RFI2025-175_MAR_2025-2027 Final.pdf

Request for Information #2025-175 Page 1 of 18 Puget Sound Partnership

Date of Posting: January 13, 2025

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI #2025-175)

MONITORING TO ACCELERATE RECOVERY FOR THE 2025 – 2027 STATE BIENNIUM

1: ANNOUNCEMENT

The Puget Sound Partnership (Partnership) is soliciting project proposals from parties interested in conducting collaborative ecosystem monitoring for the 2025-2027 state biennium (July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2027). The goal is to address priority information needs to support and accelerate the recovery of the Puget Sound ecosystem. Only respondents who are currently licensed or willing to become licensed to conduct business in the State of Washington are eligible to submit proposals.

All projects are expected to support the objectives of the Puget Sound Ecosystem Monitoring Program (PSEMP) Strategic Plan which aims to increase collaboration, support adaptive management of Puget Sound recovery efforts, and improve communication and access to credible information that guides recovery decisions. As an implementing agency of Washington State’s Healthy Environment for All (HEAL) Act, the Partnership encourages respondents to submit proposals that create environmental benefits for overburdened and vulnerable populations, collaborate with community scientists, and provide opportunities for Tribes, vulnerable populations, and overburdened communities to participate. More information about the HEAL Act can be found in Appendix E.

Specifically, the Partnership seeks proposals that fall under one of the following two categories:

• Category 1 – Developing and reporting of Vital Sign Indicators and other types of measures used by the Puget Sound Partnership

• Category 2 – Assessing, synthesizing and disseminating monitoring information that can inform decision-making and support a thriving and resilient Puget Sound.

2: EXPECTED PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE AND FUNDING AMOUNT

The Partnership anticipates funding up to approximately $950,000 to support selected projects for the period of July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2027. We anticipate supporting up to 12 projects in total over approximately a two-year period (July 2025 – June 2027), with each project receiving a minimum of $50,000 and a maximum of $150,000 in total compensation. Projects budgeted under $50,000 or over $150,000 will not be considered. Please note that funds for this solicitation are meant as one-time investments and are not intended to sustain ongoing programs, monitoring, or project efforts beyond the period of performance.

• Up to seven (7) projects, totaling approximately $600,000, could be funded under category 1.

Approximately one third of that amount will support projects that include salmon recovery context, depending on the proposed cost of each project submitted for consideration.

• Up to five (5) projects, totaling approximately $350,000, could be funded under category 2, depending on the proposed cost of each project submitted for consideration.

3: ELIGIBILITY, ROLES, AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The respondent must be affiliated with an organization, agency, or Tribal government that is licensed to do business in the State of Washington or are willing to become licensed. Eligible applicants of all ages, races, ethnicities, national origins, gender identities, sexual orientations, abilities, cultures, religions, citizenship https://pspwa.box.com/s/xf3swog4yshyiylrpcwx74owvy8yscum

Request for Information #2025-175 Page 2 of 18 types, marital statuses, job classifications, veteran status types, and socioeconomic statuses are encouraged to apply.

Any respondent whose proposal is selected must be affiliated with the organization proposing a project to the Partnership. The Partnership will work with the respondent as the project manager, who is accountable for negotiating and managing the project and serves as the main point of contact throughout the project.

There is a maximum of one proposal per individual respondent; however, collaborative proposals are strongly encouraged, and any given collaborator and organization could be involved with multiple proposals.

A single organization may submit multiple proposals with different individual lead respondents.

4: RESPONDING TO THIS REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI)

• Responses must be sent electronically to the RFI coordinator no later than 12:00 pm, noon, on March 28, 2025.

• Proposals must be attached to an email in .pdf format and sent to the email address below. Zipped files cannot be received by the Partnership and cannot be used for responses to the RFI.

• The Partnership will review responses and contact respondents, if needed, for follow-up questions and discussion about the role and proposed project work.

• The Partnership may release future solicitations that procure for similar topics as listed on this RFI.

Questions about this RFI will only be addressed through the Q&A periods and an informational webinar.

Written questions must be sent via email to the RFI coordinator during the Q&A periods by 12:00 pm, noon, on both January 31, 2025, and March 7, 2025. Answers to all submitted questions will be posted online on the WEBS system and Partnership website, by February 3, 2025, for the first Q&A period and March 8, 2025, for the second Q&A period. The Partnership will also host a webinar via Zoom on February 4, 2025, from 1:00-2:00 p.m., to provide an overview of the solicitation and an opportunity for participants to ask questions. Registration is required to receive a link to the event. The webinar will be recorded and posted on the Partnership website the following day, February 5, 2025.

