RFP | Sinixt Operations Manager

Confederated Tribes of the
Colville Reservation
P.O. Box 150, Nespelem, WA 99155 (509) 634-2277
Request For Proposals:
Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation
Sinixt Operations Manager
General Information
Posted Date: 8/26/2026
Deadline for Questions: 9/9/2026
Final Answers Posted: 9/11/2026
Closing Date: 9/15/2026
Opening Date: 9/21/2026
1. Introduction
The Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation is a Sovereign Nation. A Presidential
Executive Order established the Colville Indian Reservation in 1872, with a land base of 1.4
million aces, located in North Central Washington State and additional off-reservation trust
lands. The Administrative Headquarters are located at the Colville Indian Agency Campus,
approximately 2 miles south of Nespelem, WA with offices located throughout our reservation.
In addition, the Sinixt tribe within Colville's confederacy has Section 35 Constitutional rights in
Canada as a result of the Desautel decision in 2017, which was upheld by the Supreme Court of
Canada in April of 2021. The Sinixt Confederacy was created to represent the Sinixt in Canada.
Our business hours are Monday thru Thursday 7:00 and 5:30 p.m. excluding Fridays, Saturdays,
Sundays, Tribal and Federal holidays.
1.02 Proposal Deadline/Address/Contents
The deadline for receipt of proposals is September 15, 2026 and must be received by the Tribes,
either by hand delivery, express delivery, electronic submission or regular mail no later than 3:30
p.m. on that day Pacific Standard Time. Proposals must be submitted to the Confederated Tribes
Contract Officer no later than 3:30 pm on that day. All proposals and accompanying
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documentation will become the property of the Colville Tribes and will not be returned.
Consultant accepts all risk of late delivery of mailed proposal regardless of fault. Proposals are
to be sent to: Cody Desautel, Executive Director, P.O. Box 150, 21 Colville Street, Nespelem,
WA. 99155 or by electronic submission to cody.desautel@colvilletribes.com.
1.03 Proposal Preparation Instructions and Information Required in Your Proposal
Please provide two (2) copies of your proposal. In order to facilitate the review process and
obtain the maximum degree of comparison, proposals should include the following information
presented in the order and format shown below:
1.04 Required Format/Information
* Title Page: Show Request for Proposal (RFP) subject, name of Respondent/Respondents
firm(s), address, telephone and fax numbers, name of contact person and date of
submission.
* Transmittal Letter: A one or two-page summary stating the Responder's understanding of
the work to be done and making a positive commitment to perform the work within the
time period required.
* Table of Contents: A clear identification of the material by section and page number.
* Profile of the Respondent/Respondents: Describe the range of activities performed by
you or your firm, including capability for determining cost/feasibility of the work
associated with this position.
* Approach: Provide a detailed and clear description of the approach and methodology for
implementing the work, including the method to be used to analyze and develop
recommendations for the staff and leadership of the Colville Business Council and Sinixt
Confederacy. The respondent should include a rationale for using their work history and
skills as the best way to develop an accurate and detailed work plan.
* Indian Preference: CTCR shall, to the greatest extent feasible, provide preference to
Indian-owned economic enterprises and Indian organizations. If applicable, please
include documentation of Indian enrollment and/or TERO certification. Preference must
be provided in accordance with the requirements set forth in Chapter 10-1 Tribal
Employment Rights. In accordance with the adopted TERO Compliance, to be eligible as
a tribally owned or Indian owned business, the business shall apply for certification with
the Tribal Employment Rights Office (TERO) and must be eligible for certification prior
to submitting a proposal. Contact TERO for more information: Roberta Bearcub, TERO
Director, P. O. Box 150, Nespelem, WA 99155. Phone (509) 634-2200.
* Cost Proposal: Include an itemized cost statement showing estimated work hours and
rate(s). Also, include an itemized listing of all other expenses or fees that are anticipated,
such as travel, training, and other costs associated with the work.
