Right_at_Home_Targeted_Homelessness_Prevention_Program_-_Legal_Services_Provider.pdf

County of San Mateo

Request for Proposals (RFP) for Right at Home Targeted

Homelessness Prevention Program - Legal Services Provider

Human Services Agency - Center on Homelessness

RFP No. 2027-RFP-00053

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), 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.

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.

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

• One (1) Legal Services Provider https://rightathomeusa.org/

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• One (1) Network Coordinator / Fiscal Agent (on a separate RFP)

• Two-Four (2-4) Supportive Service Providers (on a separate RFP)

The County anticipates selecting one Legal Services Provider to deliver housing-related legal assistance to participants in the Right at Home (RAH) Targeted Homelessness Prevention Program. The Legal Services

Provider will work collaboratively with the Network Coordinator/Fiscal Agent and Supportive Services

Providers to help participants resolve legal issues that threaten housing stability and increase the risk of homelessness.

Contracts are expected to begin in January 2027.

1.2. Background

San Mateo County 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 Right at

Home (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.

Over the past decade, San Mateo County has made significant investments in homelessness prevention and housing stability programs. These investments include emergency financial assistance, diversion services, and other interventions designed to help households remain safely housed. While these efforts remain critical components of the County's prevention efforts, there is an opportunity to add to the current prevention system the RAH targeted prevention approach focused specifically on households at the highest risk of entering homelessness.

The Right at Home (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, San Mateo County plans to launch a local Right at Home

(RAH) Targeted Homelessness Prevention Program in January 2027.

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

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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).

Right at Home programs must adhere to the initiative’s Ten Essential Components, included in

Exhibit X, and comply with research, evaluation, data collection, and implementation protocols established by LEO and other Right at Home partners. While Right at Home provides a shared framework for participating communities, each community is responsible for designing a program that reflects local needs, resources, and service systems. As a result, San Mateo County has flexibility to tailor its targeted homelessness prevention program to local conditions and priorities.

While the overall program model and core requirements have been established through a community planning process initiated in January 2026, some operational details, including eligibility criteria, income limits, the locally adapted risk assessment tool, program workflows, and other implementation policies, are still under development. These elements will be finalized prior to program launch through the development of program written standards and other implementation materials.

San Mateo County 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. San Mateo County anticipates having access to technical assistance through RAH initiative partners Homebase and LEO.

This RFP is intended to provide sufficient information for proposers to demonstrate their qualifications, organizational capacity, relevant experience, and readiness to successfully implement their assigned role.

In addition to technical qualifications, the County will evaluate proposers based on their experience and willingness to collaborate in ongoing implementation, learning, and continuous quality improvement efforts.

1.3. Contact Information

Project Contact:

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

Procurement Contact:

LisaAnn Wolfskill mailto:jbanuelos@smcgov.org tel:(650)802-6497

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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 September 1, 2026

Pre-Proposal Meeting (Non-Mandatory) September 10, 2026, 11:00am

Agenda https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/26357646912314

7?p=v9NMufwemQEtKWNSmx

Deadline for Questions and Comments September 14, 2026, 5:00pm

Proposal Due Date and Time September 28, 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 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), mailto:lwolfskill@smcgov.org tel:(650)802-7919 https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/263576469123147?p=v9NMufwemQEtKWNSmx https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/263576469123147?p=v9NMufwemQEtKWNSmx https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/263576469123147?p=v9NMufwemQEtKWNSmx

Page 6 of 23 Release date of September 1, 2026 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 scope 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.

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.

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• 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.

2.4. Funding Available

Role Number of Awards Role Overview

Legal Services Provider 1 Housing-related legal consultation and advice, landlord-tenant dispute resolution, eviction prevention assistance, and legal representation, as appropriate.

2.5. Legal Services Provider

The County anticipates selecting one Legal Services Provider to deliver housing-related legal assistance to participants in the Right at Home (RAH) Targeted Homelessness Prevention Program.

The Legal Services Provider will work collaboratively with the Network Coordinator/Fiscal Agent and

Supportive Services Providers to help participants resolve legal issues that threaten housing stability and increase the risk of homelessness.

The selected organization shall perform the following functions:

A. Housing-Related Legal Services

The Legal Services Provider shall provide timely legal assistance to eligible participants experiencing housing-related legal issues that may jeopardize their ability to remain housed.

Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

o Provide legal consultation and advice related to housing stability, such as addressing lease violations, notices to vacate, habitability concerns, and other legal concerns.

