HHS - RFP - PVD25-132 Scaling and Sustaining Safer Use Reducing Overdose and Substance-Related Harms - 277 - MT 50516.pdf

Revised: 7/28/2024

BOARD OF CONTRACT AND SUPPLY

CITY OF PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Item Description: SCALING AND SUSTAINING SAFER USE: REDUCING OVERDOSE AND SUBSTANCE-RELATED HARMS

Procurement/MinuteTraq #: 50516

Date to be opened: 10/20/2025

Issuing Department: Housing & Human Services

QUESTIONS

• Please direct questions related to the process, how to fill out forms, and how to submit an application(Pages 1-8) to the Purchasing Department.

o Email: purchasing@providenceri.gov

▪ Please use the subject line “Solicitation Question”

• Please direct questions relative to the Minority and Women’s Business Enterprise Program and the corresponding forms (Pages 10-11) to the MBE/WBE Outreach Director for the City of Providence, Grace Diaz o Email: gdiaz@providenceri.gov

▪ Please use subject line “MBE WBE Forms”

• Please direct questions relative to the specifications outlined (beginning on page 14) to the issuing department’s subject matter expert:

o Name: Rachel Ferrara, MSW o Title: Human Services Division Director o Email Address: rferrara@providenceri.gov

Pre-submission Conference

There is no pre-bid conference scheduled for this item.

Deadline for questions submissions: 10/3/2025 mailto:purchasing@providenceri.gov mailto:gdiaz@providenceri.gov

INSTRUCTIONS FOR SUBMISSION

Meeting Date: 10/20/2025

Bids may be submitted up to 2:15 P.M. on the above meeting date at the Department of the City Clerk. Room

311, City Hall. 25 Dorrance Street, Providence. At 2:15 P.M. all bids will be publicly opened and read at the

Board of Contract Meeting in Conference Room 305, on the 3rd floor of City Hall.

• Bidders must submit 2 copies of their bid in sealed envelopes or packages labeled with the captioned

Item Description and the City Department to which the solicitation and bid are related and must include the company name and address on the envelope as well. (On page 1).

• If required by the Department, please keep the original bid bond and check in only one of the envelopes.

• Communications to the Board of Contract and Supply that are not competitive sealed bids (i.e. product information/samples) should have “NOT A BID” written on the envelope or wrapper.

• Only use form versions and templates included in this solicitation. If you have an old version of a form do not recycle it for use in this bid.

• The bid envelope and information relative to the bid must be addressed to:

Board of Contract and Supply

Department of the City Clerk – City Hall, Room 311

25 Dorrance Street

Providence, RI 02903

**PLEASE NOTE: This bid may include details regarding information that you will need to provide

(such as proof of licenses) to the issuing department before the formalization of an award.

This information is NOT requested to be provided in your initial bid by design.

All bids submitted to the City Clerk become public record. Failure to follow instructions could result in information considered private being posted to the city’s Open Meetings Portal and made available as a public record. The City has made a conscious effort to avoid the posting of sensitive information on the

City’s Open Meetings Portal, by requesting that such sensitive information be submitted to the issuing department only at their request.

BID PACKAGE CHECKLIST

Digital forms are available in the City of Providence Purchasing Department Office or online at http://www.providenceri.gov/purchasing/how-to-submit-a-bid/

The bid package MUST include the following, in this order:

• Bid Form 1: Bidder's Blank as the cover page/ 1st page (see page 6 of this document)

• Bid Form 2: Certification of Bidder as 2nd page (see page 7 of this document)

• Bid Form 3: Certificate Regarding Public Records (see page 8 of this document)

• Bid Form 4: Affidavit of City Vendor (see pages 9 and 10 of this document)

• Forms from the Minority and Women Business Enterprise Program: Based on Bidder Category. See forms and instructions enclosed (pages 10-11) or on:

https://www.providenceri.gov/purchasing/minority-women-owned-business-mbewbe-procurement-program/

*Please note: MBE/WBE forms must be completed for EVERY bid submitted and must be inclusive of

ALL required signatures. Forms without all required signatures will be considered incomplete.

• Bidder’s Proposal/Packet: Formal response to the specifications outlined in this RFP, including pricing information and details related to the good(s) or service(s) being provided. Please be mindful of formatting responses as requested to ensure clarity.

• Financial Assurance, if requested (as indicated on page 5 of this document under “Bid Terms”)

All of the above listed documents are REQUIRED. (With the exception of financial assurances, which are only required if specified on page 5.)

***Failure to meet specified deadlines, follow specific submission instructions, or enclose all required documents with all applicable signatures will result in disqualification, or in an inability to appropriately evaluate bids.

http://www.providenceri.gov/purchasing/how-to-submit-a-bid/ https://www.providenceri.gov/purchasing/minority-women-owned-business-mbewbe-procurement-program/

NOTICE TO VENDORS

1. The Board of Contract and Supply will make the award to the lowest qualified and responsible bidder.

2. In determining the lowest responsible bidder, cash discounts based on preferable payment terms will not be considered.

3. Where prices are the same, the Board of Contract and Supply reserves the right to award to one bidder, or to split the award.