All communications concerning this RFI must be directed to the RFI coordinator:

Shannon Sanders, Grants, Contracts, and Compliance Manager Puget Sound Partnership PO Box 40900 Olympia, WA 98504 360-688-3772 pspcontracts@psp.wa.gov

5: ESTIMATED SCHEDULE FOR RFI ACTIVITIES:

RFI ACTIVITIES DATE

Issue Request for Information January 13, 2025

First question and answer period (questions due by 12:00pm

PST)

January 14, 2025 – January 31, 2025

First set of answers posted to PSP website and WEBS February 3, 2025

Register for the February 4 informational webinar by following this link!

mailto:pspcontracts@psp.wa.gov file:///C:/Users/mark.fu/Downloads/pspcontracts@psp.wa.gov https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0odeChrj8uGtNnI7OAb7LVQ2PtOYEtAObk

Request for Information #2025-175 Page 3 of 18

Informational webinar 1:00-2:00 p.m., register here (webinar will be recorded)

February 4, 2025

Second question and answer period (questions due by 12:00pm

PST)

February 5, 2025 – March 7, 2025

Second set of answers posted to PSP website and WEBS March 8, 2025

RFI proposals are due by 12:00 p.m. noon, PST March 28, 2025

Review of RFI proposals by evaluation panel April 8, 2025 – May 12, 2025

Notification to respondents that submitted a RFI proposal May 13, 2025

6: BACKGROUND

Puget Sound Ecosystem Monitoring Program (PSEMP) The Puget Sound Ecosystem Monitoring Program (PSEMP) is a collaborative network of subject matter experts who generate, organize, synthesize, and communicate scientific information to track ecosystem conditions that directly address management and science questions critical to Puget Sound recovery. In our updated Strategic Plan, PSEMP has identified two primary goals to focus between 2024-28:

1) Support data gathering and increase integration synthesis, and dissemination of monitoring information that can inform decision-making and support a thriving, resilient Puget Sound, and

2) Promote a more inclusive, diverse PSEMP network that is responsive to the needs of Tribes and communities historically impacted by environmental justice.

To achieve our goals and mission, PSEMP has the following objectives:

1. Create and maintain forums to increase collaboration across monitoring programs to improve their effectiveness and efficiency and their ability to meet the information needs of planners, managers, and decision-makers. Organize and synthesize the data gathered by existing monitoring programs to increase access to information and highlight priority knowledge gaps to be filled.

2. Support adaptive management of recovery efforts by evaluating the effectiveness of recovery actions and approaches; engaging PSEMP members in planning processes such as the Action Agenda; and facilitating the exchange of knowledge among PSEMP members and with planners, managers, and decision-makers.

3. Improve communication within the monitoring and assessment community and to other audiences to improve access to and use of credible information in decisions about Puget Sound recovery efforts.

PSEMP Work Groups are nodes in the PSEMP network that are critical to achieving PSEMP’s mission and objectives. Work Groups serve as communities of practice that provide forums to support collaboration and connections among partners, which can be a critical resource for the funded projects.

Healthy Environment for All (HEAL) Act, and Commitment to Environmental Justice The Partnership is committed to centering equity and environmental justice in its work. As part of implementing the HEAL Act, the Partnership incorporates environmental justice into ecosystem monitoring and assessment efforts. This includes advancing an organizational structure that promotes environmental justice and ensures that environmental benefits are equitably shared among overburdened and vulnerable populations.

The Partnership aims to ensure equitable access to monitoring resources, respect treaty rights, acknowledge Indigenous knowledge, and engage diverse communities. Proposals should document how https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0odeChrj8uGtNnI7OAb7LVQ2PtOYEtAObk https://psp.wa.gov/psemp-overview https://psp.wa.gov/psemp-overview

Request for Information #2025-175 Page 4 of 18 they address environmental and health disparities. For more information on incorporating the HEAL Act and environmental justice principles in proposals, please refer to the resources available in Appendix E.

7: OVERVIEW OF PROPOSAL CATEGORIES

The Partnership seeks proposals that fall under one of the two categories described below. The geographical scope for all projects is restricted to Puget Sound and its surrounding watersheds (i.e., inland marine waters of Washington State eastward of the mouth of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and adjoining waters).

A: Category 1: Developing and reporting of Vital Sign Indicators and other types of measures used by the Puget Sound Partnership Category 1 proposals are limited to the Puget Sound Vital Sign Indicators and types of products listed in Appendix A. Proposals must address the need to scope, plan, evaluate, or report the status and trends of the indicators. The Puget Sound Vital Sign indicators are at different stages of development, with 23 Vital Signs informed by 72 indicators. Of these, 25 indicators have not yet been reported. Appendix A provides additional details about the indicators requiring developmental support.

While some indicators are well established (i.e., they are supported by long-term monitoring programs, protocols are documented, and there is one or more years of findings in the Vital Sign module of Puget Sound Info web platform), others need to be developed and are listed in Appendix A. Project deliverables for category 1 must include at least one or more of the product types described below under Category 1 product types. Each of the product types #1-3 marks a milestone on the development trajectory of an indicator and should be completed in that order. Product type #4 is an option to augment products #1 and #2 with a salmon recovery context.

Category 1 product types

1. Indicator scoping summary reports: Indicator scoping summary reports (scoping reports) are reserved for indicators that are not yet defined (Appendix A). Though monitoring programs or data to support the indicator may exist, questions remain on what specific data should be used, what data sources should be combined to evaluate status and trends, and which program(s) is responsible for reporting the indicator. The development of indicators starts with a scoping phase where the purpose, use, and data streams are discussed and assessed. The scoping phase culminates in an “indicator scoping summary report” and serves as a first step toward an “indicator status and trends reporting plan” (see next product type). Indicator scoping summary reports must describe the scoping process (e.g., who was involved, what was discussed, and are the next steps) and may also include:

• A data and monitoring program inventory

• Data sources

• The Purpose of the indicator

• Indicator user descriptions

• Reference points such as baselines or biological thresholds for evaluation of status and trends

• Statistical and modeling approaches to evaluate status and trends of the indicator

• Who could lead the development of the indicator status and trends reporting plans

2. Indicator status and trends reporting plans: Indicator status and trends reporting plans (reporting plans) are needed for indicators where the scoping step is done but the protocols, methods, and quality assurance still need to be agreed upon and documented. Reporting plans document a project’s technical planning process for data collection, compilation, management, analysis, and reporting, including:

https://vitalsigns.pugetsoundinfo.wa.gov/About https://vitalsigns.pugetsoundinfo.wa.gov/

Request for Information #2025-175 Page 5 of 18

• A clear, concise, and complete plan for indicator implementation, quality objectives, and identification of key project personnel.