Page 8 of 23 Release date of September 1, 2026 o Providing legal representation when necessary to sustain housing.

o Assist participants facing eviction or other housing-related legal proceedings.

o Conduct landlord-tenant negotiation and dispute resolution, when appropriate.

o Provide tenant rights information to participants and RAH partners as needed o Refer participants to additional legal or community resources when appropriate.

B. Coordination with Program Partners

The Legal Services Provider shall work closely with the Network Coordinator/Fiscal Agent and

Supportive Services Providers to ensure legal services are integrated into participants' housing stabilization plans.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

o Accept referrals from Supportive Services Providers and the Network Coordinator/Fiscal

Agent.

o Communicate with referring providers regarding participant progress o Participate in case consultation, partner meetings, and program trainings, as requested by the

County.

C. Research, Reporting, and Quality Improvement

As a participating Right at Home (RAH) community, San Mateo County is expected to implement the program in accordance with national program standards and evaluation requirements. The Legal Services

Provider will support these efforts by participating in required reporting, training, and quality improvement activities.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

o Participate in required trainings and technical assistance provided by the County, LEO, and other Right at Home partners, as applicable.

o Maintain records and documentation of legal services provided.

o Submit reports and performance information required by the County.

o Participate in program evaluation and continuous quality improvement activities, as requested.

3. Submission Requirements

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3.1. Submission Deadline

Proposals must be electronically received by 5:00 pm, on Monday, September 28, 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.

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 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/294698/document?section=2834236

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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 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

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 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 https://sam.gov/content/home

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• 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.

*Response required

4.1.4. Proposer must have at least three years of experience providing housing-related legal services, eviction prevention services, landlord-tenant legal assistance, or similar legal support for low-income households.

4.1.5. Proposer must demonstrate satisfactory prior contract performance or comparable organizational performance in delivering legal services reporting as determined through contract performance summary narrative and reference checks.

4.1.6. Proposer must have staff or contracted attorneys with the required California licensure and supervision to provide the proposed services.

☐ Please confirm

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

Bay Area counties.*

☐ Please confirm

*Response required

4.1.8. Proposer must have at least three years of experience providing housing-related legal services, eviction prevention services, landlord-tenant legal assistance, or similar legal support for low-income households.

Explain how you meet this criteria.

4.1.9. Proposer must demonstrate satisfactory prior contract performance or comparable organizational performance in delivering legal services reporting as determined through contract performance summary narrative and reference checks.

Please explain how you meet these criteria.

4.1.10. Proposer must be able to coordinate with service providers and the County and comply with reporting, privacy, data entry, and evaluation requirements applicable to its role.

☐ Please confirm

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

4.2.1. Is the Proposer a "Local Business"?

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.

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• SMC_LocalBusiness_self-atte...

4.2.2. 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"

4.2.3. 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...

4.2.4. 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.

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

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

“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.

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

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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.

4.3. Technical Proposal

4.3.1. Introduction and Executive Summary *

Submit a letter of introduction and executive summary of the proposal. The letter must contain:

• Name, title and contact information (email, phone, and address) for representative of proposer that is responsible for communication related to this RFP.

• Name, title, contact information, and signature of person authorized to obligate firm to perform the commitment contained in the proposal.

Submission of the letter will constitute a representation by proposer that it is willing and able to perform the commitments contained in the proposal and has not violated the terms of this RFP.

*Response required

4.3.2. Organizational Background

Provide information regarding organizational background and qualifications, including:

• Brief description of the proposer and mission;Y

• Years in operation

• Summary of prior contract performance including comparable contracts or grants, the types of services provided, contract size, funding source, and notable outcomes or accomplishments.

4.3.3. Organizational Proposed Staffing*

Provide information about the proposed team for each role applied for, Provide information regarding organizational background and qualifications, including: brief description of the proposer and mission; years in operation; summary of prior contract performance including comparable contracts or grants, the types of services provided, contract size, funding source, and notable outcomes or accomplishments.Organiza 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;

• staff qualifications and relevant experience;

• staffing plan for startup and ongoing operations; and

• plan to maintain continuity when staff vacancies occur.

*Response required

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4.3.4. Implementation Readiness

Describe your organization's approach to preparing for program launch and meeting the implementation requirements described in Section 3.5. Include your anticipated timeline for completing implementation start-up activities, organizational systems and infrastructure that support timely startup, willingness to participant in program design finalization, and any anticipated challenges or dependencies that could affect readiness.

