RFQQ_CCI_FY2027_Capital Readiness Advisors.pdf

RFQQ NO. 2027-CCI-173-02 Page 1 of 49

STATE OF WASHINGTON

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS AND QUOTES (RFQQ)

RFQQ NO. 2027-CCI-173-02

NOTE: Please read this entire document before submitting a response. Responses that do not meet one or more requirement stated herein may be disqualified and not scored.

PROJECT TITLE: CAPITAL READINESS ADVISORS

RESPONSE DUE DATE: By 3:00pm on Monday, November 16, 2026

EXPECTED TIME PERIOD FOR CONTRACT: January 4, 2027-June 30, 2027

CONTRACTOR ELIGIBILITY: This procurement is open to those entities which satisfy the minimum qualifications stated herein and are available for work in Washington state.

FUNDING SOURCE AND METHOD: This is __State Capital______ funding. Payments will be made on a reimbursement basis for deliverables accepted and/or allowable time and expenses.

CONTENTS OF THE REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS AND QUOTATIONS:

1. Introduction

2. General Information for Contractors

3. Response Contents

4. Evaluation and Award

5. Exhibits

RFQQ NO. 2027-CCI-173-02 Page 1 of 49

Table of Contents

1 INTRODUCTION 3

1.1 PURPOSE AND BACKGROUND 3

1.2 MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 4

1.3 FUNDING 4

1.4 MANDATORY AWARD TO SMALL OR VETERAN-OWNED BUSINESS 4

See Exhibit D for Small and Veteran-Owned Business certification. 4

1.5 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE 4

1.6 CONTRACTING WITH CURRENT OR FORMER STATE EMPLOYEES 4

1.7 DEFINITIONS 4

1.8 ADA 5

2 GENERAL INFORMATION FOR CONTRACTORS 6

2.1 RFQQ COORDINATOR 6

2.2 ESTIMATED SCHEDULE OF PROCUREMENT ACTIVITIES 6

2.3 RESPONDENTS’ CONFERENCE- (Optional) 6

2.4 QUESTION AND ANSWER PERIOD 6

2.5 SUBMISSION OF RESPONSES 7

2.6 PROPRIETARY INFORMATION/PUBLIC DISCLOSURE 7

2.7 REVISIONS TO THE RFQQ 8

2.8 DIVERSE BUSINESS INCLUSION PLAN 8

2.9 ACCEPTANCE PERIOD 8

2.10 COMPLAINT PROCESS 8

2.11 RESPONSIVENESS 9

2.12 MOST FAVORABLE TERMS 9

2.13 CONTRACT AND GENERAL TERMS & CONDITIONS 9

2.14 COSTS TO PROPOSE 9

2.15 NO OBLIGATION TO CONTRACT 9

2.16 REJECTION OF RESPONSES 9

2.17 COMMITMENT OF FUNDS 9

2.18 ELECTRONIC PAYMENT 9

2.19 INSURANCE COVERAGE 10

3 RESPONSE CONTENTS 11

3.1 CERTIFICATIONS AND ASSURANCES (MANDATORY with signature) 11

3.2 LETTER OF SUBMITTAL (MANDATORY with signature) 11

3.3 QUALIFICATIONS SECTION (MANDATORY AND SCORED) 12

3.3.1 BUSINESS INFORMATION (MANDATORY) 12

3.3.2 QUALIFICATIONS 13

3.4 QUOTATIONS SECTION 15

3.4.1 IDENTIFICATION OF COSTS (MANDATORY) 15

4 EVALUATION AND CONTRACT AWARD 17

4.1 EVALUATION PROCEDURE 17

4.2 CLARIFICATION OF RESPONSE 17

4.3 EVALUATION AND SCORING 17

4.4 VIRTUAL PRESENTATIONS MAY BE REQUIRED 17

4.5 NOTIFICATION TO RESPONDENTS 17

4.6 DEBRIEFING OF UNSUCCESSFUL RESPONDENTS 18

4.7 PROTEST PROCEDURE 18

RFQQ Exhibits:

Exhibit A Certifications and Assurances Exhibit B Diverse Business Inclusion Plan Exhibit C Workers’ Rights Certification Exhibit D Small or Veteran-Owned Business Certification Exhibit E Sample Contract with General Terms and Conditions Exhibit F Scope of Services

1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 PURPOSE AND BACKGROUND

The Washington State Department of Commerce hereafter called "COMMERCE,” is initiating this Request for Qualifications and Quotes (RFQQ) to solicit proposals from those interested in serving as Capital Readiness Advisors to provide technical assistance, peer learning, and individualized support to recipients of the FY2027 Capital Project Capacity Grants.

The grant program supports local governments, federally recognized tribal governments, and eligible nonprofit organizations undertaking early-stage capital projects, including projects related to housing, energy, infrastructure, and other community facilities. Grant funding supports technical assistance and predevelopment activities intended to help communities overcome readiness barriers and advance viable capital projects toward implementation.

Through this RFQQ, Commerce anticipates selecting up to three unique/individual Capital Readiness Advisors with specialized expertise and experience working with one or more of the following:

• Local governments

• Federally recognized tribal governments

• Nonprofit organizations.

Advisors will work individually and collaboratively to support a shared cohort of grant recipients during the grant period.

