Continuum_of_Care:_Renewal_and_New_Project_Application_(Addendum_#1_Revision).pdf

2026-003-Homeless-COC

CONTINUUM OF CARE: RENEWAL AND NEW PROJECT

APPLICATION

Pierce County

1501 Market St, Suite 420

Tacoma, WA 98402

RELEASE DATE: July 6, 2026

DEADLINE FOR QUESTIONS: July 17, 2026

RESPONSE DEADLINE: July 22, 2026, 2:00 pm

RESPONSES MUST BE SUBMITTED ELECTRONICALLY TO:

https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/piercecountywa https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/%7bproject.government.code%7d

Pierce County

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

Continuum of Care: Renewal and New Project Application

1. Introduction

1.1. Pierce County's eProcurement System

1.2. Summary

1.3. Background

1.4. Objective/Scope of Work

1.5. Minimum Qualifications

1.6. Anticipated Contract Details and Expectations

1.7. Definitions

1.8. ADA

2. General Information for Proposers

2.1. RFP Coordinator

2.2. Timeline

2.3. Procurement Documents and RFP Holder's List

2.4. Questions and Answers

2.5. Pre-Proposal Meeting

2.6. Submission of Proposals

2.7. Public Records and Proprietary Material

2.8. Revisions to the RFP

2.9. Responsiveness

2.10. Contract and General Terms & Conditions

2.11. Costs to Prepare Proposal

2.12. No Obligation to Contract

2.13. Rejection of Proposals

2.14. Most Favorable Terms

Request For Proposal #2026-003-Homeless-COC Title: Continuum of Care: Renewal and New Project Application

2.15. Concern Resolution Process

2.16. Cooperative Purchasing

2.17. Title VI Compliance

3. RFP Questionnaire

3.1. Administrative, Organization, Threshold Review and Proposal Questions

4. Evaluation and Scoring

4.1. Evaluation Process

4.2. Proposal Scoring Method

4.3. Scoring Criteria

4.4. Funding Awards

4.5. Notification to Proposers

4.6. Debriefing of Unsuccessful Proposers

4.7. Protest Procedure

Attachments:

A - SAMPLE: Subrecipient Agreement

B - SAMPLE: Supportive Services Agreement

C - SAMPLE: Match Commitment Letter

D - Advancing Recovery by Prohibiting Illicit Drug Enablement Policy

E - Preliminary Injunctions

1. Introduction

1.1. Pierce County's eProcurement System

Welcome to Pierce County's eProcurement System. This system is inclusive to the procurement process, including submission of any questions and/or clarifications, the release of any addenda/notices, and submission of proposals. It is strongly encouraged that organizations responding to any procurement first read the entire procurement, paying close attention to the timelines, scope of work, eligibility, submission requirements, and specifically to the questionnaire section, which may include required attachments (when applicable), and ask for any clarifications regarding content and instructions early in the process.

1.2. Summary

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has released the FY 2026 Continuum of

Care Competition. Pierce County, as the Collaborative Applicant for the Greater Pierce County

Continuum of Care (CoC), is soliciting project applications from eligible, qualified and interested applicants to provide homeless services to households in Pierce County through the following eligible project types: Permanent Supportive Housing (renewal only), Rapid Rehousing (renewal or new projects for Families with Children or Domestic Violence (DV) Survivors), Transitional Housing (all populations including Domestic Violence Survivors), Supportive Services Only-Stand Alone, Supportive Services Only-

Street Outreach.

The HUD CoC application process is a formal, competitive effort for communities to obtain federal funding to support people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Under the current FY 2026 CoC

Program NOFO—released June 1, 2026—HUD made over $4 billion available for eligible projects. Pierce

County, as the Collaborative Applicant, solicits proposals from non-profit agencies and public entities.

The Greater Pierce County Continuum of Care evaluates and ranks them based on HUD criteria and local priorities, and then complies a Consolidated Application that includes a CoC-level strategy and a prioritized list of project applications in collaboration with the Collaborative Applicant. The County then submits this combined application through HUD’s e-snaps system. HUD then reviews, scores, and awards funding based on the strength of the application. After approval, the selected projects can begin or continue providing housing and supportive services in line with the CoC’s plan.

This procurement aligns with HUD’s Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), and projects selected from this competition will be included in the County’s response to HUD’s NOFO. For more information about

HUD’s NOFO, please visit: https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/361999

The maximum amount a CoC may apply for is the sum of the CoC’s Annual Renewal Demand (ARD), eligible CoC Bonus amounts, eligible Domestic Violence (DV) Bonus amount, and eligible CoC Planning amounts.

The total value of this procurement is approximately $7,056,816.55 in Continuum of Care funds, as follows:

• Annual Renewal Demand (ARD): Approximately $4,626,286.00.

• Tier 1 is approximately $2,775,771.60 (60% of ARD).

https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/361999

• Tier 2 is the remaining ARD funding available (40% ARD), plus CoC Bonus and DV Bonus, approximately $ 4,281,044.95.

o CoC Bonus is 15% Proposed Pro Rata Need (PPRN), approximately $1,041,655.95.

o Domestic Violence Bonus is 20% PPRN, approximately $1,388,874.60.

