2025 Commercial Sexual Exploitation Survivor Services RFP

Investing in Commercial Exploitation Survivor Services

The City of Seattle Human Services Department (HSD) Safe and Thriving Communities (STC) Division is seeking applications from agencies to provide services to individuals impacted by the commercial sex industry.

What We Fund

HSD is investing in culturally responsive, trauma-informed, survivor-centered services specific to survivors of commercial sexual exploitation (CSE), embedded within coordinated systems of support. The goals of this investment are to:

• Expand community-based CSE mobile advocacy and flexible assistance
• Increase access to emergency shelter and transitional housing options for CSE survivors
• Establish a coordinated network of CSE providers and system partners across Seattle

Approximately $1,700,000 in City of Seattle General Funds is available through this RFP. Initial awards for each of these funding opportunities will be made for the period of September 1, 2025–December 31, 2026 for Mobile Flexible Advocacy Services awards, and January 1, 2026 – December 31, 2026 for Shelter/Housing Services awards. While HSD intends to renew contracts on an annual basis through the 2029 calendar year, renewals will depend on program performance and funding availability.

Who Should Apply

We welcome applications from any legally constituted entity that meets the standard HSD Agency Minimum Eligibility Requirements and any additional requirements outlined in the Guidelines and Application. We are committed to supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion in our funding decisions.

How We Evaluate Applications

Eligible applications are reviewed by a rating panel made up of content matter experts and individuals with lived experience. Proposals will be evaluated against the rating criteria listed next to each section of questions in the application. Highly rated proposals will describe how the organization will meet all rating criteria.

In-Language Support

At this time, HSD only has capacity to accept applications in English. We recognize the importance of providing in-language support to our communities. If you need language assistance, please contact Funding Process Coordinator Judith.Panlasigui@seattle.gov.

Information Session & Technical Assistance

A virtual Information Session will be held on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, from 1:00pm to 2:30pm PDT through Microsoft Teams, which will be recorded and made available on this webpage. 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 Monday, July 7, 2025, by 5:00pm 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 that organizations may incur while they are preparing their application, providing information requested by HSD, or participating in the selection process.

HSD has partnered with Communities Rise to provide free technical assistance for the 2025 Commerical Sexual Exploitation Survivor Services RFP applicants. These help sessions are optional and are intended for organizations who need help with the application process and/or guidance about the City of Seattle's procurement processes. To schedule a help session, complete an intake form, by clicking on the link. You can also contact Communities Rise at cbclinics@communities-rise.org

Application Due Date and Submission

Completed application submissions are due by 12:00pm (PDT) on Monday, July 14, 2025. 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.

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. If you do not receive acknowledgement of your emailed application, please contact us before the deadline to verify receipt. 

Questions? Accommodation needs?

Please contact Judith Panlasigui, Funding Process Coordinator, via email with any questions about this RFP or to request an accommodation for the information session: Judith.Panlasigui@seattle.gov