This contract scope of work is outlined for one Capital Project Readiness Advisor. The Contractor will work collaboratively with CCI and, as appropriate, the other Capital Project Readiness Advisors to support a shared cohort of approximately 20 grantees.

The three-advisor model is intended to provide the cohort with access to different areas of specialized expertise while allowing CCI to connect individual grantees with the Advisor whose knowledge and experience are most relevant to an identified need.

Services will emphasize practical, individualized guidance that helps grantees strengthen organizational and project readiness and advance early-stage capital projects toward implementation.

The advisor role is intended to complement, rather than duplicate, technical assistance or professional services funded through individual grantee awards.

OBJECTIVES

The objectives are also considered business requirements which may include:

1. Support the program implementation for a successful peer learning cohort and individualized 1/1 consultations.

2. Collaborate with Commerce and Advisors so technical assistance is complementary rather than duplicative.

3. Increase grantee knowledge and capacity to plan and advance capital projects.

4. Help grantees identify and address organizational, financial, technical, and project-readiness barriers.

5. Provide individualized technical assistance appropriate to each grantee's project stage and needs.

6. Facilitate peer learning among participating local governments, tribal governments, and nonprofit organizations.

7. Provide practical tools and resources that grantees can use beyond the grant period.

8. Help grantees make measurable progress toward subsequent stages of project development, financing, and implementation.

COMMERCE may award up to three contract(s) as a result of this RFQQ.

1.2 MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum qualifications include:

• Licensed to do business in Washington or submit a statement of commitment that it will become licensed in Washington within thirty (30) calendar days of being selected as the Apparently Successful Contractor.

• At least three years of professional experience providing technical assistance, advising, consulting, project development, or capacity-building services relevant to capital projects.

• Demonstrated experience working with public, tribal, nonprofit, community-based, or similarly situated organizations on capital project planning, predevelopment, financing, organizational readiness, or related activities.

Respondents who do not clearly meet or exceed these minimum qualifications will be rejected as non-responsive and will not receive further consideration. Any Response that is rejected as non-responsive will not be evaluated or scored.

1.3 FUNDING

COMMERCE anticipates awarding up to three contracts under this RFQQ. Each contract will be for an amount not to exceed $25,000. Total anticipated funding available for contracts awarded through this RFQQ is up to $75,000.

Responses in excess of $25,000 will be rejected as non-responsive and will not be evaluated. In the event additional funding becomes available, any contract awarded may be amended to provide for additional related services. Additional funding is not guaranteed.

Any contract(s) awarded as a result of this RFQQ is contingent upon the availability of funding.

1.4 MANDATORY AWARD TO SMALL OR VETERAN-OWNED BUSINESS

As of April 1, 2023, COMMERCE is required to award competitively procured service contracts with an initial value less than $150,000 to the highest-ranked responsive and responsible Small or Veteran- Owned Business, unless there was no responsive and responsible Proposal from a Small or Veteran- Owned Business. This does not apply to grants, pass-through funding, or any RFQQ for which for-profit entities are not eligible. This also does not apply to any RFQQ with a federal funding source.

See Exhibit D for Small and Veteran-Owned Business certification.

1.5 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The period of performance of any contract(s) resulting from this RFQQ is tentatively scheduled to begin on or about January 4, 2027 and to end on June 30, 2027. COMMERCE reserves the option at its sole discretion to extend the contract for two additional one-year periods.

1.6 CONTRACTING WITH CURRENT OR FORMER STATE EMPLOYEES

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

42.52 of the Revised Code of Washington. Respondents should familiarize themselves with the requirements prior to submitting a proposal that includes current or former state employees.

1.7 DEFINITIONS

Definitions for the purposes of this RFQQ include:

Apparently Successful Bidder/Contractor/Vendor/Grantee/Awardee: The Contractor(s) selected to enter into negotiations leading to a fully executed contract for the work described in this procurement document.

COMMERCE: The Department of Commerce is the agency of the state of Washington that is issuing this RFQQ.

Contract: A written, legally binding agreement to perform the services proposed, also called a Grant, Agreement, or Interagency Agreement.

Contractor or Grantee: Individual or organization whose Response has been accepted by COMMERCE and is awarded a fully executed, written contract.

Exhibit: Document attached to this RFQQ, also referred to as Attachment.

Request for Qualifications and Quotations (RFQQ): Formal procurement document in which needed services are identified and entities are invited to submit their qualifications and cost quote in writing to provide those services; this document.

Respondent or Proposer: Individual, company, organization, or firm submitting a Response in order to attain a contract with COMMERCE.

Response or Proposal: A complete, formal offer submitted in response to this RFQQ.

Small business: An in-state business, including a sole proprietorship, corporation, partnership, or other legal entity, that: (a) Certifies, under penalty of perjury, that it is owned and operated independently from all other businesses and has either: (i) Fifty or fewer employees; or (ii) A gross revenue of less than seven million dollars annually as reported on its federal income tax return or its return filed with the Department of Revenue over the previous three consecutive years; or (b) Is certified with the Office of Minority and Women Business Enterprises under chapter 39.19 RCW.

Veteran-owned business: A business certified by the Washington Department of Veteran Affairs.