• Descriptions of the data sources and how data are analyzed and reported out for status, trends, and progress toward a target.

• Step-by-step instructions that identify datasets and when, where, and how to analyze the status and trends of indicators. Elements of protocols could include identifying relevant datasets and their compatibility, disclosures for ensuring data sovereignty, statistical methods to evaluate trends, baselines, geographic and time scales at which to report findings, and resource needs.

To guide reporting plan development, the Partnership prepared a template at this link. The Partnership also accepts EPA’s format for Quality Assurance Project Plans (QAPP). The reporting plan template asks for the essentials but is less comprehensive than a QAPP.

3. Evaluation and indicator reports: Evaluation and indicator reports are reserved for projects that implement the reporting plan to evaluate status and trends and progress toward targets. We only accept projects that provide a first set of results for the status and trends of indicators and progress toward targets in the Puget Sound Info web platform. To guide the development of the indicator report, the Partnership prepared a template at this link.

4. Chinook salmon recovery report: Chinook salmon recovery reports can be added to indicator scoping summary reports (product #1) and indicator status and trends reporting plans (product #2) for habitat indicators relevant to salmon recovery as identified in Appendix A. If a Chinook salmon recovery report is added, the project is eligible to receive additional funding to support the inclusion of salmon expertise. The purpose of a Chinook salmon recovery report is to augment products with the additional information necessary to enable indicator development and reporting at a scale relevant to salmon recovery. In addition to the elements listed for products #1 and #2 above, Chinook salmon recovery reports must include the following additional context:

• Consideration of local/watershed salmon monitoring programs and data sources

• Description of the indicator’s connection to salmon life history and how this may vary between watersheds, including relevant spatial and temporal scales of analysis, baselines and biological thresholds

• Review/comparison of existing protocols

• Suggestions for summarizing data and findings on a regional scale

• Engagement of local/watershed salmon experts

B: Category 2: Assessing, synthesizing and disseminating monitoring information that can inform decision-making and support a thriving and resilient Puget Sound.

Category 2 is a broad category that spans the monitoring spectrum from effectiveness assessments, status and trends monitoring beyond the Puget Sound Vital Signs, and collaborative processes to provide insights on ecosystem recovery. Proposals are expected to articulate clear questions that are relevant to Puget Sound recovery as described in various complementary plans such as the Action Agenda, Implementation Strategies and Local Ecosystem Recovery Plans, the Science Work Plan, and other plans that articulate strategies and actions in support of ecosystem recovery. Appendix B offers selected examples from previously funded projects to help illustrate the types of projects eligible for Category 2.

Category 2 product types: The following are examples of projects that may be eligible for category 2 funding:

• Syntheses of monitoring information or meta-analyses of scientific research that aid in the assessment and reporting on ecosystem conditions.

https://pspwa.box.com/s/1vhh9bdjbdfde5v4nyhhprf3xg7hay18 https://www.epa.gov/quality/quality-assurance-project-plan-development-tool https://pspwa.box.com/s/s8tndwixio42fzicp4egmrvz8f57swul https://www.psp.wa.gov/2022AAupdate.php https://www.psp.wa.gov/implementation-strategies.php https://www.psp.wa.gov/implementation-strategies.php https://www.psp.wa.gov/science-workplan.php https://www.psp.wa.gov/science-workplan.php

Request for Information #2025-175 Page 6 of 18

• Diagnostic studies to understand ecosystem changes and their causes.

• Effectiveness assessments that assess and report on ecosystem conditions or the effectiveness of ecosystem recovery strategies and actions.

• Events that foster collaboration, such as workshops and forums, with the goal of synthesis, integration, enhanced understanding, and increased partnerships around monitoring data stewardship and evaluation.

• Surveys or other engagement of impacted communities to inform monitoring needs and provide relevant information.

• Product and tool development that promotes information accessibility, visualization, and communication of scientific data. For example: map-based products, tools, toolkits, and interactive dashboards.

FOR A LIST OF PAST PROJECTS FUNDED UNDER MONITORING TO ACCELERATE RECOVERY, PLEASE

SEE THE PSEMP PRODUCTS WEBPAGE.

Linked here is another resource that includes all the previously funded Partnership Science projects from Monitoring to Accelerate Recovery, Salmon Science Investigations, and Puget Sound Scientific Research RFIs.

