Request for qualifications and quotes Capital Readiness Advisors

The Washington State Department of Commerce is requesting qualifications and quotes for up to three Capital Readiness Advisors to support FY2027 Capital Project Capacity grantees, with responses due November 16, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. and contract signature as early as December 16, 2026. As of April 1, 2023, Commerce is required to award this competitively procured service contract to the highest-ranked responsive and responsible Small or Veteran-Owned Business unless no such business submits a responsive proposal — a decision-flipping eligibility preference.

Advisors will serve one of three distinct grantee groups: local governments, federally recognized tribal governments, or federally designated nonprofits, each providing technical assistance and peer learning to approximately 20 grantees undertaking early-stage capital projects related to housing, energy, infrastructure, and community facilities. Respondents must demonstrate at least three years of professional experience in technical assistance, consulting, or capacity-building services relevant to capital projects and documented experience working with public, tribal, nonprofit, or community-based organizations. Services include capital project readiness, predevelopment, financing, and organizational capacity building.

Each contract is capped at $25,000, with total anticipated funding of up to $75,000 across all three positions. Compensation is provided on a reimbursement basis for deliverables accepted and allowable time and expenses, including professional services rates, estimated hours, and pre-approved travel expenses at state rates. The contract term runs January 4, 2027 through June 30, 2027, with Commerce retaining an option to extend for two additional one-year periods at its sole discretion. Procurement is open to entities licensed to do business in Washington or willing to obtain licensure within 30 days of selection. Evaluation is 100 percent qualifications-based (50 points for Relevant Experience, 50 points for Specialized Expertise and Staffing), plus an optional 5 additional points for Workers' Rights Certification. Questions are due October 28, 2026; an optional respondents' conference is scheduled October 26, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. Pacific time via Zoom. Virtual presentations may occur November 30–December 2, 2026. Apparent Successful Contractor will be announced December 3, 2026.