Environmental Justice Toolkit for Hydrogen Developers

The Washington Department of Commerce is seeking proposals for an Environmental Justice Toolkit for Hydrogen Developers through a competitive Request for Proposal (RFP) process. The project aims to develop comprehensive guidance for hydrogen project developers to incorporate environmental justice considerations into their planning and implementation strategies across Washington state. Key deliverables include developing recommendations on environmental justice background, community engagement strategies, hydrogen supply chain considerations, and guidance for creating community benefits plans. The RFP requires a detailed project approach, work plan, outcomes and performance measurement strategy, and demonstration of organizational experience in this domain. The contract is scheduled to commence on or about February 11, 2025, with an end date of June 30, 2025, and potential for two one-year extensions. Proposals must be submitted by the due date of January 6, 2025, with a total budget cap of $200,000 funded through the Climate Commitment Account.

The solicitation includes a specific requirement to prioritize small or veteran-owned businesses for contract award, with Commerce committed to selecting the highest-ranked responsive and responsible proposal from these categories. Proposals exceeding the $200,000 budget will be considered non-responsive. While no incumbent vendors are specified, the project targets hydrogen developers operating across multiple Washington jurisdictions, including but not limited to Franklin, Grant, Grays Harbor, Chelan, and Yakima Counties. The evaluation will emphasize the proposer's expertise in environmental justice, hydrogen project development, and community engagement methodologies. Potential respondents should have demonstrable experience in developing technical guidance, conducting community stakeholder analysis, and understanding the intersection of hydrogen infrastructure development with environmental justice principles. The contract represents an opportunity for organizations with specialized knowledge in sustainable energy planning and community-centered project development.