4. No proposal will be accepted if the bid is made in collusion with any other bidder.

5. Bids may be submitted on an “equal in quality” basis. The City reserves the right to decide equality.

Bidders must indicate brand or the make being offered and submit detailed specifications if other than brand requested.

6. A bidder who is an out-of-state corporation shall qualify or register to transact business in this State, in accordance with the Rhode Island Business Corporation Act, RIGL Sec. 7-1.2-1401, et seq.

7. The Board of Contract and Supply reserves the right to reject any and all bids.

8. Competing bids may be viewed in person at the Department of the City Clerk, City Hall, Providence, immediately upon the conclusion of the formal Board of Contract and Supply meeting during which the bids were unsealed/opened. Bids may also be accessed electronically on the internet via the City’s Open

Meetings Portal.

9. As the City of Providence is exempt from the payment of Federal Excise Taxes and Rhode Island Sales

Tax, prices quoted are not to include these taxes.

10. In case of error in the extension of prices quoted, the unit price will govern.

11. The contractor will NOT be permitted to: a) assign or underlet the contract, or b) assign either legally or equitably any monies or any claim thereto without the previous written consent of the City Purchasing

Director.

12. Delivery dates must be shown in the bid. If no delivery date is specified, it will be assumed that an immediate delivery from stock will be made.

13. A certificate of insurance will normally be required of a successful vendor.

14. For many contracts involving construction, alteration and/or repair work, State law provisions concerning payment of prevailing wage rates apply (RIGL Sec. 37-13-1 et seq.)

15. No goods should be delivered, or work started without a Purchase Order.

16. Submit 2 copies of the bid to the City Clerk, unless the specification section of this document indicates otherwise.

17. Bidder must certify that it does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation and/or religion in its business and hiring practices and that all of its employees are lawfully employed under all applicable federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations. (See Bid Form 2.)

http://providenceri.iqm2.com/Citizens/Default.aspx http://providenceri.iqm2.com/Citizens/Default.aspx http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/Statutes/TITLE37/37-13/INDEX.HTM

BID TERMS

1. Financial assurances may be required in order to be a successful bidder for Commodity or Construction and Service contracts. If either of the first two checkboxes below is checked, the specified assurance must accompany a bid, or the bid will not be considered by the Board of Contract and Supply. The third checkbox indicates the lowest responsible bidder will be contacted and required to post a bond to be awarded the contract.

a) A certified check for $ must be deposited with the City Clerk as a guarantee that the

Contract will be signed and delivered by the bidder.

b) A bid bond in the amount of per centum (%) of the proposed total price, must be deposited with the City Clerk as a guarantee that the contract will be signed and delivered by the bidder; and the amount of such bid bond shall be retained for the use of the City as liquidated damages in case of default. Any person signing a bid bond as an attorney-in-fact shall include with the bid bond an original, or a photocopy or facsimile of an original, power of attorney.

c) A performance and payment bond with a satisfactory surety company will be posted by the bidder in a sum equal to one hundred per centum (100%) of the awarded contract.

d) No financial assurance is necessary for this item.

2. Awards will be made within nighty (90) days of bid opening. All bid prices will be considered firm, unless qualified otherwise. Requests for price increases will not be honored.

3. Failure to deliver within the time quoted or failure to meet specifications may result in default in accordance with the general specifications. It is agreed that deliveries and/or completion are subject to strikes, lockouts, accidents, and Acts of God.

The following entry applies only for COMMODITY BID TERMS:

4. Payment for partial delivery will not be allowed except when provided for in blanket or term contracts.

The following entries apply only for CONSTRUCTION AND SERVICE BID TERMS:

5. Only one shipping charge will be applied in the event of partial deliveries for blanket or term contracts.

6. Prior to commencing performance under the contract, the successful bidder shall attest to compliance with the provisions of the Rhode Island Worker’s Compensation Act, RIGL 28-29-1, et seq. If exempt from compliance, the successful bidder shall submit a sworn Affidavit by a corporate officer to that effect, which shall accompany the signed contract.

7. Prior to commencing performance under the contract, the successful bidder shall, submit a certificate of insurance, in a form and in an amount satisfactory to the City.

http://webserver.rilegislature.gov/Statutes/TITLE28/28-29/INDEX.htm

BID FORM 1: Bidders Blank

1. Bids must meet the attached specifications. Any exceptions or modifications must be noted and fully explained.

2. Bidder’s responses must be in ink or typewritten, and all blanks on the bid form should be completed.

3. The price or prices proposed should be stated both in WRITING and in FIGURES, and any proposal not so stated may be rejected. Contracts exceeding twelve months must specify annual costs for each year.

4. Bids SHOULD BE TOTALED so that the final cost is clearly stated (unless submitting a unit price bid), however each item should be priced individually. Do not group items. Awards may be made on the basis of total bid or by individual items.

5. All bids MUST BE SIGNED IN INK.

Name of Bidder (Firm or Individual):

Contact Name:

Business Address:

Business Phone #:

Contact Email Address:

Agrees to bid on (Write the “Item Description” here):

If the bidder’s company is based in a state other than Rhode

Island, list name and contact information for a local agent for service of process that is located within Rhode Island

Delivery Date (if applicable):

Name of Surety Company (if applicable):

Total Amount in Writing*:

Total Amount in Figures*:

*If you are submitting a unit price bid, please insert “Unit Price Bid”

Use additional pages if necessary for additional bidding details.

