Shellfish Strategic Initiative Lead Request for Proposals

LIO OSS Action Plan objectives include:

• Inventorying existing and new OSS
• Inspecting OSS
• Supporting OSS owners to repair, replace, and maintain OSS
• Improving the understanding of maintenance best practices by OSS owners through strategic education and outreach
• Building climate preparedness into OSS management and outreach
• Improving access to and eligibility for incentives, loans, and other funding sources for OSS operation and maintenance, repairs, and upgrades
• Enforcing OSS regulations when voluntary compliance is not achieved
• Converting to LOSS, other septic solutions, or connect to sewer when appropriate
• Securing long term stable funding for OSS management
• Securing long term stable funding for Pollution Identification and Correction programs 

Eligible Applicants:

Local governments, non-profit organizations, state agencies, tribes, tribal consortia, institutions of higher learning, and special purpose districts are eligible to apply for this funding opportunity.

Geography: 

Must be within the Puget Sound region, focus on watersheds impacting shellfish growing area classification.

Project Duration: 

1- 2 years (spenddown by November 2027).

These priorities aim to make progress towards the Shellfish Beds Vital Sign target. This target goal is an annual net increase in harvestable shellfish beds in Puget Sound. The Department of Health (DOH) follows State and National Standards to monitor fecal bacteria levels in shellfish growing areas. DOH then classifies these growing areas as Approved, Conditionally Approved, Prohibited, or Restricted for harvest. Investments will be prioritized in areas with potential acreage gain or in areas threatened to be downgraded on the Threatened Growing Area List.

Applicant Support

Coming Soon 

Shellfish SIL Application Resources

• EPA Funding Guidance to the SILs
• Strategic Initiatives' 2024 Investment Plan
• Statement of Work Template
• Budget Template
• Combined FFY24 Administrative and Programmatic Terms and Conditions
• Shellfish Beds Implementation Strategy
• 2024 Threatened Shellfish Growing Areas List and Map
• PIC Minimum Standards (NEP Shellfish SIL)
• Pollution Identification and Correction (PIC) Program Guidance (Kitsap Public Health District)
• Puget Sound Septic System Management Programs (DOH)
• Agricultural Best Management Practice Guidelines (NEP Shellfish SIL)
• Wastewater Treatment Plant Outfall Strategy (DOH Shellfish Program)
• Resources for EPA Puget Sound Geographic Funds Priorities (Environmental Justice, Tribal Treaty Rights, and Climate
  Change)
• Boarder Impacts Database for Environmental Justice and Climate Change Resources and Tools

Who May Apply?

Local governments, non-profit organizations, state agencies, tribes, tribal consortia, institutions of higher learning, special purpose districts, and municipal or domestic (sewage) wastewater treatment plant owners and operators are eligible to apply for this funding opportunity. 

Contact Us

For questions related to the RFP or to provide comments, please contact the Shellfish SIL Request for Proposal Coordinator:

• Audrey Coyne – Shellfish Implementation Strategy Lead - Audrey.Coyne (at) doh.wa.gov

Schedule of RFP Activities