The CoC may only submit projects up to $7,056,816.55 in total requests. Any projects that are scored and tiered past that funding amount will be rejected and not submitted to HUD.

Transitional Housing projects for all populations, including DV Survivors and new Rapid Rehousing project for Families with Children or Domestic Violence Survivors are encouraged to apply.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Pierce County and the Greater Pierce County Continuum of Care will implement any changes as directed by HUD during or after this procurement. Additional information may be released by HUD before this RFP deadline. If this occurs, the County will release an addendum to this

RFP that will include any new information and may revise any aspect of this RFP, including the scoring criteria and matrix, to align with HUD’s requirements. If HUD releases any additional application questions after this competition closes, the County and the CoC will review those questions to determine whether any changes to scoring must be made to align with HUD and appropriate next steps, which may include re-opening the RFP to collect application responses to those questions, or collecting those questions via email but not scoring them.

1.3. Background

The CoC program is designed to:

• Promote a community-wide commitment to the goal of ending homelessness.

• Provide funding for efforts by nonprofit providers, States, Indian Tribes or Tribally Designated

Housing Entities, and local governments to quickly rehouse individuals and families experiencing homelessness, persons experiencing trauma or a lack of safety related to fleeing or attempting to flee domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking, and youth experiencing homelessness while minimizing the trauma and dislocations caused by homelessness.

• Promote access to, and effective utilization of, mainstream programs and programs funded with

State or local resources.

• Optimize self-sufficiency among individuals and families experiencing homelessness.

1.4. Objective/Scope of Work

1.4.1. Description of Solicited Services

In response to HUD’s FY 2026 CoC NOFO, Pierce County is seeking project and service proposals that meaningfully move people experiencing homelessness into safe, stable housing and help them rebuild self-sufficiency. Eligible project types include:

• Permanent Housing (PH), such as:

1. Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) (renewal only) - PSH means permanent housing in which supportive services are provided to assist chronically homeless persons with a disability to live independently. Chronically homeless is defined as single individual (or head of household) with a disabling condition who has either: experience homelessness for longer than a year, during which the individual may have lived in shelter or place not meant for human habitation OR experienced homelessness four or more times in the last three years. PSH projects can only provide assistance to individuals with disabilities and families in which at least one adult has a disability. Supportive services must be provided such that they meet the individual needs of the household and are delivered with the goal of gaining self-sufficiency and increased earned income. Such supportive services must be offered to

100% of project participants to meet individual needs and barriers.

2. Rapid Re-Housing (RRH) (renewal or new projects for Families with Children or DV

Survivors only) - RRH projects help households with or without children who are experiencing homelessness to move quickly into permanent housing and achieve stability and self-sufficiency. CoC funds may provide supportive services and rental assistance up to

24 months with a goal of self-sufficiency and increased earned income. Supportive services must be offered to 100% of project participants to meet individual needs and barriers.

• Transitional Housing (TH) - TH is a type of supportive housing for people experiencing homelessness that provides temporary, service-intensive shelter, for at least one month but for up to 24 months. TH projects must serve households experiencing homelessness, with the expectation that they will transition to permanent housing and self-sufficiency. TH project must provide 20 hours per week of customized services for each participant (e.g. case management, employment training, substance use treatment, etc.). The 20 hours per week may be reduced proportionately for participants who are employed. The 20 hours per week does not apply to participants over age 62 or who have a physical disability/impairment or a developmental disability (see 24 CFR 582.5) not including substance use disorder. At least 50% of program participants must exit with employment income, as reflected in HMIS. Supportive services must be offered to 100% of project participants to meet individual needs and barriers. TH projects may be proposed for all populations, including DV Survivors.

• Supportive Services Only (SSO), such as:

1. SSO-Stand Alone - SSO-Stand Alone is a fixed, site-based project that provides supportive services to help eligible individuals and families obtain housing and increase self-sufficiency

WITHOUT providing housing or operating residential facilities. Common activities including life-skills training, housing navigation, employment assistance/job training, education services, legal aid, mental health services, outpatient treatment services, and substance abuse treatment services. Projects should consider providing supportive services that are broadly available and not tied to a specific housing project(s). SSO projects partner with

Emergency Shelters, Transitional Housing projects, Substance Use Treatment Programs, etc.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-24/subtitle-B/chapter-V/subchapter-C/part-582/subpart-A/section-582.5 to connect their participants to emergency services and housing. This project DOES NOT

INCLUDE DIRECT HOUSING ASSISTANCE. Supportive service projects may only serve program participants in an SSO project if the organization is NOT ACTIVELY providing them with housing or housing assistance at the same time. Supportive services must be offered to

100% of project participants to meet individual needs and barriers.

2. SSO-Street Outreach - SSO-Street Outreach is an SSO project that specifically involves street outreach to engage unsheltered individuals and families in places not meant for human habitation and provide immediate support to ensure that their basic needs are being met while actively connecting them to the Coordinated Entry System (CES), housing, and other mainstream benefits. This project DOES NOT INCLUDE DIRECT HOUSING ASSISTANCE.

Service examples include Outreach, urgent medical/mental health care, basic survival supplies, Case Management, Legal Services, Life Skills Training, Substance Abuse treatment, and job training. Supportive services must be offered to 100% of project participants to meet individual needs and barriers.

