County of San Mateo

Request for Proposals (RFP) for Right at Home Targeted

Homelessness Prevention Program

Human Services Agency - Center on Homelessness

RFP No. 2027-RFP-00006

RFP Contact: LisaAnn Wolfskill lwolfskill@smcgov.org

1. Introduction and Schedule

The County of San Mateo (the “County” or “SMC”) covers most of the San Francisco Peninsula. The region covers 744 mi and is home to nearly 800,000 residents and 20 incorporated cities. The County provides for the health and welfare of all people within its borders and serves as the local government for the unincorporated areas. Innovation thrives here in industries including bioscience, computer software, green technology, hospitality, financial management, health care, education and transportation. The

County prides itself on how that prosperity fosters its commitment to protecting and enhancing the health, safety, welfare and natural resources of the community.

1.1. Summary

The County of San Mateo, through its Human Services Agency (HSA) Center on Homelessness (COH), is seeking qualified organizations to implement the Right at Home (RAH) Targeted Homelessness

Prevention Program, an innovative national homelessness prevention initiative that will provide flexible financial assistance, housing-focused case management, and housing-related legal services to households at the highest risk of entering homelessness.

The program is anticipated to serve approximately 750 households over a three-year implementation period and will be implemented through a collaborative network of contracted partners.

In addition to delivering services, organizations funded through this RFP will participate in a Randomized

Controlled Trial (RCT) led by the Wilson-Sheehan Lab for Economic Opportunities (LEO) at the

University of Notre Dame to evaluate the impact of the program. This will require actively participating in a national learning collaborative, including trainings, peer learning activities, and other implementation and continuous improvement efforts required by the Right at Home initiative.

COH anticipates receiving funding for this initiative from the national Right at Home initiative, which has established criteria the program must meet as further described in the Background and Scope of Work sections of this RFP.

To implement the RAH program, COH expects to award contracts for the following roles:

• One (1) Network Coordinator / Fiscal Agent

• Two-Four (2-4) Supportive Service Providers

• One (1) Legal Services Provider (to be RFP'd for separately)

Applicants may apply for one or more roles. COH is seeking organizations with the experience, organizational capacity, and commitment to collaborative implementation needed to successfully deliver https://rightathomeusa.org/

Page 3 of 42 Release date of August 12, 2026 services within an evolving demonstration project. Respondents must demonstrate their ability to perform the services described in the Scope of Work.

Contracts are expected to begin in January 2027.

1.2. Background

COH, oversees a coordinated homeless crisis response system designed to help individuals and families who are at risk of homelessness or currently experiencing homelessness move toward stable housing.

COH works countywide and collaborates with community-based organizations, public agencies, housing providers, and other stakeholders to strengthen the local homelessness response system.

COH has the unique opportunity to help shape the future of homelessness prevention work nationally.

The County is one of only ten communities nationwide selected to participate in RAH, a national initiative designed to test and build evidence for targeted homelessness prevention strategies. Through this initiative, participating communities will design, implement, and rigorously evaluate prevention models that identify households at the highest risk of entering homelessness and rapidly provide the financial assistance and supportive services needed to stabilize their housing.

The RAH Targeted Homelessness Prevention Program is intended to complement, not replace, existing homelessness prevention resources currently available in San Mateo County. As one of the participating

Right at Home communities, COH plans to launch a local RAH Targeted Homelessness Prevention

Program in January 2027.

The program will align with the Right at Home model, including a “no wrong door” design and a

“whatever it takes” approach to stabilizing households at high-risk of homelessness. The RAH model includes flexible financial assistance, supportive services that are offered but not required, data entry into the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) data system, and participation in the Randomized

Control Trial led by the Wilson-Sheehan Lab for Economic Opportunities (LEO).

COH expects implementation to be an iterative and collaborative process. Selected partners will play an active role in refining program operations, participating in implementation planning, and helping to finalize the Right at Home framework into an effective local program while maintaining fidelity to the initiative's core requirements. COH anticipates having access to technical assistance through RAH initiative partners Homebase and LEO.

https://rightathomeusa.org/pilot-communities/ https://rightathomeusa.org/documents/2025/04/right-at-home-informational-sheet.pdf/

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1.3. Contact Information

Project Contact:

Jocelyn Banuelos Human Services Analyst Email: jbanuelos@smcgov.org Phone: (650) 802-6497

Procurement Contact:

LisaAnn Wolfskill Contract Administrator Email: lwolfskill@smcgov.org Phone: (650) 802-7919

Department:

Human Services Agency - Center on Homelessness

Department Head:

Claire Cunningham Director

1.4. Timeline

RFP Released August 12, 2026

Pre-Proposal Meeting (Non-Mandatory) August 18, 2026, 1:00pm https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/22134182086494

