HCS Global Leasing

The Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), specifically the Home and Community Living Administration (HCLA), is issuing a competitive solicitation (RFP #2535-875) to secure up to six qualified contractors for a Global Leasing program designed to obtain independent rental units for Home and Community Services (HCS) clients. The primary objective is to lease market-rate housing units across multiple Washington counties, including Franklin, Grant, Grays Harbor, Chelan, and Yakima, with a focus on supporting individuals transitioning out of institutional settings. Contractors must provide scattered site units, implement low-barrier housing application processes, and support landlords with mitigation funds while demonstrating compliance with Washington State landlord-tenant laws. The solicitation requires contractors to have NSPIRE-certified staff, maintain quality assurance processes, and support client housing integration. Evaluation criteria include management response (100 points), technical response (100 points), and pricing (25 points), with key requirements such as being a Washington Small Business or Certified Veteran-owned Business. The pre-bid conference is scheduled for August 4, 2025, bidder questions are due by August 6, 2025, and proposals must be submitted by August 22, 2025, with an anticipated contract execution date of the same day.

The RFP encourages participation from diverse businesses, specifically small, minority, women-owned, and veteran-owned businesses certified by OMWBE or DVA, though no minimum participation levels are mandated. Contractors must submit a Contractor Inclusion Plan detailing strategies for engaging diverse subcontractors, including previous experience and potential outreach efforts. The contract period runs from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026, with potential extensions up to two additional years. The total project budget is not to exceed $1.2 million, with individual contracts expected to range between $200,000 and $350,000, depending on project readiness, business capacity, and geographic location. Preferred counties include Spokane, Pierce, King, Thurston, Yakima, Grays Harbor, and Snohomish, with contractors required to secure one-bedroom apartments near public transportation, capable of passing NSPIRE inspections and preferably ADA-compliant or adaptable. Contractors will receive Global Leasing Funds to mitigate risks and support housing access, with specific guidelines on fund usage and a requirement to maintain at least a 70% occupancy rate.