6-RFP 26-30 Master Leasing Program for the Unhoused with Opioid Use Disorder.docx

Montgomery County, PA RFP 26-30 for Master Leasing Program for the Unhoused with Opioid Use Disorder

Request for Proposal (RFP): 26-30 Department of Health and Human Services Office of Housing and Community Development Master Leasing Program for the Unhoused with Opioid Use Disorder

INTRODUCTION

Montgomery County is located approximately twenty miles west of Center City Philadelphia, PA. Governed by a three-member Board of Commissioners, the County government is a large diverse organization whose mission is to provide quality services in an efficient and cost-effective manner.

Montgomery County, with nearly 861,000 residents is the third most populated county in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Some of the services the county government provides its citizens include health and human services, a highly regarded community college, an outstanding park and historic site system, and a judiciary recognized as one of the Commonwealth’s finest.

The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) offers a full continuum of services to ensure the health, safety and well-being of county residents. The Department serves children, families, young adults, adults and older adults through its offices which include: Children and Youth, Community Connections, Drug and Alcohol, Early Learning Resource Centers, Housing and Community Development, Mental Health/Developmental Disabilities/Early Intervention, Public Health, Senior Services, behavioral health managed care services, and Veterans Services. Strategic Offices for the Department support dissemination of important health information and quality and compliance. HHS is fully integrated to provide seamless, coordinated care delivery all focused on enhancing the health and well-being of the residents of Montgomery County.

The Montgomery County HHS Office of Housing and Community Development (OHCD) administers the Your Way Home Public-Private Partnership, which was founded in 2014. This initiative brings together a diverse group of partners, including county agencies, nonprofit organizations, philanthropic foundations, property owners, faith-based groups, advocates for the homeless, individuals with lived experience, and other community stakeholders. All share the common goal of eliminating and preventing homelessness in Montgomery County. Your Way Home unites funders, service providers, property owners, and community partners to enhance housing stability, economic security, and health for those at risk of or experiencing homelessness.

In 2023, 192 single adults entering Montgomery County’s homeless crisis response system disclosed having a drug use disorder upon engagement with Coordinated Entry or Street Outreach. Given the prevalence of fentanyl in the drug supply, it is estimated that 90–100% of these individuals likely have OUD or fentanyl involvement. This population experiences high vulnerability, poor health outcomes, and heightened risk of overdose.

SCOPE OF WORK

The County of Montgomery, Health and Human Services Office of Housing and Community Development (OHCD) is soliciting proposals from qualified nonprofit organizations to design and operate a Master Leasing Program for unhoused single adults with Opioid Use Disorder (OUD). This program is supported through Opioid Settlement funding and is consistent with the allowable strategies which identify housing and supportive services as eligible activities for individuals in recovery from OUD and cooccurring conditions.

The program must be designed as a minimum 10 unit pilot demonstrating the effectiveness of an integrated supportive housing intervention for Montgomery County individuals who are homeless and have recently completed a halfway house level of care (ASAM Level 3.1 - Clinically Managed Low-Intensity Residential) or ODA contracted recovery house stay, but have no safe or stable housing exit destination, and who have experienced homelessness prior to entering treatment. Montgomery County seeks to implement this master leasing model to provide stable, supportive housing for at least 10 single adults with Opioid Use Disorder (OUD), pairing immediate access to housing with connections to OUD-focused services.

Master leasing is a required, nonnegotiable element of this RFP. Additionally, the program must participate in the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) database.

Target Population & Geography:

· Target Population: Single adults (18+) who are homeless and have Opioid Use Disorder

· Geography: Montgomery County residents

Master Leasing (Mandatory):

· The awarded nonprofit holds master leases with property owners/landlords (scattered‑site permitted).

· Units are subleased to participants; tenant rent contribution is capped at 30% of income.

· Rental assistance provided for at least 12 months; ongoing assistance may be required for up to 3 years.

· Provider must manage unit sourcing, landlord engagement/retention, turnovers, risk mitigation, and damage/vacancy contingencies.

Integrated Support Services:

· On‑site or mobile case management and housing stabilization.

· Coordination with MAT and SUD treatment providers.

· Access to mental health services, life skills, benefits and income support, and employment pathways.

· Crisis response and overdose prevention (e.g., naloxone distribution/education).

Compliance, Equity, and Legal Requirements

· Fair Housing/Equal Opportunity: Compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local fair housing and civil rights laws.

· Accessibility: Compliance with ADA and reasonable accommodation/ modification processes.

· Confidentiality: HIPAA/42 CFR Part 2 (as applicable to SUD data) and data privacy standards. Compliance with data policies and procedures as outlined in the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) policies and procedures manual.

· Non‑Coercion: Treatment participation cannot be a tenancy requirement. Providers are nevertheless expected to use persistent, trauma-informed, and strength-based engagement strategies to support residents in pursuing recovery goals.

· Background & Screening: Clearly state tenant screening practices aligned with Housing First, meaning reducing barriers to access to housing

· Insurance & Indemnification: Maintain required coverage.

· Audit & Monitoring: Subject to County and funder monitoring and audit; cooperation required.