Signature of Representation

Title

BID FORM 2: Certification of Bidder (Non-Discrimination/Hiring)

Upon behalf of_____________________________________________ (Firm or Individual Bidding), I, (Name of Person Making Certification), being its (Title or “Self”), hereby certify that:

1. Bidder does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation and/or religion in its business and hiring practices.

2. All of Bidder’s employees have been hired in compliance with all applicable federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations.

I affirm by signing below that I am duly authorized on behalf of Bidder, on this day of 20 .

Printed Name

BID FORM 3: Certificate Regarding Public Records

Upon behalf of______________________________________________ (Firm or Individual Bidding), I, (Name of Person Making Certification), being its (Title or “Self”), hereby certify an understanding that:

1. All bids submitted in response to Requests for Proposals (RFP’s) and Requests for Qualification

(RFQ’s), documents contained within, and the details outlined on those documents become public record upon receipt by the City Clerk’s office and opening at the corresponding Board of Contract and Supply (BOCS) meeting.

2. The Purchasing Department and the issuing department for this RFP/RFQ have made a conscious effort to request that sensitive/personal information be submitted directly to the issuing department and only at request if verification of specific details is critical the evaluation of a vendor’s bid.

3. The requested supplemental information may be crucial to evaluating bids. Failure to provide such details may result in disqualification, or an inability to appropriately evaluate bids.

4. If sensitive information that has not been requested is enclosed or if a bidder opts to enclose the defined supplemental information prior to the issuing department’s request in the bidding packet submitted to the City Clerk, the City of Providence has no obligation to redact those details and bears no liability associated with the information becoming public record.

5. The City of Providence observes a public and transparent bidding process. Information required in the bidding packet may not be submitted directly to the issuing department at the discretion of the bidder in order to protect other information, such as pricing terms, from becoming public. Bidders who make such an attempt will be disqualified.

I affirm by signing below that I am duly authorized on behalf of Bidder, on this day of 20 .

Printed Name

BID FORM 4: Affidavit of City Vendor

Per our Code of Ordinances Sec. 21.-28.1 (e), this form applies to a) the business, b) any political action committee whose name includes the name of the business, c) all persons holding ten (10) percent or greater equity interest or five thousand dollars ($5,000.00) or greater cash value interest in the business at any time during the reporting period, d) all executive officers of the business entity, e) any spouse or dependent child of any individual identified in a) though d) above.

Executive officers who are not residents of the state of Rhode Island are exempted from this requirement.

Per R.I.G.L. § 36-14-2, “Business” means a sole proprietorship, partnership, firm, corporation, holding company, joint stock company, receivership, trust, or any other entity recognized in law through which business for profit or not for profit is conducted.

Name of the person making this affidavit: ____________________________________________

Position in the “Business” ________________________________________________________

Name of Entity _________________________________________________________________

Address: ________________________________________________________________________

Phone number: ________________

The number of persons or entities in your entity that are required to report under Sec. 21.-28.1 (e): _____

Read the following paragraph and answer one of the options:

Within the 12 month period preceding the date of this bid submission with the City of Providence, or with respect to the contracts that are not in writing within the 12 month period preceding the date of notification that the contract has reached the $100,000 threshold, have you made campaign contributions within a calendar year to (please list all persons or entities required under Sec. 21.-28.1 (e)).

a. Members of the Providence City Council? ☐ Yes ☐ No

• If Yes, please complete the following:

Recipient(s) of the Contribution:

Contribution Date(s): Contribution Amount(s):

b. Candidates for election or reelection to the Providence City Council? ☐ Yes ☐ No

c. The Mayor of Providence? ☐ Yes ☐ No

d. Candidates for election or reelection to the office of Mayor of Providence? ☐ Yes ☐ No

Signed under the pains and penalties of perjury. Position https://library.municode.com/ri/providence/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_CH21REFI_ARTIICOPUSA_S21-28.1QUPADOBUCI http://webserver.rilegislature.gov/Statutes/TITLE36/36-14/36-14-2.htm https://library.municode.com/ri/providence/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_CH21REFI_ARTIICOPUSA_S21-28.1QUPADOBUCI https://library.municode.com/ri/providence/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_CH21REFI_ARTIICOPUSA_S21-28.1QUPADOBUCI

MBE/WBE Participation Plan

Please complete separate forms for each MBE/WBE subcontractor/supplier to be utilized on the solicitation.

Bidder’s Name:

Bidder’s Address:

Point of Contact:

Telephone:

Email:

Procurement #:

Project Name:

Which one of the following describes your business’ status in terms of Minority and/or Woman

Owned Business Enterprise certification with the

State of Rhode Island? (Check all that apply).

☐MBE ☐WBE ☐Neither MBE nor WBE

This form is intended to capture commitments between the prime contractor/vendor and MBE/WBE subcontractors and suppliers, including a description of the work to be performed and the percentage of the work as submitted to the prime contractor/vendor.

Please note that all MBE/WBE subcontractors/suppliers must be certified by the Office of Diversity, Equity and Opportunity at the time of bid. The MBE/WBE Directory can be found here. Please visit, the City’s MBE/WBE page for details of the program (e.g.

instructions and requirements).

