Sole Source

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families in Washington is considering awarding a sole source contract to Within Reach, the Help Me Grow Statewide Affiliate, to support the development and expansion of a statewide resource and referral network focused on early childhood services. The contract aims to enable Within Reach to provide expert consultation to the state in planning and growing this network, which is critical for connecting families with essential services for children and youth. The contract is valued between $500,000 and $1,500,000, with a specific period starting from October 21, 2025, through December 31, 2025, and is justified on the basis of Within Reach’s unique qualifications and specialized services that are not practically available from other sources. The justification for the sole source award emphasizes the importance of leveraging Within Reach’s expertise to enhance community-based pathways, particularly related to the Plan of Safe Care, which supports vulnerable children and families. The procurement process recognizes the state's policy of promoting competition but notes that this exception is warranted due to the specialized nature of the services provided by Within Reach. The contract will facilitate strategic planning, resource development, and system growth to better serve children and families across Washington. The solicitation process includes detailed technical and administrative requirements, ensuring that proposals meet the scope of work, compliance standards, and evaluation criteria necessary for successful contract performance.