Racial Equity Services Training

The Washington State Department of Children, Youth & Families (DCYF) is seeking a contractor to provide comprehensive Racial Equity Services Training through Request for Qualifications and Quotations (RFQQ) No. 25-DCYF-EL-014. The primary objective is to design and deliver both in-person and virtual training sessions explicitly grounded in racial equity and social justice frameworks, targeting Early Learning Coordination Plan Network members and DCYF staff. The scope includes approximately 40 hours of virtual training and 4 full-day in-person sessions, with class sizes not exceeding 75 participants. Contractors must demonstrate expertise in facilitating training that emphasizes co-designing policies and system solutions with affected communities, focusing on racial equity, cultural responsiveness, and social justice. The technical proposal will be evaluated on a 50-point scale, assessing project approach, work plan, engagement of diverse groups, and implementation strategy. Responses are due by April 4, 2025, at 4:00 PM Pacific Time, with a pre-bid conference scheduled for March 4, 2025. The contract term runs from May 1, 2025, through May 1, 2026, with potential extensions through May 1, 2028.

The DCYF has established voluntary participation goals, including 10% for Office of Minority and Woman Owned Businesses, 10% for Veteran-Owned Businesses, and 20% for Washington Small Businesses. A 5% bid preference will be given to contractors who do not require mandatory individual arbitration clauses for employees. Bidders must submit three letters of reference, with references from current DCYF employees being ineligible. The initial contract amount shall not exceed $50,000, with potential for additional funds through amendments. Contractors must be registered in the Statewide Payee Registration system and comply with specific requirements including data protection, confidentiality, and insurance coverage. The solicitation requires bidders to demonstrate experience in racial equity training facilitation, working with diverse populations, supporting leaders of color, and providing ongoing resources for capacity building. Payment will be processed semi-monthly based on submitted vouchers, with timely payment defined as within 30 days of receiving properly completed documentation.