In its NOFO, HUD has identified the following key priorities and expectations:

• Broadened range of project types. While Permanent Housing such as PSH and RRH remain eligible, HUD is encouraging and intends to fund the following project types: Rapid Rehousing for Families, TH, projects for Survivors of Domestic Violence (TH and RRH) and SSO projects

(including street outreach).

• Coordination and collaboration. HUD expects CoCs to partner with a diverse array of organizations — including non-profits, public entities, health providers, and faith-based groups

— to deliver wrap-around services that address more than just housing (for example, health care, behavioral health, employment, mainstream benefits, and long-term stability). Therefore, the CoC is seeking applicants with strong collaboration with health providers and substance use treatment programs.

• Demonstrated need and effectiveness. Applications should be informed by local data showing the characteristics and needs of people experiencing homelessness in the community. Projects that can show past success in outcomes, strong performance, and accountability are more likely to be favorably ranked.

In short, HUD is looking not just for housing projects, but for well-rounded, data-driven, collaborative programs that help people exit homelessness, stabilize, and work toward long-term self-sufficiency — especially among the most vulnerable.

1.4.2. Program Requirements

Pierce County Expectations of Funded Providers

So that this funding can most effectively advance the Homeless Crisis Response System, all projects funded through this funding opportunity must meet the following expectations:

• Exclusively serve households prioritized and referred by Coordinated Entry System (CES) (Not applicable to SSO and SSO-SO projects);

• Enter all bed and unit vacancies into the Daily Vacancy and Tracking sheet and make all vacancies available for referrals from CES (Not applicable to SSO and SSO-SO projects);

• Maintain only funder required eligibility criteria and program rules to ease access to housing for those with high housing barriers and who are highly vulnerable to harm;

• Safely accommodate the needs of the homeless household in a physically accessible location;

• Focus service delivery on helping households return to permanent housing as quickly as possible;

• Use a “navigation” approach to link households to mainstream resources available to meet their service needs;

• Participate in data collection and outcome assessment through HMIS and comply with the

County’s requirements for HMIS data quality and timeliness of data entry for both participant data and information about program vacancies; and

• Participate in a CoC-sponsored Collaborative (e.g., HMIS Collaborative, TH Collaborative, RRH

Collaborative or the PSH Collaborative).

• Participate in the annual Homeless Point in Time Count.

• SSO and SSO-Stand Alone must participate in Inclement Weather Response.

• Under the CoC Interim Rule at 24 CFR 578.75, housing leased with CoC program funds, or for which rental assistance payments are made with CoC program funds, must meet the applicable standards at 24 CFR 982.401 (HQS), and starting October 1, 2026, CFR 5.703 (NSPIRE). Both HQS and NSPIRE require a bathroom and a kitchen in the unit. Pierce County and HUD will consider requests to waive this regulatory requirement for good cause to facilitate projects proposing a housing model that does not meet standard, such as Single Room Occupancy. HUD has not released the waiver process at this time.

The CoC reserves the right to require any projects selected for funding to undertake the project in a manner specified by the CoC, which may include, but is not limited to, coordination with specific projects, services, or other resources.

1.4.3. Eligible Costs

CoC funds may be used to pay for the eligible costs listed in 24 CFR 578.49 through 578.55 and 578.59 through 578.63 when used for an eligible project type. Applicants are encouraged to read the complete list of eligible costs in the CoC Program Interim Rule located here: 24 CFR Part 578 --Continuum of Care

Program.

• § 578.49 Leasing https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-24/subtitle-B/chapter-V/subchapter-C/part-578

• § 578.51 Rental assistance

• § 578.53 Supportive services

• § 578.55 Operating costs

• § 578.59 Project administrative costs

• § 578.61 Relocation costs

Transitional Housing Projects MAY NOT apply for RENTAL ASSISTANCE dollars unless they are a government agency per eCFR :: 24 CFR Part 578 -- Continuum of Care Program. All non-profit providers must apply for leasing dollars if they intend on creating a transitional housing project. If an applicant applies for leasing dollars, the County will adjust the applicant's budget to meet HUD requirements, which may include moving funds to leasing dollars, a reduction in funding, or a change in number served or number of units.

Indirect Costs for Federal Funding

Indirect costs, (defined at 2 CFR 200.414) are those costs incurred for a common or joint purpose benefiting more than one cost objective, and not readily assignable to the cost objectives specifically benefited, without effort disproportionate to the results achieved. Applicants selected for funding pursuant to this funding opportunity may charge indirect costs to the award. See also 24 CFR 578.63 for additional Indirect Cost requirements.

Administrative expenses are limited to no more than 10% of the total direct program costs as set by

HUD. Applicants must ensure that their proposed budgets reflect this cap on administrative spending.

Per the CFR, half of all administration budget goes to Pierce County Human Services and half goes to the provider. Providers must meet match for entire budget including full administrative expenses. Pierce

County Human Services encourages all providers to apply for 10% admin.

1.4.4. Performance Measures

Performance Measures may be changed or added during contract negotiation based on HUD.

