WA Cares Community Assistance Network

The Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), specifically the Aging and Long-Term Support Administration's WA Cares Division, is conducting a competitive solicitation (RFP #2535-874) to establish a Community Assistance Network across multiple counties including Franklin, Grant, Grays Harbor, Chelan, and Yakima. The procurement seeks to identify qualified Lead Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) responsible for ensuring equitable access to WA Cares benefits through the WA Cares Fund. Key deliverables include recruiting, training, and managing Community Assistors who will provide one-on-one enrollment assistance, conducting community outreach and education, and supporting beneficiaries through the application process. Evaluation criteria will assess bidders' capabilities in serving historically underserved populations, experience with community worker networks, data security mechanisms, and strategies for equitable service delivery. The solicitation was posted on July 23, 2025, with proposals due by September 25, 2025, and the potential contract period spanning five years from January 5, 2026, through January 4, 2031, with options for two one-year extensions.

The solicitation includes specific provisions for diverse business participation, with an Attachment E Contractor Inclusion Plan that encourages subcontracting opportunities for minority, women-owned, veteran-owned, and small businesses. Bidders must demonstrate efforts to include businesses certified by OMWBE or DVA, or registered in WEBS as a small business, though these goals are considered aspirational. The contract has a total maximum value of $350,000, with potential point allocations favoring Washington-based small businesses and veteran-owned businesses. Bidders must meet comprehensive compliance requirements, including current business licensing, adherence to civil rights laws, and prohibitions on Russian government-affiliated entities. The procurement emphasizes cultural competency and requires contractors to maintain program integrity through robust complaint resolution processes, background checks for Community Assistors, and monthly reporting on individuals served, applications submitted, and community engagement activities.