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Commerce names apparent contractor for state reparations study after procurement protests
Summary
Commerce reported that Truclusion is the apparent successful bidder for the Charles Mitchell and George Washington Bush reparations study; the research must deliver a preliminary report by June 2026 and a final report with recommendations by June 2027, and local governments have pledged seed funding.
Michelle Griffin, program manager for policy and social initiatives at the Washington State Department of Commerce, updated the Commission on African American Affairs on the state-funded reparations study contracted for the 2026–2027 biennium. The study — titled the Charles Mitchell and George Washington Bush Study on Reparative Action for Washington State’s Descendants of Victims of United States Chattel Slavery — will examine historical impacts on descendants in the former Washington and Oregon territories and analyze outcomes across economics, education and criminal justice. Griffin said a preliminary report is due by June 2026, an interim update is expected by December 2026, and the final report with recommendations is due June 2027.
Griffin told the commission that Commerce received three proposals and held debriefs with the top two candidates. Two procurement protests were filed: the first was dismissed as without merit and the second was extended by 10 days for further review. Commerce determined the procurement process was in substantial compliance. "Currently, Truclusion is the apparent successful bid with contracts having been negotiated," the minutes state; Commerce plans to select a communications consultant and begin community engagement once procurement steps are complete. Griffin said Commerce will work with the Washington State Commission on African American Affairs on outreach and seek philanthropic contributions to supplement the study budget.
The commission record also lists current local funding commitments supporting the project: $150,000 from Pierce County and $300,000 from King County. The minutes indicate Commerce will pursue additional philanthropic and donor support to complete the full study and implementation phases. The update did not record a formal vote or commission action on the study during this meeting.
Next steps described on the record include resolving the outstanding protest determination, finalizing the communications plan and launching community engagement activities in coordination with CAAA and Commerce.
