to develop relationships and to learn, practice and apply skills that result in greater independence and community inclusion.

Applicants interested in providing both Supported Employment and Community Inclusion services must apply for both services. For more information about Supported Employment and Community Inclusion services, please visit the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) County Best Practice website. https://www.dshs.wa.gov/dda/county-best-practices

4.2. Policy Compliance

Authorities and Standards

Applicants submitting a response to this RFQ agree that any resulting qualification and contractual agreement will require compliance with the authorities and standards that must be followed for implementation of Employment and Day Program services. The full text for each of the authorities and standards include but are not limited to the following, including any successors:

Revised Code of Washington – https://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/

• Chapter 49.17 RCW – Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act

• Title 71A RCW – Developmental Disabilities

• Chapter 74.15 RCW – Care of Children, Expectant Mothers, Persons with Developmental

Disabilities

• Chapter 74.34 RCW – Abuse of Vulnerable Adults

Washington Administrative Code – https://apps.leg.wa.gov/wac/

• Chapter 296-24 WAC – General Safety and Health Standards

• Chapter 296-62 WAC – General Occupational Health Standards

• Chapter 388-06 WAC – Background Checks

• Chapter 388-823 WAC – Developmental Disabilities Administration Intake and Eligibility

Determination

• Chapter 388-825 WAC – Developmental Disabilities Administration Service Rules

• Chapter 388-828 WAC – Developmental Disabilities Administration Assessment

• Chapter 388-831 WAC – Community Protection Program

• Chapter 388-845 WAC – Developmental Disabilities Administration Home and Community-Based

Services Waivers https://www.dshs.wa.gov/dda/county-best-practices https://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/ https://apps.leg.wa.gov/wac/

• Chapter 388-850 WAC – County Plan for Developmental Disabilities

• Chapter 388-891A WAC – Vocational Rehabilitation Services for Individuals with Disabilities

Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) Policies – https://www.dshs.wa.gov/dda/policies-and-rules/policy-manual

• Policy 4.11 – County Services for Working Age Adults

• Policy 5.01 – Background Check Authorizations

• Policy 5.02 – Necessary Supplemental Accommodation

• Policy 5.05 – Limited English Proficient (LEP) Clients

• Policy 5.06 – Client Rights

• Policy 5.14 – Positive Behavior Support Principles

• Policy 5.15 – Restrictive Procedures: Community

• Policy 5.17 – Physical Intervention Techniques

• Policy 5.23 – Functional Assessments and Positive Behavior Support Plans: Employment and Day

Program Services

• Policy 6.08 – Incident Management and Reporting Requirements for County and County-

Contracted Providers

• Policy 6.13 – Provider Qualifications for Employment and Day Program Services

• Policy 15.03 – Community Protection Standards for Employment and Day Program Services

• Policy 15.05 – Community Protection Program Exit Criteria

DDA Guiding Values

– https://www.dshs.wa.gov/sites/default/files/DDA/dda/documents/DDA%20Guiding%20Values%20Bo oklet.pdf

DDA County Best Practices – https://www.dshs.wa.gov/dda/county-best-practices

• DDA Criteria for Evaluation

• County Guide to Achieve DDA Guiding Values

• DDA Guidelines for Community-Based Assessments within Employment Services

• Employment Activities – Strategies and Progress / Outcome Measures

• Individual Employment Billable Activities

• Community Inclusion Billable Activities Community https://www.dshs.wa.gov/dda/policies-and-rules/policy-manual https://www.dshs.wa.gov/dda/policies-and-rules/policy-manual https://www.dshs.wa.gov/sites/default/files/DDA/dda/documents/DDA%20Guiding%20Values%20Booklet.pdf https://www.dshs.wa.gov/dda/county-best-practices

• Community Inclusion Frequently Asked Questions

• DDA Self-Employment Guidelines

Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act (42 USC Chapter 144)

– https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCODE-2015-title42/USCODE-2015-title42-chap144

Title 42 Code of Federal Regulations § 441.530 Home and Community-Based Setting – https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-42/chapter-IV/subchapter-C/part-441

Insurance Coverage

Prior to executing a contract, applicants must meet insurance requirements established by Pierce

County. For Contractors providing services to Community Protection Program (CPP) Clients, additional insurance requirements apply in accordance with DDA Policy 15.03 – Community Protection Standards for Employment and Day Program Services.