1.8 ADA

COMMERCE complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Contractors may contact the RFQQ Coordinator to receive this Request for Qualifications and Quotations in Braille or on tape.

2 GENERAL INFORMATION FOR CONTRACTORS

2.1 RFQQ COORDINATOR

The RFQQ Coordinator is the sole point of contact in COMMERCE for this RFQQ. All communication between Respondents and COMMERCE upon release of this RFQQ shall be with the RFQQ Coordinator, as follows:

Name Paige Coleman

E-Mail Address capacitybuilding@commerce.wa.gov

Any other communication will be considered unofficial and non-binding on COMMERCE. Respondents are to rely on written statements issued by the RFQQ Coordinator. Communication directed to parties other than the RFQQ Coordinator may result in disqualification.

2.2 ESTIMATED SCHEDULE OF PROCUREMENT ACTIVITIES

Issue Request for Qualifications and Quotations Thursday, October 15, 2026

RFQQ Respondents’ Conference Monday, October 26, 2026 at 10:00AM

Question & answer period October 15-October 28, 2026

Answers issued no later than October 30, 2026

Responses due Monday, November 16, 2026 by 3:00pm

Evaluate responses November 17-November 25, 2026

Conduct virtual presentations with finalists, if required November 30-December 2, 2026

Announce “Apparent Successful Contractor” and send notification via e-mail to unsuccessful Respondents

Thursday, December 3, 2026

Hold debriefing conferences (if requested) Monday, December 7, 2026

Negotiate contract December 3- December 15, 2026

Earliest date contract may be signed Wednesday, December 16, 2026

COMMERCE reserves the right to revise the above schedule.

2.3 RESPONDENTS’ CONFERENCE- (Optional)

A conference will be held on Monday, October 26, 2026 at 10:00 a.m., Pacific time. The conference will be virtual only. All prospective Proposers are encouraged attend; however, attendance is not mandatory.

Pre-Registration Link for Respondents' Conference Oct 26, 2026 10am, PT

COMMERCE will be bound only to COMMERCE written answers to questions. Questions arising at the Respondents’ conference will be documented and answered in written form. A copy of the questions and answers will be sent to each prospective Contractor made the RFQQ Coordinator aware of its interest in this RFQQ.

2.4 QUESTION AND ANSWER PERIOD

COMMERCE will accept questions about this RFQQ submitted through the Online Question Portal only during this period. Questions should not identify the submitting person or organization.

COMMERCE will answer all questions in a Q&A document posted no later than the date identified in Section 2.2.

https://wastatecommerce.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN__1oeYzZCTSeqVZY3xEAXbg https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/01a118bd429c7ef9888359a87e32da7f

2.5 SUBMISSION OF RESPONSES

ELECTRONIC RESPONSES:

The Response must be received by the RFQQ Coordinator by the time and date listed in Section

2.2 RFA Schedule.

Responses must be submitted electronically Online Response Submission Portal.

Uploaded files should be in Microsoft Word format or PDF. Complete response content may be submitted in one or more files.

Complete responses must be received by the due date and time. Exceptions will not be made for partial submissions. Zipped files cannot be received by COMMERCE and cannot be used for submission of Responses.

The cover submittal letter and the Certifications and Assurances form must have a scanned signature of the individual within the organization authorized to bind the Respondent to the offer.

COMMERCE does not assume responsibility for problems with Respondent’s e-mail. If COMMERCE online application submission portal is not working, appropriate allowances will be made.

Responses may not be emailed or transmitted using facsimile transmission.

Respondents should allow sufficient time to ensure timely receipt of the Response by the RFQQ Coordinator. Late Responses will not be accepted and will be automatically disqualified from further consideration, unless COMMERCE online application submission portal is found to be at fault. All Responses and any accompanying documentation become the property of COMMERCE and will not be returned. Any information received as a result of this RFQQ may be collected and considered for continuous improvement purposes.

2.6 PROPRIETARY INFORMATION/PUBLIC DISCLOSURE

Responses submitted in response to this competitive procurement shall become the property of COMMERCE. All Responses received shall remain confidential until the Apparent Successful Bidder is announced; thereafter, the Responses shall be deemed public records as defined in Chapter 42.56 of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW).

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

If a public records request is made for the information that the Respondent has marked as "Proprietary Information" COMMERCE will notify the Respondent of the request and of the date that the records will be released to the requester unless the Respondent obtains a court order enjoining that disclosure. If the Respondent fails to obtain the court order enjoining disclosure, COMMERCE will release the requested information on the date specified. If a Respondent obtains a court order from a court of competent jurisdiction enjoining disclosure pursuant to Chapter 42.56 RCW, or other state or federal law that provides for nondisclosure, COMMERCE shall maintain the confidentiality of the Respondent's information per the court order.

https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/01a118d07efa75bd9ecdb1fb6fd2bb04

A charge will be made for copying and shipping, as outlined in RCW 42.56. No fee shall be charged for inspection of contract files, but twenty-four (24) hours’ notice to the RFQQ Coordinator is required. All requests for information should be directed to the RFQQ Coordinator.

2.7 REVISIONS TO THE RFQQ

In the event it becomes necessary to revise any part of this RFQQ, addenda will be provided via e-mail to all individuals who have made the RFQQ Coordinator aware of their interest. Addenda will also be published on Washington’s Electronic Business Solution (WEBS). The website can be located at https://fortress.wa.gov/ga/webs/. Such addenda will also be published anywhere the RFQQ is posted, including on COMMERCE’S public webpage, located at https://www.commerce.wa.gov/contracting/.

