Funding opportunities - Contracting with DCHS
The Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) is responsible for delivering, either directly or via community-based contracts, a wide variety of housing and human services for King County's most vulnerable and at-risk residents. The department contracts out about 80 percent of its annual budget to community agencies. A contract with DCHS is a binding legal document that describes what each party signing the contract will do. The contract explains requirements and terms for payment. Find out more about what's in a contract.
DCHS often uses a Request for Proposal (RFP) process to select a vendor or provider of services when funding is available. Open opportunities for contracting with DCHS are advertised through RFPs or Notices of Funding Availability (NOFA). Interested agencies with the required qualifications are invited to respond. The pink box, at right, lists current funding opportunities.
DCHS contract service areas
The mission of DCHS is to enhance the quality of life, protect rights and promote the self-sufficiency of our region's diverse individuals, families and communities. The majority of services are provided through its four divisions:
- Community Services
- Developmental Disabilities
- Mental Health, Chemical Abuse and Dependency Services
- Office of the Public Defender
Learn about DCHS contracting service areas
Who to contact for information
To find out who can answer your questions about contracting for specific programs or services, please see who to contact.
Contractor/Agency qualifications
The qualifications required to contract with DCHS vary widely because of the diversity of the programs and services provided. The following are general required qualifications. Demonstrated experience and/or knowledge providing services in the particular service area, in accordance with relevant county, state and federal requirements
- Demonstrated ability to serve the relevant client population
- Required legal licenses and certificates and being in good standing
- Clear and current criminal history background checks as required
- Must not be presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, declared ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from participation in federal programs
- Sound financial condition
- Acceptable history related to any legal issues
- Ability to provide quality data
- Ability to meet performance standards and measures
- For some contracts must be a non-profit with a board of directors
- Ability to meet insurance requirements.
- Non-discrimination policies for hiring staff
Get more details about contracting requirements.