1.05 Questions Regarding the Project
Requests for interpretation/clarification of this RFP must be emailed to
cody.desautel@colvilletribes.com. Unauthorized contact with other tribal employees regarding
this RFP may result in disqualification. All oral communications will be considered unofficial
and non-binding on the Tribes.
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All questions must be submitted no later than 3:00 p.m., PST, Sept 9, 2026. All responses will be
posted on the Tribes' web site at: https://www.colvilletribes.com/rfp within two business days
after receipt of the question.
2. Evaluation Procedures
The evaluation factors reflect a wide range of considerations. Consequently, the Colville Tribes may
select other than the lowest cost solution. The objective is to choose the Contractor capable of providing
a reliable and effective solution within a reasonable budget.
An award will be made to a responsible Indian Bidder if within 10% of the lowest non-Indian Proposal
Price and defined experience.
Evaluation Criteria: The proposals will be evaluated on the basis of the following criteria and point
ranges. Maximum Points: (100)
1) Responsiveness of the proposal in clearly stating an understanding of the work to be performed.
(0-25)
2) Reasonableness of overall time estimates as well as the time estimates for each major section of
the work to be performed (0-5)
3) Qualifications and experience of Responder/Responders (0-20)
4) Ability to maintain continuity of work (0-25)
5) Indian preference (0 - 10)
6) TERO certification documented & included (5)
7) Cost (0-10)
3.0 Acceptance/Rejection of Proposals
The CTCR reserves the right to reject any and all proposals, whether or not within applicable cost limits,
and to waive any information in the proposals received, whenever such rejection or waiver is in the best
interest of the CTCR. In the event of disagreement or grievances regarding contract, it is the CTCR
policy to resolve all contractual issues per adopted Procurement Policy.
4.0 Required Descriptions and Specifications
4.01 Purpose
The purpose of this project is to contract with the Respondent who best demonstrate expertise
and experience managing complex program operations, requiring coordination of work across a
number of programs and agencies. The Respondent will also will be responsible for managing
and coordinating operations for the Sinixt Confederacy in both the U.S. and Canada. Direction
and priorities for these activities will come from the Sinixt Confederacy/Colville Tribal Business
Council (CBC) leadership. The contract to be used for this work will be the Colville Tribes'
standard form consultant contract, which will include a "no assignment" provision indicating that
the contract may not be assigned without written consent of the Tribes. Any increase in contract
price following execution of the contract will not be made without written modification signed
by both parties.
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4.02 Respondent Capacity to Conduct the Project
The Respondent shall provide evidence of their ability to manage staff across a diversity of
programs, and work across a number of management agencies. This may include tribal, state,
provincial, and federal governments from both the U.S. and Canada. The work will primarily
focus on fish, wildlife, and cultural resource management, but will also take policy and legal
coordination with the Sinixt Confederacy/Colville Business Council and attorneys supporting
these efforts.
4.03 Reports Required
The Respondent/Respondents shall provide at least quarterly (or more often if requested by the
Tribes' COR) reports on the progress of work in both the U.S. and Canada. The reports should be
scheduled during the appropriate CBC committee or Sinixt Confederacy meeting. The
Respondent will also be expected to participate in the weekly Sinixt meetings to coordinate
activities with the staff.
4.04 Contract
Prior to any binding agreement with the successful Respondent for services under this RFP, the
successful Respondents will be required to enter into a Tribal Employee Contract for the
requested services under this RFP. This RFP does not constitute an obligation or agreement on
the part of the Tribes. The employee contract will define scope of work with defined
responsibilities, benefits, pay rates, and any other compensation provided to the Respondent.
4.05 Period of Performance
Any contract let from this RFP shall be in effect upon the date of award and shall continue to be
in effect until the termination of the Contract. It is anticipated that the work described in this
contract shall continue for a 3 year term, at which point a review of the scope of work and
compensation will be conducted.
4.06 Payment
Payment for work performed under the contract shall not exceed the agreed upon amount, unless
otherwise agreed upon, in writing, by both parties. Payment shall be made to the contractor based
on the Colville Tribe's bi-weekly pay schedule, unless other arrangements are agreed to.
