RFP Stormwater

Background
Washington State University (WSU), a land-grant university founded in 1890, is initiating this Request for Proposals (RFP) to develop and maintain a model policy and practice clearinghouse aimed at improving practices to support clean water.

The Washington Stormwater Center (WSC), established by the Washington State Legislature in 2009, serves as the state's Stormwater Technical Resource Center, focusing on stormwater management solutions through research, training, and education. This RFP seeks to select a consultant to assist WSC in creating resources that will aid local jurisdictions in enhancing environmental codes and regulations.

Work Details
The consultant will be responsible for developing or enhancing a clearinghouse for model ordinances and environmental policy resources. Key tasks include:

1. Audience Identification and Needs Assessment: Conducting a needs assessment to identify priority audiences for the Model Ordinance Clearinghouse.
- Deliverables include draft needs assessment questions, a list of identified audiences with contact information, and the completed needs assessment.

2. Partnership Option Analysis: Exploring potential partnerships with organizations like the Municipal Research and Services Center (MSRC) for long-term housing of the Clearinghouse.
- Deliverables include an options analysis based on discussions with MSRC and a partnership sketch with relevant academic institutions.

3. Strengths, Needs, and Opportunities (SNO) Analysis: Identifying effective approaches and barriers in law, code, and ordinance development through audience engagement.
- Deliverables include draft SNO questions and an analysis report with recommendations.

4. Model Ordinance Center Scope: Collaborating with an advisory group to determine the types of ordinances and policies to be included in the Clearinghouse's scope.
- Deliverable includes a list of recommended ordinances and codes.

5. Community Engagement Strategies: Developing strategies for engaging decision-makers and community members effectively.
- Deliverables include best practices references and tailored communication strategies.

6. Technical Assistance Function: Creating model codes, ordinances, or CCRs in collaboration with Clearinghouse clients.

Period of Performance
The contract is anticipated to have an initial term of approximately two (2) years.

Place of Performance
The work will primarily take place in Washington State.