Contract Summary

The mediation process is a process in which the participants, with the support of a mediator, identify issues, develop options, consider alternatives and make decisions about future actions and outcomes. The mediator acts as a third party to assist the participatns to reach their decisions. Vendors performing work under this contract shall provide mediation services for a range of internal and external disputes and conflicts for the Customer, including, but not limited to, personnel, customer, and vendor-related issues.

This Master Contract’s intent is to have mediation services available throughout the state by qualified vendors (4yrs experience & minium of 40 hours of mediation training). Service expecations under this contract include:
• Setting consistant mediation session expecations
• Impartiality
• Handing Conflicts of Interest
• Ethical Conduct Expectations
• Confidentiality
Additional details around the Service Expectations can be found in Exhibit F of the Solicitation Document (click the Solicitation Document, under Historical Documents below).

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***What are 2-Tier Contracts?***
DES manages multiple 2-Tier Contracts for non-IT professional services. These non-IT 2-Tier Contracts work like this:
• Tier 1: General (wide) category scope procurement is posted and completed by Enterprise Services to Pre-Qualify Bidders with in a category (example Facilitators & Facilitation Services, Organizational Development)
• Tier 2: Detailed (specific) scope project procurement posted and completed by the Purchaser to award work to one (1) or more Pre-Qualified Bidders/Contractors as established in Tier 1.

***2nd Tier Process***
When it comes to the Tier 2 process, purchasers have 2 options, depending on the size of the project. It is important to follow the process outlined below to ensure that competition is happening as required by RCW 39.26.

Option 1: Rapid Selection – For small projects under $30,000 (excluding sales tax) or $40,000 (excluding sales tax) if the purchase is being made from a microbusiness, minibusiness or small business as defined by RCW 39.26.010, Purchasers can complete a Rapid Selection Award (no competition required). You can also find more information by reviewing Policy # DES-125-03.
Option 2: Tier 2 Solicitation– For larger projects (over the $30k & $40k ceilings explained in Option 1) purchasers must complete a Tier 2 Solicitation. Details on the 2nd Tier solicitation can be found in the Tier 2 Handbook (under the "Resources" drop-down list below).

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