8: SUBMITTAL COMPONENTS (REQUIRED)

A: Proposal summary: 8.5” by 11” pages, with 1” margins, single-spaced with Times New Roman 12-point or greater font.

a. Project title

b. Project initiation and completion dates: The proposed project should be completed by June 30, 2027.

c. Respondent information: Name, title, organization, email, and direct phone number. We require a single individual to serve as a respondent.

d. Proposal category addressed: Identify which of the proposal categories, category 1 or 2, this project will address (must list only one category).

e. Project abstract (must not exceed 500 words): Provide a clear and concise description of the project in terms that are understandable by individuals who are not experts in your field. Please summarize:

• The proposal’s alignment with needs under category 1 or 2, as designated:

i. Category 1 proposals: Please list word for word which Vital Sign Indicator(s) in

Appendix A are addressed, and which kind of product is being developed.

ii. Category 2 proposals: Please articulate the question(s) or problem being addressed with this proposal.

• The objectives, outcomes, and key deliverables of the project.

• The approach and how key collaborators and audiences are expected to use or benefit from the project outcomes.

B: Project narrative: Project narratives must not exceed six pages on 8.5” by 11” pages, with 1” margins, single-spaced with Times New Roman 12-point or greater font. Please provide references on a new page at the end of the narrative and do not count references in the six-page limit. Proposal narratives must use the same headings as items ‘a’ through ‘d’ below.

a. Background and problem statement: Provide sufficient background information for reviewers to independently assess the significance of the rationale for and relevance of the proposed project.

Summarize the problem, need, or opportunity to be addressed and critically evaluate existing knowledge, previous work, and leveraging opportunities pertaining to the problem or opportunity.

https://www.psp.wa.gov/PSEMP-resources.php https://www.psp.wa.gov/science-funded-projects.php

Request for Information #2025-175 Page 7 of 18

b. Objectives and outcomes: Clearly state the specific project objectives1, deliverables2, and outcomes3, and how they address the problem statement and identified information need(s).

c. Approach: Provide an overview of the project’s approach to achieving the objectives and outcomes.

The approach should summarize the steps, methods, and tasks, and discuss potential challenges to successful completion of the project. Please specify protocols for data collection and analysis, including protocols to ensure data sovereignty in gathering any Indigenous knowledge, as applicable. The Partnership encourages all proposals to consider the use of innovative approaches and to make use of the vast amount of available monitoring-related information and expertise within PSEMP, and information from multiple knowledge systems (including Indigenous knowledge, local knowledge, and knowledge generated through non-Western science approaches), while respecting data sovereignty, permissions, and parameters regarding sacred or sensitive Indigenous knowledge.

The Partnership also encourages projects that advance the goals of the HEAL Act, apply best practices to advance environmental justice, and contribute to our collective understanding of environmental disparities

d. Engagement plan: Describe how the project team will meaningfully involve collaborators and end users throughout the investigation. Also list any relevant forums that will support project implementation, including PSEMP Work Groups, Vital Sign Indicator reporters, Partnership forums, and others. Project development, processes, results, and products should be informed by and shared with relevant audiences early and often. All projects are expected to deliver a fact sheet towards the end of the project. Project teams are encouraged to use best practices to include and address environmental justice and foster diversity, equity, and inclusion. Projects that impact Tribal resources or use Tribal data should include Tribal consultation elements in their engagement plans.

See Appendix E for examples and resources to develop a robust engagement plan. Other considerations of the engagement plan include:

a. Consider Tribal treaty rights and environmental justice principles in the preparation and implementation of projects and apply an equity lens to the project at all stages of development.

b. Build meaningful and intentional partnerships with Tribal communities and groups from overburdened and vulnerable populations.

c. Consider engaging PSEMP Work Groups during the development of proposals and during project implementation. Any explicit proposed role of any Work Group must be mutually agreed to by all parties and specified in the proposal materials. Work Groups are not otherwise required to formally vet, filter, or endorse any proposals.

d. Establish contact with a manager or policymaker during proposal development to help ensure the outputs of the project can inform or influence decisions and strategies for ecosystem recovery.

C: Roles of project team members: Use the table format below to list each team member and the expected roles of each team member (i.e., project lead, contract manager, advisor, subcontractor, facilitator, data analyst, etc.). The table must include, at a minimum, the expected project lead(s) and contract manager (these are typically the same person, or two people at the same organization). Specify how each team member will be funded (this award or in-kind), how they will contribute to the project, and a

1 Desired results of a project at its outset, including goals and deliverables. An objective should be specific and measurable

(Adapted from Linking Assistance Agreements to Environmental Results | US EPA).

2 Work products that are produced or provided over a specific period of time. (Adapted from Linking Assistance Agreements to Environmental Results | US EPA).

3 The result, effect, or consequence that will occur from carrying out an environmental program or activity that is related to an environmental or programmatic goal or objective. Outcomes may be environmental, behavioral, health-related, or programmatic in nature, must be quantitative, and may not necessarily be achievable within an assistance agreement funding period. (Adapted from Linking Assistance Agreements to Environmental Results | US EPA).

http://www.ejnet.org/ej/principles.html https://www.epa.gov/grants/linking-assistance-agreements-environmental-results https://www.epa.gov/grants/linking-assistance-agreements-environmental-results https://www.epa.gov/grants/linking-assistance-agreements-environmental-results https://www.epa.gov/grants/linking-assistance-agreements-environmental-results

Request for Information #2025-175 Page 8 of 18 brief description (i.e., short bullets) of their relevant qualifications and experience necessary to implement the proposed project. Descriptions could include educational background, job positions held, relevant publications, and experience demonstrating skills or collaborations related to the proposal.

