Priority_Hire_Construction_Training,_Clean_Energy_Jobs,_and_Retention_Services_(Addendum_#2_Revision).pdf

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL # FAS 2026-024

Consultant Contract

Project Title: Priority Hire Construction Training, Clean Energy Jobs, and Retention Services

Table 1: Solicitation Schedule

Solicitation Release September 28, 2026

Optional Virtual Information Session (Non-

Mandatory)

October 14, 2026, 11:00am https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/283422429927

395?p=vd2buURIQgbC55wrfV

Optional Virtual Information Session

(Repeat) (Non-Mandatory)

October 22, 2026, 2:00pm https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/275824373621

149?p=mCBGV3Okryocti3qz8

Deadline for Questions November 12, 2026, 11:55pm

Response Submission Deadline November 16, 2026, 11:55pm

Announcement of Potential Virtual

Interviews

November 30, 2026

Potential Virtual Interview Dates December 1, 2026

Announcement of Successful Proposer(s) December 7, 2026

Contract Execution January 31, 2027 https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/283422429927395?p=vd2buURIQgbC55wrfV https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/283422429927395?p=vd2buURIQgbC55wrfV https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/275824373621149?p=mCBGV3Okryocti3qz8 https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/275824373621149?p=mCBGV3Okryocti3qz8

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/268556

Procurement Contact Information

Procurement Contact: Zheng Zhou, Priority Hire Program Coordinator, zheng.zhou3@seattle.gov, (206) 727-8697

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. Proposal Evaluation

11. Award and Contract Execution

12. Response Materials and Submittal

Attachments:

A - Consultant Contract - Review Only - Section 7. Contract Modifications

1. Procurement Contact Information

Procurement Contact: Zheng Zhou, Priority Hire Program Coordinator, zheng.zhou3@seattle.gov, (206) 727-

Proposals are to be submitted through the e-Procurement portal at https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/seattle, no later than 11:55 pm on November 16th.

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.

2. Purpose and Background

Purpose The purpose of this RFP is to measurably increase skilled trades workers in construction careers and/or clean energy jobs that do not require a bachelor's degree.

The RFP intends to focus on community members from Priority Hire ZIP codes (which is defined as individuals residing in economically distressed ZIP codes), and/or Women, and/or BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and other people of color), to ensure these individuals are successfully supported in construction trades apprenticeship and/or clean energy pathways.

The City is committed to strategies that increases the awareness, recruitment, training, placement, and retention of individuals into the construction trades and/or clean energy sector and demonstrates actions towards achieving racial and economic justice.

This RFP seeks proposals from organizations and coalitions that can provide one or more of the following services:

1. Outreach and Recruitment: community outreach and/or events to increase awareness and opportunities for apprenticeship careers in the construction industry and/or clean energy sector.

2. Training: pre-apprenticeship and/or apprenticeship construction trades training and/or job readiness to place individuals into Washington state registered construction apprenticeship programs and/or clean energy jobs.

3. Retention Services: to provide services to remove barriers for apprentices and/or clean energy workers to enter and/or stay in their chosen career path, (e.g., certification for upskilling, mentorship services, and/or mental health resources).

Awards This RFP will award multiple proposals based on the evaluation process. There is no set minimum or maximum number of proposals that will be awarded. The final award amount for awarded proposals will be based on available funding and based on the most responsive and relevant proposals in the criteria scoring in Section 10. Proposal Evaluation.

RFP Partnership The City of Seattle Finance and Administrative Services (FAS) - Purchasing and Contract division and Office of Sustainability and Environment (OSE) are jointly funding this RFP.