Background Clearance

Each employee of a Contractor who provide direct services or who may have unsupervised access to clients must obtain proof of criminal history background clearance in accordance with Chapter 388-06

WAC and DDA Policy 5.01 – Background Check Authorizations. The Contractor shall assume responsibility for the timely completion of background checks.

4.3. Rate Schedule

During State Fiscal Year 2026, Pierce County will reimburse providers for Employment and Day Program services according to the following rate schedule. Supported Employment and Community Inclusion rates may be adjusted as needed, based on budget projections, up to the DDA maximum allowable rate.

Pierce County will notify providers prior to any rate adjustments, including any notification from DDA about potential changes to the maximum allowable rates.

Service Rate of Reimbursement

Individual Employment $108.80 / hour

Group Supported Employment $93.80 / hour

Community Inclusion $66.08 / hour

Prior Approval / ETR Hours Rate is negotiable and may be capped https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCODE-2015-title42/USCODE-2015-title42-chap144 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-42/chapter-IV/subchapter-C/part-441 https://www.dshs.wa.gov/sites/default/files/DDA/dda/documents/policy/policy15.03.pdf https://app.leg.wa.gov/wac/default.aspx?cite=388-06 https://app.leg.wa.gov/wac/default.aspx?cite=388-06 https://www.dshs.wa.gov/sites/default/files/DDA/dda/documents/policy/policy5.01.pdf

5. Evaluation Process

5.1. Evaluation Process

The application in this RFQ is designed to help determine whether a proposer meets the DDA's eligibility requirements under Policy 6.13 to deliver Individual Employment, Group Supported Employment and/or

Community Inclusion Services. Once Pierce County receives an application submitted in response to this

RFQ, the application will be reviewed for completion. If the application is complete, it will be reviewed by an evaluation committee. An Application Evaluation Committee (AEC) will evaluate complete applications and make recommendations to PCHS. The AEC is comprised of persons who are knowledgeable of the specific professional service requirements.

County procurement staff may contact applicants on behalf of the AEC at any time during the evaluation process to request additional documentation and information such as agency policies, procedures, satisfaction surveys, and other records, and/or to schedule interviews. The AEC may also gather information from other sources, such as the applicant’s website and may consider the applicant’s performance related to any previous contracts that the applicant may have held with Pierce County.

To become a qualified provider, applicants must receive a total score of 75% or higher and complete a financial risk assessment prior to a formal contract offer. The application sections for Supported

Employment and Community Inclusion services will be scored independently, with each section equal to half of the maximum total score to become qualified for each service.

Based upon the content of the application(s), applicant interview(s), and evaluation of other available information, the AEC will score the application response(s) and issue recommendations. The AEC will present its recommendations to the County Executive or designee, who holds the final authority for qualification and award determinations. Successful applicants will be notified of the qualification decision and may enter a one (1) year provisional contract with PCHS to provide services, at the discretion of PCHS.

Incomplete Applications

Applications that are submitted but not responsive to the requirements in the solicitation are deemed incomplete and will not be reviewed. Failure to provide any information requested through this RFQ may also result in the application being deemed incomplete. If at any point during the review process an application is found to be incomplete, applicants will be notified that their application will not be moving forward. Incomplete applications include any application that does not include responses and documentation for all required sections of the application.

5.2. Interviews

The County reserves the right to conduct interviews with qualified proposers prior to making a final decision. If interviews are conducted, details and information will be provided prior to any scheduling, if the timeline does not already include an interview date. Interview questions will only include questions associated with the received response for clarification and additional details. Interviews will not be added scores, but the evaluation team may revise initial scores with additional information provided during the interviews.

5.3. Appeals

All submission, timeliness, and content requirements shall be applied equally to all Proposers regardless of any current or previous relationship with the County or the proposer's relationship with the County, County staff, or elected officials. See Pierce County Code 3.12 (Code of Ethics).

