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SKCCIF Economic Recovery - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The Port of Seattle established the South King County Community Impact Fund (SKCCIF) to develop equity-based partnerships and provide resources and support in historically underserved near-airport communities. The fund will award $10 million between 2019 and 2023 to address noise mitigation, environmental health and sustainability in these ethnically and culturally diverse communities. 

Below are frequently asked questions associated with the SKCCIF Economic Recovery Program. 

How do I apply?

The procurement process consists of two steps - Step 1: program eligibility determination and Step 2: proposal evaluation. Respondents deemed eligible for SKCCIF funding through Step 1 will be invited to participate in Step 2. 

To complete Step 1:

  • Go to VendorConnect and register by creating a login and basic profile. 
  • Join as a Vendor. You must complete, at minimum, the two required fields -- “business name” and “owner ethnicity”.  New Vendor accounts are approved manually during business hours.
  • In “Current and Past Solicitations”, locate “South King County Community Impact Fund (SKCCIF) Economic Recovery - Cycle 3”.
  • From the Overview page, select the “Become a Plan Holder” option.  You must complete, at minimum, the two required fields -- “business name” and “owner ethnicity”.  New Vendor accounts are approved manually during business hours.
  • Next, navigate to the "Documents" tab and download the “Solicitation 00321225 (Step 1 Project Eligibility Determination)” document.
  • Then, review Section VII. Program Eligibility Determination Submittal Process and Section X. Program Eligibility Determination Criteria for instructions on how to submit a response.
What are Port-related industries?

Port-related industries are aviation, maritime, construction trades, and green jobs/career industries. For more information about Port-related industries, please review Exhibit 1 Port-Related Industries Description of the Step 1 solicitation document.

If I have questions, who should I contact?

You must register and become a Plan Holder at VendorConnect to ask a question or get updates.

  1. Please see the instructions above to register in VendorConnect (or view the VendorConnect External User Guide).
  2. Join as a new vendor.
  3. Find the SKCCIF Economic Recovery - Cycle 3 solicitation (see the question “How do I apply” for more information).
  4. From the solicitation Overview page, select the "Become a Plan Holder" button.
  5. When you are a Plan Holder, you may ask questions on the solicitation Overview page by selecting the "Ask Question" button.
  6. Responses to questions will be posted in the Documents tab and titled: “Question and Answer Publication #1”, “Question and Answer Publication #2” (the following week), and so on. These responses will also be posted on the South King County Community Impact Fund Economic Recovery webpage.

Or, ask your question during an Information and Question & Answer session. The time and dates for these sessions can be found in the solicitation and on the VendorConnect “Events” tab for this solicitation. 

How do I sign up for an information session?

You can view the session times, dates, and Microsoft Teams meetings in the solicitation and on the VendorConnect “Events” tab for this solicitation. All sessions will be held online and recorded for later viewing.

If you would like an interpreter at an Information and Question & Answer session, email Amira Beasley within one week of the requested session. She will contact you with scheduling options.
 

What are the eligibility requirements?

Review Section X. Program Eligibility Determination Criteria for the Step 1 eligibility requirements.  If deemed eligible to participate in Step 2, review Step 2 Request for Proposal (RFP) document for any additional eligibility requirements.

A change to note in this funding cycle is that Respondents are not required to be a 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(6) organization to be eligible for funding.

How do you define "near-airport communities"?

Near-airport communities are defined as the group of people and organizations that live, work, play, study, or worship in the near-airport communities and that have been historically impacted by economic, racial, and environmental injustices.

Do I have to be a nonprofit organization to apply?

No. A change to note in this funding cycle is that Respondents are not required to be a 501(c)(3) or 501(c)6 organization to be eligible for funding. Awarded organizations, however, must be able to meet the Port’s contract requirements.

Can a collaborative submit a proposal?

Yes, collaboratives may apply. The organization submitting will act as the prime for the contract.

My group in Seattle serves a community based in Burien. Can we apply?

Yes, as long as the proposed project is focused on serving people in South King County.

How much money can I request?

The programs awarded under SKCCIF Economic Recovery (Cycle 3) may be funded as follows: 

  • If awarded a contract for one year, the funding will range from $20,000 to $100,000. 
  • If awarded a multi-year contract for up to three years, the funding will range from $60,000 to $250,000.
Can I submit my proposal in a language other than English?

No.  All written proposal materials must be submitted in English. However, you may use your preferred language when you have your discussion with the Evaluation Team. We will be happy to provide an interpreter with one (1) week of advanced notice.

Do I have to participate in a discussion with the Evaluation Team?

