Submitting a Proposal

Proposals are hereby solicited and are due using the link below through ZoomGrants no later than the due date and time noted on this RFP. Applicants are responsible for regularly checking ZoomGrants for any updates, clarifications, or amendments.

Note: Applicants bear the risk that technical difficulties may result in late or undelivered Proposals. Therefore, applicants are encouraged to submit materials through ZoomGrants on a timely basis, and to reach out to ZoomGrants as noted on this RFP early in the process if encountering technical difficulties. If the issue cannot be addressed through ZoomGrants, then reach out to the RFP Lead as noted on this RFP.

1. Pre-Proposal Process

Pre-Proposals are mandatory for all applicants and will determine applicant eligibility.

Submit Pre-Proposal through ZoomGrants at: https://www.zoomgrants.com/zgf/Best_Starts_Capital_Program_Priority1_RFP

The Pre-Proposal process for this RFP will follow the steps/phases outlined below, which are subject to change:

1. RFP is issued.
2. Applicants submit Pre-Proposal by due date.
3. Pre-Proposals are reviewed by DCHS staff, in alignment with minimum qualifications.
4. Applicants will be notified of their eligibility via email from ZoomGrants. Eligible applicants will be able to move forward in the Proposal process.

If any changes to this process occur, the RFP Lead will notify applicants via an RFP amendment.

2. Proposal Process

The Proposal process for this RFP will follow the steps/phases outlined below, which are subject to change:

1. Proposal period is open. An email will be sent to applicants determined eligible in the Pre-Proposal process.
2. Proposals are submitted by the deadline stated in the RFP Timeline through ZoomGrants.
3. Proposals will be reviewed and scored by the DCHS Review Team.

Late Proposals may not be accepted. Submit Proposals early to avoid missing the Proposal deadline.

4. Once reviewed and scored, award decisions will be made. All applicants will be notified whether they are awarded or not awarded funding.
5. The awarded contract will be finalized, and work begins.

If any changes to this process occur, DCHS will notify applicants via an RFP amendment.

Best Starts’ Capital Program Context

Best Starts’ Capital Program will provide contracts for building repairs, Renovations and New Construction or expansion to improve access to high quality programs and services for Low-Income children, young people, and families.  Projects across all priorities may include:

• Recreational Facilities
• Community Centers
• Child Care Facilities
• Early Learning Centers
• Affordable Housing

Priority will be given to projects serving the following communities:

• Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC)
• Low-Income
• Rural areas; and/or
• Areas Without Physical Access to similar facilities

Further, consistent with recommendations from the Children and Youth Advisory Board (CYAB), the program will also prioritize funding sites that are:

• Multi-Use
• Intergenerational; and/or
• Include covered outdoor spaces.

The program will focus on equitable community-driven development to ensure projects are aligned with and serve communities’ needs. Priority will also be given to developments that leverage other capital investments, including King County Puget Sound Taxpayer Accountability Account (PSTAA) and affordable housing funds. All Best Starts-supported projects are expected to have Culturally Responsive Child Care and Early Learning services or other programs for children and young people. Funded buildings and facilities are also expected to host permanent low-cost or free programming for Low-Income households.

This Proposal

This RFP will fund only Priority 1 projects. Priority 1 projects must complete Construction or Renovation of existing property to provide for Community Centers or Recreational Centers which prioritize serving Low-Income and/or BIPOC children, youth and families lacking access to similar facilities. 

This funding will support capital projects that benefit Low-Income and/or BIPOC communities. These projects will create safe places for young people and access to caring adults that offer stimulating expanded learning programs, including high-quality educational or recreational programming for children and young people.

Best Starts’ Capital expects funds to be geographically dispersed throughout the County and will support youth programming serving communities that historically have had limited or no access to facilities for such services. DCHS will evaluate the siting of new facilities and buildings based on the proximity to other similar facilities and transportation accessibility.

What to Submit

Complete Proposal packages will include the following :

1. Responses to all Pre-Proposal
2. Responses to all Proposal
3. All required Documents uploaded to, or completed in, ZoomGrants, including:

1. 1. Project Budget form, broken out by work category and Source of Funds sheets (Attachment C). (Note: Please complete both sheets).
   2. Detailed timeline (Attachment D)
   3. Applicant’s Please attach a copy of the following financial documents:
      
      1. Most recent audited financial statements, if applicable;
      2. General Ledger and Balance Sheet;
      3. Income Statement/Statement of Activities from the last fiscal year, if applicable; and
      4. Your current fiscal year operating budget detailing your projected expenses and income sources.
   4. Organizational chart: Please attach a chart explaining the governance and leadership structure of your organization. Please include staff resumes.
   5.  Site control, which is defined as:
      
      1. Owned property, please provide one of the following:
         
         1. Title report;
         2. Deed;
         3. Purchase contract; or
         4. Option to Purchase.

OR

ii. Leased site, please provide both:

1. 1. 1. 1. Executed lease agreement; and
         2. Executed property owner certification of work (Attachment F)

F. Site plan (architectural drawing of property layout), if

G. Site photos illustrating area to be developed or rehabilitated.

Communication about this RFP

The RFP Lead is the sole point of contact for this RFP. All communication regarding the subject matter of this opportunity between the applicants and DCHS upon release of this RFP must be through ZoomGrants or the RFP Lead, as follows:

Leslie Miller
RFP Lead
lemiller@kingcounty.gov

Any other communication will be considered unofficial and non-binding on King County. Applicants are to rely on written statements issued by the RFP Lead.

The Pre-Proposal Information Session was held at 10AM on December 17, 2025. Here is a link to the recording:

Pre-Proposal Information Session Recording