In the event of abandonment of the work or termination of the contract for any cause, under the
respective sections of the contract, the terms of any settlement shall be subject to approval by
CTCR Contracting Officer or designee. The CTCR shall not disburse monies after giving notice
of abandonment or termination. A settlement may be reached and may include restitution of
funds disbursed for services not performed.
5.0 Terms and Conditions
5.01 Site Visitations
The Contractor site visit is not required. By submitting his/her proposal, the Respondent
acknowledges that he/she has satisfied him/herself as to the nature of the work.
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5.02 Contractor's Cost to Develop Proposals
Costs for developing proposals in response to the RFP are entirely the obligation of the
Respondent and shall not be chargeable in any manner to the Colville Tribes.
5.03 Completeness of Proposal
The Respondent must submit a completed Proposal signed by the Contractor. An incomplete
proposal will not be considered for the work described above. The Respondent must identify any
exceptions the Contractor takes to the Tribes RFP, or declare that there are no exceptions taken.
5.04 RFP Amendments
The Colville Tribes reserves the right to request any respondent clarify its proposal or to supply
any additional material deemed necessary to assist in the evaluation of the proposal.
The Colville Tribes reserves the right to change the RFP schedule or issue amendments to the
RFP at any time. The Colville Tribes also reserves the right to cancel or reissue the RFP. All
such addenda will become part of the RFP. It is the consultant's responsibility to check the
Tribe's website (www.colvilletribes.com) for the issuance of any amendments prior to submitting
a proposal response.
5.05 Insurance Requirements
The Colville Tribes will require the selected Consultant to comply with the insurance
requirements as listed in the RFP. Questions regarding insurance requirements can be discussed
with the Tribes Risk Management Office, (509) 634-2447.
5.06 Equal Opportunity Requirements
The Colville Tribes is an equal opportunity employer and requires all Contractors to comply with
policies and regulations concerning equal opportunity. The contractor, in the performance of the
Contract, agrees not to discriminate in its employment because of the employees or applicant's
race, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, or physical handicap.
5.07 Other Compliance Requirements
In addition to the nondiscrimination and affirmative action compliance requirements previously
listed, the Contractor awarded a Contract shall comply with Federal, State, Tribal and local laws,
statutes and ordinances relatively to the execution of the work. This requirement includes, but is
not limited to, protection of public and employee safety and health; environmental protection;
waste reduction and recycling; the protection of natural resources; permits; fees; taxes; and
similar subject.
5.09 Ownership of Documents
All documents, reports, studies, conclusions and summaries prepared by the Respondent shall
become the property of the Sinixt Confederacy/Colville Tribes.
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5.10 Confidentiality of Information
All information and data furnished to the Contractor by the Colville Tribes and all other
documents to which the Contractor's employees have access during the term of the Contract,
shall be treated as confidential to the Colville Tribes. Any oral or written disclosure to
unauthorized individuals is prohibited.
5.11 Hold Harmless
The Contractor shall hold harmless, defend, and indemnify the Colville Tribes and the Tribes
officers, agents, and employees against any liability that may be imposed upon them by reason of
the Contractor's failure to provide worker's compensation coverage or liability coverage.
5.12 Safety
All applicable regulations pertaining to safety, the Contract Manager shall strictly adhere to
including Tribal Occupational Safety and Health Act (TOSHA) standards and regulations.
Particular care shall be exercised in connection with the operation of vehicle and other
equipment on the site.
5.13 DEBARRED
Selected consultant must sign a Certification Regarding Debarment and Suspension.
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ATTACHMENT A:
PROPOSAL COVER PAGE: Sinixt Operations Manager
Company/Individual Name______________________________________ Date______________
Address__________________________________________________________________
Contact Person and Title:_____________________________________________________
Telephone Number_________________________ Fax Number_____________________
Email address________________________________________
TOTAL ESTIMATED PRICE OF SERVICES (Attach detailed budget if necessary)
Cost of Services (Anticipated Total Hours x Rate) __________________
Necessary travel ___________________
TERO Fees ___________________
Other (describe) ___________________
Total Price $ _________________
Authorized Respondent Signature____________________________________________
Telephone_______________________________
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ATTACHMENT B:
CERTIFICATION REGARDING DEBARMENT, SUSPENSION, PROPOSED DEBARMENT, AND
OTHER RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS.