· HMIS Participation: Mandatory, including training and data quality standards.

Your Way Home Coordination:

The awarded provider will integrate with Your Way Home, which coordinates the County’s homeless crisis response system from Coordinated Entry and Street Outreach to shelter, rapid rehousing, permanent supportive housing, and eviction prevention. The Montgomery County Office of Housing and Community Development, OHCD (as the YWH backbone) manages HMIS and contracts with dozens of partners; the awarded agency must collaborate across this network, participate in case conferencing, trainings, events, Point-in-Time Count, and support system performance goals.

REQUIREMENTS

General Agency Information:

Proposers must provide comprehensive information about their organization, including the legal name, organizational address, and primary contact person with full contact details. Applicants should identify their organization type, such as a nonprofit or governmental entity, and describe their mission, history, and experience relevant to housing, homelessness, or behavioral health services. The proposal must outline the agency’s governance structure, including board oversight and key leadership roles, and include an organizational chart if available. Applicants should summarize the populations and geographic areas they currently serve, highlighting any work with individuals experiencing homelessness or substance use disorders. Proposers must also describe their existing programs, contracts, or partnerships connected to housing, landlord engagement, supportive services, or OUD/MAT treatment. In addition, agencies must provide information on their fiscal management practices, financial controls, and insurance coverage, demonstrating the capacity to manage public funds responsibly. This section should reflect the agency’s overall readiness and organizational stability to implement a master leasing model within the Your Way Home system.

Qualifications

· 501(c)(3) nonprofit (or equivalent public entity) in good standing.

· Demonstrated experience in master leasing or scattered‑site supportive housing or clear plan with experienced staff hires in place at contract start.

· Experience applying clinical knowledge of opioid use disorder (OUD) in healthcare, behavioral health, or community‑based program settings.

· Demonstrated capacity with OUD/MAT partnerships and harm reduction.

· Experience serving unsheltered populations and operating under Housing First.

· HMIS capability and data/reporting infrastructure.

Staffing & Infrastructure

· Hours of operation.

· Staffing plan with roles (Program Manager, Housing Case Managers, Housing Locator/Landlord Liaison, Data Specialist, Peer Support, etc.), credentials, and caseload ratios.

· 24/7 or afterhours response protocol for crises.

· Data systems (HMIS proficiency), quality assurance, and compliance framework.

· Fiscal management capacity (procurement, subrecipient monitoring if applicable).

METRICS AND/OR OUTCOMES

· 35% of participants gain or increase income while housed.

· 75% of participants remain stably housed for at least 12 months, excluding voluntary program exits.

· At least 50% of program participants will initiate or continue MAT or OUD treatment services during the contract year, with engagement being documented through HMIS or provider verification (not a condition of tenancy).

· Unit loss due to landlord withdrawal will not exceed 10% annually

· Average vacancy duration will not exceed 30 days

Outcome measures listed in the RFP represent baseline expectations. The County may refine these measures or require additional data during the contract term to improve performance monitoring or address emerging program needs. Providers must comply with such revisions upon written notice.

Include a concise Performance Management Plan describing how you will:

· Collect, validate, and analyze data (note: must use HMIS)

· Conduct case conferencing and Continuous Quality Improvement

· Address underperformance

· Report to OHCD

Disclosure Requirement:

Applicants must disclose whether they have ever been terminated from a contract for performance-related or other issues, and whether they are currently under suspension, debarment, or investigation by any governmental or funding agency. Applicants must also disclose any unresolved monitoring Findings. Failure to disclose such information may result in disqualification from consideration.

The County values providers who demonstrate empathy, respect for the dignity of all individuals, and an informed understanding of the challenges faced by people experiencing homelessness. Please describe how your organization’s professional experience has shaped its understanding of the social, economic, and systemic factors that contribute to housing instability and homelessness, and how this understanding influences your approach to service delivery.

Finally, please provide at least three (3) references for similar work that your firm has performed.

COST PROPOSAL

Completion of the County Budget Form. All applicants must include a detailed line-item budget and narrative justification. The line-item budget and budget justification must be consistent with the project. Agency Administrative/Indirect costs must not exceed 10%.

Funding Ceiling:

· Total request for 1 year must not exceed $639,572

CONTRACT PERIOD WITH OPTION TO EXTEND

The initial contract will be awarded for a one (1)‑year term beginning in 2026. The County may, at its sole discretion, renew the contract annually for up to two (2) additional one‑year terms, for a total contract term not to exceed three (3) years. Each renewal is contingent upon satisfactory contractor performance, availability of funds, and demonstrated geographic need. The County reserves the right to establish new performance standards and budgets with each annual renewal. The contract may be terminated earlier for lack of performance or noncompliance with the terms of the agreement, with thirty (30) days written notice to the provider.

Proposal Submission Submissions are made electronically through the Bonfire Portal.

Offeror must submit both a “Technical Proposal” (NO PRICING) and a “Cost Proposal” as separate documents as part of its Proposal package. In addition, a current W9 and completed Appendix “A” document must be uploaded.