Background The City of Seattle (City) is committed to people living healthy, prosperous lives, both environmentally and economically. The

City's Priority Hire program and the Green New Deal are resolutions to equitably increasing access to construction trades apprenticeship pathways and/or clean energy jobs to communities most harmed by environmental injustices.

https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/seattle https://www.seattle.gov/Documents/Departments/FAS/PurchasingAndContracting/Labor/Zip_Codes.pdf https://www.seattle.gov/purchasing-and-contracting https://www.seattle.gov/environment https://www.seattle.gov/environment https://www.seattle.gov/purchasing-and-contracting/priority-hire https://www.seattle.gov/environment/climate-change/climate-justice/green-new-deal

The Priority Hire program puts people who live in Priority Hire ZIP codes to work on large City construction projects by using a community workforce agreement (CWA). The CWA requires contractors working on these projects to meet requirements for

Priority Hire workers and set goals for Women and/or BIPOC. Such requirements and goals are implemented on City construction projects that are $5 million or more and/or privately funded with City investments. In addition, the City has an apprenticeship requirement for projects between $1 million and $5 million.

In Seattle, buildings and transportation are the largest sources of gas emissions (e.g., carbon dioxide) into the atmosphere.

When emissions are released, they pollute the air. The Green New Deal resolution has a goal to reduce pollution by shifting buildings and transportation systems from their reliance on fossil fuels (gas and oil) to adopting electric-powered alternatives.

This RFP intends to create pathways to construction trades and/or clean energy jobs that focuses on increasing a diverse and equitable workforce through outreach, training, placement, and retention services that supports the City's large infrastructure projects and support climate change.

3. Performance Schedule

Multiple awarded proposals will have an anticipated contract term through December 31, 2029. The City may extend contracted terms through December 31, 2031, and will notify awardees with executed contracts prior to the contract term end date. The City will amend current contract scope of work, deliverables, and budget based on performance and availability of funding.

4. Solicitation Objectives

The primary objective of this Request for Proposals (RFP) is to create long-term careers in construction apprenticeships and/or clean energy jobs for people from Priority Hire ZIP codes and/or communities most harmed by environmental injustice.

To achieve this goal, proposals must address the following five core objectives:

A. Increase Priority Hire: Successfully outreach, recruit, and enroll Priority Hire individuals into construction and/or clean energy career pathways.

B. Deliver Quality Training: Provide hands-on technical training and job-readiness skills that prepare participants for industry demands.

C. Job Placement: Connect graduates and/or individuals directly with employers, contractors, unions, and open shops

(non-union) opportunities.

D. Support Job Retention: Offer ongoing support during and after training and/or placement to help workers stay employed and advance in their long-term careers through certification and/or other pathways to upskilling.

E. Provide Mentorship and/or Mental Health Resources: Supply wrap-around care, including mentorship and/or mental health supports or resources.

5. Minimum Qualifications

No minimum qualifications are required for a consultant to submit a proposal response.

6. Scope of Work

6.1. Strengthening Entry into Registered Apprenticeship and Clean Energy Jobs

The desired outcome for this RFP is to provide long-term careers into construction apprenticeship and/or clean energy jobs for historically underserved communities. To achieve this, we will prioritize proposals that:

• Display a commitment to placing Priority Hire individuals into construction apprenticeships and/or clean energy jobs.

• Have/will develop relationships with other stakeholder groups. Relationships are critical as no one organization can achieve the desired outcomes along.

Propose an outreach, training and/or job readiness, and/or retention program to place individuals, with a focus on Priority

Hire individuals and/or individuals from environmental injustice communities, into clean energy jobs and/or registered construction apprenticeship programs.

Your proposal should consider how you will either implement, and/or work with partners, in the following scope of works:

• Outreach to identify Priority Hire individuals and/or individuals from environmental injustice communities.

• Provide job readiness support and/or trade-specific and/or pre-apprenticeship training.

• Provide Building Operator Certification and/or other skills trade certification (see examples in Clean Energy Jobs and

Trades Opportunities Section under Training and Certification Pathways).

• Place graduates of your program into registered construction apprenticeship programs and/or clean energy jobs.

• Offer wraparound services to remove barriers for individuals who are in the program(s) and/or enrolled into retention services.

• Retain individuals once they are placed into a Washington State Apprenticeship Training Council (WSATC) registered construction apprenticeship programs and/or clean energy jobs.

6.2. Clean Energy Jobs and Construction Trades Opportunities

Clean energy jobs are considered non-apprenticeship jobs and/or WSATC registered construction apprenticeship programs.

