Proposer_Checklist.pdf

This Proposer RFP Checklist is a procedural guidance document for the City of Santa Monica's Flexible Financial Assistance program procurement. The City seeks qualified agencies to establish and implement a Flexible Financial Assistance program serving eligible Santa Monica residents at risk of housing loss through a professional services contract. The program will serve up to 580 households annually, providing immediate one-time financial assistance up to $5,000 per household per year, ongoing monthly assistance not exceeding $10,000 annually per household, eviction-prevention assistance up to $20,000 for unlawful detainer-involved households receiving legal services, and housing stability case management services. A virtual bidders workshop is scheduled for February 2, 2026, with written questions due by February 4, 2026, and final proposals due by February 20, 2026, at 3:00 PM. The contract is structured for an initial two-year term with three optional one-year renewal periods at the City's sole discretion, for a total potential five-year funding cycle. The checklist emphasizes the importance of reviewing all RFP documents, attending the bidders workshop, submitting questions during the designated period, acknowledging all addenda issued through the City's OpenGov vendor portal, and meeting all submission deadlines, as late proposals will not be accepted under any circumstances.

Eligible applicants must demonstrate a minimum of three years' experience administering large-scale financial assistance programs in or in proximity to Los Angeles County and must align operations with the Los Angeles County Affordable Housing Solutions Agency's Integrated Service Model. Total funding for the FFA program shall not exceed $6,000,000 over the five-year funding cycle, contingent upon demonstrated need and City Council approval, with funding supported through Measure GS, a real estate transfer tax approved by Santa Monica voters on November 8, 2022. All proposals must comply with the City of Santa Monica Living Wage Ordinance, Oaks Initiative requirements, and nondiscrimination requirements. Comprehensive insurance requirements include Commercial General Liability ($1,000,000 per occurrence), Automobile Liability ($1,000,000 per accident), Workers' Compensation at statutory limits with Employers' Liability coverage ($1,000,000 per accident), and Professional Liability coverage ($1,000,000 per occurrence/$2,000,000 aggregate). Evaluation criteria include program model and policies (20 points), organizational capacity (15 points), past experience and references (20 points), program budget (15 points), program evaluation (10 points), audited financial statements (10 points), and value-added services or breadth of services (10 points). No incumbent vendors are identified in the procurement documentation, and no set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises are specified.