Conservation District Facilitation

The Washington State Conservation Commission (SCC) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) seeking vendor input for a comprehensive contract to provide facilitation, training, outreach, and education services for conservation districts across Washington state. The proposed contract covers the period from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, with potential for up to three additional one-year extensions. Key deliverables include organizing an annual Conservation District Supervisors Meeting in December 2025, developing supervisor engagement and leadership strategies, conducting at least three supervisor training sessions, planning legislative tours in Washington D.C. and Olympia, and producing a final comprehensive report detailing all contract activities. Vendor minimum qualifications are extensive, requiring demonstrated expertise in conservation district operations, government relations, and familiarity with National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) training programs. The RFI solicits vendors with proven capabilities in event management, facilitation, and deep understanding of conservation district challenges and governance. Responses are due by May 5, 2025, at 11:59 a.m., with the submission emphasizing that participation in this RFI does not guarantee inclusion in future solicitations.

The RFI does not explicitly specify set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. The contract will be funded through SCC's general fund and structured as a fixed-price contract based on completed deliverables. While specific budget ranges are not detailed, the comprehensive nature of the required services suggests a significant contract value. The procurement covers multiple jurisdictions across Washington state, including but not limited to Franklin, Grant, Grays Harbor, Chelan, and Yakima Counties, as well as numerous cities and census-designated places. No incumbent vendors are mentioned in the documentation, and there are no specific references to existing infrastructure or technology integration requirements. Potential vendors should be prepared to demonstrate a robust understanding of conservation district technical functions, relevant laws, and current issues impacting these districts. The SCC appears to be seeking a vendor with a holistic approach to supporting and enhancing conservation district operations through strategic facilitation and training initiatives.