PLEASE NOTE: If responding in Appendix “A” that exceptions are being taken to the Montgomery County Terms and Conditions, vendor must also submit these exceptions as a separate document uploaded in the “OPTIONAL Noted Exceptions to Posted Terms & Conditions” response section.

Any exceptions not provided at the time of proposal submission will not be considered at the time of contracting if the vendor is chosen for award.

Questions All questions related to this Request for Proposal are to be submitted through the Bonfire Portal.

RFP Response Narrative Format Template

Introduction The format that follows is to be used in preparing your proposal in response to the RFP. The applicant’s operations, plans, capabilities, and prior experience are of primary interest to Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Office of Housing and Community Development. The completed proposal must follow the format shown and may not exceed 20 pages, excluding title page and requested attachments.

Title Page: showing RFP number, due date and time, proposer name, address, telephone number, contact person, email address, and:

1. Legal name, EIN, DUNS/UEI (if applicable), and organizational address.

1. Primary contact name, title, phone, and email.

1. Organization type (nonprofit, government entity, etc.).

1. Mission statement and history.

1. Governance structure (Board oversight), key leadership, and organizational chart.

1. Service area and populations served, including demographics and languages served.

1. Current or prior contracts in homelessness, housing, behavioral health, or OUD/MAT services.

1. Insurance coverage (general liability, property, professional liability, workers’ compensation) and fiscal controls.

Background Statement and Prior Experience Should include general history of the agency and how it relates to the service(s) being bid on, prior experience in housing, behavioral health and:

1. Master Leasing & Landlord Partnerships

1. Documented experience holding leases, subleasing to tenants, managing turnover, rent reasonableness, and unit inspections.

1. Landlord recruitment/retention strategies, incentives, and conflict resolution.

1. Risk mitigation (vacancy loss, damages, arrears) and unit pipeline plan.

2. OUD/MAT & Supportive Services

1. Qualifications and training in OUD, MAT, harm reduction, and trauma‑informed practices.

1. Experience with unsheltered/hard‑to‑engage populations; culturally responsive services.

1. Partnerships/MOUs with MAT providers, SUD treatment, mental health, and primary care.

3. Staffing & Infrastructure

1. Job descriptions & Staffing plan with roles (Program Manager, Housing Case Managers, Housing Locator/Landlord Liaison, Data Specialist, Peer Support, etc.), credentials, and caseload ratios.

1. 24/7 or after‑hours response protocol for crises.

1. Data systems (HMIS proficiency), quality assurance, and compliance framework.

1. Fiscal management capacity (procurement, subrecipient monitoring if applicable).

Service Description

1. Compliance with the Scope of Work and Requirements outlined in the RFP.

1. Innovative and efficient methods to improve outcomes or address challenges.

1. Use of technology, tools, or novel approaches to enhance project execution.

1. Thorough description of how each task will be performed.

1. Project management approach, including timelines, roles, responsibilities, and staffing.

1. Detailed approach for coordinating activities

1. Performance management plan - Process for monitoring and quality improvement.

1. Strategy for using HMIS and other data for decision-making, tracking and reporting.

1. Partnership letters/MOUs

1. Approach to developing equitable policies and procedures.

Agency Organization Individual responsible for the contract, 2 authorized signers (including name, title, and email addresses), staff included under this contract if awarded by position title(s), administrative requirements, and if applicable staff hiring, training, and supervision practices.

1. Name, title, and email of the individual responsible for the contract.

1. Names, titles, and emails of two (2) authorized signers.

1. List all staff who will work under this contract, including position titles and roles.

1. Describe hiring, training, and supervision practices for staff assigned to this project.

1. Provide an organizational chart (attach as an appendix if needed).

Communication, Fiscal, Cost Proposal/Budget, Invoicing, and Data Reporting Proposers must describe:

1. The primary point(s) of contact for programmatic, fiscal, and reporting coordination.

1. Procedures for notifying the County of critical incidents, program changes, or emerging issues.

1. How the Proposer will ensure timely communication and coordination with County staff.

Budget and Cost Proposal, Invoicing Requirements:

1. Complete the required County Budget Form

1. Provide a detailed line item budget narrative explaining all proposed costs.

1. Procedures for ensuring accuracy and completeness of all invoiced expenses.

1. Staff roles responsible for monthly invoice preparation and submission Budget narratives should clearly explain:

1. Personnel costs, roles, and justifications

1. Operating expenses

1. Indirect costs and the basis for calculation

1. Any in-kind or leveraged resources

System Compatibility Requirements - Proposers must identify:

1. Any data management or financial systems used by their organization.

1. The organization’s ability to interface with or adapt to County systems, reporting templates, or electronic submission portals.

1. Any technical support or system access needs required to fulfill contract obligations.

List of Attachments to be Submitted

1. Organizational chart

1. Job descriptions pertinent to contract

1. Budget or cost proposal

1. Certificate of Insurance (if awarded contract a COI will need to be issued listing the specific office as a holder)

1. License(s), certification(s) (if applicable)

1. Any other attachments requested within the scope or response narrative

1. Most recent audit report image1.wmf image2.png