Role Name and affiliation

Funding source (this award or in-kind)

Contribution Qualifications

Project lead Contract manager and point of contact for the Partnership

Add rows for any other team member

E: Scope of work and schedule: Complete the scope of work template in Appendix C with details of project tasks, key milestones, deliverables, and schedule.

F: Budget: Complete the budget template in Appendix D. The budget should reasonably approximate all project costs, including salaries, project supplies, engagement (e.g., consider stipends for community participation and other activities reducing barriers to engagement to support equity and inclusion), communication, overhead, benefits, time needed for administrative support of the contract, and any tasks required to comply with laws and regulations, or funder requirements (e.g., permits, QAPPs). Stipends for Tribal staff and community-based organization members are encouraged if their participation and engagement roles in the project are outside of their normal scope of work.

G. Letters of support: If a specific federally recognized Tribe, Indigenous community, or community-based organization is identified as a collaborator or primary audience for the project or if the study will be conducted on Tribal reservation lands or using Tribal data, a letter from the Tribe or community is required to confirm their support of and participation in the project. Letters of support from managers, policymakers, or other intended users of the project outputs are accepted but not required.

9: PROPOSAL REVIEW AND EVALUATION PROCESS:

Partnership staff will screen all applications submitted by the deadline to ensure they meet the eligibility criteria and contain all the required components. Proposals submitted after the submission deadline will be considered late and deemed ineligible without further consideration unless the applicant can clearly demonstrate that it was late due to Partnership mishandling. Each proposal confirmed to be eligible and complete will be evaluated by a panel of reviewers. Reviewers will score proposals based on the following criteria.

Scored criteria Description Total points possible

Project contribution

Project justification is strong; project addresses priority information needs and objectives of the RFI.

Project approach

Technical, scientific, and collaborative methods have demonstrated merit and are feasible.

Request for Information #2025-175 Page 9 of 18

Engagement Engagement, collaboration, and communication are integrated throughout the project and applied using DEI principles and best practices.

Project team Roles are clear and project team members have appropriate qualifications and experience to conduct the proposed work.

Team structure demonstrates a collaborative approach.

Scope of work Clear deadlines and deliverables are identified within the funding period described above.

Budget Budget is realistic and commensurate with project needs and timeline. Budget is within the funding limits for the proposed priority information needs.

Environmental Justice, Tribal Treaty Rights, and Equity

Proposals may integrate environmental justice through principles of participation, recognition, and distribution. To receive points for environmental justice in a proposal, one or more of these principles should be meaningfully integrated into the project. Proposals do not need to address all three principles to receive full points for this section. More information and details about this section are available below this table.

Total 100

Additional Details about Environmental Justice, Tribal Treat Rights, and Equity Scored Criteria:

As a part of the Partnerships HEAL Act implementation and supporting PSEMP’s Goal 2 in the 2024-28 Strategic Plan, a small amount of points are awarded to support projects that choose to integrate environmental justice through principles of participation, recognition, and distribution. To receive points for environmental justice in a proposal, one or more of these principles should be meaningfully integrated into the project. Proposals do not need to address all three principles to receive full points for this section.

• Participation refers to who is involved in decision making throughout the development and execution of a project as well as how project findings are applied to decision-making. Projects that demonstrate environmental justice impacts through participation may include project team members from Tribes or community-based organizations or they may engage in innovative and meaningful public participation from impacted communities.

• Recognition refers to assessing disproportionate environmental harms, why they matter to the values, cultures, and perspective of affected people and communities, and developing solutions. Proposals that address environmental justice recognition may develop tools to communicate the impacts of environmental harms or recommend solutions to decision makers.

• Distribution refers to how environmental harms, burdens, and benefits are shared across communities. Proposals addressing environmental justice through distribution principles may investigate how benefits or harms related to ecosystem recovery are distributed in Puget Sound and inform solutions to more equitably distribute environmental benefits.

Evaluation Process:

Partnership staff will convene an evaluation panel composed of eligible4 PSEMP Steering Committee

4 Eligible evaluators must confirm that they are not project leads or team members, none of their direct reports are project leads or team members, and they must commit to keeping proposal details and results confidential.

https://pspwa.app.box.com/file/1544066521895?s=xf3swog4yshyiylrpcwx74owvy8yscum https://pspwa.app.box.com/file/1544066521895?s=xf3swog4yshyiylrpcwx74owvy8yscum

Request for Information #2025-175 Page 10 of 18 members, Partnership staff, and other experts to review and evaluate submitted proposals. The evaluation panel will develop a ranked list of projects to be recommended for funding within each category. The projects will be based on the scored criteria noted above; recommendations of the evaluation panel;

diversity and balance of proposals across topic areas, institutions, and geographies; availability of funding;

and programmatic priorities.

Projects that are selected to move forward for a potential contractual agreement5 will be notified by the RFI coordinator via email by May 13, 2025, and the Partnership project manager will contact the respondent to negotiate terms for a potential contract. The Partnership project manager will notify the respondents of proposals that are not selected for further consideration via email correspondence.

Discussions that result from this RFI process may or may not lead to negotiating a scope of work for an interagency agreement or professional service contract for Monitoring to Accelerate Recovery in the state biennium 2025-2027 (July 2025 – June 2027).

10: PUBLIC RECORDS

The respondent acknowledges that state agencies are subject to Chapter 42.56 RCW, the Public Disclosure Act. Responses to this RFI will become a public record as defined in the RCW. For the purposes of this RFI no information considered confidential or proprietary should be included in your responses.

