Red Barn Ranch Request For Proposal
Update: Proposal deadline extended to March 20, 2025!
Introduction and Background
Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) is issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) seeking interested service providers for the operation of youth programming at Red Barn Ranch located at 17601 SE Lake Moneysmith Rd, Auburn, WA 98092. Opportunities for outdoor learning are strongly aligned with SPR’s mission to support healthy people, a thriving environment, and vibrant communities.
The City’s goal for the Red Barn Ranch is to utilize the site to improve the mental and physical
health outcomes of Seattle and King County youth by connecting elementary, middle, and high school students with the outdoors through facilitated day and overnight trips partners offering equine, community gardening, trails building, and environmental restoration programs to address nature efficiency among youth in historically underserved communities.
The vision for Red Barn Ranch directly serves the City’s Youth Mental Health Initiative through:
- Connection with Nature
- Physical Health Benefits
- Cultural Connection & Identity
- Stress Reduction & Coping Skills
- Community Building & Social Support
- Mindfulness & Reflection
Funding Allocations and Infrastructure Awardee Budget
This RFP will allocate a total is $400,000 to support two awardees receiving $200,000 each. The funds are designed to cover all necessary program expenses including staffing, transportation for youth participants, materials, program expenses, and other operational expenses. Awardees will have the flexibility to allocate the funds based on programming needs, while ensuring alignment with objectives outlined in this RFP.
The Red Barn Ranch currently has no existing infrastructure, including running water, electricity, or sewer systems. As such, the awardee of this RFP will be 100% responsible for providing all necessary temporary facilities to support program operations. This includes, but is not limited to, portable restrooms, hand washing station, and any other essential accommodations to ensure a functional and safe outdoor environment. All activities and facilities must be for 100% outdoor use, with no reliance on utilities. The selected organization must develop a plan to address these logistics needs, while maintaining environmental protection.
Timeline
RFP Release: February 20, 2025
Virtual Open House: 3 sessions from February 24-28
Deadline for Written Questions to SPR: March 10, 2025
Proposals Due: March 20, 2025
RFP Review: March 21-28, 2025
Applicants Notified: No later than April 10, 2025 at 3:00 pm
Written proposals must be submitted via email to Romell.Witherspoon@seattle.gov by 3:00 PM, March 20, 2025. Late proposals will not be accepted.
RFP Virtual Open House/Drop-In Hours
Virtual drop-in hours will be available via Microsoft Teams. All questions/answers provided during drop-in sessions will be posted online for all applicants to view.
- February 24, 2025 (RBR1) 9AM-11AM.... Join Meeting on Microsoft Teams
- February 27, 2025 (RBR2) 9AM-11AM.... Join Meeting on Microsoft Teams
- February 28, 2025 (RBR3) 12PM-2PM.... Join Meeting on Microsoft Teams