You may also send your name and e-mail address to the RFQQ Coordinator to request to receive any RFQQ addenda.

COMMERCE also reserves the right to cancel or to reissue the RFQQ in whole or in part, prior to execution of a contract.

2.8 DIVERSE BUSINESS INCLUSION PLAN

Respondents are required to submit a Diverse Business Inclusion Plan with their Response as a communication tool to inform COMMERCE of your plans to subcontract with diverse businesses. In accordance with legislative findings and policies set forth in RCW 39.19, the state of Washington encourages participation in all contracts by firms certified by the office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises (OMWBE), set forth in RCW 43.60A.200 for firms certified by the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs, and set forth in RCW 39.26.005 for firms that are Washington Small Businesses. No minimum level of minority- and women-owned business enterprises, Washington Small Business, or Washington State certified Veteran Business participation is required as a condition for receiving an award. Any affirmative action requirements set forth in any federal rules included or referenced in the contract documents will apply.

COMMERCE has the following agency goals:

10% participation by Minority Owned Business 6% participation by Women Owned Business 5% participation by Veteran Owned Business 5% participation by Small Businesses

2.9 ACCEPTANCE PERIOD

Responses must provide 60 days for acceptance by COMMERCE from the due date for receipt of Responses.

2.10 COMPLAINT PROCESS

Complaints may be submitted to COMMERCE based on any of following:

a) The solicitation unnecessarily restricts competition;

b) The solicitation evaluation or scoring process is unfair; or

c) The solicitation requirements are inadequate or insufficient to prepare a Response.

A complaint may be submitted to COMMERCE at any time prior to 5 days before the bid response deadline. The complaint must meet the following requirements:

a) The complaint must be in writing;

b) The complaint must be sent to the RFQQ coordinator in a timely manner;

c) The complaint should clearly articulate the basis for the complaint; and

d) The complaint should include a proposed remedy.

https://fortress.wa.gov/ga/webs/ https://www.commerce.wa.gov/contracting/

The RFQQ coordinator will respond to the complaint in writing. The response to the complaint and any changes to the solicitation will be posted on WEBS. The Director of COMMERCE will be notified of all complaints and will be provided a copy of COMMERCE’S response. The complaint may not be raised again during the protest period. COMMERCE’S action or inaction in response to the complaint will be final. There is no appeal process.

2.11 RESPONSIVENESS

All Responses will be reviewed by the RFQQ Coordinator to determine compliance with administrative requirements and instructions specified in this RFQQ. Failure to comply with any part of the RFQQ may result in rejection of the Response as non-responsive.

Proposers will be notified after the announcement of the Apparently Successful Contractor(s).

Disqualified Proposers will be informed of the reason for disqualification; this shall constitute a debriefing conference for the purposes of Section 4.7, Protest Procedure.

COMMERCE reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to waive minor administrative irregularities.

2.12 MOST FAVORABLE TERMS

COMMERCE reserves the right to make an award without further discussion of the Response submitted. Therefore, the Response should be submitted initially on the most favorable terms possible.

COMMERCE reserves the right to contact Respondents for clarification of its Response.

The Contractor should be prepared to accept this RFQQ for incorporation into a contract resulting from this RFQQ. Contract negotiations may incorporate some, or all, of the Response. The Response will become a part of the official procurement file on this matter without obligation to COMMERCE.

2.13 CONTRACT AND GENERAL TERMS & CONDITIONS

The Apparent Successful Contractor will be expected to enter into a contract which is substantially the same as the example contract and its general terms and conditions attached as Exhibit E. In no event is a Respondent to submit its own standard contract terms and conditions in response to this solicitation.

The Respondent may submit proposed edits as allowed in the Certifications and Assurances section, Exhibit A to this RFQQ. COMMERCE will review requested edits and accept or reject the same at its sole discretion.

2.14 COSTS TO PROPOSE

COMMERCE will not be liable for any costs incurred in preparation of a Response submitted in response to this RFQQ, in conduct of a presentation, or any other activities related to responding to this RFQQ.

2.15 NO OBLIGATION TO CONTRACT

This RFQQ does not obligate the state of Washington or COMMERCE to contract for services specified herein.

2.16 REJECTION OF RESPONSES

COMMERCE reserves the right at its sole discretion to reject any and all Responses received without penalty and not to issue a contract as a result of this RFQQ.

2.17 COMMITMENT OF FUNDS

The Director of COMMERCE or the Director’s delegate are the only individuals who may legally commit COMMERCE to the expenditures of funds for a contract resulting from this RFQQ. No cost chargeable to the proposed contract may be incurred before receipt of a fully executed contract.

2.18 ELECTRONIC PAYMENT

The state of Washington prefers to utilize electronic payment in its transactions. The successful Contractor must have or obtain a Statewide Vendor Number (SWV) from the Office of Financial

Management (OFM) to be paid by COMMERCE. For more information visit OFM at www.ofm.wa.gov.