11: NO OBLIGATION TO CONTRACT

Release of this RFI in no way obligates the Puget Sound Partnership to award a contract.

12: COST OF RFI RESPONSE PREPARATION:

The Partnership will not reimburse any respondent for any cost associated with preparing a response for this

RFI.

13: MINORITY & WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESS PARTICIPATION

In accordance with the legislative findings and policies set forth in Chapter 39.19 RCW, the State of Washington encourages participation in all its contracts by firms certified by the Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises (OMWBE). Participation may be either on a direct basis in response to this RFI or on a subcontractor basis.

Contact OMWBE toll free at (866) 208-1064 or https://omwbe.wa.gov/directory-certified-firms to obtain information on certified firms.

14: RIGHT TO CHANGE OR CANCEL:

The Puget Sound Partnership may cancel or change this RFI without obligation or liability. Respondents are required to check the WEBS or the PSP website for any addenda or change to this RFI.

5 The Partnership anticipates that personal service contracts resulting from responses to this request will implement “collaborative research” and therefore be “exempt from the requirements of competition and [the State of Washington’s] Sole Source Contracts policy” as expressed in Enterprise Services Policy No. POL-DES-140-00.

http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=42.56 https://omwbe.wa.gov/directory-certified-firms

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15: TO CONCLUDE:

The Puget Sound Partnership appreciates your interest in providing project ideas and proposals for Monitoring to Accelerate Recovery and collaborative approaches related to priority information to support and accelerate the environmental recovery of Puget Sound.

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APPENDIX A: CATEGORY 1 VITAL SIGN INDICATORS AND PRODUCT

NEEDS

This Appendix A lists the indicators and related product types eligible for category 1 projects to support the development of Vital Sign Indicators and ultimately report on their status and trends.

Indicators that are already reported with one or more years of data are not included in this table and not eligible for category 1 proposals.

The Vital Sign Indicators are sorted by Vital Sign. We indicate the type of product that the Partnership needs for each indicator as “Need”. Received means that we already have the product and link to the project factsheet or Vital Sign indicators webpage. We also indicate if products are expected by the end of the 2023-2025 biennium. For certain indicators, Chinook salmon recovery reports are needed. They augment indicator scoping summary reports and indicator status and trend reporting plans with salmon recovery context.

Vital Sign name

Indicator name Primary affiliated

PSEMP

Workgroup

1. Indicator Scoping Summary Report

2. Indicator Status and Trends Reporting Plan

3. First Time Evaluation and Report

4. Chinook Salmon Recovery Report

Beaches and Marine Vegetation

Drift cells in functional condition

Nearshore Need Need Need

Beaches and Marine Vegetation

Miles of intertidal beach in functional condition

Nearshore Need Need Need

Beaches and Marine Vegetation

Understory kelp abundance and condition

Nearshore Need Need Need Need

Birds Estuarine birds Marine Birds Need Need Need

Forage Fish Regional index of the stock presence and health of forage fish such as sand lance, surf smelt, and anchovy

Forage Fish and Food Webs

Need Need Need

Forests and Wetlands

Forest condition No work group

Need Need Need

Forests and Wetlands

Wetlands extent and condition

No work group

Need Need Need

Freshwater Nutrient concentration in streams and rivers

Freshwater Need Need Need

Freshwater Water temperature in streams and rivers

Freshwater Need Need Need Need

Marine Water

Dissolved oxygen in marine water

Marine Waters

Need Need Need Need

Marine Water

Marine water temperature

Marine Waters

Need Need Need Need https://vitalsigns.pugetsoundinfo.wa.gov/

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Marine Water

Noise in marine water Marine Waters/Mari ne Mammals

Received Need Need

Marine Water

Nutrient balance in marine water

Marine Waters

Need Need Need

Marine Water

Primary production in marine water

Marine Waters

Received Expected by June

Need

Orcas Occupancy/residency of orcas in Puget Sound

Marine Mammals

Expected by June 2025

Expected by June

Need

Streams and Floodplains

Changes in hydrologic regime in streams and rivers

Freshwater Need Need Need Need

Streams and Floodplains

Frequency of flood events

No work group

Need Need Need Need

TBD Drought emergency extent and frequency

No work group

Need Need Need

TBD Salmon harvest No work group

Need Need Need

Toxics in Aquatic Life

Contaminants in the nearshore (using caged mussels)

Toxics Received Expected by Fall 2026

Expected by Fall 2026 https://pspwa.box.com/s/ri78k9xm567lqaoeznsq4lt0xt97juga https://pspwa.box.com/s/aoxw731b9fscxdp7ftyovlyvhumj3e90 https://pspwa.box.com/s/okki0ec43ing9divh9ojm0mb8gri9on3

Request for Information #2025-175 Page 14 of 18

APPENDIX B: CATEGORY 2 PROPOSAL DEVELOPMENT GUIDANCE –

EXAMPLES FROM PREVIOUSLY FUNDED PROJECTS

This appendix provides selected examples of the questions or problems addressed along with a brief description of the project’s process and approach. A more extensive list of previously funded projects can be found on the Monitoring to Accelerate Recovery webpage and on the PSEMP Products webpage.

Project Title Question/Problem Addressed Process and Approach

Open knowledge networks to support regulatory best available science

How can we better communicate, synthesize information, and navigate the needs to provide scientific information to regulators? This project addressed two examples of topics: beach nourishment, non-natal habitat used by juvenile salmon.