• Nonprofit organizations are not required to complete the rest of this form.

• Construction projects unable to identify subcontractors prior to bid submission (e.g. Design Build) are required to provide updates to the MBE/WBE Outreach Office

Name of Subcontractor/Supplier:

Type of RI Certification: ☐MBE ☐WBE ☐Neither

Address:

Point of Contact:

Telephone:

Email:

Detailed Description of Work to Be

Performed by Subcontractor or Materials to be Supplied by Supplier Per the Scope of Work provided in the RFP

Total Contract Value ($):

Subcontract

Value ($):

Participation

Rate (%):

Anticipated Date of Performance:

I certify under penalty of perjury that the forgoing statements are true and correct.

Prime Contractor/Vendor Signature Title Date

Subcontractor/Supplier Signature Title Date

*If you did not meet the 20% MBE/WBE combined participation goal, submit a Waiver Request Form.

https://dedi.ri.gov/divisions-units/minority-business-enterprise-compliance-office/minority-business-enterprise-mbe

MBE/WBE Waiver Request Form Fill out this form only if you did not meet the 20% MBE/WBE participation goal.

State-certified MBE or WBE Prime Bidders are NOT REQUIRED to fill out this form.

Submit this form to the City of Providence MBE/WBE Outreach Director, Grace Diaz, at gdiaz@providenceri.govmailto:mbe-wbe@providenceri.gov, for review prior to bid submission. This waiver applies only to the current bid which you are submitting to the City of Providence and does not apply to other bids your company may submit in the future. In case a waiver is needed, City

Department Directors should not recommend a bidder for an award if this form is not included, absent or is not signed by the city of

Providence MBE/WBE director.

Prime Bidder: _______________________________________ Contact Email and Phone________________________________

Company Name, Address: ________________________________________ Trade _________________________________

Project /Item Description (as seen on RFP):

To receive a waiver, you must list the certified MBE and/or WBE companies you contacted, the name of the primary individual with whom you interacted, and the reason the MBE/WBE company could not participate on this project.

MBE/WBE Company

Name

Individual’s Name Company Name Why did you choose not to work with this company?

I acknowledge the City of Providence’s goal of a combined MBE/WBE participation is 20% of the total bid value. I am requesting a waiver of _______ % MBE/WBE (20% minus the value of Box F on the Subcontractor Disclosure Form). If an opportunity is identified to subcontract any task associated with the fulfillment of this contract, a good faith effort will be made to select MBE/WBE certified businesses as partners.

Signature of Prime Contractor / Printed Name Date Signed or Duly Authorized Representative

Signature of City of Providence Printed Name of City of Providence Date Signed

MBE/WBE Outreach Director / MBE/WBE Outreach Director or Duly Authorized Representative mailto:gdiaz@providenceri.gov mailto:mbe-wbe@providenceri.gov mailto:mbe-wbe@providenceri.gov

FOR CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

APPRENTICE REQUIREMENTS (Construction Projects Valued at $100,000 or More).

Attention of prospective bidders is called to the fact that this project is to be bid upon and executed under the City of Providence Code of Ordinances Chapter 21 Art. II Section 21-28.1 c(1) and (2) related to utilizing apprentices in the contract. This ordinance outlines requirements for utilizing not less than 15% of total hours worked by apprentices. The City may lower this percentage only if it determines in writing that compliance is not feasible or that it would be unduly cost prohibitive to the project. The attention of prospective bidders is also called to the fact that reporting the efforts undertaken and progress towards achieving the requirements in this ordinance is a condition for payment. Compliance reporting shall be submitted with any contract payment requisition, in a format to be specified by the City. This demonstration of compliance through such reports shall be a condition of the requisition for payment to be processed. Upon the contract being awarded to the successful bidder, a mandatory meeting will be scheduled to review the project requirements relative to apprenticeship requirements and the process and protocols by which these goals will be achieved. At this meeting, specific forms and procedures for the documentation and achievement of these requirements by the successful bidder will be provided, discussed and agreed upon for the execution of the contract.

“FIRST SOURCE” REQUIREMENTS.

Attention of prospective bidders is called to the fact that this project is to be bid upon and executed under the City of Providence Code of Ordinances Chapter 21 Art. III 1/2 First Source Agreements Sec. 21-91 through 21-96. This ordinance outlines requirements for hiring Providence residents to work on this project. The City may waive this requirement only upon a determination in writing that qualified residents of Providence are not available for the project, pursuant to Sec. 21-94(e). The attention of prospective bidders is called to the fact that reporting the efforts undertaken and progress towards achieving the requirements in this ordinance is a condition for payment. Compliance reporting shall be submitted with any contract payment requisition, in a format to be specified by the City.

This demonstration of compliance through such reports shall be a condition of the requisition for payment to be processed. Upon the contract being awarded to the successful bidder, a mandatory meeting will be scheduled to review the project requirements relative to the First Source Agreements and the process and protocols by which these goals will be achieved. At this meeting, specific forms and procedures for the documentation and achievement of these requirements by the successful bidder will be provided, discussed, and agreed upon for the execution of the contract.

https://library.municode.com/ri/providence/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_CH21REFI_ARTIICOPUSA_S21-28.1QUPADOBUCI https://library.municode.com/ri/providence/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_CH21REFI_ARTIII_1-2_FIURAG

BID PACKAGE SPECIFICATIONS

Scaling and Sustaining Safer Use: Reducing Overdose and Substance-Related Harms

The City of Providence’s Department of Housing & Human Services (HHS) seeks proposals for projects that scale and sustain efforts to increase harm reduction practices between January 1, 2026 and December 31, 2026.