A. The Firm/Respondent certifies, to the best of its knowledge and belief, that:
1. The Firm/any of its Principals-
(a) Are ( ) are not ( ) presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, or declared
ineligible for the award of contracts by any Federal agency or any Tribal Government.
(b) Have ( ) have not ( ), within a 7 year period preceding this offer, been convicted or had a civil
judgment rendered against them for: commission of fraud or a criminal offense in connection with
obtaining, attempting to obtain, or performing a public (federal, state or local) contract or subcontract;
violation of Federal or state antitrust statutes relating to the submission of offers; or commission of
embezzlement, theft, forgery, bribery, falsification or destruction or records, making false statements, tax
evasion, ore receiving stolen property; and
(c) Are ( ) are not ( ) presently indicted for, or otherwise criminally or civilly charged by a
government entity with, commission of any of the offenses enumerated in subdivision (A)(1)(b) above.
(d) The Firm has ( ) has not ( ), within a 7-year period preceding this offer, had one or more
contracts terminated for default by any Federal agency or any Tribal Government.
2. Principals for the purposes of the certification, mean officers; directors, owners, partners, and
persons having primary management or supervisory responsibilities within a business entity (e.g. general
manager; plant manager, head of a subsidiary, division, or business segment, and similar positions). If
this certification concerns a matter within the jurisdiction of an agency of the United States and the
making of a false, fictitious, or fraudulent certification may render the maker subject to prosecution
under 18 U.S.C. 1001.
B. The Firm shall provide immediate written notice to the Contract Officer if at any time prior to
contract award the Firm learns that its certification was erroneous when submitted or has become
erroneous by reason of changed circumstances.
C. A certification that any of the items in paragraph (A) of this provision exists will not necessarily
result in withholding of an award under this solicitation. However, the certification will be considered
in connection with a determination of the Firm's responsibility. Failure of the Firm to furnish a
certification or provide such additional information as requested by the Contracting Officer may render
the Firm's proposal non-responsive.
D. Nothing contained in the foregoing shall be construed to require establishment of a system or
records in order to render, in good faith, the certification required by paragraph (A) of this provision.
The knowledge and information of a Firm is not required to exceed that which is normally possessed by
a prudent person in the ordinary course of business dealings.
E. The certification in paragraph (A) of this provision is a material representation of fact upon
which reliance was placed when making award. If it is later determined that the Firm knowingly
rendered an erroneous certification, in addition to the remedies available to the Government, the
Contracting Officer may terminate the contract resulting from this solicitation for default.
I hereby certify that the information above is true accurate and complete under penalty of fraud.
_____________________________________
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Authorized Signature
ATTACHMENT C:
REFERENCES (Include additional pages if desired)
Reference # 1
Name of Entity/Individual:________________________________________________
Mailing Address:___________________________________________________
City/State/Zip Code:_________________________________________________
Contact Name______________________________________________________
Title______________________________________________________________
Phone Number______________________________________________________
Date when work performed:___________________________________________
Description of work performed:________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Reference # 2
Name of Entity/Individual:________________________________________________
Mailing Address:___________________________________________________
City/State/Zip Code:_________________________________________________
Contact Name______________________________________________________
Title______________________________________________________________
Phone Number______________________________________________________
Date when work performed:___________________________________________
Description of work performed:________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Reference # 3
Name of Entity/Individual:________________________________________________
Mailing Address:___________________________________________________
City/State/Zip Code:_________________________________________________
Contact Name______________________________________________________
Title______________________________________________________________
Phone Number______________________________________________________
Date when work performed:___________________________________________
Description of work performed:________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
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