Trialed an effort called ‘Science Sprints’ to synthesize the best available science information that would inform regulatory agencies’ needs. Included collaboration with multiple regulatory agencies and scientists to understand the science-policy relationship, uncertainties, and needs.

Trophic linkages between zooplankton, herring, and salmon Vital Signs Indicators

What are the trophic ecology linkages between the zooplankton, herring, and salmon populations?

Synthesized data for Pacific herring, Chinook salmon, zooplankton, and other species;

analyzed biomass data from multiple life stages of herring;

computed estimates of predation pressure.

Nearshore Summit and Synthesis

How do we create an improved roadmap that updates restoration conceptual models and identify uncertainties for future management and research to address?

Through the efforts of convening a summit to bring together researchers, restoration practitioners, and social scientists they synthesized biophysical and social science research informing nearshore restoration; synthesized nearshore restoration work;

identified science and restoration management questions; and updated conceptual models related to restoration efforts.

https://www.psp.wa.gov/monitoring-accelerate-recovery.php

Request for Information #2025-175 Page 15 of 18

APPENDIX C: SCOPE OF WORK TEMPLATE

• The completed scope of work template should be included in the singular .pdf proposal document. Separate attachments will not be considered.

• All projects, upon their completion, will be required to deliver a factsheet about the project and its findings and impacts, in addition to the unique products resulting from the project and its associated engagement approaches. This factsheet should be reflected among the deliverables of the scope of work.

• Subcontracting is allowed.

• Please see Appendix E for additional resources and examples of tasks.

Scope of Work Template:

Task # Task name, description

Outputs & deliverables

Initials of person leading the task

Due date/ timeframe

Approximate budget amount

Request for Information #2025-175 Page 16 of 18

APPENDIX D: BUDGET WORKSHEET

The completed budget worksheet should be included in the singular .pdf document. Separate budget attachments will not be considered.

Please use the budget template prepared by the Puget Sound Partnership fiscal program, available at this link (https://pspwa.box.com/s/mavabu1pain9aqwlvtp8m30zjec43q7a).

The budget template includes:

• specific instructions on how to fill out the sheet in the second tab of the Excel workbook;

and

• information about the maximum allowable “base rate of pay” and other limitations on what can be included in the budget.

Task numbers in the submitted budget worksheet should be consistent with the task numbers in the submitted scope of work.

This template assumes a salary and benefits-based contract and all proposals are required to submit a budget that uses the template. If a contract is negotiated based on the submitted proposal, the Partnership and project lead may determine that a deliverables-based budget should be used and would convert the budget accordingly at that time.

Sample of detailed budget sheet:

TASK 1 TASK 2 TASK 3

Job Classification UNIT RATE UNITS COST UNITS COST UNITS COST UNITS COST

SALARY COST HR $0.00 0 -$ 0 -$ 0 -$ 0 -$

Project Manager Lead Principal HR $75.00 15 1,125$ 58 4,350$ 30 2,250$ 103 7,725$

Project Director Director HR $85.00 10 850$ 25 2,125$ 10 850$ 45 3,825$

Facilitator Work group facilitator HR $78.00 0 -$ 24 1,872$ 0 -$ 24 1,872$

TOTAL SALARY 25 1,975$ 107 8,347$ 40 3,100$ 172 13,422$

BENEFITS 0 HR 0% -$ -$ -$ -$

Principal HR 33% 371$ 1,436$ 743$ 2,549$

Director HR 33% 281$ 701$ 281$ 1,262$

Work group facilitator HR 33% -$ 618$ -$ 618$

TOTAL BENEFITS - 652$ - 2,755$ - 1,023$ 0 4,429$

OVERHEAD or Indirect 55.00% 1,086$ 4,591$ 1,705$ 7,382$

OTHER DIRECT COSTS (ODC) -$ -$ -$ -$ -$

Total ODCs -$ -$ -$ -$

SUPPLIES paper, pens, charts -$ -$ 200$ -$ 200$

TOTAL SUPPLIES -$ 200$ -$ 200$

SUBCONTRACTS Notetaker, Inc. 25.00$ -$ 22 550$ -$ 550$

TOTAL SUBCONTRACTORS -$ 550$ -$ 550$

TRAVEL EXPENSES RT Tacoma to Olympia 0.625$ -$ 50 31$ -$ 31$

(mileage at current State

Mileage rate) -$ -$ -$ -$ -$

TOTAL TRAVEL -$ 31$ -$ 31$

TOTAL COSTS 3,713$ 16,474$ 5,828$ 26,015$

TOTAL

CONTRACT: 2023-XX

PROJECT TITLE: SAMPLE Detailed Budget sheet

Project

Management

Work group session with

Draft and Final reports

Recommendations for next project work https://pspwa.box.com/s/mavabu1pain9aqwlvtp8m30zjec43q7a

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APPENDIX E: RESOURCES TO INFORM PROPOSAL DEVELOPMENT

This appendix provides resources to support proposal development, including resources to support engagement plans and additional information about the HEAL Act.