Proposers not selected may seek additional clarification or debrief, request time to review the selection procedures, or discuss the evaluation methods utilized in the RFQ process. Appeals are limited to procedural errors in the selection process. In the event no such procedural errors are found to have occurred, the decision of the County shall be final.

If a proposer disagrees with the decision, they may register the appeal by sending an email to pcshsprocurement@piercecountywa.gov, within five (5) business days after the notice of selection is sent to the proposer. The appeal must state all facts and arguments upon which the appeal is based. The

Director of Pierce County Human Services, or designee, will review the appeal and determine whether the rules and requirements outlined in this RFQ were followed, including solicitation documents, the organizations’ response, and the facts which form the basis of the appeal. The Director will render a written decision within fifteen (15) days from the receipt of the appeal.

mailto:pcshsprocurement@piercecountywa.gov

6. Scoring Criteria

Possible Points: 100

No. Evaluation Criteria Scoring Method Weight (Points)

1. Organization

Questions 10.1 - 10.10

Points Based 40 (40% of Total)

2. Services - Employment and/or Community

Inclusion

The application sections for Supported

Employment and Community Inclusion services will be scored independently, with each section equal to half of the maximum total score to become qualified for each service.

Employment Services: Questions 11.1.1 -

11.1.10.

Community Inclusion Services: Questions

11.2.1 - 11.2.7.

Points Based 60 (60% of Total)

7. RFQ Questionnaire

1. Respondent Confirmation* As an authorized representative of the respondent, having carefully examined the Request for

Qualifications, propose to furnish services in accordance therewith as set forth in the attached response.

I further agree that this response will remain in effect for not less than sixty (60) calendar days from the date that responses are due, and that this response may not be withdrawn or modified during that time.

I hereby certify that this response is genuine and not a false or collusive response, or made in the interests or on behalf of any person not therein named; and I have not directly or indirectly induced or solicited any Contractor or supplier on the above work to put in a false response or any person or corporation to refrain from submitting a response; and that I have not in any manner sought by collusion to secure to myself an advantage over any other contractor(s) or person(s).

In order to induce the County to consider this response, the respondent irrevocably waives any existing rights which it may have, by contract or otherwise, to require another person or corporation to refrain from submitting a response to or performing work or providing supplies to Pierce County, and respondent further promises that it will not in the future directly or indirectly induce or solicit any person or corporation to refrain from submitting a response to or from performing work or providing supplies to Pierce County.

☐ Please confirm

*Response required

2. Ownership and Copyright of Submitted Materials* By submitting a response, I agree that all documents, reports, proposals, submittals, working papers, or other materials prepared by the respondent pursuant to this submission shall become the sole and exclusive property of the County, and the public domain, and not property of the respondent. The respondent shall not copyright, or cause to be copyrighted, any portion of said items submitted to the

County because of this solicitation.

☐ Please confirm

*Response required

3. Supplemental Attachment Confirmations* I confirm I have reviewed the content of the following attachments included under this RFQ: Sample

Agreement and any other documents as identified as "sample" in the Attachments section and acknowledge I understand and agree to these requirements should my organization receive a contract as a result of this response.

☐ Please confirm

*Response required

4. Insurance Requirements * By submitting a proposal, I understand and agree that if awarded funding from this RFP, the organization must be able to meet all insurance requirements based on services being purchased, prior to contract execution, and types of insurances may include, but are not limited to:

• Commercial General Liability Insurance: Required on all contracts. Standard levels are $1M occurrence/$2M aggregate (may be higher/lower, depending on value of contract and type of service).

• Commercial Automobile Liability Insurance: Required when the Contractor uses owned, rented, or leased automobiles to complete the services as required per the contract. Higher coverages may be required for fleet/large passenger vehicles.

• Workers Compensation Insurance: As required by Washington State.

• Professional Liability or Errors and Omissions Insurance: If the Contractor provides services such as analysis, consulting, counseling, daycare, legal, medical, nursing, pastoral, medical, or other services that require professional licensing.