2.19 INSURANCE COVERAGE

The Contractor is to furnish COMMERCE with a certificate of insurance executed by a duly authorized representative of each insurer, showing compliance with the insurance requirements set forth below if requested.

The Contractor shall, at Contractor’s own expense, obtain and keep in force insurance coverage, which shall be maintained in full force and effect during the term of the contract. The Contractor shall furnish evidence in the form of a Certificate of Insurance that insurance shall be provided, and, if requested, a copy shall be forwarded to COMMERCE within fifteen (15) days of the contract effective date. Standard insurance requirements are included within the example contract and its special terms and conditions attached as Exhibit E.

http://www.ofm.wa.gov/

3 RESPONSE CONTENTS

ELECTRONIC RESPONSES:

Responses must be written in English and submitted using the Online Response Submission Portal to the RFQQ Coordinator in the order noted below:

1. Certifications and Assurances (Exhibit A to this RFQQ, with signature)

2. Letter of Submittal (with signature)

3. Qualifications

4. Quotation

5. Diverse Business Inclusion Plan (Exhibit B to this RFQQ)

6. Workers’ Rights Certification (Exhibit C to this RFQQ)

7. Small or Veteran-Owned Business Certification (Exhibit D to this RFQQ)

Responses must provide information in the same order as presented in this document with the same headings. This will not only be helpful to the evaluators of the Response, but should also assist the Contractor in preparing a thorough response.

Clearly address each requested item. Respondents may reference the same project, engagement, or example in more than one section when relevant.

The Qualifications Section should be concise and focused on information relevant to the services described in this RFQQ and Exhibit F, Scope of Services. The Qualifications Section may not exceed eight (8) pages, excluding résumés and required RFQQ exhibits.

All items marked “mandatory” must be included as part of the Response for the Response to be considered responsive, however, these items are not scored. Items marked “scored” are those that are awarded points as part of the evaluation conducted by the evaluation team.

3.1 CERTIFICATIONS AND ASSURANCES (MANDATORY with signature)

The Certifications and Assurances form (Exhibit A to this RFQQ) must be signed and dated by a person authorized to legally bind the Respondent to a contractual relationship, e.g., the President or Executive Director if a corporation, the managing partner if a partnership, or the proprietor if a sole proprietorship. Those wishing to submit any proposed contract edits must indicate so on this form (see Section 2.13).

3.2 LETTER OF SUBMITTAL (MANDATORY with signature)

The Letter of Submittal must be signed and dated by a person authorized to legally bind the Respondent to a contractual relationship, e.g., the President or Executive Director if a corporation, the managing partner if a partnership, or the proprietor if a sole proprietorship.

3.2.1 Along with introductory remarks, the Letter of Submittal must include the following information about the Contractor and any proposed subcontractors:

A. Name, address, principal place of business, telephone number, and fax number/e-mail address of legal entity or individual with whom contract would be written.

B. Name, address, and telephone number of each principal officer (President, Vice President, Treasurer, Chairperson of the Board of Directors, etc.)

C. Legal status of the Contractor (sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, etc.) and the year the entity was organized to do business as the entity now substantially exists.

D. Federal Employer Tax Identification number and the Washington Uniform Business Identification (UBI) number issued by the state of Washington. If the Contractor does not have a UBI number, the Contractor must submit a statement that it will become licensed in Washington within thirty (30) calendar days of being selected as the Apparently Successful Contractor.

E. Location of the facility from which the Contractor would operate.

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F. Identify any state employees or former state employees employed or on the firm’s governing board as of the date of the Response. Include their position and responsibilities within the Contractor’s organization. If COMMERCE concludes that a conflict of interest exists, the Respondent may be disqualified from further consideration in COMMERCE’S sole determination.

3.3 QUALIFICATIONS SECTION (MANDATORY AND SCORED)

Commerce is seeking up to three Capital Readiness Advisors with relevant professional experience and specialized expertise who can provide practical training and individualized assistance to FY2027 Capital Project Capacity Grant recipients.

Commerce anticipates selecting up to three Advisors with complementary areas of expertise.

Respondents are not expected to demonstrate expertise in every aspect of capital project development or with every type of grantee.

Respondents should describe the areas in which they can provide the strongest and most relevant assistance to participating grantees.

Commerce plans to have one Capital Readiness Advisor per organization type.

Responses to the RFQQ may include more than one person as long as the individual qualifications are clearly outlined along with a quote for each person.

3.3.1 BUSINESS INFORMATION (MANDATORY)

Provide the business information required by this RFQQ. If the Respondent is an individual or sole proprietor, provide the information applicable to that business structure.

A. State the name of the organization, address, phone number, e-mail address, legal status of entity (ownership) and year entity was established as it now substantially exists.

B. Provide the Federal Employer Tax Identification number or Social Security number and the Uniform Business Identifier (UBI) number issued by the Washington Department of Revenue.

C. Indicate the number of employees and volunteers the organization has. Name all principal staff and their roles. Indicate which principals will work on this project.

D. Identify any current or former state employees employed by the Respondent or on their governing board as of the date of the Response. Identify any current or former state employees who volunteer or otherwise perform any unpaid work for Respondent. Include their position and responsibilities within the organization. If following a review of this information, it is determined by COMMERCE that a conflict of interest exists, the Respondent may be disqualified from further consideration.

