UW The Alliance - Experts by Experience Council

The University of Washington is soliciting proposals for an Experts by Experience Council to support curriculum development, conference planning, and programmatic efforts for the Alliance for Professional Development, Training and Caregiver Excellence, with applications due December 31, 2026.

This is a standing council rather than a traditional services contract. Applicants must reside in Washington and possess lived experience in the child welfare system as birth or first parents, youth aged 18–25 currently in or alumni of foster or licensed relative placement, foster caregivers (within the last five years), kinship caregivers (within the last five years), fictive kin in Tribal communities, individuals with Tribal affiliation or connection through Tribal child welfare systems, or legal guardians. These experience categories define the core eligibility filter.

Council members commit to virtual onboarding, three annual 90-minute council meetings, approximately one hour of preparation per meeting, and up to 36 hours of collaboration annually on individually assigned curriculum development projects. Additional required qualifications include access to high-speed internet, phone service, and a personal computer; ability to maintain confidentiality; demonstrated commitment to supporting diversity; willingness to learn Department of Children, Youth and Families policies and relevant Washington Administrative Code; and a positive, solution-oriented partnership approach.

The University of Washington is acting on behalf of a statewide partnership that includes University of Washington Tacoma, Eastern Washington University, Partners for Our Children, and the Department of Children, Youth and Families.

The contract term runs 12 or 18 months, ending June 30, 2027. The pool of experts remains open for new additions at UW discretion. Evaluation criteria include contractor response form submission, qualifications and lived experience relevant to the selection categories, submission of two references, and demonstrated ability to participate in onboarding and annual council meetings. No specific pricing structure, funding amounts, or anticipated award date is stated in the RFQQ.

Applicants should submit a completed criteria checklist and two references to Dawn Lake, Senior Contracts Manager, and Charina Carothers, Director of Equity and Belonging.