Yes. Those Respondents deemed eligible for SKCCIF Economic Recovery funding through Step 1 will be invited to participate in a discussion during Step 2. This discussion will give you the chance to talk in person with the Evaluation Team about your project. These conversations are in addition to — and not in place of – written proposals. Presentations will be conducted in English, and interpreters will be provided upon request. We will contact you with scheduling options. 

How do I ask for an interpreter for my discussion with the Evaluation Team?

If you would like an interpreter for your discussion with the Evaluation Team, please let us know in the Step 2 proposal form. We will contact you with scheduling options.

Can I submit more than one proposal?

Organizations can only apply under one funding option (one-year contract duration or multi-year contract duration), except if an organization is serving as a fiscal sponsor for another project. Proposers may participate as a sub-partner on other projects submitted by a separate organization. 

How long should my proposal be?

For Step 1, Respondents must submit a maximum of a two (2)-page response. If deemed eligible to participate in Step 2, review the Step 2 Request for Proposal (RFP) document for information on proposal length restrictions. 

Are funds for general operating expenses or for projects?

Funds will be awarded for project-related expenses, not for general operating expenses.

Will you fund existing projects?

Yes, existing projects are eligible for funding. But funding will only cover activities that occur after the awarded contract has been executed. If awarded a contract from the SKCCIF Economic Recovery program, an organization can only be awarded funding in a future cycle once its SKCCIF Economic Recovery contract has expired.

If we receive a contract, how often will we need to submit a report?

Depending on your contract duration, you will be asked to provide monthly progress reports, a mid-year report and check-in, annual reporting, and/or end-of-year project report.

When will I receive the funds?

Compensation is based on a firm-fixed-price (lump sum) reimbursement schedule, in accordance with the mutually agreed upon milestone payment schedule in Attachment B of the Agreement. Fifty percent (50%) of the annual funding will be reimbursed on a monthly basis for milestones satisfactorily completed and reported to the Port Project Manager. 

Can funds pay for staff time?

Yes, funds may be used for staff time, direct expenses, or sub-partners working on the project.

What are the credentials required for a Prime versus a Sub?

Prime: A Prime is the Consultant. Consultant is defined in RCW 53.19.010 (3) as an independent individual or firm contracting with the Port to perform a service or render an opinion or recommendation according to the Consultant's methods and without being subject to the control of the Port except to the result of the work.

Sub: The Port authorizes the Consultant to subcontract, as necessary for services related to the Consultant’s performance under and as specified by the contract. See Exhibit 2: Terms and Conditions, Section 6. Subcontracts.
 

Can new programs/small organizations apply? What experience is needed?

Yes. Proposers should demonstrate experience in serving populations in near-airport communities that are most economically vulnerable and that disproportionately face greater challenges.

Both new and existing projects are welcomed. In either case, proposers must be able to demonstrate their ability to implement the project successfully.
 

Can a nonprofit subcontract to a for-profit to do the work?

Yes. While the contracted Prime must have a 501(c)3 or 501(c)6 tax-exempt status, it can contract to nonprofits or for-profits.

Subcontracting to a for-profit: Nonprofit organizations may subcontract a portion of the scope of work to for-profit entities. No more than 25% of the total project budget may be allocated to for-profit subcontractors.

Can a subcontractor be utilized to do the work?

Yes. Organizations may subcontract a portion of the scope of work to one or more subcontractors. However, no more than 25% of the total project budget may be allocated to subcontractor(s).

Can this funding support purchasing equipment and up to how much?

No. Projects that do not directly support PORT-related industries (aviation, maritime, construction trades, green jobs/green careers) in all aspects of the project will not be eligible for the award.

Wraparound Services are defined as services and support systems including, but not limited to, public transportation assistance, work-related clothing, tools, and work-related food assistance as they relate to work needs, and as allowable by law, regulations, and funding sources that promote access and stronger alignment of workforce, education, vocational rehabilitation, and other human services systems. 
 

What are required documentation?

For Step 1, Respondents must submit a brief two (2)-page narrative addressing the following Section X. Program Eligibility Determination Criteria. Those Respondents deemed eligible for SKCCIF funding through Step 1 will be invited to participate in Step 2. Step 2 will consist of the issuance of a Request for Proposals (RFP) to eligible proposers. Proposal submission details will be issued in the RFP documents for Step 2.

What is the Equity Index and how will it be used?

The Equity Index (Index), which was produced by the Port, helps individuals understand how people living in the South King County area experience historic disadvantages where they live. The Index shows which communities face the greatest impacts due to historical disparities based on numerous sociodemographic factors (education, economy, environmental pollutants, and many more).

Information from the Index may be used as an evaluation factor. 

View the Index
 

Where can I find a list of definitions (e.g., wrap around services, port related industries)?

Please see Section XI. Definitions and Exhibit 1 Port-Related Industries Description within the Step 1 solicitation located on VendorConnect. 

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