Performance Measures RRH PSH

1 Coordinated Entry

A. Percent of housing project vacancies filled by CES

100% 100%

B. Percent of accepted referrals from CES 95% 95%

2 Exits to Permanent Housing or Retained Housing

Percent of participants exit to other Permanent Housing or those remaining in project at end of a given period

80% 90%

3 Average Length of Time to Move-In

Average length of time for participants to move into permanent housing unit

(days)

45 days 30 days

Average Length of Time in Project

Average length of time from project entry to project exit (days) months

N/A

4 Utilization Rate

Percentage of beds or units that are OCCUPIED (housed) on a given night or on an average night over a period of time

100% 100%

5 Returns to Homelessness

Percentage of participants who have successfully exited the funded projects and subsequently returned to homelessness within a twelve (12) month period

15% 10%

6 Increase Income

Percent of participants that increase their earned income through any source from project entry date to project exit

50% 50%

7 Prioritizing Chronicity (PSH Only)

N/A 100%

8 Mainstream Services

Percent of participants who are connected to mainstream health, social, and employment programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, SSI, SNAP, and recovery programs.

100% 100%

9 Supportive Services

Percent of participants who are offered supportive services to obtain and retain housing in a manner that fits their needs (e.g. transportation, safety planning, enhanced case management)

100% 100%

10 HMIS Data Quality 95% 95%

11 HMIS Data Entry Timeliness 95% 95%

Performance Measures TH SSO

1 Coordinated Entry

Percent of housing project vacancies filled by CES

100% N/A

Percent of accepted referrals from CES 95% N/A

Percent of households connected to CES N/A 50%

2 Exits to Permanent Housing or Retained Housing

Percent of participants exit to other Permanent Housing or those remaining in project at end of a given period

80% 10%

3 Utilization Rate

Percentage of beds or units that are OCCUPIED (housed) on a given night or on an average night over a period of time.

100% N/A

4 Returns to Homelessness

Percent of participants who have successfully exited funded projects and subsequently returned to homelessness within a twelve (12) month period

15% 15%

5 Increase Income

Percent of participants that increase their income through any source from project entry date to project exit

50% 30%

6 Mainstream Services

Percent of participants who are connected to mainstream health, social, and employment programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, SSI, and SNAP

100% 100%

7 Supportive Services

Percentage of households that participate in Supportive Services for at least 20 hours per week of engagement in services, activities, or employment for all program participants, except for a program participant over age 62 or who is an individual with handicaps or with a developmental disability. Employment may contribute to the 20 hours per week of engagement.

100% N/A

8 HMIS Data Quality 95% 95%

9 HMIS Data Entry Timeliness 95% 95%

1.4.5. Target Populations

TH, RRH, and PSH projects must participate in the Coordinated Entry System and must accept referrals from the Coordinated Entry System for all program participants. SSO projects must connect households to the Coordinated Entry System.

HUD has identified the following target populations:

• Elderly (defined by HUD as 55 and older) individuals and families.

• Disabled individuals or families.

• Families with minor children.

• Survivors of Domestic Violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.

When implementing these preferences, all other federal fair housing and nondiscrimination requirements apply.

Applicants must design proposed projects to serve the following homeless participant populations, consistent with the CoC program requirements:

Category 1: Literally Homeless:

Individual or family who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate night-time residence, meaning:

• Has a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private place not meant for human habitation;

• Is living in a publicly or privately-operated shelter designated to provide temporary living arrangements (including congregate shelters, transitional housing, and hotels and motels paid for by charitable organizations or by federal, state and local government programs); or

• Is exiting an institution where they have resided for 90 days or less and who resided in an emergency shelter or place not meant for human habitation immediately before entering that institution.

Category 4: Fleeing/ Attempting to Flee Domestic Violence:

Any individual or family who:

• Is fleeing, or is attempting to flee, domestic violence or other like situations.

• Has no other residence; and

• Lacks the resources or support networks to obtain other permanent housing.

1.4.6. Funding Priorities

The Greater Pierce County Continuum of Care shall generally prioritize eligible project types in the following order:

A. Permanent Supportive Housing (renewal projects only)

B. Rapid Rehousing (renewal projects only)

C. Domestic Violence Projects (new projects only)

1. Rapid Rehousing

2. Transitional Housing

D. Rapid Rehousing for Families with Children (new projects only)

E. Transitional Housing (new projects only)

F. Supportive Services Only (Stand Alone and Outreach) (new projects only)

Additional information can be found in Section 4.4 Funding Award and by reviewing the Continuum of

Care Ranking and Review Process here: FY2026-Rank-and-Review-Process

1.4.7. Reallocation and Transition Projects

Reallocation is a process CoC’s use to shift funds as a whole or in part from existing eligible CoC renewal projects to create one or more new projects without decreasing the CoC’s ARD. The Greater Pierce

County CoC anticipates reallocation of at least 40% of current projects to create new projects for

Survivors of Domestic Violence (TH and RRH), Transitional Housing, Rapid Rehousing for Families with

Children, Supportive Services Only-Stand Alone, and Supportive Services Only-Street Outreach. To create a transition project through the reallocation process, the CoC must wholly eliminate one or more projects and use those funds to create the single, new transition project.