E. If any subcontractor’s staff was an employee of the state of Washington during the past 24 months, or is currently a Washington State employee, identify the individual by name, the agency previously or currently employed by, job title or position held, and separation date.

F. If the Respondent has had any contract terminated for default in the last five years, describe such incident. Termination for default, also called termination for cause, is defined as notice to stop contract work for reasons related to contract performance and/or compliance and the termination was either (a) not litigated due to inaction on the part of the Respondent, or (b) litigated and such litigation determined that the Respondent was in default.

G. Submit full details of the reasons for default, including the other party's name, address, and phone number. Present your position on the matter and your understanding of the other party’s position. COMMERCE will evaluate the facts and may, at its sole discretion, reject the Response on the grounds of the past experience. If no such termination for default has been experienced, so indicate.

H. If the Proposer plans to subcontract/subgrant any portion of the award, describe how subcontractors/subgrantees will be selected, as well as your organization’s plan and ability to compensate those subcontractors/subgrantees prior to seeking reimbursement from COMMERCE. If not, state that no subcontracting/subgranting will occur.

Please note that federally funded awards must comply with all applicable sections of the Code of Federal Regulations, 2 CFR 200, including selection of subs.

3.3.2 QUALIFICATIONS

Instructions for Respondents

Commerce intends to select up to three Capital Readiness Advisors, with one Advisor assigned to each of the following grantee groups:

• Washington local governments

• Federally recognized tribal governments

• Federally designated nonprofits

Respondents may propose one or more individuals to serve as Capital Readiness Advisors providing the tasks and deliverables as outlined in Exhibit F- Scope of Services.

Complete a separate Qualifications and Quotations section for each proposed Advisor. For each individual:

1. Identify the individual and the grantee group they propose to serve.

2. Provide a résumé.

3. Respond to Sections A and B below, describing their relevant experience, expertise, and qualifications.

4. Respond to Section C with references for the individual.

5. For Section D, provide optional certification for the entity and subcontractors if applicable.

6. Provide a separate rate or quote in Section 3.4, Quotations.

Provide examples from the past five years when possible. Examples may address more than one qualification area and do not need to be repeated.

Commerce seeks Advisors with complementary expertise and may award individual advisor contracts rather than a multi-person team. Respondents are not expected to have experience with every grantee group, capital project type, or stage of project development. Focus on the qualifications most relevant to the proposed grantee group and the Scope of Services in Exhibit F.

A. RELEVANT EXPERIENCE (SCORED)

1. Experience with Grantee Groups and Communities Describe your experience working with the grantee group you propose to serve, including the types of organizations, communities, and capital project needs you have supported.

Describe any experience helping organizations advance projects that directly benefit overburdened communities, including communities with limited financial or organizational capacity.

For purposes of this RFQQ, relevant experience may include work in communities identified through the following resources:

• Washington Department of Ecology Overburdened Communities Map

• Public Works Board Broadband Hardship Status Map

• Employment Security Department Distressed Areas List https://gis.ecology.wa.gov/portal/home/item.html?id=454c5efc20334dc4909405310b2dbfcb https://www.arcgis.com/apps/instant/basic/index.html?appid=ee9518b6c7094a2b8ee7b05665488495&locale=en-US https://esd.wa.gov/jobs-and-training/labor-market-information/labor-force-and-unemployment/distressed-areas-list

2. Organizational Capacity Building and Technical Assistance Describe your experience helping organizations assess their capacity, identify needs, and strengthen their ability to plan, fund, or manage capital projects.

Include examples of individualized technical assistance, consultation, coaching, or capacity-building support. Explain how you have adapted your assistance to organizations with different levels of capacity, resources, or project readiness.

3. Capital Project Readiness Experience Describe your experience helping organizations plan, develop, or advance capital projects. This may include concept development, feasibility, predevelopment, financing, design, permitting, procurement, project management, or preparation for construction.

Provide relevant examples that briefly identify:

• The organization and community served

• The project or need

• Your role and assistance provided

• The results or current project status

4. Cohort and Peer Learning Describe your experience leading, facilitating, or supporting workshops, group technical assistance, peer learning, or learning cohorts.

Include examples of making complex capital project information understandable and useful to participants.

B. SPECIALIZED EXPERTISE AND STAFFING (SCORED)

Commerce seeks Advisors who can help grant recipients strengthen capital project readiness and advance projects that directly benefit overburdened communities, including projects addressing community housing, energy, and infrastructure needs.

1. Specialized Expertise Identify your strongest areas of expertise relevant to the Scope of Services in Exhibit F.

Describe the types of capital projects, readiness challenges, and technical assistance needs for which you are best qualified to provide practical guidance and support.

2. Professional Qualifications Describe relevant professional qualifications that support your ability to perform the Scope of Services. These may include education, training, certifications, professional accomplishments, lived experience, community-based knowledge, or other relevant qualifications.

C. REFERENCES (MANDATORY)

Provide three (3) professional references familiar with the Respondent's or proposed Advisor's work relevant to this RFQQ.

For each reference, provide:

• Name and organization

• Email address and telephone number

• Relationship to the Respondent or proposed Advisor

• Brief description of the services or work performed

Do not include current Commerce staff as references.

By submitting a Response, the Respondent authorizes Commerce to contact the references provided and others who may have relevant information about the Respondent's experience and ability to perform the services.