The focus for clean energy jobs includes building electrification and transportation systems where training and certifications specialize in achieving a career and jobs in this industry sector. In this RFP, a building sector workforce pathway has been identified as a workforce need for pathways to jobs in building operations and maintenance where individuals may earn certifications and training to support the electrification of Seattle buildings to meet the Green New Deal goals and support policies like Building Emission Performance Standards (BEPS) and Clean Building Performance Standards (CBPS).

Below are some examples of the job opportunities and/or trades, and/or certifications in construction trades apprenticeship and/or clean energy:

Job and/or Trade Opportunities:

• Heat pump installation and maintenance

Replace gas furnaces and boilers with electric heat pumps. Requires certified HVAC and heat pump technicians.

• Building envelope and weatherization

Reduce energy loss through walls, ceilings, and windows. Requires weatherization and building envelope specialists.

• Energy auditing and benchmarking

Buildings need auditors and analysts to track energy use, report to the city, and confirm they are meeting targets.

• Building controls and systems technicians

Many buildings need electrical panel upgrades to handle full electrification. Requires electricians and service upgrade crews.

• Building performance certifications

Supports verification that buildings meet performance standards and compliance requirements.

• Assemblers and Fabricators

• Boilermakers

• Building Maintenance Operators

• Laborers

• Maintenance and Repair Workers

• Carpenters

• Operating Engineers

• Construction and Building Inspectors

• Plumbers and Pipefitters

• Electricians Engineers

• Sheet Metal Workers

• Solar Photovoltaic installers

• Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC)

• Insulation Workers (floor, ceiling, and wall)

• Steamfitters Technicians

Training & Certification Pathways

These are recommended certifications and training programs to reference to when developing curriculum and/or program requirements.

• Building Operator Certification (BOC) – widely recognized training for O&M staff on energy-efficient building operations

• Building Performance Institute (BPI) Certifications – energy auditing and building science

• HVAC/R EPA Section 608 Certification – refrigerant handling for heat pump work

• Washington State Energy Code Training – relevant to both new construction and major retrofits triggering code compliance

• OSHA 10/30 Construction Safety – foundational for all trades pathways

• NABCEP PV Associate or ETA Photovoltaic Installer – Level 1 - entry-level solar credentials requiring about 40 hours of training to demonstrate basic PV installation and safety knowledge.

6.3. Definitions

• Apprentice: An individual who is enrolled in a Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council (WSATC) registered construction apprenticeship program.

• Apprenticeship: Construction training programs that are registered with WSATC.

• BIPOC: Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color.

• Building Maintenance and Decarbonization: The ongoing operational and upgrade work that keeps a building mechanical, electrical and structural systems running while shifting it off fossil fuels and onto clean energy, covering tasks like HVAV servicing, heat pump installation and upkeep, envelop repair and controls that work together to lower building greenhouse gas emissions over time.

• Building Emissions Performance Standard: codified as SMC 22.925 is a law requiring existing nonresidential and multifamily buildings larger than 20,000 square feet to meet progressively stricter greenhouse gas emissions targets over time with the goal of reaching net-zero emission by 2041-2050.

• Clean Energy: Transitioning buildings and transportation systems from being fossil fuel based (gas and oil) to clean energy (i.e., electrification), including the construction, installation, maintenance, and operation of these systems.

• Clean Energy Jobs: Construction registered apprenticeships and/or non-apprenticeship jobs that focus on the electrification of buildings and transportation systems (see example list on page 2).

• Community Workforce Agreement (CWA): The CWA is a legally binding agreement between the City of Seattle and the Seattle-King County Building and Construction Trades Council on Priority Hire construction projects. The CWA prioritizes the hiring of workers from economically distressed ZIP codes, women, people of color and pre-apprenticeship graduates, and sets forth terms and conditions of employment.

• Economically Distressed ZIP Codes: ZIP codes in Seattle and King County that have a combination of high rates of people living under 200% of the federal poverty level, experiencing unemployment, and those over the age of 25 without a college degree.

• Green New Deal: The Green New Deal is a directive for Seattle to substantively reduce climate pollution, create jobs and advance an equitable transition from fossil fuels (oil and gas) to clean and renewable energy by prioritizing investments in communities historically most harmed by economic, racial and environmental inequities.