• Abuse and Molestation: If the Contractor will be working directly with youth under the age of

18, elderly, disabled or other vulnerable populations.

• Cyber/Privacy and Security Insurance: If the Contractor is doing work that could give the

Contractor access to personal or sensitive information from within the County's network or on the Contractor's personal computer, or lead to breaches of security, leading to a loss of privacy or identity theft.

• Crime/Employee Dishonesty Insurance: If the Contractor is in the custody or control of Pierce

County funds such as cash, credit cards, checks or physical property.

• Other insurance(s) applicable to services being purchased: Such as Excess or Umbrella Liability

Insurance if the contract is in excess of $500,000.

In addition, Pierce County shall be named as an "Additional Insured,” which must be provided in the insurance endorsement. Insurance requirements also apply to any subcontractors hired by the main

Contractor to deliver services, where applicable.

Please see "Exhibit D" in the SAMPLE AGREEMENT under attachments to see full insurance requirements. If you have questions regarding insurance requirements, please submit them through the “Question & Answer” section of the RFQ.

☐ Please confirm

*Response required

5. Debarment Certification* As an authorized representative of the respondent, I certify to the best of my knowledge and belief that the organization and its principals:

A. Are not presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, declared ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from covered transactions by any Federal department or agency;

B. Have not within a three-year period preceding this response been convicted of or had a civil judgment rendered against them for commission of fraud or a criminal offense in connection with obtaining, attempting to obtain, or performing a public (Federal, State, or local) transaction or contract under a public transaction; violation of Federal or State antitrust statutes or commission of embezzlement, theft, forgery, bribery, falsification or destruction of records, making false statements, or receiving stolen property;

C. Are not presently indicted for or otherwise criminally or civilly charged by a government entity

(Federal, State, or local) with commission of any of the offenses enumerated in paragraph (1)(b) of this certification; and

D. Have not within a three-year period preceding this application/response had one or more public transactions (Federal, State, or local) terminated for cause or default.

E. Does not employ any person nor contracts with any person or agency excluded from participation in federal health care programs under either 42 U.S.C. 1320a-7 (§§1128 or 1128A

Social Security Act) or debarred or suspended.

By checking the confirmation, I understand that a false statement on this certification may be grounds for rejection of this response or termination of any award. In addition, under 18 USC Sec. 1001, a false statement may result in a fine of up to $10,000 or imprisonment for up to 5 years, or both.

☐ Please confirm

*Response required

6. Evidence of Credit Line or Cash Reserves* Upload evidence that shows your agency has a credit line or cash reserves to provide services for at least two months for the anticipated services in this RFQ.

*Response required

7. Financial Risk Assessment* I understand that all potentially successful respondents will be required to complete a financial risk assessment prior to a formal contract offer. This assessment requires the organization to submit detailed financial information about the organization’s financial history, current status, and details regarding boards, internal processes, and controls. The results of the risk assessment shall be utilized to determine the potential financial risk and stability of the organization – the outcome of the assessment shall be scored low, medium, high. The County reserves the right not to contract with an organization considered financially “high risk.”

If you have questions regarding risk assessments, please submit a question through the "Question &

Answer" section of this RFQ.

☐ Please confirm

8. Projected Budget* Upload a projected budget for one year of costs anticipated for the services identified in this RFQ.

*Response required

9. Organization Information

9.1. Authorized Individual*

Please provide the name and title of the individual authorized to execute a contract on behalf of the organization.

*Response required

9.2. Organization Information*

Please provide the legal name, any d/b/a names, years in business, local address, billing address if different, email address, and phone number of the organization making the proposal.

*Response required

9.3. Organization Business IDs*

Please provide the Federal Tax Number (EIN), Washington State Unified Business Identification (UBI), and the System of Award Management *Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) issued by SAM.gov.

*An organization must have, at the time of submission, a registered or active UEI number when the funding is identified as federal. Funding may or may not create a subrecipient relationship between the organization and the County.

*Response required

9.4. Ownership Type*

Must choose at least two (2) answers: Profit status (1 or 2) and organizational structure (3, 4, or 5).