4.3.5. Experience Serving the Target Population

Describe your organization's experience serving households experiencing or at imminent risk of homelessness. Include the primary populations served, geographic areas served within San Mateo County, and how your organization ensures services are culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and accessible to diverse populations at risk of homelessness.

4.3.6. Housing-Related Legal Services

Describe your organization's experience providing housing-related legal services and your proposed approach to implementing the Legal Services Provider responsibilities described in the Scope of Work.

Include:

• Experience providing eviction prevention, landlord-tenant legal services, housing counseling, legal representation, or other housing-related legal assistance.

• Experience working with households at imminent risk of homelessness to resolve housing crises and prevent displacement.

• Experience coordinating legal services with financial assistance, case management, or other homelessness prevention services.

• Your proposed approach to delivering timely legal consultation and representation, coordinating with Supportive Services Providers, and helping households maintain housing stability.

4.3.7. Experience Participating in a Coordinated Service Network

Describe your organization's experience participating in coordinated, multi-provider programs and your proposed approach to collaborating with the County and RAH program partners to implement the program. Include:

• Experience coordinating with case management providers, public agencies, and community partners through standardized referral processes and shared program workflows.

• Experience providing timely legal consultation or representation within programs requiring rapid response and close coordination with other providers.

• Experience meeting reporting requirements, collecting required program data, and participating in program monitoring, evaluation, or other initiatives requiring collaboration with external partners.

• Your proposed approach to participating in required meetings, trainings, reporting activities, and coordinated workflows to support consistent program implementation.

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4.3.8. Fee Proposal*

Provide an all-inclusive hourly rate for services.

*Response required

5. Evaluation and Selection Criteria

The proposals will be evaluated by a selection committee with relevant expertise. The County intends to evaluate the proposals generally in accordance with the criteria itemized below. Proposers with the highest scoring proposals may be interviewed by the committee to make the final selection.

5.1. Phase 1

No. Evaluation Criteria Scoring

Method Weight

(Points)

1. Organizational Qualifications

The extent to which the proposer demonstrates the organizational qualifications and , capacity , and readiness necessary to successfully perform the role.

Evaluation will include, but is not limited to:

• Organizational experience providing legal services, particularly to low-income or vulnerable populations.

• Experience providing legal services to households experiencing or at imminent risk of homelessness

• Demonstrated organizational capacity, operational infrastructure, and readiness to successfully launch and sustain program operations.

• Prior contract performance and organizational ability to deliver high-quality legal services.

Points

Based

(20% of

Total)

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2. Role-Specific Experience and Proposed Approach

The extent to which the proposer demonstrates relevant experience performing the responsibilities of the role and presents a clear, feasible approach to implementing the applicable Scope of Work. Evaluation will include, but is not limited to:

• Experience providing housing-related legal consultation and legal representation.

• Experience assisting households to resolve housing crises and prevent homelessness.

• Experience coordinating legal services with housing, homelessness, or other human services providers.

• Experience providing timely legal services within coordinated, multi-provider service models.

• The quality, feasibility, and completeness of the proposed approach to implementing the Legal Services Provider Scope of Work.

Points

Based

(25% of

Total)

3. Staffing and Implementation Readiness

The extent to which the proposer demonstrates that its proposed staffing structure, key personnel, and startup plan are sufficient to successfully implement the requested Scope of

Work within the required timeframe. Evaluation will include, but is not limited to:

• Qualifications and experience of proposed key personnel.

• Adequacy of the proposed staffing structure and organizational support.

• Feasibility of the proposed startup plan and implementation timeline.

• Ability to successfully launch and sustain housing-related legal services

Points

Based

(10% of

Total)

4. Data, Reporting, Collaboration, and Research Participation

The extent to which the proposer demonstrates relevant experience and a proposed approach to fulfilling the data management, reporting, collaboration, and research responsibilities associated with the role for which the proposal is submitted:

• Experience participating in coordinated service networks and meeting reporting requirements.

• Experience supporting program monitoring, evaluation, or research activities.

• Proposed approach to collaborating with program partners and supporting coordinated implementation, data collection, and reporting.

Points

Based

(10% of

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5. Budget Completeness and Feasibility

The extent to which the proposed budget is complete, reasonable, feasible, and aligned with the proposed Scope of Work. Evaluation may include, but is not limited to:

• Completeness and reasonableness of the proposed budget.