• Job Readiness Program: A training program that helps prepare people for entry and success in clean energy jobs.

• Mentee: An apprentice that is receiving mentorship from a mentor.

• Mentor: An individual that is providing mentorship to a mentee.

• Mentorship: A program that provides mentees with assistance with problem solving skills, navigation to resources, and culturally inclusive guidance on behavior values and attitudes. Mentorship should be given in a way that allows apprentices to relate and see themselves as journey workers and beyond. The program should increase a sense of belonging in the industry for BIPOC apprentices, women and residents of economically distressed communities.

• Placement: An individual that is placed in a clean energy job or construction apprenticeship that has livable wages and provides benefits and career growth opportunities.

• Pre-Apprentice: An individual who is in a WSATC-recognized construction pre-apprenticeship program.

• Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program: Training programs that are recognized by the WSATC. They provide hands-on construction training and education that helps prepare people for entry and success in the building trades.

• Priority Hire Individual: For the purpose of this RFP, Priority Hire individuals are defined as residents of economically distressed ZIP codes, and/or women and/or BIPOC individuals.

• Retention: An individual that has been placed into a WSATC registered apprenticeship program and/or clean energy job and maintains that placement.

• Wraparound Services: Services (e.g., financial support, driver license support) that are provided to aid an individual in a program.

6.4. Available Funding by Source

https://www.seattlebuildingtrades.org/ http://www.seattle.gov/Documents/Departments/FAS/PurchasingAndContracting/Labor/Zip_Codes.pdf http://www.seattle.gov/environment/climate-change/green-new-deal https://www.seattle.gov/Documents/Departments/FAS/PurchasingAndContracting/Labor/Zip_Codes.pdf https://www.seattle.gov/Documents/Departments/FAS/PurchasingAndContracting/Labor/Zip_Codes.pdf

City Department Areas of Interest Total

FAS Training and placement into any Washington State

Apprenticeship Training and Council (WSATC) registered construction apprenticeship program

$ 1,500,000

OSE Training and placement into construction jobs and/or WSATC registered construction apprenticeships and/or clean energy

(electrification of buildings and transportation systems) jobs

$ 1,600,000

RFP TOTAL AMOUNT $ 3,100,000

6.5. Funding Information

Awarded proposal(s) will have an anticipated contract term of January 2027 – December 31, 2029, with an opportunity to extend through December 31, 2031 (based on scope of work, performance, and annual availability of funding).

7. Contract Modifications

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

Consultants may submit proposals understanding all Contract terms and conditions are mandatory. Response submittal is agreement to the Contract without exception. The City reserves the right to negotiate changes to submitted proposals and to change the City's otherwise mandatory Contract form during negotiations. If the

Consultant is awarded a contract and refuses to sign the attached Contract form, the City may reject the

Consultant from this and future solicitations for the same work. Under no circumstances shall Consultant submit its own boilerplate of terms and conditions.

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 within the Procurement Portal. Registration in the City's Procurement Portal is required to submit a response to this solicitation.

8.2. Pre-Submittal Conference

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

The City offers an optional pre-submittal conference at the time, date and location on the Timeline. Proposers are highly encouraged to attend but not required to attend to be eligible to propose. The meeting answers questions about the solicitation and clarifies issues. This also allows Proposers 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-proposal conference.

8.3. Questions

Proposers may submit their questions to clarify the RFP through the Procurement Portal. Proposers 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.

The RFP Coordinator intends to provide you notice, through the City’s procurement portal, when changes or addenda are posted on our website. Nevertheless, it remains the obligation and responsibility of the proposer to learn of addenda, responses, or notices issued by the City. 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 proposals submitted 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 RFP Coordinator reserves the right to reject any submittal that does not fully incorporate Addenda that is critical to the project.

8.4. Changes to the RFP

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

City’s objectives in this solicitation. Any change to this RFP 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 RFP.

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. Proposal Submittal

Proposals 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.