Select all that apply

☐ 1. For Profit

☐ 2. Non Profit

☐ 3. Sole Proprietorship

☐ 4. Corporation/LLC/Partnership

☐ 5. City/County/State

☐ 6. Tribal Organization

*Response required

9.5. Organization Contacts*

Please provide the name, phone, and email for:

• Executive Director/CEO/President

• Financial Manager/CFO

• Contract Manager

9.6. Agency Services*

Please list all services offered by your agency.

*Response required

9.7. Location of Services*

Where/in what counties does the agency currently provide services?

*Response required

9.8. Previous Contracts*

☐ Yes

☐ No

*Response required

10. Organization (40 points)

10.1. Service Alignment with DDA Guiding Values (5 points)

Organizations must provide services in accordance with the County Guide to Achieve DDA Guiding

Values. Describe how your organization’s services will align with DDA’s Guiding Values to support clients.

10.2. Filing and Record Retention (5 points)*

Describe your agency’s system for ensuring the timely filing and retention of records and reports related to client services, staff, finances, and other organizational records.

*Response required

10.3. Resolving Conflicts of Interest (5 points)*

Describe your plan to address potential conflicts of interest, including but not limited to, if the agency or an agency employee is also the client’s: a) guardian or legal representative; b) family member or decision maker; c) residential provider; or d) provider for another service.

*Response required

10.4. Quality Service Delivery (5 points)*

Providing specific examples, describe how your agency delivers high-quality services to clients and families that are responsive and tailored to their different needs, backgrounds, and perspectives.

*Response required

10.5. Supporting Communities (5 points)*

Describe how staff are supported to learn about, effectively support, and respectfully engage with clients and families from communities across Pierce County, including those with differing perspectives and experiences relating to the roles of people with intellectual disabilities working or participating in community activities.

https://view.officeapps.live.com/op/view.aspx?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dshs.wa.gov%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2FDDA%2Fdda%2Fdocuments%2FCounty%2520Guide%2520Guiding%2520Values%25202018.docx&wdOrigin=BROWSELINK https://view.officeapps.live.com/op/view.aspx?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dshs.wa.gov%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2FDDA%2Fdda%2Fdocuments%2FCounty%2520Guide%2520Guiding%2520Values%25202018.docx&wdOrigin=BROWSELINK

10.6. Language Access (5 points)*

Explain how your agency is prepared to provide equal access to services for clients who do not speak or have a limited ability to speak, read, or write English.

*Response required

10.7. Organization Chart (5 points, scored with 10.8 below)*

Please upload a current Organizational Chart.

*Response required

10.8. Job Descriptions (Scored with 10.7 above)*

Please upload job descriptions for each position that will work on this program.

*Response required

10.9. Program Monitoring Reports Upload (5 points)

Upload all recent (within the last 24 months) program monitoring or review reports received from ALL funders (i.e., local or state government) for all county-contracted services delivered in Washington

State. Please include corrective actions and responses.

Please note: Pierce County monitoring reports will also be shared with the Evaluation Committee.

10.10. Program Monitoring Reports Narrative (Scored with 10.9 above) If a monitoring report has not yet been provided to your organization, indicate the date of the site visit or program review, and the name of the monitoring agency which completed the review. If no monitoring occurred, include a narrative explanation.

11. Services (60 points)

11.1. Employment Services*

Are you seeking to become a qualified provider of either Individual or Group Supported Employment

Services?

☐ Yes

☐ No

*Response required

When equals "Yes"

11.1.1. Interest in Offering Employment Services (5 points)*

Describe why your agency would like to offer employment services.

*Response required

When equals "Yes"

11.1.2. Service Capacity (5 points)*

Indicate your agency’s current service capacity and the plan to increase capacity for employment services. Please include the number of referrals you plan to accept in the first year of services.

*Response required

When equals "Yes"

11.1.3. Experience (5 points)*

Describe your agency’s relevant experience in providing individualized or group supported employment services, including dates for relevant experiences.