7?p=xo1vgdr4yAAronBovC

Deadline for Questions and Comments August 25, 2026, 12:00pm

Proposal Due Date and Time September 10, 2026, 5:00pm

Anticipated Contract Award Date December 8, 2026

2. Scope of Work

2.1. Program Overview

The Right at Home (RAH) Targeted Homelessness Prevention Program is a nationally funded demonstration initiative designed to test and build evidence for targeted homelessness prevention strategies. San Mateo County is one of only ten pilot communities nationwide selected to participate in the initiative, joining communities representing urban, suburban, rural, and Tribal geographies across the

United States. Right at Home is led by Destination: Home in partnership with the Wilson-Sheehan Lab mailto:jbanuelos@smcgov.org tel:(650)802-6497 mailto:lwolfskill@smcgov.org tel:(650)802-7919 https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/221341820864947?p=xo1vgdr4yAAronBovC https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/221341820864947?p=xo1vgdr4yAAronBovC

Page 5 of 42 Release date of August 12, 2026 for Economic Opportunities (LEO) at the University of Notre Dame, and other national partners, and is intended to demonstrate how communities can more effectively prevent homelessness by rapidly providing flexible financial assistance and supportive services to households at the highest risk of entering homelessness. Funding for the national RAH initiative has been raised from private funders and donors.

COH's RAH pilot program is anticipated to serve approximately 750 households over a three-year implementation period and will be implemented in accordance with the Right at Home Ten Essential

Components, as listed in Appendix A, program policies and procedures (currently under development), and all applicable research, evaluation, and Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) requirements. As a national demonstration project, the program is intended to generate rigorous evidence about targeted homelessness prevention and contribute to a broader understanding of effective prevention strategies.

Findings from the pilot may help inform future policy, funding, and program design decisions.

The Center on Homelessness (COH) will serve as the RAH Lead agency. COH will hold and administer direct contracts with each selected contractor, including the Network Coordinator/Fiscal Agent, Supportive Services Providers, and Legal Services Provider. COH will be responsible for contract administration, including review and payment of contractor invoices, contract monitoring, and oversight.

The Network Coordinator/Fiscal Agent's fiscal responsibilities are limited to administration of participant financial assistance and do not include administration of contracts or payment of invoices for other contracted providers.

COH will also be responsible for contract performance monitoring, policy guidance, and coordination with the Right at Home initiative and evaluation partners. COH will also work with the Network

Coordinator/Fiscal Agent to support program outreach and marketing efforts to ensure the program reaches those who may not traditionally seek prevention services. This includes coordination and connection of the RAH program with other County departments and institutions that are likely to interface with those most at risk of homelessness, such as health systems and criminal justice systems. COH will also support the Network Coordinator/Fiscal Agent in addressing program concerns and challenges as they arise.

COH anticipates a phased implementation approach to allow time for staff onboarding, training, workflow refinement, and coordinated rollout of the Right at Home program. As a result, participant enrollment is expected to ramp up over the course of the contract rather than begin at full capacity immediately.

The scopes of work presented in this RFP reflect the current program design. As the Right at Home initiative continues to develop nationally and locally, COH reserves the right to refine contractor responsibilities, performance expectations, and operational procedures prior to or during contract implementation. Any material changes will be made in consultation with selected contractors and reflected in the resulting agreements.

2.2. Start-up Implementation, and Contract Term

The anticipated contract start date is January 1, 2027. Contractors shall begin actively providing services as soon as practicable following contract execution, but no later than three (3) months after the contract start date.

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Immediately after contract execution, Contractors shall work with COH and other program partners to prepare for service delivery. Prior to initiating services, each Contractor, as applicable to its scope of work, shall have completed the following:

• Hired or assigned key staff necessary to fulfill the contracted scope of work.

• Participated in required program and RCT training activities.

• Establish internal procedures, protocols, and administrative capacity necessary to implement the RAH program policies, procedures, and workflows.

• Completed all required HMIS onboarding, reporting requirements, and trainings as applicable.

The anticipated contract term is for three (3) years, from January 1, 2027, through December 31, 2029.

2.3. Target Population and Geographic Reach

RAH Targeted Homelessness Prevention Program is intended to serve households residing in San Mateo

County who are at the highest risk of entering homelessness without intervention. Consistent with the national Right at Home model, households will be prioritized using a research-based risk assessment tool designed to identify those most likely to experience homelessness. This includes households currently on a lease and those in non-lease holding situations, such as doubled-up or couch-surfing households. Final eligibility criteria, prioritization procedures, and assessment protocols will be established by the County, in partnership with RAH and selected provider organizations, prior to program implementation.

The program will be implemented countywide. In alignment with RAH’s “no wrong door approach,” Contractors will be expected to serve eligible households regardless of where they reside in

San Mateo County and to collaborate with other funded partners to ensure equitable access to services across the County.