HEAL Act The Healthy Environment for All (HEAL) Act was passed and enacted in 2021 to reduce environmental and health disparities across Washington State. The HEAL Act prioritizes vulnerable populations and overburdened communities by integrating environmental justice into several state agency activities, including decision processes for budget development and expenditures. The Partnership is one of seven state agencies required to apply specific environmental justice requirements to agency actions. Per the mandate of the HEAL Act, the Partnership must take the following actions outlined in section 16.2 of the HEAL Act:

• Focus applicable expenditures on creating environmental benefits that are experienced by overburdened communities and vulnerable populations, including reducing or eliminating environmental harms, creating community and population resilience, and improving the quality of life of overburdened communities and vulnerable populations.

• Create opportunities for overburdened communities and vulnerable populations to meaningfully participate in agency expenditure decisions.

• Clearly articulate environmental justice goals and performance metrics.

• Consider a broad scope of grants and contracting opportunities that effectuate environmental justice principles. For example, community grants to monitor pollution;

grants focused on building capacity and providing training for community scientists and other staff; establishing a goal of directing percent of grants and expenditures that create environmental benefits to vulnerable populations and overburdened communities.

To help the Partnership advance work on these actions through its 2025-2027 expenditures on Monitoring to Accelerate Recovery projects, the Partnership encourages proposals that make use of resources and take on tasks such as those identified here.

Additional resources

• HEAL Act page on Partnership website

• Puget Sound Ecosystem Monitoring Program (PSEMP) Communications Strategy.

• Puget Sound Ecosystem Monitoring Program website, with links to information about

PSEMP Work Groups, past and current projects, and more.

• The Partnership’s Equity Guidebook includes tools that can be used to identify geographic areas, populations, and communities that proposals might benefit.

• Puget Sound Action Agenda document and Action Agenda Explorer.

• Resources to support the integration of human dimensions into proposals and teams: a recent presentation on Human Dimensions and the associated Human Dimensions Protocol.

Engagement plans The references below may support the development of project engagement plans.

• Puget Sound Partnership’s Draft Community Engagement Guide.

• Puget Sound Ecosystem Monitoring Program (PSEMP) Communications Strategy.

• Brief Guide on Inclusive Community Building.

• The existing support structures of PSEMP Work Groups, the PSEMP Communications Sub-

Committee, the Salmon Science Advisory Group, the Social Science Advisory Committee, Lead Entities, and Local Integrating Organizations (LIOs) provide excellent forums to https://www.psp.wa.gov/HEAL.php https://pspwa.box.com/s/92f9yhqstalbpzyezwhekkuky99j0o1y https://psp.wa.gov/psemp-overview https://pspwa.box.com/s/fjib71hve2kcm9h9ldr6bmeepb8kijyt https://www.psp.wa.gov/2022AAupdate.php https://actionagenda.pugetsoundinfo.wa.gov/2022-2026ActionAgenda https://pspwa.box.com/s/cx71pszn65eizn2uv7u05bibfsw5pavd https://pspwa.box.com/s/rssf2zutw9g7iqdsba9jst7227eo8r2q https://pspwa.box.com/s/rssf2zutw9g7iqdsba9jst7227eo8r2q https://www.psp.wa.gov/community-engagement.php https://pspwa.box.com/s/92f9yhqstalbpzyezwhekkuky99j0o1y https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dropbox.com%2Fs%2Fb3e52bmsvkrcszd%2FInclusiveCommunityBuilding_FINALBriefGuide_2022.pdf%3Fdl%3D0&data=04%7C01%7Cnathalie.hamel%40psp.wa.gov%7C44c91ef78ed945a207b008d9ea756cad%7C11d0e217264e400a8ba057dcc127d72d%7C0%7C0%7C637798613058122161%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000&sdata=EdhDtY5J4RkhJi0kp6fGMiw63U21W1sXLi4WwNVKMPg%3D&reserved=0

Request for Information #2025-175 Page 18 of 18 engage in proposal development. There are additional partnerships to be forged, particularly those that can support the integration of environmental justice. Because collaborative forums and Partnership staff may be capacity-limited, reach out early to plan accordingly.

Example tasks related to environmental justice

• Drive community-led initiatives aimed to limit harmful exposures to contaminants and pollution in communities experiencing disproportionate environmental impacts.

• Create an easily accessible and transparent online forum for communities to share gaps and needs related to ecosystem recovery.

• Create in-person meetings for communities unable to participate online while considering transportation needs, language access, childcare, and equitable compensation.

• Create a performance evaluation tool for overburdened communities to share meaningful feedback to recovery partners outside of their community.

• Develop an easily accessible tool (e.g., online dashboard or map, printed toolkits, etc.) to share study results with communities, populations, and end users.

• Design a regionally focused micro-level spatial tool that captures and monitors human well-being and socioeconomic indicators of vulnerable populations in relation to ecosystem conditions. This tool would track ecosystem recovery and environmental justice progress and change over time.

Example engagement activities

• Reaching out to Tribes, community-based organizations, and potential users of project results or products.

• Co-creating proposals with users including shared objectives and desired outcomes.

• Forming a diverse project advisory committee that includes representation from community groups and Tribes.

• Attending community events with the intent of listening and learning.

• Co-facilitating and planning of technical training and assistance for project team members to understand treaty and sovereign rights of Tribal nations and environmental justice.

• Providing technical training and assistance to Tribes and communities.

• Developing publications, presentations, and other outreach products for public audiences or specific user groups.

• Translating materials in other languages.

• Bringing in Black, Indigenous, and People of Color perspectives from biophysical, social, community, or Indigenous sciences to collaborative workshops.