Seattle Office of Labor Standards Announces Request for Proposals for 24-Month $1.1 Million Business Outreach and Education Fund

Contact Information
Cynthia Santana
Phone: 206-256-5219
Email: [email protected]

Seattle, WA (December 18, 2024) -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.

"Finding trusted organizations and using dedicated funding to support them are essential elements in directly reaching small business owners and educating them about Seattle's labor laws. Effective business outreach and education are vital to the long-term success of OLS' implementation efforts. The partnerships funded by the BOEF ensure that small business owners understand their responsibilities, comply with Seattle labor standards, and promote equitable workplaces. By respecting workers' rights and ensuring businesses adhere to labor laws, we cultivate a stronger economic environment for the entire city," said OLS Director Steven Marchese.

This funding cycle is for a 24-month contract period, beginning May 1, 2025, and ending April 30, 2027. Total funds available for the first 12 months of the contract are anticipated to be $550,000. The anticipated amount for the second 12 months will be $550,000. However, the available funding is contingent upon sufficient appropriation by the City Council in the 2026 and 2027 Adopted Budgets.

Information about the 2025-2027 Request for Proposals (RFP) and the application process can be found on the Office of Labor Standards website. Please follow the link to submit the proposals. The application period is from December 18, 2024, to January 23, 2025. OLS provides free translation and interpretation. Please contact mailto:[email protected] or (206) 256-5297 to make a request.

OLS will provide RFP orientation for potential applicants including:

• Overview of Seattle's labor standards; and
• Reporting requirements.

RFP Orientation date and time: January 15, 2025.

Join the RFP information session using the link:

(Join the meeting now ). The RFP information session will be recorded.

Proposals must be received by January 23, 2025, by 11:00 PM (PST)

Applicants shall submit proposals in English electronically as an attachment, include the following in the subject line: 2025-OLSBO to OLS at mailto:[email protected].

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Office of Labor Standards, Source: Labor Standards

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