COH anticipates a phased implementation approach to allow time for staff onboarding, training, workflow refinement, and coordinated rollout of the Right at Home program. As a result, participant enrollment is expected to ramp up over the course of the contract rather than begin at full capacity immediately.

For planning purposes, COH anticipates the following treatment group enrollment:

• Year 1: Approximately 150 households

• Year 2: Approximately 300 households

• Year 3: Approximately 300 households

Because the program includes a Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT), COH also anticipates that approximately the same number of eligible households will be screened and enrolled into the control group over the implementation period in accordance with study protocols. Households assigned to the control group will not receive Right at Home services but will be connected to other available community resources consistent with the RCT design.

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These estimates are provided for planning purposes only and may change based on program implementation, participant demand, Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) enrollment requirements, and available funding. However, the target number of households to serve (750) is significant for the validity of the RCT and the cumulative total is expected to stay at least at that level.

2.4. Funding Available

COH anticipates receiving approximately $9,000,000 through the Right at Home initiative to support implementation of the Right at Home (RAH) Targeted Homelessness Prevention Program over the three-year implementation period. Approximately $8,100,000 of these funds are available for program implementation after accounting for COH staffing and administrative oversight costs.

Consistent with Right at Home guidance, COH anticipates allocating approximately 57% of available program funding (approximately $5,100,000) to direct financial assistance for participating households.

These funds will be used to provide flexible financial assistance, such as rent and utility costs, to eligible program participants and are not available through this RFP.

Role Anticipated

Awards

Role Overview Approximate

Three-Year

Funding

Available

Network Coordinator/ Fiscal

Agent

1 Day-to-day program coordination among network of service partners, fiscal administration, financial assistance processing, provider coordination, reporting, program outreach and marketing, implementation support.

$1,000,000

Supportive Services Provider 2 - 4 Program and RCT screening and enrollment, housing-focused case management, financial assistance coordination, referrals, and ongoing participant support.

$1,830,000

(across the 2-

4 selected

Contractors)

2.5. Requirements Applicable to All Roles

All contractors selected through this RFP will be expected to work collaboratively with COH, other

RAH-funded partners, and evaluation partners to implement the Right at Home program. Contractors must follow County-approved program policies and procedures, participate in required trainings and meetings, and maintain the staffing, systems, and organizational capacity needed to perform their role.

All contractors must provide services in a culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and accessible manner.

Contractors must ensure meaningful access for individuals with limited English proficiency and individuals with disabilities, and must comply with all applicable federal, state, local, and County requirements.

Contractors will also be expected to maintain complete and accurate participant records, participate in

HMIS and reporting activities as applicable to their role, and support program monitoring, quality assurance, and continuous improvement efforts.

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All contractors must implement services consistent with the Right at

Home Ten Essential Components and participate in required research and evaluation activities, including any training, documentation, data collection, and implementation protocols established by the County, Right at Home partners, and LEO.

2.6. Performance Measures for All Roles

Contractors will be expected to monitor and achieve performance outcomes consistent with the Right at

Home Targeted Homelessness Prevention Program. Final performance measures will be established by the COH during contract negotiations and may be refined throughout implementation.

Performance measures may include, but are not limited to:

▪ Timeliness of participant screening, enrollment, and service delivery.

▪ Timeliness of financial assistance processing and payment issuance, as applicable.

▪ Housing stability and homelessness prevention outcomes.

▪ Participant engagement and service completion.

▪ Timeliness, completeness, and quality of HMIS and other required reporting.

▪ Compliance with program policies, documentation standards, and contract requirements.

Participation in required meetings, trainings, quality improvement activities, and the Right at Home randomized controlled trial.

COH will regularly monitor contractor performance through data reviews, contract monitoring, and other quality assurance activities. Performance expectations and reporting requirements may be modified during the contract term to reflect program implementation needs, evaluation findings, or funder requirements.

2.7. Network Coordinator / Fiscal Agent Scope of Work

COH will select one Network Coordinator / Fiscal Agent to coordinate implementation of the Right at

Home (RAH) Targeted Homelessness Prevention Program across participating providers and administer direct financial assistance on behalf of the program. This role will be responsible for day-to-day coordination of program implementation with RAH network partners, administering direct financial assistance funds, supporting program outreach and marketing efforts, facilitating communication and coordination among program partners, and supporting program evaluation and reporting efforts. The Network Coordinator / Fiscal Agent will work closely with the Center on Homelessness to ensure consistent implementation of the Right at Home model across San Mateo County and fidelity to the program model.