*Response required

When equals "Yes"

11.1.4. Agency Goals (10 points)*

Share your agency’s goals that include:

• A description of what outcomes you hope to accomplish in the first year of service;

• How successful employment outcomes will be defined;

• How progress will be tracked over time;

• How data will be used to determine next steps; and

• Goals addressing diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts

*Response required

When equals "Yes"

11.1.5. Employee Training (10 points)*

Please detail how your employee training plan will meet the staff training requirements under DDA

Policy 6.13 and support staff to develop the competencies required to deliver employment services, engage in ongoing training opportunities, and stay abreast of best practices.

*Response required

When equals "Yes"

11.1.6. Staff Experience (5 points)

Demonstrate how your agency meets the minimum staff experience requirements to be a qualified employment provider under DDA Policy 6.13 - including required skill competencies, years of experience, and assigned roles of staff who meet the requirements.

When equals "Yes"

11.1.7. Compliance with DDA-DVR Memorandum of Understanding (5 points)* Describe how Employment Services will be delivered in compliance with the DDA-DVR Memorandum of Understanding.

*Response required https://www.dshs.wa.gov/sites/default/files/DDA/dda/documents/policy/policy6.13.pdf https://www.dshs.wa.gov/sites/default/files/DDA/dda/documents/policy/policy6.13.pdf https://www.dshs.wa.gov/sites/default/files/DDA/dda/documents/policy/policy6.13.pdf https://www.dshs.wa.gov/sites/default/files/DDA/dda/documents/DVR-DDA%20MOU%20%282018%29-Headquarters.pdf https://www.dshs.wa.gov/sites/default/files/DDA/dda/documents/DVR-DDA%20MOU%20%282018%29-Headquarters.pdf

11.1.8. Accreditation (5 points, scored with 11.1.9 below)*

Describe your plan to complete the accreditation process for Rehabilitation Services Accreditation

System (RSAS) or Commission on Accreditation Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) accreditation; or

Association of Community Rehabilitation Educators (ACRE) accreditation (for single-employee agencies only). If accreditation is already obtained, please indicate "Not Applicable" and upload documentation in Question 11.1.9.

*Response required

When equals "Yes"

11.1.9. Evidence of Accreditation (Scored with 11.1.8 above)

If applicable, upload accreditation documentation here.

When equals "Yes"

11.1.10. Sample or Redacted Employment Service Plan (10 points)* Upload a sample or redacted Employment Service Plan that identifies client goals and contains all required elements in DDA’s Criteria for Evaluation.

*Response required

11.2. Community Inclusion Services*

Are you seeking to become a qualified provider of Community Inclusion services?

☐ Yes

☐ No

*Response required

When equals "Yes"

11.2.1. Interest in Offering Community Inclusion Services (5 points)* Describe why your agency would like to offer Community Inclusion services.

*Response required

When equals "Yes"

11.2.2. Service Capacity (5 points)*

Indicate your agency’s current service capacity and the plan to increase capacity for Community

Inclusion services. Please include the number of referrals you plan to accept in the first year of services.

*Response required

When equals "Yes"

11.2.3. Experience (10 points)*

Describe your agency’s relevant experience in providing Community Inclusion services.

https://www.dshs.wa.gov/sites/default/files/DDA/dda/documents/Criteria%20for%20Evaluation%20July%201%202025%20FINAL.pdf

11.2.4. Agency Goals (10 points)*

Share your agency’s goals that include:

• A description of what outcomes you hope to accomplish in the first year of service

• How successful Community Inclusion outcomes will be defined

• How progress will be tracked over time

• How data will be used to determine next steps; and

• Goals addressing diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts

*Response required

When equals "Yes"

11.2.5. Employee Training (10 points)*

Please detail how your employee training plan will meet the staff training requirements under DDA

Policy 6.13 and support staff to develop the competencies required to deliver Community Inclusion services, engage in ongoing training opportunities, and stay abreast of best practices.

*Response required

When equals "Yes"

11.2.6. Staff Experience (10 points)

Demonstrate how your agency meets the minimum staff experience requirements to be a qualified

Community Inclusion provider under DDA Policy 6.13 - including required skill competencies, years of experience, and assigned roles of staff who meet the requirements.

