Commerce is seeking one contractor to ensure low-income people in Washington have a voice in energy policy and access to the help they need. The contractor will support policy advocacy, program improvements and capacity building for local agencies who provide energy assistance programs.
Scope of work includes:
- Securing additional funds (not federal) for energy assistance programs.
- Presenting at conferences, both nationally and within the state.
- Advocating for low-income consumers in utility rate cases and policy discussions.
- Building partnerships with utilities, agencies and advocacy groups.
- Providing technical assistance to local agencies and tribes.
- Supporting utilities in implementing design changes to energy assistance programs.
- Educating legislators and stakeholders about energy assistance needs.
- Reporting on progress and managing the project budget.
Funding details
Commerce intends to award one contract to provide these services. Up to $875,000 is available for this contract, which is anticipated to run from January 8, 2026, to September 30, 2027. The contract may be extended if more funding becomes available.
Minimum qualifications
To be eligible, proposers must:
- Be licensed to do business in Washington or commit to becoming licensed within 30 days of selection.
- Have 1 year of experience in/with Conference and Event Management
- Have 3 years of experience in/with Programmatic Expertise
- Have 3 years of experience in/with Stakeholder Coordination
- Have 2 years of experience in/with Project and Fiscal Management
Timeline
- October 28, 2025: Pre-Proposal Conference on Zoom at 2 p.m. PT
- Register for the October 28, 2025 pre-proposal conference (on Zoom)
- All prospective proposers are encouraged to attend. However, attendance is not mandatory.
- November 14, 2025: Answers to Q&A posted
- December 4, 2025: Proposals due (4:30 p.m. PT)
- December 22, 2025: Award decisions announced
- January 8, 2026: Earliest date the contract may be signed (project start date)
Learn more and apply
Questions? Email Yvette Ybay, RFP coordinator.