Community Engagement & Oral History Collection

The contract seeks to engage a subcontractor to conduct in-depth interviews with Black residents, organize community listening sessions, and gather personal narratives in support of the Central District Black Legacy Plan. These efforts aim to center lived experiences and cultural memory to shape a meaningful, community-driven legacy initiative that honors the historical and ongoing contributions of Black residents in the area. The work will require culturally competent outreach, ethical storytelling practices, and a deep commitment to community trust-building to ensure accurate, respectful, and comprehensive documentation. The solicitation is open for responses until August 22, 2026, and falls under NAICS code 922150, associated with government administration related to public order and safety services, though it is managed by the Parks and Recreation agency in Washington. The project is positioned as a subcontract, and while no specific set-aside criteria are indicated, the focus on community engagement suggests a priority on local, Black-led, or culturally aligned organizations. The work will be conducted entirely within the Central District, and success will depend on the subcontractor’s ability to connect meaningfully with residents, facilitate safe spaces for storytelling, and translate collected narratives into actionable insights for long-term planning.