When equals "Yes"

11.2.7. Sample or Redacted Community Inclusion Service Plan (10 points)* Upload a sample or redacted community inclusion service plan that identifies client goals and contains all required elements in DDA’s Criteria for Evaluation.

*Response required

12. Upload Additional Attachments

12.1. Business License Upload*

Please upload all attachments here, including:

• Copy of current Business License

*Response required

12.2. Pre-Award Risk Assessment*

https://www.dshs.wa.gov/sites/default/files/DDA/dda/documents/policy/policy6.13.pdf https://www.dshs.wa.gov/sites/default/files/DDA/dda/documents/policy/policy6.13.pdf https://www.dshs.wa.gov/sites/default/files/DDA/dda/documents/policy/policy6.13.pdf https://www.dshs.wa.gov/sites/default/files/DDA/dda/documents/Criteria%20for%20Evaluation%20July%201%202025%20FINAL.pdf

Please download the below documents, complete, and upload the Pre-Award Risk Assessment and all required supplemental materials, including:

• 2 most recent audited financial statements, including federal single audit, management letters and findings/corrective responses.

• Prior year Balance Sheet, Profit and Loss and Cash Flow Statements for entire year period.

• Current YTD Balance sheet, Profit and Loss and Cash Flow Statements.

• Most recent IRS annual submission, if this has not been sent, please detail why it not been filed yet.

• Agency’s policies and procedures for fiscal/grant accounting, including cost allocation and record retention policies.

• Third Party monitoring reports you may have received in last two years.

• 1 example of a management timesheet and 1 example of an employee (non-management) timesheet.

• Pre-Award_Risk_Assessment.docx https://government-project.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/231399/25cd533e-aedf-44b0-b84b-70663f5f654e_Pre-Award_Risk_Assessment.docx

8. General Terms & Conditions

Reserved Rights and Procedures

8.1. Reserved Rights

Pierce County expressly reserves the rights to:

• Waive any and/or all irregularities in the responses submitted.

• Reject any or all responses or portions thereof.

• Base awards with due regard to quality of services, experience, compliance with specifications, and other such factors as may be necessary in the circumstances.

• Make the award to any organization or combination of organizations whose response(s), in the opinion of the County, is in the best interest of the County.

8.2. Late Submissions

Pierce County cannot accept late responses. All responses are due by the deadlines per the timeline under the procurement. No exceptions shall be made.

8.3. Reimbursement

The County will not reimburse organizations for any costs involved in the preparation and submission of responses to this procurement or in the preparation for and attendance at subsequent interviews.

8.4. Cooperative Purchasing

The Washington State Interlocal Cooperation Act, Ch. 39.34 RCW, authorizes public agencies to cooperatively purchase goods and services if all parties agree. By responding to this RFQ, Consultants agree that other public agencies may purchase goods and services under this solicitation or contract at their own cost and without Pierce County incurring any financial or legal liability for such purchases.

Pierce County agrees to allow other public agencies to purchase goods and services under this solicitation or contract, provided that Pierce County is not held financially or legally liable for purchases and that any public agency purchasing under such solicitation or contract file a copy of this invitation and such contract in accordance with RCW 39.34.040.

8.5. Public Records and Proprietary Material

• Organizations should be aware that any records they submit to the County or that are used by the County even if the organization possess the records, may be public records under the

Washington Public Records Act (RCW 42.56). The County must promptly disclose public records upon request unless a statute exempts them from disclosure. Organizations should also be aware that if even a portion of a record is exempt from disclosure, generally, the rest of the record must be disclosed. Exemptions are narrow and specific.

• Organizations should clearly mark any record they believe is exempt from disclosure.

8.6. Title VI Compliance

Pierce County, in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 78 Stat. 252, 42 U.S.C. 2000d to

2000d-4 and Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Department of Transportation, subtitle A, Office of the Secretary, Part 21, nondiscrimination in federally assisted programs of the Department of

Transportation issued pursuant to such Act, hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively ensure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, disadvantaged business enterprises as defined at 49 CFR Part 26 will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, or national origin in consideration for an award.