As we initiate our new shared standards, we pledge to support potential grantees and contractors, answer your questions and provide excellent customer service
Our goal
During an extensive survey of our community partners and grantees, we heard loud and clear that our contracting processes were often too varied across our multiple divisions, causing confusion and difficulty. Our partners asked for something more dependable, so we created the Shared Standards Initiative (SSI).
Our Shared Standards Initiative, establishes a consistent contract management process across all of our divisions, while still tailoring requirements to each program’s needs. A clear, shared standard and management approach creates a crucial foundation for equity, aligning with our agency’s strategic plan and vision of a Washington where every community grows through access to opportunities and innovation.
The Shared Standards Initiative will also go beyond current standards with a robust process to mitigate risk and ensure good stewardship of public dollars. We believe this will create a more stable funding environment for Commerce and our grantees.
What to expect
- Risk assessments up front: Before a contract is signed, potential contractors will answer a set of risk-related questions. This risk assessment will help Commerce determine the type of technical assistance or other support a potential grantee may need.
- Monitoring: Every contract gets a monitoring plan designed to keep grantees current with reporting, documentation and invoicing requirements, providing the support needed for a successful outcome.
- Increased flexibility: We will run a pilot offering flexibility on invoicing for certain work performed by subcontractors and subgrantees, while balancing the risks related to public funds and grantee recapture.
Our pledge
Our intent in standardizing our contract management processes is to make them easier for organizations to navigate. We know the mere mention of change can be unsettling. As we initiate our new shared standards, we pledge to support potential grantees and contractors, answer your questions and provide excellent customer service. Your feedback matters and we’ll keep listening and adapting. Together we can continue to invest, build and serve our communities.