This request is part of the City of Providence’s Overdose Prevention Strategy, for which HHS is the implementation lead and which is funded by the City of Providence’s Opioid Settlement Funds.

Questions about this RFP should be directed to Rachel Ferrara, MSW, Human Services Division Director, at rferrara@providenceri.gov.

Background Information:

The City of Providence Department of Housing & Human Services shall seek to improve the lives and living conditions of the City’s low- and moderate-income residents. The Department shall support community-based strategies that build strong, vibrant, and stable neighborhoods, enhance opportunity and public health, and provide quality affordable housing throughout the City.

The Opioid Overdose Epidemic continues to affect the City of Providence disproportionately. In 2024, 97 individuals lost their lives to opioid overdoses in Providence. The rate of overdose fatalities in Providence has been the second highest in the State since 2017, except for 2018, when it was the highest in Rhode Island1.

Unfortunately, each life lost is a loved one, family member, or friend and preventable death.

During that same period, 2017-2024, there were reports of over 4,000 non-fatal overdoses in the City of

Providence. In 2024, 709 non-fatal overdoses occurred, accounting for over 35% of statewide non-fatal overdoses;i2 Providence is home to 17% of Rhode Island’s total population3. Additional risks and harms are associated with substance use disorder that impacts individuals, families, and the Providence community. The

City of Providence is committed to implementing a comprehensive strategy to reduce overdose deaths and substance use-related harms over the next 3-5 years.

The City of Providence Overdose Prevention Strategy aims to de-escalate substance-related harms, especially overdose, across the continuum of opioid risk using the framework below:

Guiding Principles:

1. Advance Health Equity

2. Address Social Determinants of Health

3. Build Community Capacity and Empowerment

4. Increase Coordination & Collaboration

5. Enhance Data-Driven Decision-Making

Strategic Priorities:

1. Promotion

2. Prevention

3. Rescue/Harm Reduction

4. Treatment

5. Recovery

1 Rhode Island Department of Health. (updated July 2024). Municipal Rate of All Drug Involved Fatal Overdose by Year (Incident

Municipality). https://ridoh-drug-overdose-surveillance-fatalities-rihealth.hub.arcgis.com/datasets/rihealth::municipal-rate-of-all-drug-involved-fatal-overdose-by-year-incident-municipality/explore.

2 Rhode Island Department of Health. (2024). Non-Fatal Opioid Overdose-Related Emergency Medical Services Runs. https://ridoh-drug-overdose-surveillance-emsdashboard-rihealth.hub.arcgis.com/.

3 United States Census. (2020) https://ridoh-drug-overdose-surveillance-fatalities-rihealth.hub.arcgis.com/datasets/rihealth::municipal-rate-of-all-drug-involved-fatal-overdose-by-year-incident-municipality/explore https://ridoh-drug-overdose-surveillance-fatalities-rihealth.hub.arcgis.com/datasets/rihealth::municipal-rate-of-all-drug-involved-fatal-overdose-by-year-incident-municipality/explore https://ridoh-drug-overdose-surveillance-emsdashboard-rihealth.hub.arcgis.com/ https://ridoh-drug-overdose-surveillance-emsdashboard-rihealth.hub.arcgis.com/

This funding opportunity aligns with the Harm Reduction strategic priority:

Sustain and expand existing harm reduction efforts in Providence, especially in areas experiencing high overdose rates and populations at high risk for negative consequences of drug use. Improve public safety response to overdoses through increased education, stigma reduction, transparency, and acceptance of best practices.

In 2024, the majority of overdose fatalities, 82%, in Rhode Island continued to occur in private settings like people’s homes. Furthermore, 6% occurred in semi-private settings, including hotels, motels, and other facilities4. While overdose fatality location type is not currently available at the municipal level, it is known that

45% of the non-fatal overdoses responded to by Providence EMS in 2024 occurred in private or semi-private locations. Harm reduction approaches have been proven to not only save lives, but to reduce co-morbidities associated with drug use. While many people who use drugs often utilize self-managed harm reduction strategies such as going slow,5 the rate of fatalities in private settings remains too high. Despite the ongoing growth of harm reduction programs and initiatives in Providence, both the data and stakeholder feedback continue to reinforce the need for strategies that reach people who are using in private.

This funding opportunity seeks to reduce the incidence of overdose and other adverse substance-related outcomes in the City of Providence by scaling and sustaining harm reduction efforts to reach people using drugs in private settings to:

1. Increase adoption of safer use practices such as drug checking, use of sterile use supplies, and utilizing monitoring services.

2. Increase the number of households that have Naloxone consistently available.

3. Increase the number of individuals and families connected with ongoing supports and services.

Scope of Work:

In its efforts to address the opioid overdose crisis and other substance-related harms, the City of Providence

Department of Housing and Human Services (HHS) seeks proposals for projects that scale and sustain harm reduction practices, especially among people who use drugs in their home or other private settings.

