For Immediate Release
Contact Information
Cynthia Santana
Phone: 206-256-5219
Email: cynthia.santana@seattle.gov
Seattle Office of Labor Standards Announces Request for Proposals for Two Year $1.1 Million Business Outreach and Education Fund
Seattle, WA (September 14, 2022)- The Seattle Office of Labor Standards (OLS) seeks proposals from business associations, chambers of commerce, community-based organizations (CBOs), private businesses, and non-profit organizations (individual organizations or a collaborative partnership) to assist OLS with targeted labor standards outreach, education, and compliance assistance to Seattle businesses, with an emphasis on small businesses representing Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities. The Business Outreach and Education Fund (BOEF) is designed to:
- Increase knowledge of and compliance with Seattle’s labor standards,
- Develop new partnerships and build capacity among community organizations serving the business community to expand labor standards compliance; and
- Build trust and collaboration between OLS, the business community, and organizations serving the business community.
“Trusted organizations that are able to do direct outreach and education to small business owners on Seattle’s labor standards play a pivotal role in the long-term success of our efforts. OLS counts on our BOEF partners to help us ensure small business owners know their responsibilities, comply with the laws and operate equitable workplaces,” said OLS Director Steven Marchese.
This funding cycle is for a 24-month contract period, beginning January 1, 2023, and ending December 31, 2024. Total funds available for 2023 is anticipated to be $550,000. The same amount will be proposed for 2024. However, the available funding is contingent upon sufficient appropriation by the City Council in the 2023 and 2024 Adopted Budgets.
The 2023-2024 Request for Proposals (RFP) funding cycle is live. Please follow the 2022 -2024 RFP guideline to submit the proposals. The application period is from September 14, 2022, to October 14, 2022. For translation requests of RFP application documents, contact OLS Labor Standards Engagement Specialist, Ahmed Abdi at ahmed.abdi@seattle.gov.
OLS will provide RFP orientation for potential applicants including:
- Overview of Seattle’s labor standards; and
- Reporting requirements.
RFP Orientation date and time: September 19th, at 1:00pm – 3:00pm.
RSVP: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BJ7VX77. Or join the RFP information session using the link:
https://seattle.webex.com/seattle/j.php?MTID=ma5d5dbd1cd43bcf88490a1792ff370c8. The RFP information session will be recorded.
Proposals must be received by October 14, 2022, by 5:00 PM, (PST)
Applicants shall submit proposals in English electronically as an attachment, include the following in the subject line: 2023-2024 BOEF Proposal to OLS at laborstandards@seattle.gov.
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