Client service contracts
The Department of Enterprise Services (DES) is responsible for issuing contract guidelines for client service contracts, but agencies procure and award their own client service contracts. The guidelines consist of SAAM policies 16.10 and 16.20.
What are client service contracts
Client services are defined in RCW 39.29.006(2) as "services provided directly to agency clients including, but not limited to, medical and dental services, employment and training programs, residential care, and subsidized housing."
Who are clients
Clients are generally members of the public, external to state government, who have social, physical, medical, economic, or educational needs. These individuals may require government assistance to meet those needs. Clients are those who the agency has statutory responsibility to serve, protect, or oversee.
For example, clients of the Department of Social and Health Services include nursing home patients, institutionalized individuals, or children in need of therapy. Clients of the Department of Labor and Industries include injured workers. Clients of the Employment Security Department include unemployed and displaced workers.
