Submitting a Proposal
Applications are hereby solicited and must be submitted no later than 2:00 p.m. on May 26, 2023. The projects procured through this Best Starts for Kids Capital Request for Proposals (RFP) shall be provided in accordance with the following and the attached instructions, requirements and specifications. Applicants are responsible for regularly checking ZoomGrants for any updates, clarifications or amendments to this RFP. If you experience technical difficulties with ZoomGrants and customer service hasn’t been able to help in time, please email the application to DCHSContracts@kingcounty.gov before the deadline to avoid a late submission.
Best Starts’ Capital Overview
Best Starts’ Capital Program will provide contracts for building repairs, renovations and new construction or expansion to improve access to high quality programs and services for low-income children, young people, and families. Eligible projects across priorities may include, but are not limited to:
- Recreational Facilities
- Community Centers
- Early Learning Centers
- Child Care Facilities
- Housing for youth, young adults, and families.
Priority will be given to projects serving the following communities:
- Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC)
- Rural areas; and/or
- Areas Without Physical Access to similar facilities
Further, consistent with recommendations from the Children and Youth Advisory Board (CYAB), the program will also prioritize funding sites that are:
- Multi-Use
- Intergenerational; and/or
- Include covered outdoor spaces.
The program will focus on equitable community-driven development to ensure projects are aligned with and serve communities’ needs. Priority will also be given to developments that leverage other capital investments, including County PSTAA and affordable housing funds. All Best Starts-supported buildings are expected to have culturally responsive child care and Early Learning services or other programs for children and young people. Funded buildings and facilities are also expected to host permanent low-cost or free programming for low-income households.
Best Starts’ Capital is guided by four priorities, but this RFP will only fund Priority 2:
- Priority 2: Renovations and repairs to existing multi-use community centers, early learning centers, child care or recreational facilities to address critical health and safety issues. The capital grant funds awarded under Priority 2 are expected not to exceed $500,000 for any single facility over the life of the levy.
This Application
This RFP will fund Priority 2 projects, as is outlined above and in the Best Starts for Kids Implementation Plan. Priority 2 projects will renovate and repair existing multi-use community centers, early learning centers, child care or recreational facilities to address critical health and safety issues. Please refer to the Priority 2 RFP document under the Library tab of ZoomGrants to find a glossary of definitons for this program.
- Estimated amount of funding available: $4,700,000
- Estimated anticipated number of awards: 8-12 awards
The maximum award amount applicants may request for Priority 2 is $500,000. Funds should be aligned with Best Starts’ Capital Priority 2.
What to Submit
Complete applications in ZoomGrants will include the following:
1. Summary Questions
Please respond to all items under the Summary tab in ZoomGrants. This information will help DCHS understand the characteristics of organizations that are applying for this RFP.
2. Application Questions
Please respond to all questions in ZoomGrants (scored and unscored). All questions must be answered for the application to be considered responsive.
3. Required Documents uploaded to ZoomGrants including:
- Detailed timeline (Attachment C)
- Project budget, broken out by work category (Attachment B)
- Applicant’s financials. Please attach a copy of the following financial documents:
- Most recent audited financial statements, if applicable;
- General Ledger and Balance Sheet;
- Income Statement/Statement of Activities from the last fiscal year, if applicable; and
- Your current fiscal year operating budget detailing your projected expenses and income sources.
- Organizational chart: Please attach a chart explaining the governance and leadership structure of your organization, including the names and titles of individuals on your Board, Staff, and/or any members of advisory or governance bodies with decision making power.
- Staff resumes
- Site control, which is defined as:
a. Owned property, please provide one of the following:
- Title report;
- Deed;
- Purchase contract; or
- Option to Purchase.
OR
b. Leased site, please provide both:
- Executed lease agreement; and
- Executed property owner certification of work (Attachment
7. Site plan (architectural drawing of property layout), if applicable
8. Site photos illustrating areas in need of rehabilitation/repair
Communication about this RFP
All RFP documents will be uploaded through ZoomGrants.
The RFP Lead is the sole point of contact for this procurement. All communication regarding the subject matter of this opportunity between the applicants and DCHS upon release of this RFP must be through ZoomGrants or the RFP Lead, as follows:
Joanna Armstrong
RFP Lead
Any other communication will be considered unofficial and non-binding on King County. Applicants are to rely on written statements issued by the RFP Lead. Communication directed to parties other than the RFP Lead on this opportunity may result in disqualification of the applicant.