The selected organization shall perform the following functions:

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A. Program Coordination and Network Management

The Network Coordinator/Fiscal Agent shall coordinate implementation of the Right at Home

(RAH) program across the contracted provider network, including two (2) to four (4) Supportive

Services Providers and one (1) Legal Services Provider, and serve as the primary operational liaison between the County, participating providers, and national Right at Home partners, including the Wilson-Sheehan Lab for Economic Opportunities (LEO). The Network Coordinator/Fiscal

Agent will support consistent communication, collaboration, implementation, and problem-solving across the provider network while helping ensure alignment with County requirements and Right at

Home program expectations.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

▪ Coordinate day-to-day program implementation across funded partners.

▪ Serve as the primary point of coordination between the COH, Supportive Services

Providers, and the Legal Services Provider.

▪ Convene regular meetings of funded partners to support consistent, high-quality program implementation.

▪ Facilitate communication, information sharing, and problem-solving across the provider network.

▪ Coordinate trainings and technical assistance in partnership with the COH and Right at

Home partners, including onboarding and ongoing training of network partner staff.

▪ Support consistent implementation of County policies, procedures, and program standards.

▪ Identify implementation challenges and recommend operational improvements to the

County.

▪ Establish and maintain processes to ensure ongoing engagement, feedback, and leadership opportunities for individuals with lived experience of housing instability, and incorporate participant perspectives into network coordination, program implementation, and operational improvement efforts.

B. Fiscal Administration

The Network Coordinator/Fiscal Agent shall administer direct financial assistance funds on behalf of the program in accordance with County-approved policies and procedures. COH anticipates that the Network Coordinator/Fiscal Agent will administer approximately 30-40 checks per month in year one of the program in direct financial assistance payments on behalf of participating households and between 60-70 checks per month in years two and three of the program. This estimate is provided for planning purposes only and actual payment volume may vary based on participant needs, types of financial assistance provided, and final program implementation.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

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▪ Review requests for financial assistance submitted by Supportive Services Providers to ensure documentation standards established by the County are met.

▪ Provide additional review and case consultation to Supportive Services Providers for financial assistance requests exceeding established approval thresholds.

▪ Process approved payments to landlords, utility providers, vendors, or participants, as permitted by program policies.

▪ Maintain the operational capacity to deploy approved financial assistance rapidly, within

72 hours of submission of all documentation.

▪ Track expenditures, available funding, and spending trends and provide regular updates to COH.

▪ Maintain complete fiscal records and supporting documentation.

▪ Maintain the operational capacity to, in emergency situations, deploy approved financial assistance within one business day.

▪ Submit fiscal reports, invoices, and other documentation required by COH.

▪ Maintain appropriate financial management systems and internal controls to support accurate payment processing, fiscal accountability, and compliance with County and

Right at Home program requirements.

▪ Cooperate with County monitoring, financial reviews, audits, and other oversight activities, including providing documentation requested by the County or other authorized oversight entities.

COH will establish program policies, financial assistance eligibility requirements, documentation standards, approval processes, and payment authorization procedures. The Network Coordinator /

Fiscal Agent will administer financial assistance in accordance with these requirements. COH will provide contract oversight and monitoring, while contractors remain responsible for maintaining adequate financial controls and complying with applicable contract and program requirements.

C. Outreach, Engagement, and Program Marketing

The Network Coordinator/Fiscal Agent shall support countywide awareness of the program and improve access for households that may not otherwise engage with participating providers.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

▪ Develop and implement a countywide outreach strategy for reaching those at highest risk of homelessness who are unlikely to apply through traditional homelessness prevention channels in collaboration with COH.

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▪ Build and maintain referral relationships with community organizations, public agencies, schools, healthcare providers, and other partners serving households at risk of homelessness.

▪ Develop, distribute, and maintain outreach materials and program information.

▪ Conduct outreach activities in community settings to increase awareness of the program among households that may not otherwise seek assistance.

▪ Coordinate with institutional and community partners to identify households that may benefit from targeted prevention services.

D. Reporting, Data, and Quality Assurance

The Network Coordinator/Fiscal Agent shall support program accountability and continuous improvement through coordination of reporting and data activities. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

▪ Monitor program performance towards overall program goals and assist COH in identifying implementation trends and operational issues.

▪ Participate in quality assurance and continuous quality improvement activities.

▪ Prepare reports requested by the County and Right at Home partners.

▪ Collect, analyze, and report participant feedback and lived experience recommendations to support continuous quality improvement activities.

E. Research and Evaluation Support

As a participant in the national Right at Home initiative, the Network Coordinator/Fiscal

Agent will play a key role in supporting implementation of the program evaluation.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

▪ Coordinate with COH and the Wilson-Sheehan Lab for Economic Opportunities (LEO) regarding evaluation activities.

▪ Support implementation of research protocols established by COH and evaluation partners.

▪ Participate in required trainings, technical assistance, and implementation planning.

▪ Support participating providers in implementing required RCT procedures.

▪ Participate in evaluation meetings and continuous learning activities throughout the program period.

