2022 Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Survivor Services RFP

HSD's Mayor’s Office on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault is seeking applications from agencies interested in providing survivor-centered, gender-based violence victim services for the diverse communities and geographic areas of Seattle.

The term “gender-based violence”, as referred to in this RFP, is based on the definition offered by the (King County) Coalition Ending Gender-Based Violence (CEGV). It is defined as, “any form of violence that is rooted in rigid gender roles that reinforce the power imbalance between men and women. Anytime anyone does not conform to what’s expected of their gender, they run the risk of being targets of violence.” For this RFP, domestic violence, sexual assault, and commercial sexual exploitation are defined as forms of GBV. Although women and girls experience GBV at much higher levels, men and boys also experience GBV (particularly sexual violence), as anytime anyone does not conform to what’s expected of their gender, they run the risk of being targets of violence.

The purpose of this RFP is to establish a Seattle-based coordinated regional network of services under the umbrella of gender-based violence (GBV) for survivors of interpersonal violence including domestic violence (DV), sexual assault (SA), and commercial sexual exploitation (CSE). Service strategies included in this RFP are

1. Mobile Flexible Advocacy,
2. Shelter and Housing,
3. Therapeutic Services,
4. Civil Legal Aid, and
5. Specialized Services for Marginalized Populations.

Approximately $10,908,306.00 is available through this RFP from the HSD General Fund. HSD intends to fund approximately 30-40 proposals. Because the vision is to fund a spectrum or network of survivor services, it is our hope to continue to support existing successful programming, while also welcoming new programming to increase the diversity of providers and services. This approach focuses on increased access for survivors. No matter who the survivor is or what their needs are, each survivor should be able to seek assistance from an organization that best serves their needs (i.e., culturally, linguistically, geographic, and type of survivor services.)

Initial awards will be made for January 1, 2023-December 31, 2023; and up to a period of four years (2023-2026). While it is the City’s intention to renew agreements resulting from this funding opportunity on an annual basis through 2026, continuous funding will be contingent upon performance and funding availability. HSD seeks to fund multiple service strategies and contract with a varied group of providers capable of serving diverse communities and geographic areas of Seattle, such that HSD’s investments in Gender-based Violence Survivor Services together form a coordinated regional response that allows all people living in Seattle to be free from gender-based violence.

HSD will offer one Information Session on Monday, July 18, 2022, from 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. PDT via Cisco WebEx online virtual meeting technology. The slide deck and a copy of the questions and answers will be made available on this webpage within five business days. Any agency interested in learning more about this RFP is encouraged to attend the session and ask questions. Attendance is not required.

The Last Day to Submit Questions will be Friday, July 29, 2022, by 5:00 p.m. PDT. HSD will not provide individual notice of changes; and applicants are responsible for regularly checking this web page for answers to questions, process updates, clarifications, or amendments. HSD will not pay for any costs organizations may incur while they are preparing their application, providing information requested by HSD, or participating in the selection process.

This RFP is competitive and open to all agencies that meet the standard HSD Agency Minimum Eligibility Requirements and additional requirements outlined in Section IV: Investment Area Background & Program Requirements of the Guidelines. Completed application packets are due by 12:00 Noon PDT, on Monday, August 8, 2022. Applications may be submitted electronically via:

• HSD's Online Submission System at: http://web6.seattle.gov/hsd/rfi/index.aspx
• or email at HSD_RFP_RFQ_Email_Submissions@seattle.gov. Email attachments are limited to 30 MB. The subject heading must be titled: 2022 Gender-Based Violence Services RFP.

Any risks associated with submitting a proposal by email are borne by the applicant. Applicants will receive an email acknowledging receipt of their application. No faxed or mailed applications will be accepted.

Technical Assistance (TA) Sessions

HSD has partnered with Tara James to provide technical assistance for GBV Survivor Services RFP applicants. These help sessions are optional and are intended for any applicant to receive additional grant writing assistance and/or guidance about the City of Seattle's procurement processes.

Tara will provide assistance in the form of clarifying application and budget questions, thinking through proposal development ideas, and reviewing proposal drafts. She will not write proposals for applicants.

Applicants have five ways to connect with her:

1. Drop-In Hours on Zoom - No pre-registration needed!
   • Wednesday, July 20, 11:00 am-12:00 Noon
     Join Zoom Meeting
     ID: 84048855756
     ‪(US) +1 386-347-5035
     Meeting host: tara@forgeandbloom.co
     Joining instructions
   • Thursday, July 21, 2:00-4:00 pm
     Join Zoom Meeting
     ID: 82898605854
2. Office Hours
   You can pre-schedule or contact Tara James at tara@forgeandbloom.co or (206) 709-9332 for an impromptu session.
   • Friday, July 22, 2:00-4:00 pm
   • Wednesday, August 3, 10:00 am-12:00 Noon
3. One-to-One TA Sessions
   Schedule a one-to-one meeting directly with the consultant.
   • July 25 - August 5

Applicants are strongly encouraged to schedule appointments as early as possible to ensure availability.

Questions?

Please contact Michelle Smith, Funding Process Coordinator, via email with any questions about this RFP or to request an accommodation for the information session: Michelle.Smith2@Seattle.gov