D. OMWBE AND/OR WDVA CERTIFICATION (OPTIONAL AND NOT SCORED)

Include proof of certification issued by the Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises and/or Washington Department of Veterans Affairs if certified small, minority, women, and/or veteran-owned business(es) will be participating in this project in any way.

i.Provide a description of the proposed project team structure and internal controls to be used during the course of the project.

ii.Provide the name and resume of the person who will be the lead contact for this project. Provide names and resumes for other involved staff, including information on that individual’s particular skills, education, experience, significant accomplishments and any other information relevant to this project.

iii.List any subcontractors you may want to include to complete your roster of services. Describe what services each would provide.

3.4 QUOTATIONS SECTION

3.4.1 IDENTIFICATION OF COSTS (MANDATORY)

The quotations section must clearly identify the complete, total cost for all services anticipated under the proposed contract. Stating your commitment to stay below the maximum amount in Section

1.3 Funding Maximum, above, is not acceptable. Failure to clearly identify the complete, total cost may result in disqualification.

In addition to the total cost, the quote must also identify the full cost for each and every proposed task and associated deliverable. If proposing an hourly structure, the quote must also identify the number of hours proposed and the cost per hour. In any event, the quote must include the total, complete cost described above.

All quoted costs must be fully inclusive amounts. This includes all costs associated with the particular staff that will be assigned to the project, all administrative costs, all local travel costs, and any other applicable fees necessary for and/or incidental to the performance of the contract.

Costs for work to be completed by subcontractors/subgrantees must be separately and clearly identified. Note if any subcontractors are certified by OMWBE or WDVA. If this project is federally funded all subawards must comply with federal regulations. If you plan to subcontract work with federal funds then clearly identify the work intended to be subcontracted and the related cost, but DO NOT select any subcontractors/subgrantees until you have reviewed all state and federal requirements.

The evaluation process is designed to award this procurement not necessarily to the Response of least cost, but rather to the Response which best meets the requirements of this RFQQ. Respondents are encouraged, however, to submit budgets which are consistent with efforts to conserve state resources.

Contractors are required to collect and pay state and federal taxes as applicable.

Provide a complete cost quotation for the services proposed under this RFQQ- see Exhibit F Scope of Services.

Each contract awarded through this RFQQ will not exceed $25,000.

Provide the following:

Quotation Proposed Amount

Hourly professional services rate $________ per hour

Estimated total professional service hours ________ hours

Other proposed costs, if applicable $________

Total proposed contract amount $________

The total proposed contract amount may not exceed $25,000.

The hourly rate must be fully inclusive of compensation, administrative and overhead costs, routine local travel, and other costs necessary to perform the services unless another cost is specifically identified in the quotation.

Respondents are not required to assign a fixed number of hours or dollars to each Scope of Services task. The allocation of effort among activities may vary during the contract period based on grantee needs and program priorities.

If subcontractors or additional personnel will perform work at a different hourly rate, clearly identify the individual or role, hourly rate, estimated hours, and associated total cost.

The quotation must represent the complete proposed cost of performing the services described in the Response and Exhibit F- Scope of Services.

4 EVALUATION AND CONTRACT AWARD

4.1 EVALUATION PROCEDURE

Responsive Proposals will be evaluated strictly in accordance with the requirements stated in this RFQQ and any addenda issued. The evaluation of Responses shall be accomplished by an evaluation team to be designated by COMMERCE, which will determine ranking.

COMMERCE, in its sole discretion, may select the top-scoring Respondents for a virtual presentation.

4.2 CLARIFICATION OF RESPONSE

The RFQQ Coordinator may contact the Respondent for clarification of any portion of their Response.

Submission, resubmission, or alteration of any materials after the due date is strictly prohibited.

4.3 EVALUATION AND SCORING

The following weighting and points will be assigned to the Response for evaluation purposes:

Evaluation Criterion Maximum Points per subsection

Maximum Points per section

Qualifications Section – 100% 100

Relevant Experience 50

Specialized Expertise and Staffing 50

TOTAL

Optional Workers’ Rights Certifcation 5% of total awarded points 5

Maximum possible points 105

Relevant Experience – 50 points Evaluators will consider the relevance and depth of the Respondent's demonstrated experience in capital project readiness, technical assistance and capacity building, work with relevant communities and organizations, and cohort or peer-learning environments.

Specialized Expertise and Staffing – 50 points Evaluators will consider the qualifications and relevant expertise of the proposed Advisor; the extent to which the Advisor demonstrates specialized knowledge useful to participating grantees; and the Respondent's ability to provide the services described in Exhibit F.

Each proposed Advisor will be evaluated and ranked separately for the grantee group they propose to serve.

Commerce anticipates selecting up to three Advisors and may consider the complementary expertise represented among the highest-ranked responsive and responsible Respondents in making awards, consistent with the requirements of this RFQQ.

4.4 VIRTUAL PRESENTATIONS MAY BE REQUIRED

COMMERCE, at its sole discretion, may select the top-scoring Respondent(s) from the written evaluation for a virtual presentation. If so, COMMERCE will contact the top-scoring Respondent(s) to schedule a date and time to meet on a platform such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams. Commitments made by Respondents at the virtual presentation, if any, will be binding.

