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 Proposals:

In the LIO OSS Action Plans, the above objectives have priority actions identified that express what is needed to support the objective for each LIO. Eligible proposals need to align with one or more actions within the LIO OSS Action Plans. (High, medium, and low priority actions will be ranked respectively by the review panel). You will be asked to identify what action(s) your proposed work aligns with.

LIO OSS Action Plans

• Use the LIO OSS Action Plans Database to see objectives and actions prioritized by each LIO: Database Link
• Please watch this 14-minute video on how to use the Database: Video Link

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

• Applicant Webinar: June 10, 2025, 11:00am – 12:00pm, Zoom link
• Applicant Office Hours:
  • June 13, 2025, 11:00am – 12:00pm, Zoom link
  • June 24, 2:00pm – 3:00pm, Zoom link
  • July 10, 9:00am – 10:00am, Zoom link
  • July 21, 11:00am – 12:00pm, Zoom link

Shellfish SIL Application Resources

• LIO OSS Action Plan Database
• Statement of Work Template
• Budget Template
• Combined Administrative and Programmatic Terms and Conditions
• 2025 Threatened Shellfish Growing Areas List and Map
• Puget Sound Septic System Management Programs (DOH)
• Shellfish Beds Implementation Strategy
• EPA Funding Guidance to the SILs

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