A transition project is an application to fund a NEW CoC project through the reallocation process to transition an eligible CoC renewal project from one project type to another eligible project type over a one-year period. The renewal project will be fully eliminated through reallocation. Transition project applications selected for funding must fully transition the project to the new project type by the end of the one-year contract term and may apply as a renewal in the next CoC Program Competition under its new project type.

Renewal projects are encouraged to transition from existing PSH and RRH to create new projects for

RRH for Families with Children or DV Survivors and Transitional Housing projects. Per the Ranking and

Review Process, PSH projects will be listed in Tier 1 until we have reached 60% of the ARD, then will move to DV projects for all project types, RRH for Families with Children, TH, and SSO projects. If there are remaining dollars, then PSH and RRH will be placed at the end of Tier 2, if the applicant does not transition. If the project applicant transitions, they will be placed in alignment with the new project type application.

1.4.8. Match Requirements

Applicants must match all grant funds, except for leasing funds, with no less than 25 percent of funds or in-kind contribution from other sources. Applicants with cash match must submit match letters that clearly identify dates, fund source, eligible uses, and source. Applicants with in-kind match must submit memoranda of understanding (MOU) that clearly identify dates, services provided, and the cost associated with MOU and expectations. Applicants that intend to use program income as match must provide an estimate of how much program income will be used for the match. Match must be used on https://www.piercecountywa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/159061/FY2026-Rank-and-Review-Approved?bidId=

CoC eligible and enrolled households only, for CoC eligible activities only. Pierce County recommends all

Permanent Supportive Housing projects and Transitional Housing projects use program income as match. Pierce County recommends projects do NOT apply more than 25% match to projects.

1.5. Minimum Qualifications

1.5.1. Proposer Eligibility

Proposers who do not meet these minimum qualifications will be considered non-responsive and their proposal will not be evaluated or scored. In order for an organization to be eligible to submit a proposal under this procurement, the organization must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Applicants must submit all required attachments, as listed in Section 2.6.3.

• Applicants must have an active and valid UEI number.

• Applicants must have a WA State UBI number.

• Applicants must adhere to the Advancing Recovery by Prohibiting Illicit Drug Enablement policy.

o Applicants may be State government, County government, City or township governments, Special District governments, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Public Housing

Authorities/Indian Housing Authorities, Native American Tribal Organizations (other than

Federally recognized Tribal governments, Non-profits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS

(excluding institutions of higher education), and faith-based organizations. For-profit entities, institutions of higher education, and individuals are NOT ELIGIBLE to apply.

• Applicants with outstanding, unresolved judgements against them for violations of civil rights laws must resolve those judgements before the application submission deadline or the applicant will be deemed ineligible.

o An applicant is ineligible for funding if the applicant has received notice of a judgment imposed against them for violations of:

▪ the Fair Housing Act or a substantially equivalent state or local fair housing law for discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or familial status; or

▪ Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 109 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, the Americans with Disabilities Act, or the Violence Against Women Act or substantially equivalent state or local laws.

o HUD will determine if actions to resolve the judgment taken before the application deadline date will resolve the matter. Examples of actions that may be sufficient to resolve the matter include, but are not limited to:

▪ Current compliance with a voluntary compliance agreement signed by all the parties;

▪ Current compliance with a HUD-approved conciliation agreement signed by all the parties;

▪ Current compliance with a conciliation agreement signed by all the parties and approved by the state governmental or local administrative agency with jurisdiction over the matter;

▪ Current compliance with a consent order or consent decree; or

▪ Current compliance with a final judicial ruling or administrative ruling or decision.

1.5.2. Project Eligibility

Pierce County will review applications for project eligibility and will deny applications that do not meet

HUD expectations. HUD will review all projects to determine if they meet project eligibility threshold requirements on a pass/fail standard. If HUD determines standards are not met, the application will be denied.

HUD will consider any project requesting renewal funding as having met requirements 1-4 (below) through its previously approved grant application unless HUD receives information to the contrary

(monitoring findings, results from HUD's Office of Inspector General, financial data, Annual Performance

Reports).

1. Applicants must meet the eligibility requirements of the CoC Program as described in the McKinney-

Vento Homeless Assistance Act and the Continuum of Care Program Rule and provide evidence of eligibility required in the application (e.g. nonprofit documentation). Please see the McKinney-Vento

Homeless Assistance Act and the Rule eCFR :: 24 CFR Part 578 -- Continuum of Care Program.

2. Applicants must demonstrate the financial and management capacity and experience to carry out the project as detailed in the project application and the capacity to administer federal funds.

Demonstrating capacity may include a description of the applicant experience with similar projects and with successful administration of Supportive Housing Program, Shelter Plus Care or CoC Program funds or other federal, state, local, or private resources.

3. Applicants must use the Homelessness Management Information System (HMIS). Victim Service providers must use a comparable database that meets the needs of the local HMIS.

4. Applicants must submit any required certifications.

5. Applicants MUST certify affirmatively to the following:

1. The applicant WILL NOT engage in racial preferences or other forms of illegal discrimination.

This is consistent with the requirements of 2 CFR 200.300(a).

