NOTICE OF BID OPPORTUNITYREQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) No. 2024-0729WASHINGTON SUPREME COURT DISABILITY JUSTICE TASK FORCEISSUE DATE:  July 29, 2024

DEADLINE TO SUBMIT QUESTIONS: August 5, 2024

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS:  August 15, 2024

INTRODUCTION

The Washington Supreme Court Disability Justice Task Force (DJTF) is initiating this Request for Information to seek information from qualified Vendors to lead a comprehensive Disability Justice Study.  This study aims to determine the extent of barriers to physical and programmatic access within Washington State Courts, alongside other emergent barriers faced by individuals with disabilities.  The selected Vendor will work closely with judicial officers, court employees, impacted communities, and other interested groups within Washington State to complete this study.

BACKGROUND

The DJTF envisions a statewide court system where individuals with disabilities experience justice that ensures dignity, equity, respect, and full participation. To achieve this vision, the DJTF is working with judicial officers, court employees, impacted communities, and other interested groups in Washington State to conduct this study. The research team will take a leading role in conducting research, analyzing data, and providing recommendations based on their findings.

The DJTF defines Disability Justice as "a framework to understand and combat ableism, the root of disability oppression, and create alternative practices rooted in justice." This project aims to apply both Disability Justice principles and an Access to Justice framework to ensure a comprehensive approach to improving accessibility and equity within the state courts.

SCOPE OF WORK/ DELIVERABLES/ TIMELINE – See Attachment

The selected Vendor will:

• Use a Disability Justice Lens and Access to Justice Framework: Identify the nature and extent of barriers to state court services and programs, focusing on their impact on court users with disabilities, including those with intersecting marginalized identities (e.g., Black, Indigenous, Latino, Asian Pacific Islander, LGBTQIA+).

Survey and Data Collection

• Conduct Court User Surveys: The study will involve analyzing survey responses from legal professionals and other stakeholders, as well as developing and conducting surveys with court users. These surveys aim to identify barriers to access and participation for individuals with disabilities within the Washington State court system.
• Review and Utilize Survey Results: The collected survey data will be analyzed to identify common themes and specific challenges related to accessibility.
• Key Informant Interviews and Focus Groups: In addition to surveys, the study will include conducting key informant interviews and organizing and facilitating focus groups. These methods will help gather in-depth insights and personal experiences from individuals with disabilities and other relevant stakeholders.

Court and Accessibility Evaluations

• Visit up to five Courts: The project may involve auditing a select number of regionally diverse courts to directly observe and evaluate their accessibility practices. This hands-on assessment will identify specific barriers and showcase examples of compliance and noncompliance.
• Conducting Accessibility Evaluations: The evaluations will include:
  • Site Visits: On-site assessments to observe physical accessibility features and identify potential barriers which may include the physical space of courthouses.
  • Digital Accessibility Assessments: Evaluating court websites, digital forms, and online services for accessibility.
  • Interviews with Court Staff: Engaging with court personnel to understand their experiences and challenges in providing accessible services.

Compliance Review

• Examine Compliance: The project will include a review of current deficiencies in court compliance with disability rights rules, statutes, and policies, focusing on Washington Courts General Rule 33 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This review will help identify areas where improvements are needed to ensure full compliance with these regulations.

• Identify Barriers: Pinpoint specific barriers in five focus areas: physical, technological, programmatic, communication, and cultural.
• Conduct Literature Reviews: Integrate insights from existing research to ground recommendations in evidence.
• Recommend Best Practices: In collaboration with AOC ADA Coordinator, DTJF Task Force Members, and the Disability Justice and Community Engagement Expert to develop evidence-based recommendations and promising practices for increasing equity and accessibility for court users with disabilities.
• Make Recommendation for Policy Changes: Recommend policy changes to eliminate bias, discrimination, and marginalization of court users with disabilities.

DELIVERABLES

Mandatory Requirements:

*Please note the dates specified in this RFI are mandatory requirements.  Proposals must adhere strictly to these deadlines.  Failure to meet these dates may result in disqualification of the proposal.