If held, the virtual presentation shall determine the Apparent Successful Contractor.

4.5 NOTIFICATION TO RESPONDENTS

Respondents that are not selected for further negotiation or award will be notified by e-mail.

4.6 DEBRIEFING OF UNSUCCESSFUL RESPONDENTS

Upon request, a debriefing conference will be scheduled with an unsuccessful Respondent. The request for a debriefing conference must be received by the RFQQ Coordinator within three (3) business days after the Notification of Unsuccessful Contractor notice is emailed to the Respondent.

The debriefing must be scheduled within three (3) business days of the request.

Discussion at the debriefing conference is strictly limited to the following:

• Evaluation and scoring of that organization’s Response;

• Any written comments from evaluators related to that Respondent;

• Review of their final score in comparison with the other final scores without identifying the other participants or reviewing their Responses.

Comparisons between Proposals or evaluations of the other Proposals is not allowed. COMMERCE will not discuss anything other than the three bullet points above. Debriefing conferences may be conducted on the telephone or by other electronic means and will be scheduled for a maximum of thirty

(30) minutes. COMMERCE reserves the right to end a debriefing conference at any time for any reason.

4.7 PROTEST PROCEDURE

This procedure is available to those who submitted a Response to this RFQQ and who have participated in a debriefing conference. Upon completing the debriefing conference, the Respondent is allowed five (5) business days to file a protest with the RFQQ Coordinator. Protests must be received by the RFQQ Coordinator no later than 5:00pm Pacific time on the fifth business day following the debriefing. Protests must be submitted by email. Proposers may choose to copy COMMERCE’S Central Contracts Office at formalprotests@commerce.wa.gov. Do not copy any other COMMERCE staff.

Anyone protesting this procurement must follow the procedures described below. Protests that do not follow these procedures shall not be considered. This protest procedure constitutes the sole administrative remedy available under this RFQQ.

All protests must be in writing and signed by the protesting party or an authorized agent. The protest must state the grounds for the protest with specific facts and complete statements of the action(s) being protested. A description of the relief or corrective action being requested should also be included. All protests shall be addressed to the RFQQ Coordinator.

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

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

• Errors in computing the score

• Non-compliance with procedures described in this procurement document or current COMMERCE policy

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

Scores received are not a valid basis of protest. Protests based solely on scores received will be dismissed as without merit unless included with facts supporting bias, discrimination, or conflict of interest on the part of an evaluator.

Upon receipt of a protest, a protest review will be held by COMMERCE. COMMERCE’S Chief Contracts Officer, or other employee delegated by the Director who was not involved in the award process, will consider the record and all available facts and issue a decision within ten (10) business days of receipt of the protest. If additional time is required, the protesting party will be notified of the delay.

mailto:formalprotests@commerce.wa.gov

In the event a protest may directly impact the actual interest of another Respondent, such Respondent may be given an opportunity to submit its views and any relevant information on the protest.

The final determination of the protest shall:

• Find the protest lacking in merit and uphold COMMERCE’S action, or

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

• Find merit in the protest and provide COMMERCE options which may include:

o Correct the error(s) and re-evaluate all Responses o Reissue the solicitation document and begin a new process o Make other findings and determine other courses of action as appropriate

If COMMERCE determines that the protest is without merit, COMMERCE may enter into a contract with the Apparent Successful Contractor(s). If the protest is determined to have merit, one of the options above will be taken.

5 RFQQ EXHIBITS

• Exhibit A Certifications and Assurances

• Exhibit B Diverse Business Inclusion Plan

• Exhibit C Workers’ Rights Certification

• Exhibit D Small and Veteran-Owned Business Certification

• Exhibit E Sample Contract Format including General Terms and Conditions

• Exhibit F Scope of Services and Budget Information

RFQQ NO. 2027-CCI-173-02 Page 21 of 49

EXHIBIT A Certifications and Assurances

CERTIFICATIONS AND ASSURANCES

I/we make the following certifications and assurances as a required element of the Response to which it is attached, understanding that the truthfulness of the facts affirmed here and the continuing compliance with these requirements are conditions precedent to the award or continuation of the related contract(s):

1. I/we declare that all answers and statements made in the Response are true and correct.

2. The prices and/or cost data have been determined independently, without consultation, communication, or agreement with others for the purpose of restricting competition. However, I/we may freely join with other persons or organizations for the purpose of presenting a single Response.

3. The attached Response is a firm offer for a period of 60 days following receipt, and it may be accepted by COMMERCE without further negotiation (except where obviously required by lack of certainty in key terms) at any time within the 60-day period.

4. In preparing this Response, I/we have not been assisted by any current or former employee of the state of Washington whose duties relate (or did relate) to this Response or prospective contract, and who was assisting in other than his or her official, public capacity. (Any exceptions to these assurances are described in full detail on a separate page and attached to this document.)

5. I/we understand that COMMERCE will not reimburse me/us for any costs incurred in the preparation of this Response. All Responses become the property of COMMERCE, and I/we claim no proprietary right to the ideas, writings, items, or samples, unless so stated in this Response.

6. Unless otherwise required by law, the prices and/or cost data that have been submitted have not been knowingly disclosed by the Respondent and will not knowingly be disclosed by him/her prior…