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2.8. Supportive Services Provider Scope of Work

COH anticipates selecting two (2) to four (4) Supportive Services Providers to deliver housing-focused case management and supportive services under the Right at Home (RAH) Targeted Homelessness

Prevention Program. Collectively, COH anticipates funding approximately three (3) to four (4) Housing

Stability Case Management positions in total across all selected providers. Proposers may propose one (1) or more Housing Stability Case Management positions based on their proposed service model. However, final staffing levels and funding allocations will be determined through contract negotiations based on proposer qualifications, proposed staffing, geographic coverage, anticipated caseloads, and overall program implementation needs. The Network Coordinator/Fiscal Agent may also apply to serve as one of the Supportive Services Providers; however, it is not required to do so.

Supportive Services Providers will identify, screen, enroll, and support eligible households by providing housing-focused case management and coordinating access to direct financial assistance, legal services, mainstream benefits, and other supportive resources. Housing-focused case management is intended to help households quickly resolve their immediate housing crisis and achieve long-term housing stability through individualized, participant-centered support. Providers are expected to offer services through a combination of in-person, telephone, and other appropriate methods to maximize accessibility. Staff should also be prepared to meet participants in community settings, such as libraries, schools, community centers, or other safe and appropriate locations, when needed to facilitate enrollment, service delivery, or housing stabilization.

Supportive Services Providers shall implement services in a manner consistent with the core principles of the Right at Home (RAH) Homelessness Prevention System and the program's evidence-based model.

Providers will be expected to operationalize the following principles throughout program implementation:

rapid and flexible financial assistance; a "whatever it takes" problem-solving approach; a "no wrong door" participant access philosophy; targeted prevention for households at greatest risk of homelessness;

integration of supportive services and financial assistance; timely and accurate data collection;

participation in research and evaluation activities; community-wide coordination; and continuous learning and quality improvement.

Providers will be selected based on their accessibility to residents, geographic distribution across San

Mateo County, and demonstrated ability to serve households at high risk of homelessness.

While providers may have expertise serving particular populations, all funded providers will be expected to serve any eligible household referred to the program.

The selected Supportive Services provider organization(s) shall perform the following functions:

A. Participant Access and Enrollment

Supportive Services Providers shall serve as designated access points for the Right at Home (RAH) program and will be responsible for identifying, screening, enrolling, and orienting eligible participants. Supportive Services Providers must be able to provide services both in person and over the phone, as well as offer some capacity to meet with participants in community locations such as libraries and senior center. Providers are expected to deliver services in accordance with

County policies, standardized workflows, and approved eligibility and risk assessment protocols.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

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▪ Receive referrals from community partners, the Network Coordinator/Fiscal Agent, self-referrals, and other referral sources.

▪ Conduct participant screening and eligibility determination using County-approved tools and procedures.

▪ Complete the required prioritization and risk assessment process using the approved risk assessment tool.

▪ Assist participants in gathering eligibility documentation and completing enrollment requirements, consistent with a "screen in, not out" philosophy that emphasizes helping potentially eligible households successfully complete the enrollment process whenever possible.

▪ Explain the Right at Home program, participant expectations, available services, and research requirements.

▪ Maintain a "no wrong door" approach to program access by welcoming referrals from a wide range of community partners, assisting potentially eligible households in navigating enrollment, and coordinating with other providers to ensure households are connected to appropriate resources regardless of their point of entry into the system.

▪ Complete all required enrollment activities, including HMIS enrollment, in accordance with County policies and procedures.

B. Housing Stabilization Services

Supportive Services Providers shall deliver housing-focused case management designed to help participants enrolled in the treatment group to quickly resolve their immediate housing crisis and maintain long-term housing stability. Participants are anticipated to remain enrolled for an average of approximately five (5) months, although enrollment length and service intensity will vary based on participant needs. Based on these planning assumptions, COH anticipates Housing Stability

Case Managers will maintain an average active caseload of approximately 26 to 28 participants at any given time; however, actual caseloads may vary depending on participant acuity and level of engagement.

Services shall be delivered using a participant-centered, strengths-based, and housing-focused approach that emphasizes creativity, flexibility, and individualized problem-solving. Providers shall work with participants to identify practical solutions that prevent homelessness and promote long-term housing stability, recognizing that households with complex or significant barriers should not be excluded solely due to the severity of their circumstances.

The program utilizes a progressive engagement model, allowing providers to adjust the level of support over time as needed by participant households. Services may range from brief housing stabilization planning and resource coordination to more intensive case management for participants experiencing greater barriers to housing stability. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

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▪ Develop and regularly update individualized Housing Stability Plans with enrolled participants.

▪ Utilize a "whatever it takes" problem-solving approach to housing stabilization, including identifying flexible strategies, leveraging community resources, and coordinating supports necessary to address housing crises.