2. The applicant WILL NOT operate drug injection sites or "safe consumption sites”, in violation of 21 U.S.C. 856(a)(1), knowingly permit the use or distribution of illicit drugs on property under their control in violation of U.S.C.856(a)(2), or knowingly distribute drug https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.hudexchange.info/homelessness-assistance/coc-esg-virtual-binders/coc-governance/introduction/regulatory-overview/&ved=2ahUKEwj1qNudmaOVAxXjETQIHRI5Dg8Qy_kOegoIAggACAAIBhAC&opi=89978449&cd&psig=AOvVaw0bdfM7MQL6Uwuv2x3lIx_p&ust=1782504601040000 https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.hudexchange.info/homelessness-assistance/coc-esg-virtual-binders/coc-governance/introduction/regulatory-overview/&ved=2ahUKEwj1qNudmaOVAxXjETQIHRI5Dg8Qy_kOegoIAggACAAIBhAC&opi=89978449&cd&psig=AOvVaw0bdfM7MQL6Uwuv2x3lIx_p&ust=1782504601040000 paraphernalia in violation of 21 U.S.C.863. This is consistent with the requirements of 2 CFR

200.300(a).

a. The Greater Pierce County CoC has passed a policy requiring all housing projects will not operate drug injection sites or “safe consumption sites”, knowingly distribute drug paraphernalia on or off property under their control, or conduct, permit, encourage, or allow any of these activities under the pretext of “harm reduction”.

None of the above in item 5 constitutes a requirement that program participants must be sober in order to receive assistance, participate in treatment in order to receive Assistance, or be exited from assistance for a first-time violation of a drug-related program policy or lease requirement, although those practices may be allowable under 24 CFR 578. Please see attachments D: Advancing Recovery by

Prohibiting Illicit Drug Enablement policy.

1.5.3. Project Quality Threshold

HUD will review all project applications to determine if they meet the threshold requirement described below. The County will review all project applications (new and renewal) to ensure that thresholds are met for submission to HUD. Projects that do not meet the minimum thresholds below (i.e., does not receive the minimum number of Project Quality points specified) will be rejected.

Permanent Supportive Housing: Renewal PSH projects must receive at least 3 out of 5 points available for this project type. Project applications that do not receive at least 3 points will be rejected.

• Up to 1 point: The type of housing proposed, including the number and configuration of units, will fit the needs of program participants.

• Up to 1 point: The type of supportive services and assistance that will be offered to program participants will ensure that the participant is able to successfully obtain and retain permanent housing and in a manner that fits their needs (e.g. transportation, safety planning, enhanced case management).

• Up to 1 point: The project will serve homeless individuals or families with a disability in accordance with 24 CFR 578.37(a)(1)(i).

• Up to 1 point: Demonstrate the average cost per household served for the project is reasonable per 2 CFR 200.404 Reasonable Costs.

• Up to 1 point: The project will be supplemented with resources from other public or private sources, that may include mainstream health, social, and employment programs such as

Medicare, Medicaid, SSI, and SNAP.

Rapid Rehousing: New and renewal RRH projects must receive 4 out of 6 points available for this project type. Projects that don’t receive at least 4 points will be rejected.

• Up to 1 point: The provision of tenant-based rental assistance will help individuals and families achieve self-sufficiency within 24 months.

https://www.hudexchange.info/programs/multifamily-housing/financial-management-toolkit/9-basics-of-cost-allocation/9b-reasonable-costs/

• Up to 2 points: The type of supportive services and assistance that will be offered to program participants (e.g., case management, substance use treatment, mental health treatment, and employment assistance) will ensure that the participant is able to successfully obtain self-sufficiency and exit homelessness.

• Up to 1 point: The applicant has previously operated or currently operates a homelessness project where, or has a plan in place to have, at least 50% of participants exit to permanent housing within 24 months and at least 50% of participants exit with employment income as reflected in HMIS, or has a plan in place to ensure this.

• Up to 1 point: Demonstrate the average cost per household served for the project is reasonable per 2 CFR 200.404 Reasonable Costs.

• Up to 1 point: The project will be supplemented with resources from other public or private sources, that may include mainstream health, social, and employment programs such as

Medicare, Medicaid, SSI, and SNAP.

Transitional Housing: New Transitional Housing projects must receive at least 6 out of 8 points available for this project type. New TH projects that do not receive at least 6 points will be rejected.

• Up to 2 points: Demonstrate that the project will provide and/or partner with other organizations to provide eligible supportive services that are necessary to assist program participants to obtain and maintain housing (i.e., case management, behavioral healthcare, employment training, etc.)

• Up to 1 point: The applicant has prior experience operating transitional housing or other projects that have successfully helped homeless individuals and families exit homelessness within 24 months or has a plan in place to ensure homeless individuals and families will exit homelessness within 24 months.

• Up to 1 point: The applicant has previously operated or currently operates a transitional housing or another homelessness project or has a plan in place to ensure that at least 50% of participants exit to a positive destination within 24 months and at least 50% of participants exit with employment income as reflected in HMIS or another data system used by the applicant.

• Up to 1 point: The project will be supplemented with resources from other public or private sources, that may include mainstream health, social, and employment programs such as

Medicare, Medicaid, SSI, and SNAP.

