What the buyer needs
AI summaryThe Washington Department of Commerce Office of Homeless Youth requires youth lead project services for its Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program. The contractor must engage at-risk youth, minimize homeless system inflows by intervening to preserve housing, provide immediate low-barrier shelter and crisis services, and deliver effective housing assistance without preconditions. This procurement is open to onshore USA organizations that meet minimum qualifications and are available to perform work offsite in Washington. Bidders must submit their responses by Monday, November 9, 2026, at 5:00 PM PST. The expected contract period runs from January 1, 2027, through October 31, 2027, with funding provided via grant reimbursement. The Department evaluates applications using pass/fail screening for minimum qualifications, up to 50 points across five narrative questions, up to 10 points for a budget proposal, alignment with funding goals, and an optional top-scoring virtual presentation. Bidders certifying they do not mandate individual arbitration clauses receive a 5% point bonus.
Scope of work
- Outreach and case management services to eligible youth and young adults ages 12-24
- Direct assistance for eligible youth and young adults
- Identify and engage youth and young adults at risk of and experiencing homelessness
- Interventions to prevent loss of housing and divert youth from the homeless system
- Provide immediate access to low-barrier shelter and crisis services
- Deliver effective housing assistance and services without preconditions
- Youth homelessness system improvement activities involving Youth Program Specialists with lived experience
How proposals are evaluated
| Criterion | Weight / scoring |
|---|---|
| Narrative Questions 1-5 | 10 points each |
| Budget Proposal | 10 points |
| Workers' Rights Certification Bonus | Extra 5% of awarded points |
Minimum qualifications
- Licensed to do business in Washington or submit statement of commitment to become licensed within 30 calendar days of selection
- Private nonprofit organization, State or local government, instrumentality of State or local government, or public housing agency
- Able to provide outreach and/or case management services in one or more of the 34 Balance of State Continuum of Care counties
Documents to include with your response
- Exhibit A: Certifications and Assurances
- Exhibit B.1: Applicant Information
- Exhibit B.2: Narrative Questions
- Exhibit B.3: Budget Proposal
- Youth Lead Project - Budget Proposal Template FY27 (Excel)
- Exhibit C: Diverse Business Inclusion Plan
- Exhibit D: Workers' Rights Certification
How to submit
- Method
- Electronic via Smartsheet forms
- Instructions
- Submitted through linked Smartsheet forms (Exhibits A-D). Narrative question responses are limited to 250 words each.