▪ Provide housing-focused case management consistent with the participant's level of need.

▪ Ensure all enrolled participants are offered access to supportive services and community resources that address identified needs and support long-term housing stability.

▪ Coordinate access to direct financial assistance, legal services, mainstream benefits, employment services, behavioral health services, and other community resources, as appropriate.

▪ Coordinate with landlords and other housing partners, as needed, to support housing stabilization.

▪ Identify and address barriers that threaten housing stability.

▪ Assist participants in identifying and securing alternative housing when remaining in their current housing is not feasible to prevent homelessness.

▪ Monitor participant progress and adjust Housing Stability Plans and service intensity as participant needs change.

▪ Maintain regular participant engagement throughout program enrollment in accordance with County policies and program standards.

C. Financial Assistance Coordination

Supportive Services Providers shall work closely with the Network Coordinator/Fiscal Agent to ensure participants receive timely access to direct financial assistance. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

▪ Assess participant financial assistance needs as part of Housing Stability Planning.

▪ Assist participants in gathering documentation required to support financial assistance requests.

▪ Prepare and submit financial assistance requests in accordance with County policies and standardized procedures.

▪ Coordinate with the Network Coordinator/Fiscal Agent regarding eligibility determinations, documentation requirements, payment requests, and approvals.

▪ Communicate with participants regarding the status of financial assistance requests and next steps.

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▪ Coordinate with landlords, utility providers, and other vendors, as appropriate, to facilitate timely payments and support housing stabilization.

D. Research and Evaluation

As a national Right at Home demonstration site, Supportive Services Providers will play a central role in implementation of the Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) and shall comply with all research protocols established by COH and the Wilson-Sheehan Lab for Economic Opportunities

(LEO). Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

▪ Participate in required onboarding, trainings, technical assistance, and implementation activities provided by COH, the Network Coordinator/Fiscal Agent, LEO, and other

Right at Home partners.

▪ Explain the study to eligible participants and obtain informed consent in accordance with approved research protocols.

▪ Complete required enrollment, randomization, and study documentation using approved systems and procedures.

▪ Communicate treatment and control group assignments using standardized messaging and procedures established by COH and LEO.

▪ Deliver program services to participants assigned to the treatment group in accordance with program policies.

▪ Connect participants assigned to the control group to appropriate alternative resources and services consistent with study protocols.

▪ Maintain complete and accurate documentation related to research participation and required reporting.

▪ Research procedures may continue to evolve during program planning. Participating providers will be expected to implement final research protocols and participate in additional training prior to program launch.

E. Coordination and Reporting

Supportive Services Providers shall work collaboratively with the Network Coordinator/Fiscal

Agent, the Legal Services Provider, COH, and other program partners to ensure coordinated service delivery, timely and accurate data collection and reporting, and consistent implementation of program requirements. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

▪ Participate in required partner meetings, trainings, implementation activities, and case consultation sessions.

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▪ Maintain complete, accurate, and timely participant records in HMIS and any other

County-designated systems, including documentation necessary to support program eligibility, service delivery, financial assistance, and required reporting.

▪ Comply with all HMIS participation, data quality, privacy, security, and reporting requirements established by the County. Additional guidance regarding HMIS standards and reporting expectations will be provided through the County's HMIS Policies and

Procedures, Data Standards, and other implementation guidance.

▪ Submit reports, documentation, and other information required by the Network

Coordinator/Fiscal Agent and COH.

▪ Participate in quality assurance, continuous quality improvement, monitoring, and other program evaluation activities.

3. Submission Requirements

3.1. Submission Deadline

Proposals must be electronically received by 5:00 pm, on Thursday, September 10, 2026 via eProcurement system.

Allow sufficient time for the upload to complete by the Due Date and Time. Partial uploads will automatically terminate, and proposals will be rejected. The eProcurement system submission time will be the official submission time. The County will not be responsible for and may not accept proposals that are late due to slow internet connections or for any other failure of the eProcurement system.

NOTE: The County does not maintain the eProcurement system and is not liable for site failures or technical problems. To resolve technical issues, contact OpenGov Technical Support by using the real time chat located in the lower right hand corner of the screen, or via email at procurement-support@opengov.com https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/smcgov

3.2. Pre-submission Registration

Organizations or individuals interested in responding to this solicitation must register online with the

County of San Mateo at:

• https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/smcgov

It is recommended that organizations complete this registration as soon as possible. The County will not be responsible for and may not accept proposals that are late due to a failure to register in the eProcurement system.