Task 1: Planning

• Perform start-up activities for the proposed strategies. Activities may include, but are not limited to:

o Identifying geographic areas or populations at higher risk of private-setting overdoses through available data and/or community partnerships o Developing outreach strategies designed to reach individuals in private or semi-private locations

(e.g., home-based outreach, leave-behind kits, mobile harm reduction visits) o Assembling supplies and materials such as fentanyl test strips, Naloxone kits, sterile use supplies, and educational materials tailored for home use o Coordinating with existing harm reduction and outreach programs to ensure continuity and avoid duplication o Recruiting and training peer workers or community health workers to deliver harm reduction interventions in private settings o Mitigating barriers to engagement (i.e why has this population been difficult to reach?)

4 Office of the State Medical Examiner (OSME), Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH). Data updated as of May 30, 2025.

5 Collins, A. B., Kaplowitz, E., Bastani, P., McKee, H., Whitaker, D., Hallowell, B. D., & McKenzie, M. (2024). “I Don’t Go

Overboard”: Perceptions of Overdose Risk and Risk Reduction Strategies among People Who Use Drugs in Rhode Island. Substance

Use & Misuse, 59(5), 673–679. https://doi.org/10.1080/10826084.2023.2294968

Task 2: Implementation

• Implement strategies that reach individuals who use drugs in private settings within 60 days of the project start. Activities may include, but are not limited to:

o Delivering harm reduction supplies and safer use education directly to households o Conducting home-based or doorstep visits by trained harm reduction workers or peers o Offering on-site or virtual support (e.g., telehealth check-ins, use monitoring via phone) o Providing individualized safer use planning (e.g., use timing, staggered use, use with others or call-a-friend strategies) o Facilitating warm handoffs to wraparound services.

o Ensuring Naloxone is consistently available in households and that residents are trained in its use

Deliverable(s):

• Output and outcome tracking system

Task 3: Evaluation

• Work collaboratively with HHS Data & Evaluation Manager on process and outcome evaluation, including but not limited to:

o Track proposed outputs and outcomes o Track any changes made to the strategies during implementation o Attending project management meetings and any additional evaluation meetings

Deliverable(s):

• Quarterly narrative reports on activities, progress, and outcomes

• Final report with key performance and outcome measures, success, barriers, and recommendations for the future

• Attendance at required project meetings

Task 4: Sustainability

• Develop a plan to sustain the project’s activities after the conclusion of the project period. This may include:

o Identifying long-term funding opportunities or partnerships o Embedding home-based harm reduction into existing outreach or clinical programs o Building community capacity through peer-led models or local leadership

Deliverable(s):

• Sustainability plan

Competitive proposals will present innovative and effective strategies to reach people who use drugs in private settings. All applicants must meaningfully engage individuals with lived experience in the design and development of their proposal. Successful proposals will reflect a deep understanding of harm reduction principles and demonstrate how those approaches will be applied in practice.

Required Key Performance Indicators

• Number of households provided with harm reduction services

• Number of Naloxone kits distributed and refilled

• Number of people trained on overdose response in private settings

• Number and type of harm reduction supplies distributed

• Number of referrals made to support services (housing, treatment, mental health, etc.)

• Change in participants' self-reported safer use behaviors or preparedness for overdose events

Required Activities:

The awarded organization will be required to:

1. Submit quarterly line-item reimbursement invoices to HHS

2. Submit monthly reports of key performance indicators and other metrics developed in collaboration with

HHS in an approved format.

3. Submit quarterly narrative reports on activities, progress, and outcomes in an approved format.

4. Submit final report with key performance and outcome measures, success, barriers, and recommendations for the future

5. Present to the Mayor’s Coalition on Behavioral Health (if requested)

6. Attend additional program-related meetings with HHS staff and other partners.

Eligibility:

The Department of Housing & Human Services seeks applications from organizations or collaboratives with experience in the harm reduction approach. The awarded organization or collaborative will have the capacity to carry out the above scope of work, including:

• Ability to provide trauma-informed, anti-racist, anti-stigma, gender-affirming, culturally competent services

• Demonstrate understanding of harm reduction principles

• Be certified and in good standing as a 501c (3) organization.

Timeline:

• Anticipated Award Date: November 17, 2025

• Anticipated Project Start: January 1, 2026

• Length of the Project: One-Year

Funding Availability:

The Department of Housing & Human Services anticipates making awards for an estimated total of $60,000.

The City reserves the right to award the full contract to one proposer, split the award among more than one proposer, award a partial contract for specific tasks outlined in this RFP, award no contract, and/or to re-release this RFP as it deems in the best interest of the City of Providence. Additionally, this award is not a guarantee or a promise of business.

Funding Decision:

Funding for this program is limited. Applications that meet all general guidelines and requirements may not necessarily receive an award. The City may fund a project for the full amount requested, less than the full amount, or not at all. There are no requirements or expectations that the City must award all funds via this solicitation. The City reserves the right to postpone or cancel this solicitation if it deems it to be in the best interests of the City to do so. The City reserves the right to waive any technical or formal errors or omissions.

