RFP Contract Gardener to assist the Lead Gardener

Request for Proposal
Applications must be submitted by: 4:30 p.m. 10/20/2026.
The Quinault Indian Nation is seeking proposals for a Contract Gardener to assist the Lead
Gardener and Food Educator with cultivation, maintenance, planting, harvesting, and distributing
fresh produce for the Taholah gardens. It is important for the contractor to have experience with
managing small livestock. The contractor must have a Washington state food worker card, valid
drivers license, and general liability insurance. For more details, contact Natosha Lewis, DPP Office
Manager.
Minimum Submission Requirements:
(a) Be dependable and available to tend gardens in Taholah for up to 32 hours per week
with flexible hours and some weekends from November 2, 2026 through September 29,
2027
(b) Assist with gardening education to community in hands-on workshops, group, and
individual settings.
(c) Contractor shall provide service for produce handout, which includes kitchen
cleanup.
(d) Contractor must be able to perform heavy physical labor, able to lift excess of 50 lbs.,
work on hands and knees with ability to bend over repeatedly throughout working day
and ensure that the contract scope is accomplished even during inclement weather
conditions.
(e) Proposal must demonstrate contractor's knowledge and experience of basic plant
system life cycles and their understanding of integrated pest management as well as their
knowledge and experience with organic and sustainable gardening practices.
Proposals shall demonstrate that the contractor has the professional capability and availability to
complete all the tasks in a satisfactory manner. Responses shall include:
1. The Contractor's business/legal name, address and telephone number.
2. A brief description of their qualifications (education, experience, professional
registration) and list of projects and dates of completion of similar scope and the
contractor's experience working with tribes.
3. The proposed work plan and schedule for activities to be performed.
Evaluation Criteria and the Selection Process
The basis of the award will be for the respondent receiving the most points based on the
following criteria:
* Project understand, scope of work, work plan and schedule (35 points)
* Qualifications/experience (30 points)
* Past performance/references (15 points)

* Bid for services (30 points)
Preference will be given to inclusion of qualified Indian-owned firms per the QIN's Indian
Preference Policy. Respondents must not have been suspended or debarred by the federal
government. The Nation's Indian Preference Policy applies (attached). The determination of who
is an Indian Contractor is made by the Tribal Employment Rights Office according to Quinault
Tribal Code, Title 97. Indian Contractors must provide certification from the Tribal Employment
Rights Office in order to be considered eligible for Indian Preference. A TERO fee may be
assessed. This RFB does not commit QIN to award a contract, to pay any costs incurred in
preparation of a response to this invitation, or to procure or contract for services or supplies.
Respondents will not offer any gratuities, favors or anything of monetary value to any employee,
officer, or agent of the Nation for the purpose of influencing favorable disposition toward either
their proposal or any other proposal submitted as a result of this RFB. All proposals submitted
hereunder become the exclusive property of the Nation. The Nation reserves the right to accept
all or part of the bid, or to decline the whole proposal.
Selection of the successful proposal shall in part be based upon the completeness of the
submittal, the quality and price of the services, the reputation of the respondent, and the ability of
the respondent to meet all deadlines for delivery of the service.
The contractor is solely responsible for all costs incurred in the preparation and submittal of the
RFP. Proposals will be evaluated based on the contractor's experience of the assigned project.
Send your submittals to:
Cora Pope
Procurement and Budget Specialist
Quinault Indian Nation
P.O. Box 70
Taholah, WA 98587
Email: bids@quinault.org