3.3. Submission via eProcurement Portal

Required Documents

Please refer to the Technical Proposal section for submittal documents and requirements.

mailto:procurement-support@opengov.com mailto:procurement-support@opengov.com https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/smcgov https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/smcgov https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/smcgov/projects/285309/document?section=2749908

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Electronic Submissions

Include the proposer name and the RFP title and number in each filename. Submit proposals via the eProcurement website, allowing sufficient time for the upload to complete by the Due Date and Time. As noted above, the eProcurement portal submission time will be the official submission time, and partial uploads will automatically terminate, and proposals will be rejected. Contact eProcurement Portal with technical questions regarding this site.

Conflicts between Certain Requirements

Prior to the submission deadlines and solely relating to a determination of the timeliness of questions, comments, and proposal submissions, information displayed on the eProcurement portal site will take precedence in the event of a discrepancy between that information and the information within the solicitation documents. For all other discrepancies, the information in the solicitation documents will take precedence.

Format

Documents should be created in the following format:

• Text should be Times New Roman (12-point minimum font size) and unjustified (i.e., with a ragged-right margin)

• Pages should have margins of at least one inch on all sides (excluding headers and footers)

• If the proposal is lengthy, a Table of Contents should be included.

• PDF format is preferred.

Errors in Proposals

The County will not be liable for any errors in proposals. Proposals may be rejected as unresponsive if they are late, incomplete, missing pages or information, or cannot be opened for any reason. The County may waive minor irregularities, but such waiver will not modify any remaining RFP requirements.

3.4. Procurement Preference for Local Businesses and Local Non-Profits

The County of San Mateo has adopted a Procurement Preference for Local Businesses Ordinance (County

Ord. Code Ch. 2.89.) The purpose of this Ordinance is to promote a strong local economy by giving preference to local businesses, local non-profits, local small and micro businesses, and local small and micro non-profits in County procurements, to the extent consistent with the law and interests of the public. The County’s process for applying local preferences to competitive procurements is set forth in

County Ordinance Code Section 2.89.030. The Ordinance and exemptions (e.g. the ordinance will be exempt when all bids or proposals received are from Non-Profit Organizations) can be reviewed here:

Chapter 2.89 - PROCUREMENT PREFERENCE FOR LOCAL BUSINESSES | Code of Ordinances |

San Mateo County, CA | Municode Library

The requirements for bidders to establish eligibility for a local preference for this solicitation are detailed below in Section III (Submission Requirements) The Ordinance does not apply if a procurement is determined to be exempt (County Ord. Code sec. 2.89.050), and the County reserves the right to waive https://library.municode.com/ca/san_mateo_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT2AD_ART2.8INFIPRCOCO_CH2.89PRPRLOBU https://library.municode.com/ca/san_mateo_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT2AD_ART2.8INFIPRCOCO_CH2.89PRPRLOBU

Page 18 of 42 Release date of August 12, 2026 application of the Ordinance to this procurement if determined to be in the best interests of the County

(County Ord. Code sec. 2.89.060).

4. Minimum Qualifications, Local Preference Ordinance, and Technical Proposal

4.1. Minimum Qualifications for ALL PROPOSERS

4.1.1. Please confirm your firm is registered with System for Award Management (SAM)*

SAM.gov

☐ Please confirm

*Response required

4.1.2. What is the registered Business Name and Unique Entity ID (UEI) No.?*

• UEI number can be obtained by registering your business through SAM.GOV

• Should you be in the process of obtaining your UEI number, please enter the digits ‘123’ temporarily for your response below in order to proceed with proposal. This temporary number should be replaced with the correct registration number for submission of the proposal.

*Response required

4.1.3. Proposer must be currently providing services in San Mateo County

Detail what services are being provided.

4.1.4. Proposer must currently have a physical office located in at least one (1) of the nine (9)

Bay Area counties.

☐ Please confirm

4.1.5. Proposer must be willing and able to comply with HMIS, reporting, privacy, and evaluation/RCT requirements applicable to its role.

☐ Please confirm

4.2. Minimum Qualifications - Network Coordinator/Fiscal Agent

4.2.1. Proposer must have at least two (2) cumulative years of experience serving as the lead agency, coordinating entity, primary implementation partner, or comparable role, for a multi-partner project or projects.

Provide evidence you have at least two (2) cumulative years of experience serving as the lead agency, coordinating entity, primary implementation partner, or comparable role, for a multi-partner project or projects.

• List all relevant projects

For each project include:

• Project name

• Client/agency

• Partners you coordinated https://sam.gov/content/home

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• Dates (start - end)

• Scope summary

• Total Project Budget

4.2.2. Proposer must have at least three (3) years of experience administering direct financial assistance on behalf of applicant households, subrecipient/vendor payments, or other comparable fiscal operations with documented internal controls.

Provide evidence you have at least three (3) years of experience administering direct financial assistance on behalf of applicant households, subrecipient/vendor payments, or other comparable fiscal operations with documented internal controls.