Successful applicants shall be in complete compliance with all of the specifications, terms, and conditions of this solicitation and related programs. The Department of Housing & Human Services shall have the right to inspect the facilities and equipment of the successful application to ensure such compliance. The City shall not be liable for any costs incurred in the preparation of proposals or for any work performed in connection therein.

Applicants must be current to the City on any loan, contractual, or tax obligation as due, and with any rules, regulations, or provisions on any existing or past City contracts.

The minimum qualification is 75 points in total and at least 20 points in each of the following categories:

Project Proposal, Organization Experience, Anti-Racism, Anti-Stigma, and Culturally Competent Approach

(see Evaluation).

Proposal Material:

• Contact Information: Individual or organization name, address, phone, and email. If applying as a collaborative, please identify a lead applicant and provide the information for each partner organization.

• Proposal Narrative (maximum 10 pages, single-spaced) o Target Population: Describe the project’s target population, including relevant data and statistics.

Clearly state the anticipated reach of the project.

o Goals & Objectives: Outline the goals and objectives of the proposed project. Objectives should be written in the SMART format (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Time-limited).

o Work Plan Proposal: Describe the proposed work plan to meet the project’s goals and objectives.

Work plan should include all grant related activities, including any necessary start up activities.

o Evaluation Plan: Outline the key performance and outcome indicators that will be used to measure progress.

o Staffing: Provide the following:

▪ Roles and qualifications of all relevant organization staff

▪ If you’re collaborating with other organizations to staff or consult on this project, please identify the roles and responsibilities of all partnering organizations.

o Anti-Racism, Anti-Stigma, Culturally Competent Approach: Describe the approach to increase behavioral health and racial equity including specific engagement strategies for diverse populations.

o Organizational Experience: Describe the organization’s experience with projects of a similar scope and size.

• Timeline - On a separate sheet include the proposed timeline of work.

• Resumes - Provide resumes of all relevant lead organization staff. Include copies of any certifications, credentials, or documentation of experience, as appropriate. Please do not submit original documents.

• If applying with partners, provide letters of commitment from all partner organizations (other than lead) certifying their role and responsibilities in the proposed work plan.

• Supporting documents - (maximum 10 pages) Optional: Provide documents, links, communications materials, etc. that provide any relevant background information about the organization and experience with similar projects.

• Budget o Funding proposal: In Excel format, provide a spreadsheet that includes costs and descriptions for allowable expenses.

o Funding timeline: Please identify how your proposed budget will be spent by December 31, 2026, in Excel or Word format.

• Certificate of Good Standing of the organization’s 501c(3) status

Evaluation

HHS will make recommendations to the Providence Board of Contract and Supply (BOCS). All applicants will be notified of the selection outcomes once BOCS has approved the award. Proposals will be evaluated on the following criteria:

Bids will be declared ineligible if awarded score is less than 75 points in total or less than 20 points in any of the following categories: Project Proposal, Organization Experience, Anti-Racism, Anti-Stigma, Culturally

Competent Approach.

Technical Review Scoring Total Points

Project Proposal

1. The target population is clearly defined and includes anticipated reach of the proposed project.

2. The project’s goals and objectives are clearly articulated

3. The Proposed work plan clearly defines and describes all required activities and any proposed activities.

4. The proposed work plan provides evidence and rationale for all selected strategies

5. Evaluation plan is clearly defined and aligns with the project's goals, strategies, and activities.

6. Timeline is included and is realistic and appropriate for the proposed workplan

Anti-Racism, Anti-Stigma, Culturally Competent Approach

1. Applicant demonstrates an understanding of underlying needs and challenges that impact underserved populations

2. Applicant proves commitment to engaging with diverse populations and articulates specific engagement strategies

Organization Experience

1. Qualifications and relevant individual/organization experience, including partnering agencies

2. Demonstrated success on past projects of similar scope and complexity

3. Resumes of all relevant organization staff are included

3. Letters of commitment from partnering agencies support the work plan (if applicable)

Timeline & Budget Proposal

1. Budget is in alignment with the proposed activities with appropriate rationale provided.

2. Cost are appropriately cost estimated and representative of a fair share to the project

3. The funding timeline is included and realistically demonstrates how funds will be spent by December 31, 2026

4. Certificate of Good Standing of the organization’s 501c(3) status was included.

Total Eligible Points 100

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

If the issuing department for this RFP determines that your firm’s bid is best suited to accommodate their need, you will be asked to provide proof of the following prior to formalizing an award.

An inability to provide the outlined items at the request of the department may lead to the disqualification of your bid.

This information is NOT requested to be provided in your initial bid that you will submit to the City Clerk’s office by the “date to be opened” noted on page 1. This list only serves as a list of items that your firm should be ready to provide on request.

All bids submitted to the City Clerk become public record. Failure to follow instructions could result in information considered private being posted to the city’s Open Meetings Portal and made available as a public record.

You must be able to provide:

• Business Tax ID will be requested after an award is approved by the Board of Contract and Supply.

• Proof of Insurance.

• Certificate of Good Standing with the Rhode Island Secretary of State.

Revised: 4/29/2023

CITY OF PROVIDENCE STANDARD TERMS & CONDITIONS

1. The terms “you” and “your” contained herein refer to the person or entity that is a party to the agreement with the City of Providence (“the City”) and to such person’s or entity’s employees, officers, and agents.

