DCS Employment Services Project

The Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), specifically the Economic Services Administration (ESA) Division of Child Support (DCS), is issuing a competitive solicitation (RFP #2513-869) to procure employment services for non-custodial parents primarily in King and Yakima counties. The project aims to provide comprehensive employment support services including job search assistance, job readiness training, job development and placement, job retention services, work supports, and potential occupational skills training. Qualified contractors will be expected to serve approximately 600 unemployed or underemployed non-custodial parents over five years, with key objectives including securing employment for 75% of participants and increasing child support payments through income withholding. The solicitation requires contractors to demonstrate extensive experience in employment services, community partnerships, and ability to measure client progress. Evaluation criteria will assess administrative responses, qualifications, technical approaches, and pricing, with a pre-bid conference scheduled for March 17, 2025, and proposal submissions due by March 19, 2025. The initial contract term will run from June 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026, with potential extensions for up to four additional one-year periods.

The procurement encourages participation from Washington Small Businesses, Veteran-owned businesses, and Minority and Women-owned businesses, though no mandatory minimum participation levels are established. Bidders must be certified through the Office of Minority and Women's Business Enterprises (OMWBE), Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA), or registered in the Washington Electronic Business Solution (WEBS) system to qualify for additional scoring considerations. Contractors will be required to submit a Contractor Inclusion Plan demonstrating strategies for diverse business subcontracting and participation. The project is funded through a federal grant with a total budget not exceeding $200,000 for the initial term, with a maximum contract amount of $650,000 available. Insurance requirements include general liability insurance of at least $2,000,000 per occurrence, workers' compensation coverage, and professional liability insurance of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence. Successful contractors must comply with numerous federal and state regulations, including civil rights laws, nondiscrimination requirements, and strict data security provisions.