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

8.7. Proposer Responsibility to Provide Full Response

It is the Proposer’s responsibility to respond in a manner that does not require interpretation or clarification by the City. The Proposer is to provide all requested materials, forms and information. The Proposer is to ensure the materials submitted properly and accurately reflect the Proposer’s offering. During scoring and evaluation

(prior to interviews if any), the City will rely upon the submitted materials and shall not accept materials from the Proposer after the RFP deadline; this does not limit the City’s right to consider additional information (such as references that are not provided by the Proposer but are known to the City, or past City experience with the consultant), or to seek clarifications as needed.

8.8. Prohibited Contacts

Proposers shall not interfere in any way to discourage other potential and/or prospective proposers from proposing or considering a proposal 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 Proposer or another person acting on behalf of the Proposer) 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 Proposer 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 on this page here: https://www.seattle.gov/city-finance/business-taxes-and-licenses/business-licenses 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

The City does not guarantee utilization of any contract(s) awarded through this RFP/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 RFP.

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

mailto:rca@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

(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 Proposer object to this condition, the

Proposer must object prior to the Q&A deadline in the Timeline.

8.15. Cost of Preparing Proposals

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

8.16. Readability

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

8.17. Changes or Corrections to Proposal Submittal

Prior to the proposal submittal closing date and time established for this RFP, 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 proposal shall be made after the proposal closing date and time.

8.18. Errors in Proposals

Proposers are responsible for errors and omissions in their proposals. No error or omission shall diminish the

Proposer’s obligations to the City.

8.19. Withdrawal of Proposal

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 Proposals

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

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

8.21. Incorporation of RFP and Proposal in Contract

This RFP and Proposer’s response, including promises, warranties, commitments, and representations made in the successful proposal once accepted by the City, are binding and incorporated by reference in the City’s contract with the Proposer.

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 Proposers 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

Submittal instructions includes materials to designate your equal benefits status.

8.24. Women and Minority Subcontracting

Consistent with SMC 20.42, Proposers shall use good faith efforts to promote and seek maximum utilization of woman and minority businesses for any subcontracting within the contract scope of work. A woman or minority business is one that self-identifies to be at least 51% owned by a woman and/or minority. Such firms do not have to be certified by the State of Washington but must be registered in the City Online Business

Directory. Efforts may include use of solicitation lists, advertisements in minority community publications, breaking requirements into tasks or quantities that promote WMBE utilization, making schedule or requirement modifications likely to assist WMBE firms, targeted recruitment, using minority community and public organizations to perform outreach.

8.25. Insurance Requirements

Insurance requirement options may change based on the amount of award.

• Option 1: No proof of insurance is required.

• Option 2: Proof of insurance is required, link to Insurance Transmittal Form below.

http://www.seattle.gov/Documents/Departments/FAS/PurchasingAndContracting/Consulting/fas-city-finance-risk-transmittal-consultant-services.docx

Proof of insurance and additional insured endorsement policy language must be provided to the City before Contract execution. Consultants are encouraged to immediately contact their Broker to begin preparation of the required insurance http://www.seattle.gov/Documents/Departments/FAS/PurchasingAndContracting/Consulting/fas-city-finance-risk-transmittal-consultant-services.docx http://www.seattle.gov/Documents/Departments/FAS/PurchasingAndContracting/Consulting/fas-city-finance-risk-transmittal-consultant-services.docx documents, if the Consultant is selected as a finalist. Proposers may elect to provide the requested insurance documents within their Proposal.

8.26. 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).

Bidders/proposers 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 bid, 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

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.

http://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=42.56

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.

8.27. 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.

No Conflict of Interest.

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

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.

8.28. 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.

8.29. 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

Proposals that are responsive and responsible, based on an initial review, will proceed, and be reviewed for minimum requirements, satisfactory financial responsibility, and other elements.

9.2. Proposal Evaluation

An evaluation team, comprised of community members and public agency employees, will evaluate proposals using the criteria below. Responses will be evaluated, scored, and ranked according to scores.

9.3. Virtual Interviews

After the proposal evaluation, the evaluation team may decide to interview the top ranked proposers. Proposer(s) invited to interview are to only bring the key personnel named in the proposal. If interviews are conducted, they will be worth 20 additional points.