2. The Request For Proposals (“RFP”) and these

Standard Terms and Conditions together constitute the entire agreement of the parties (“the

Agreement”) with regard to any and all matters. By your submission of a bid proposal or response to the

City’s RFP, you accept these Standard Terms &

Conditions and agree that they supersede any conflicting provisions provided by bid or in any terms and conditions contained or linked within a bid and/or response. Changes in the terms and conditions of the Agreement, or the scope of work thereunder, may only be made by a writing signed by the parties.

3. You are an independent contractor and in no way does this Agreement render you an employee or agent of the City or entitle you to fringe benefits, workers’ compensation, pension obligations, retirement or any other employment benefits. The

City shall not deduct federal or state income taxes, social security or Medicare withholdings, or any other taxes required to be deducted by an employer, and this is your responsibility to yourself and your employees and agents.

4. You shall not assign your rights and obligations under this Agreement without the prior written consent of the City. Any assignment without prior written consent of the City shall be voidable at the election of the City. The City retains the right to refuse any and all assignments in the City’s sole and absolute discretion.

5. Invoices submitted to the City shall be payable sixty

(60) days from the time of receipt by the City.

Invoices shall include support documentation necessary to evidence completion of the work being invoiced. The City may request any other reasonable documentation in support of an invoice.

The time for payment shall not commence, and invoices shall not be processed for payment, until you provide reasonably sufficient support documentation. In no circumstances shall the City be obligated to pay or shall you be entitled to receive interest on any overdue invoice or payment.

In no circumstances shall the City be obligated to pay any costs associated with your collection of an outstanding invoice.

6. For contracts involving construction, alteration, and/or repair work, the provisions of applicable state labor law concerning payment of prevailing wage rates (R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 37-13-1 et seq., as amended) and the City’s First Source Ordinance

(Providence Code of Ordinances §§ 21-91 et seq., as amended) apply.

7. With regard to any issues, claims, or controversies that may arise under this Agreement, the City shall not be required to submit to dispute resolution or mandatory/binding arbitration. Nothing prevents the parties from mutually agreeing to settle any disputes using mediation or non-binding arbitration.

8. To the fullest extent permitted by law, you shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the City, its employees, officers, agents, and assigns from and against any and all claims, damages, losses, allegations, demands, actions, causes of action, suits, obligations, fines, penalties, judgments, liabilities, costs and expenses, including but not limited to attorneys’ fees, of any nature whatsoever arising out of, in connection with, or resulting from the performance of the work provided in the

Agreement.

9. You shall maintain throughout the term of this

Agreement the insurance coverage that is required by the RFP or, if none is required in the RFP, insurance coverage that is considered in your industry to be commercially reasonable, and you agree to name the City as an additional insured on your general liability policy and on any umbrella policy you carry.

10. The City shall not subject itself to any contractual limitations on liability. The City shall have the time permitted within the applicable statute of limitations, and no less, to bring or assert any and all causes of action, suits, claims or demands the

City may have arising out of, in connection with, or resulting from the performance of the work provided in the Agreement, and in no event does the

City agree to limit your liability to the price of the

Agreement or any other monetary limit.

11. The City may terminate this Agreement upon five

(5) days’ written notice to you if you fail to observe any of the terms and conditions of this Agreement, or if the City believes your ability to perform the

Revised: 4/29/2023 terms and conditions of this Agreement has been materially impaired in any way, including but in no way limited to loss of insurance coverage, lapsing of a surety bond, if required, declaration of bankruptcy, or appointment of a receiver. In the event of termination by the City, you shall be entitled to just and equitable compensation for any satisfactory work completed and expenses incurred up to the date of termination.

12. Written notice hereunder shall be deemed to have been duly served if delivered in person to the individual or member of the firm or entity or to an officer of the entity for whom it was intended, or if delivered at or sent by registered or certified mail to the last business address known by the party providing notice.

13. In no event shall the Agreement automatically renew or be extended without a writing signed by the parties.

14. You agree that products produced or resulting from the performance of the Agreement are the sole property of the City and may not be used by you without the express written permission of the City.

15. For any Agreement involving the sharing or exchange of data involving potentially confidential and/or personal information, you shall comply with any and all state and/or federal laws or regulations applicable to confidential and/or personal information you receive from the City, including but not limited to the Rhode Island Identity Theft

Protection Act, R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-49.3-1, during the term of the Agreement. You shall implement and maintain appropriate physical, technical, and administrative security measures for the protection of, and to prevent access to, use, or disclosure of, confidential and/or personal information. In the event of a breach of such information, you shall notify the City of such breach immediately, but in no event later than twenty-four (24) hours after discovery of such breach.

16. The Agreement is governed by the laws of the State of Rhode Island. You expressly submit yourself to and agree that any and all actions arising out of, in connection with, or resulting from the performance of the Agreement or relationship between the parties shall occur solely in the venue and jurisdiction of the State of Rhode Island or the federal court located in Rhode Island.

17. The failure of the City to require performance of any provision shall not affect the City’s right to require performance at any time thereafter, nor shall a waiver of any breach or default of this Agreement constitute a waiver of any subsequent breach or default or a waiver of the provision…