• Project name

• Client/agency

• Dates (start - end)

• Scope summary

• Total Financial Assistance Distributed

4.3. Minimum Qualifications - Service Provider

4.3.1. Proposer must have at least three (3) years of experience providing housing stabilization, homelessness prevention, rapid rehousing, homeless services, case management, or closely related services.

Provide evidence of at least three (3) years of experience providing housing stabilization, homelessness prevention, rapid rehousing, homeless services, case management, or closely related services.

Require response:

• List all relevant projects

For each project include:

• Project name

• Client/agency

• Dates (start–end)

• Scope summary

4.3.2. Proposer must be able to provide culturally responsive, trauma-informed services and language access appropriate to the population served.

☐ Yes

☐ No

4.4. Procurement Preference for Local Businesses and Local Non-Profits

4.4.1. Is the Proposer a "Local Business"?

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As Defined by Chapter 2.89.020 of the San Mateo County Ordinance Code, a “Local Business” means any for-profit business which has its principal place of business, or is headquartered, in San Mateo

County. If this designation applies to the proposer, a self-attestation form must be completed and provided with this response.

Please download the below documents, complete, and upload. If this designation is not applicable, please leave blank.

• SMC_LocalBusiness_self-atte...

4.4.2. Is the Proposer a Non-Profit?*

A Non-Profit is defined as a tax-exempt public charity organization (within the meaning of section

501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code) that is formed for purposes other than making a profit, is exempt from paying federal income taxes on the income generated for their exempt purposes.

☐ Yes

☐ No

*Response required

When equals "Yes"

4.4.3. Is the Proposer a "Local Non-Profit"

As Defined by Chapter 2.89.020 of the San Mateo County Ordinance Code, a “Local Non-Profit" means a tax-exempt public charity organization (within the meaning of section 501(c)(3) of the

Internal Revenue Code) that is formed for purposes other than making a profit, is exempt from paying federal income taxes on the income generated for their exempt purposes, and has its principal place of business, or is headquartered, in San Mateo County. If this designation applies to the proposer, a self-attestation form must be completed and provided with this response.

Please download the below documents, complete, and upload. If this designation is not applicable, please leave blank.

• SMC_LocalBusiness_self-atte...

4.4.4. Is the Proposer a Local "Small" or "Micro" Business?

As Defined by Chapter 2.89.020 of the San Mateo County Ordinance Code:

“Small Business” means any business which holds a Small Business Certification awarded by the

California Office of Small Business and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise Services (OSDS).

“Micro Business” means any Small Business certified by the OSDS which is automatically designated by the OSDS as a Micro Business due to gross annual receipts falling below the OSDS-designated dollar amount.

If the above designations apply, please provide the OSDS provided Certification ID.

If this designation is not applicable, please leave blank.

4.4.5. Is the Proposer a Local "Small" or "Micro" Non-Profit?

As Defined by Chapter 2.89.020 of the San Mateo County Ordinance Code:

https://government-project.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/153456/a16ffdc0-a0ee-44ca-b6de-1fddd010042f_SMC_LocalBusiness_self-attestation_form_120424.pdf https://government-project.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/153456/80d29c2f-acda-4b87-837e-cb4ead1fb303_SMC_LocalBusiness_self-attestation_form_120424.pdf

Page 21 of 42 Release date of August 12, 2026

“Small Non-Profit" means a Local Non-Profit with an annual revenue of $1,000,000 to $2,500,000 according to its most recently filed IRS Form 990.

“Micro Non-Profit" means a Local Non-Profit with an annual revenue of less than $1,000,000, according to its most recently filed IRS Form 990.

If the above designations apply, please provide your latest filed IRS form 990. A filing from the last two calendar years is acceptable.

If this designation is not applicable, please leave blank.

4.5. Technical Proposal - Network Coordinator/Fiscal Agent

Each role includes a separate set of required proposal questions and information. Applicants must complete all questions for each role for which they are applying within the maximum word count allowable for responses. Organizations applying for multiple roles must submit a complete response to each applicable role-specific section. Responses should clearly identify the role being addressed and distinguish the proposed staffing, qualifications, relevant experience, and proposed approach for each role.

Provide specific examples from comparable projects whenever possible. The County will evaluate the extent to which the proposal demonstrates relevant experience and a clear, feasible approach supported by concrete examples, established organizational systems, and demonstrated implementation practices.

4.5.1. Organizational Background

Provide information regarding organizational background and qualifications, including:

• Brief description of the proposer and mission;

• Years in operation;

• Summary of prior or current contracts where proposer performed housing, homelessness, or comparable human services role include: service provided, contract size, funding source, and notable outcomes.

4.5.2. Proposed Staffing

Provide information about the proposed team for each role applied for, including:

• organizational chart or narrative description of team structure;

• lead manager or supervisor for the proposed work;

• proposed key staff roles and responsibilities needed to meet activities included in scope of work;

• Qualifications and relevant experience of key…