• Up to 2 points: Describe how the proposed project will:

o Assess the service needs of program participants, and o Provide individualized services for program participants during their time in Transitional

Housing that will result in at least 20 hours per week of engagement in services, activities or employment for all program participants, except for a program participant over age 62 or https://www.hudexchange.info/programs/multifamily-housing/financial-management-toolkit/9-basics-of-cost-allocation/9b-reasonable-costs/ who is an individual with handicaps as defined in 24 CFR 8.3 or with developmental disability as defined under 24 CFR 578.8 (examples of services or activities include case management, counseling, treatment, volunteering, work therapy, education, job training, community-building activities, etc.) Employment may continue to the 20 hours per week of engagement.

o Proposed project will create service plans for each program participant that includes:

▪ The services to be provided, when and how often services will be provided, by whom all services will be provided.

▪ Program participant goals, strategies for achieving those goals, and target dates for achievement to focus on improved health and wellness, housing stability, and increased employment income leading to financial stability and self-sufficiency.

• Up to 1 point: Demonstrate the average cost per household served for the project is reasonable per 2 CFR 200.404 Reasonable Costs.

Supportive Services Only-Stand Alone (24 C.F.R. 578.37(a)(3) and 578.53): New SSO-Stand Alone project applications must receive at least 4 out of 5 points available for this project type. New SSO-Stand Alone projects that do not receive at least 4 points will be rejected.

• Up to 1 point: Supportive Services project is necessary to assist people in exiting homelessness, addressing barriers to stable housing (e.g., substance use disorder, unemployment, childcare, etc.) and increasing self-sufficiency and the Recipient will conduct an annual assessment of the service needs of the program participants.

• Up to 2 points: The proposed project has a strategy for providing supportive services to eligible program participants including those with histories of unsheltered homelessness and those who do not traditionally engage with supportive services.

• Up to 1 point: The project will be supplemented with resources from other public or private sources, that may include mainstream health, social, and employment programs such as

Medicare, Medicaid, SSI, and SNAP.

• Up to 1 point: Demonstrate the average cost per household served for the project is reasonable per 2 CFR 200.404 Reasonable Costs.

Supportive Services Only-Street Outreach: New SSO project applications that focus on street outreach and indicate so in their project application must receive at least 5 out of 6 points available for this project type. Projects that do not receive at least 5 points will be rejected.

• Up to 1 point: The project will be supplemented with resources from other public or private sources, that may include mainstream health, social, and employment programs such as

Medicare, Medicaid, SSI, and SNAP.

https://www.hudexchange.info/programs/multifamily-housing/financial-management-toolkit/9-basics-of-cost-allocation/9b-reasonable-costs/ https://www.hudexchange.info/programs/multifamily-housing/financial-management-toolkit/9-basics-of-cost-allocation/9b-reasonable-costs/

• Up to 2 points: The proposed project has a strategy for providing supportive services to eligible program participants including those with histories of unsheltered homelessness and those who do not traditionally engage with supportive services.

• Up to 1 point: Demonstrate the applicant has a history of or a plan for, partnering with first responders and law enforcement to engage people living in places not meant for human habitation to access emergency shelter, treatment programs, reunification with family, transitional housing, or independent living. The applicant must cooperate and not interfere or impede with the enforcement of local laws such as public camping and public drug use laws and assist/be willing to assist first responders in their efforts to engage homeless individuals.

• Up to 1 point: The applicant has experience providing outreach services, or a plan for providing outreach services consistent with the activity description at 24 CFR 578.53(e) (13) and has a plan to or has demonstrated effectiveness at helping people successfully exit from places not meant for human habitation to emergency shelter, treatment programs, transitional housing or permanent housing programs.

• Up to 1 point: Demonstrate the average cost per household served for the project is reasonable per 2 CFR 200.404 Reasonable Costs.

1.6. Anticipated Contract Details and Expectations

1.6.1. Term

The initial period of performance of any contract resulting from this procurement is expected to be 12 months.

1.6.2. Value

The total value of this procurement is approximately $7 million in Continuum of Care federal funds. The

County anticipates awarding multiple contracts from this procurement. The County reserves the right to make fewer awards or no awards, based on the quality and scope of proposals received, available funding, and identified service needs.

The total funding available under this Request for Proposals (RFP) is limited and may be distributed among multiple providers. Proposers are encouraged to scale their funding requests proportionally to the scope and geographic reach of their proposed services. The County may negotiate budgets and service levels to ensure the most effective use of funds and equitable coverage across providers. The

County reserves the right to adjust award amounts at its sole discretion.

1.6.3. Contract Expectations

Additional federal, State, or local funds may become available during the contracting cycle and allocated through this solicitation. Funding may only be awarded for the same scope of services as described in this solicitation. It is important to note, any contract awarded as a result of this procurement is contingent upon the availability of funding. If at any time during the term of the contract the funding relied upon for the contract is reduced, modified, or eliminated, or if the funding terms are https://www.hudexchange.info/programs/multifamily-housing/financial-management-toolkit/9-basics-of-cost-allocation/9b-reasonable-costs/ modified, Pierce County reserves the right to amend the contract as appropriate or to terminate the contract.

1.6.4. Notice Regarding HUD Grant Conditions and Preliminary Injunction

Pierce County is a plaintiff in King County et al. v. Turner et al., Case No. 2:25-cv-00814-BJR (W.D.