9.4. Selection

The City shall select the highest ranked proposer(s) for award. The City reserves the right to make a final selection based on the results of proposal evaluations and interviews (if applicable).

9.5. Contract Negotiations

http://www.seattle.gov/purchasing-and-contracting/social-equity/background-checks http://www.seattle.gov/purchasing-and-contracting/social-equity/background-checks

The City may negotiate elements of the proposal with the highest ranked successful proposer as required to best meet the needs of the City, with the apparent awardee(s). The City may negotiate any aspect of the proposal or the solicitation. The City does not intend to negotiate the base contract or the terms and conditions. The City cannot modify contract provisions mandated by Federal, State or City law: Equal Benefits, Audit (Review of Vendor Records), WMBE and EEO, Confidentiality, and Debarment or mutual indemnification.

10. Proposal Evaluation

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

Phase 1

N o.

Evaluation Criteria Scori ng

Meth od

Weig ht

(Poin ts)

1. Capacity and Organization Scoring Criteria

RATING CRITERIA - A strong application meets all the criteria below.

Applicant clearly describes the organization’s mission statement, experience, and alignment with the goals of this RFP. If applicable, subconsultant roles and responsibilities are clearly defined. (3 points)

Applicant demonstrates sufficient organizational capacity, infrastructure, staffing, leadership, and operational readiness to successfully implement the proposed work. Applicant identifies realistic plans to address any staffing or operational gaps. (4 points)

Applicant demonstrates strategies to recruit, support, train, and retain qualified staff through living wages, leadership support, professional development, and work-life balance practices. (4 points)

Applicant provides a clear staffing structure, including staff qualifications, responsibilities, time allocation, demographics, and wages that align with the proposed services and target communities. (4 points)

Points

Based

(15% of

Total)

2. Experience Scoring Criteria

RATING CRITERIA - A strong application meets all the criteria below.

Applicant demonstrates successful experience providing workforce development, apprenticeship preparation, mentorship, job placement, and/or retention services related to construction trades and/or clean energy jobs. At minimum, Applicant provides at least three (3) project examples completed within the past five years, each including measurable outcomes such as number of participants served, placement or completion rates, and retention data. If new to this scope, Applicant demonstrates transferable experience through at least two (2) comparable project examples and provides a realistic, detailed plan for implementing services, including timelines, staffing, and anticipated outcomes. (10 points)

Applicant identified communities, including residents of economically distressed ZIP codes, BIPOC communities, women, and other historically underserved populations. (2 points)

Applicant demonstrates strong experience, trust, and relationships with underrepresented communities. Applicant demonstrates cultural competency, trusted community relationships, and understanding of participant barriers and strengths. (4 points)

Applicant clearly describes workforce experience, partnerships or relationships with construction trades, clean energy, and/or building maintenance careers. (4 points)

(20% of

Total)

3. Proposal & Application Scoring Criteria

RATING CRITERIA - A strong application meets all the criteria below.

Applicant provides a detailed and realistic program design in either outreach, training, and/or retention aligned with construction apprenticeship and/or clean energy career pathways. (10 points)

Applicant clearly describes how training aligns with industry and apprenticeship requirements, including technical competencies connected to building decarbonization, electrification, BEPS-related retrofit work, and the building performance economy. (5 points)

Applicant demonstrates a realistic and effective strategy for participant recruitment, engagement, placement, and retention, including support for individuals awaiting apprenticeship or job entry. Applicant includes culturally inclusive services. (6 points)

Applicant demonstrates strong partnerships and collaborative relationships with apprenticeship programs, unions, contractors, employers, community organizations, tribes or tribal organizations, public agencies, and/or clean energy industry partners. Roles and responsibilities are clearly defined. If applicant is new to this work, a realistic relationship-building plan and timeline are included. (5 points)

Applicant demonstrates active relationships with employers, contractors, construction apprenticeship programs and/or clean energy work, to include BEPS related work, and clearly explains how those relationships will create employment opportunities for participants in clean energy and building performance careers. (4 points)

Applicant provides clear, measurable, and realistic proposed…