1. Initiate study and complete study deliverables. September 1, 2024 – June 15, 2025.
2. Preliminary Findings: Present initial findings to the DJTF by January 31, 2025.
3. Final Report Draft: Submit to the DJTF by May 15, 2025.
4. Final Report Edited and Designed June 16, 2025.
   • Executive Summary: Summarize key findings and recommendations.
   • Detailed Findings: Provide comprehensive data and analysis.
   • Recommendations: Offer specific recommendations, including evidence-based and promising practices (best practices) for increasing equity, access, and accessibility for disabled court users.
   • Appendices: Include supporting documents.
5. Symposium Presentation: Present study findings to the Washington Supreme Court in June 2025.

COMPENSATION

The AOC anticipates the estimated contract value to be a maximum of $175,000 (one hundred seventy-five thousand dollars). If the AOC determines it is necessary to increase the Vendor’s involvement, the AOC may amend any awarded contract to increase the contract value. Such amendment, if any, to increase or decrease the dollar value and extend the period of performance, shall be at the sole discretion of the AOC.

TIMELINE

• Research Team Hired:  No later than September 2024.
• Preliminary Findings:  January 31, 2025.
• Final Report Draft:  May 15, 2025.
• Final Report Edited and Designed June 16, 2025.
• Symposium Presentation: June 2025.

EVALUATION CRITERIA

Proposals will be evaluated based on:

1. Understanding of Disability Justice and Access to Justice: Demonstrated expert-level understanding and application of these principles.
2. Experience: Proven experience in conducting qualitative and policy evaluation research, particularly in a legal or court environment.
3. Project Management: Ability to meet project deadlines and deliver high-quality work.
4. Collaboration: Capacity to collaborate effectively with courts, impacted communities, and other stakeholders.

PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS

Proposals must include:

1. Approach: Detailed plan for meeting project deadlines and objectives, explicitly outlining how the proposed approach will ensure strict adherence to the following project deadlines:

• Preliminary Findings: Achieve and present by January 31, 2025, through continuous data collection, rigorous analysis, and milestone reviews to ensure timely insights. The methodology will include interim reporting and feedback loops with the DJTF to validate findings and adjust analysis as needed.
• Draft Final Report: Submit by May 15, 2025, following a structured review process including peer reviews, stakeholder consultations, and internal quality checks to refine and finalize recommendations. The proposal will outline specific review cycles and deadlines for feedback incorporation, ensuring a thorough examination of findings.
• Symposium Presentation: Deliver in June 2025, integrating insights and feedback gathered throughout the study period to refine content and ensure effective communication of key findings and recommendations. The approach includes rehearsals and refinement based on stakeholder input, ensuring clarity and relevance in presentation content.

2. Methodology: Description of research methodology, including data collection methods, analysis techniques, and ethical considerations.  Clearly outline how these methods will support the achievement of project milestones and deadlines, emphasizing rigorous data validation, stakeholder engagement, and iterative refinement of analysis to meet project objectives.
3. Qualifications: Details on the qualifications and experience of the research team, including resumes or CVs of key members.  Highlight expertise and track record relevant to meeting project deadlines, managing complex research projects, and delivering high-quality outcomes. Emphasize experience in stakeholder engagement, rigorous research methodologies, and effective project management to ensure the timely delivery of project milestones.
4. Budget: Detailed budget for the project, including justifications for each budget item. Allocate resources effectively to support the implementation of the proposed approach and ensure adherence to project timelines and deliverables. Provide transparency in resource allocation, outlining how budgetary decisions will support the timely completion of project phases and achievement of deliverables.

CONTACT INFORMATION

For inquiries, clarifications, and accessibility, please contact Nancy Coverdell at Procurements@courts.wa.gov.

Priority Study Topics

• Physical Access and Accessibility
• Digital Access and Accessibility
• Effective Communication
• Programmatic Access and Accessibility
• Violence Against People with Disabilities
• Barriers to Self-Representation
• Legal Decision-Making Capacity and Competency
• Disability and Incarceration
• Cultural Barriers

Responses must be electronically submitted to: Nancy Coverdell at Procurements@courts.wa.gov by 5:00 p.m. (PDT) on August 15, 2024, with the subject line:  Request for Information, Washington Supreme Court Disability Justice Task Force – Disability Justice Study.                                              

Should you have any questions about the specifications in this solicitation, please contact the Senior Solicitation Coordinator, Nancy Coverdell at Procurements@courts.wa.gov.

Thank you for your interest in the Washington Supreme Court Disability Justice Task Force – Disability Justice Study solicitation.