Professional Services - Executive Director for the WA Blueberry Commission

The State of Washington is requesting proposals for an Executive Director position with the Washington Blueberry Commission via Competitive Solicitation K6602, with proposals due October 22, 2026. This procurement prioritizes small businesses and veteran-owned businesses; the WBC will award to the lowest responsive and responsible bid from qualifying businesses, and only if no qualifying firms submit responsive bids will the WBC evaluate bids from non-qualifying firms.

The Executive Director will manage the commission's financial and operational activities, industry relations, research oversight, marketing and promotion initiatives (domestic and international markets), grant procurement and management, and industry training programs. The role requires a bachelor's degree in agriculture, business, marketing, or related field plus seven years of relevant professional experience (or equivalent education and experience), minimum five years of upper-level management experience, direct experience preparing and managing grant proposals, knowledge of state and federal agricultural commodity regulations (RCW 15.65, WAC 16-550, and 2 CFR 200.318), marketing and public relations experience preferably in the blueberry industry, and understanding of international trade opportunities for Washington blueberries. The contractor must be licensed to do business in Washington or commit to licensure within thirty days of selection as the Apparently Successful Bidder and must furnish all necessary facilities and equipment at their own expense.

The estimated contract value is $90,000 for year one with an initial term of twelve months. The contract may extend for up to four additional twelve-month terms if the contractor is not in default and subject to mutual agreement; future extension values will be determined based on industry health and the WBC's annual approved budget. Historical contract values have been $90,000 annually.

The virtual pre-bid conference is September 17, 2026, at 9:30–10:00 a.m. Pacific Time. Questions are due October 14, 2026; answers are anticipated by October 19, 2026. The Apparent Successful Bidder will be announced November 13, 2026, with contract awards anticipated December 28, 2026. Bidders must register in Washington's Electronic Business Solution (WEBS) system and submit bids to Kristofor.Gray@agr.wa.gov (maximum file size 30 MB). Evaluation uses a 1,125-point scale: bid responsiveness, non-cost factors (600 points), cost factors (500 points), and Washington State Procurement Priorities including Executive Order 18-03 compliance (25 points). The contractor must maintain Commercial General Liability insurance of not less than $2 million per occurrence and $4 million general aggregate, Workers' Compensation, Employer's Liability with $1 million limits per accident, and Commercial Automobile Liability with combined single limits of not less than $1 million per occurrence. Bid prices must remain firm for ninety days from the bid due date.