Wash.). In that case, the Court has issued preliminary instructions enjoining HUD from imposing or enforcing certain conditions on plaintiffs and their continuums, including Pierce County. A copy of the injunctions issued by the Court are attached as Exhibit E.

HUD's FY 2026 Continuum of Care Competition NOFO includes the following language relevant to enjoined grant conditions:

[I]f any part or provision of the award agreement or terms of this NOFO are enjoined or held to be void or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, they shall be ineffective as to such jurisdiction and only to the extent of such prohibition or enjoinment and shall not invalidate or affect the legality or enforceability of the remaining provisions and applications of the Agreement and Notice. In the event the enjoinment or such provisions is stayed, dissolved, or reversed, the full terms of the award agreement and NOFO, including such provisions, will automatically become effective. This clause is self-executing and will become effective, binding and enforceable automatically upon issuance of this NOFO.

HUD’s FY 2026 Continuum of Care Competition NOFO is subject to active litigation, and there may be other applicable injunctions that impact this solicitation. Pierce County does not provide legal advice to applicants. Applicants are encouraged to consult their legal counsel should they have questions about the implications of participating in the CoC local application process.

1.7. Definitions

• “Apparently Successful Proposer (ASP)” means a proposer selected as an entity to perform the anticipated services, subject to completion of contract negotiations and execution of a written contract.

• "Applicant," "Bidder," and "Proposer" mean an organization, agency or provider that submits a formal response to this procurement.

• "Application," "Bid," or "Proposal" mean a formal response to this solicitation.

• “CFR” means Code of Federal Regulations.

• “Client,” "Participant," "Household," or "Member" means an individual (or individuals) who receives services, or is eligible to receive services, under this procurement.

• “Contractor” means an individual or organization whose proposal has been accepted by the

County and has been awarded a fully executed, written contract.

• “PCHS” means the Pierce County Human Services Department.

• “Procurement” means the process by which the County obtains services.

• “Program income” is defined as the income received by the recipient or subrecipient directly generated by the grant-supported activity. Some examples include income from fees for services performance, rent or occupancy charges paid directly by the program participants. Rent funds received are considered program income under Section 24 CFR 578.97. Tenant rent paid to a landlord that is not the recipient or subrecipient is not considered program income.

• “Request for Proposal (RFP)” or "Solicitation" means this document and its attachments in which needed goods and/or services are identified and organizations are invited to provide information as to how they propose to meet the County's needs.

• "Self-Sufficiency" means a state or condition of not needing or relying on external assistance, support, or aid.

• “RCW” means Revised Code of Washington.

• “WAC” means Washington Administrative Code.

1.8. ADA

The County complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Bidders should contact the RFP

Coordinator to request an accommodation.

2. General Information for Proposers

2.1. RFP Coordinator

The RFP Coordinator is the sole point of contact in the County for this procurement. All communications between the Proposer and the County upon release of this RFP shall be with the RFP Coordinator.

Anne Marie Edmunds

Procurement & Contract Specialist

Email: annemarie.edmunds@piercecountywa.gov

Phone: (253) 798-7456

Department:

Human Services

Any other communication will be considered unofficial and non-binding on the County. Proposers are to rely on written statements issued by the RFP Coordinator. Communication directed to parties other than the RFP Coordinator may result in disqualification of the Proposer.

2.2. Timeline

Proposal Release Date: July 6, 2026

Pre-Proposal Meeting (Non-Mandatory): July 13, 2026, 10:00am

Zoom:

https://piercecountywa.zoom.us/j/9518717269

Question Submission & Concern Resolution

Request Deadline:

July 17, 2026, 4:30pm

Proposal Submission Deadline: July 22, 2026, 2:00pm

Evaluation Process Completion: August 6, 2026

CoC Board Approval: August 10, 2026

Estimated Date of Notice to

Successful/Unsuccessful Proposer(s):

August 10, 2026

Deadline for Unsuccessful Proposers to Request a Debriefing:

August 17, 2026, 4:30pm https://piercecountywa.zoom.us/j/95187172695 https://piercecountywa.zoom.us/j/95187172695

Hold Debriefing Conferences: August 20 - 25, 2026

Estimated Date of Contract Execution: 2027, as determined by HUD

The County reserves the right to revise the above timeline.

2.3. Procurement Documents and RFP Holder's List

PROPOSERS WHO REGISTER AND DOWNLOAD RFP DOCUMENTS will be automatically added to the

FOLLOWERS' list in the County's eProcurement Portal. Notifications for solicitation updates, addendum and other procurement information will be sent to all who register on the Pierce County eProcurement

Portal.

2.4. Questions and Answers

Proposers may submit questions through the County's eProcurement Portal, under the Question &

Answer Section, no later than 4:30 pm on the date set forth in Section 2.2. Proposers must be registered in the eProcurement Portal software to submit questions, receive addendums and notifications, and ultimately submit a proposal. Proposers may only rely on written statements issued by the County. Any oral communications are unofficial and are not binding on the County.

2.5. Pre-Proposal Meeting

A virtual or in-person Procurement Workshop will be conducted by Pierce County staff at the time, date, and location as indicated in the Procurement Schedule section of this RFP.

Pre-proposal meeting attendance is not required but is highly encouraged for all organizations considering a response…