• Alignment of proposed staffing, operating costs, and fiscal administration activities with the Scope of Work.

• Reasonableness of budget assumptions and overall cost-effectiveness.

• Demonstrated ability to successfully implement the proposed activities within the requested funding.

Points

Based

(10% of

Total)

6. Price

The table below explains the method by which the fee proposal is scored. The lowest cost proposal will receive the maximum number of points assigned to the fee proposal evaluation criteria. All other proposals will be assigned points by dividing the amount of the lowest total fee proposed by the amount of their respective total fee proposed and then multiplying the resulting number of the maximum number of points available to receive the proposer’s score. For example, if a total of 25 points are assigned to evaluate the fee proposal, Firm A offers the lowest fee proposal of $1000 receives all 25 points. Firm B is the next lowest proposal that offers $1200 receives a score of 20.8 points ($1000 divided by

$1200 multiplied by 25 points). Firm C has the highest proposal that offers $1500 and receives a score of 16.7 ($1000 divided by $1500 multiplied by 25 points).

Following the evaluation of the written proposals, the three (3) proposers receiving the highest scores will be invited to an oral interview. The interview will consist of standard questions asked of each of the proposers. The department will combine both the written and oral interview scores of the short-listed proposers as the final scores and selection of the proposers.

Points

Based

(25% of

5.2. Phase 2

No. Evaluation Criteria Scoring Method Weight (Points)

Page 18 of 23 Release date of September 1, 2026

1. Preferential Points

Where price is not the sole evaluation factor for a solicitation (e.g., in the case of a "best-value" solicitation), five percent (5%) of the total evaluation points otherwise awardable will be added to the proposal score for each Local

Business or Local Non-Profit score for evaluation purposes. In the event of a tie between a Local Business or Local Non-Profit and another bidder, the Local Business or Non-

Profit shall be awarded the Contract, assuming agreement on other contract terms.

An additional three percent (3%) preference shall be given to a Local Business or Local

Non-profit (for a total of eight percent (8%) of total points otherwise awardable) if the proposer is a Small Business or Small Non-

Profit, or an additional 5 percent preference (for a total of ten percent (10%) of total points otherwise awardable) if the proposer is a Micro

Business or Micro Non-Profit.

Points Based 10 (100% of Total)

6. Instructions to Proposers

6.1. Instructions

Proposers are encouraged to attend a pre-proposal conference on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at 11:00 am, to be held at https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/263576469123147?p=v9NMufwemQEtKWNSmx. All questions will be addressed at this conference and any available new information will be provided at that time. If you have further questions regarding the RFP, please post them on the eProcurement portal.

6.2. Communications

A. As of the issuance date of this RFP and continuing until it is canceled or an award is made, no proposer or person acting on behalf of a prospective proposer may discuss any matter relating to the RFP with any officer, agent, or employee of the County, other than through eProcurement portal, to the Authorized Contact Person, or as outlined in the evaluation or protest procedures.

B. Proposers (including any agent, owner, employee, board members, or other such affiliates) shall not offer any gift, favor, or other personal benefit to any County officer or employee during the procurement process for this agreement, including during the solicitation period and contract negotiations.

Violation of the foregoing prohibitions may result in a proposer being found non-responsible and barred from participating in this or future procurements.

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6.3. Contract Award

A. Award Procedure

Contract negotiations are neither an offer nor guarantee that a contract will be executed. A contract award, if any is made, will be to the responsive, responsible proposer offering the overall best value to the County for the services and goods described in this solicitation, or as applicable, for a specific portion of the services and goods described. Any agreement reached will be memorialized in a formal agreement using the attached template, executed by the appropriate authority.

B. Notice of Intent to Award

If a decision is made to take steps to enter into an agreement with one or more proposers, the

County will post a Notice of Intent to Award or otherwise notify proposers the remaining proposers of their non-selection. Notice may instead be provided by including approval of the agreement as an item on an agenda for a meeting of the Board of Supervisors.

C. Commencement of Performance

After all parties have signed the agreement, the County will notify the contractor and performance may proceed. Prior to execution of the agreement by the County, no County employee may authorize work under the agreement. Any work performed prior to the full execution of the Agreement may not be compensated.

D. Levine Act DisclosureThe Levine Act (California Government Code Section 84308) imposes certain requirements on parties contracting with the County of San Mateo related to campaign contributions to County “officers,” including elected County officers and candidates seeking elective office, who may participate in making a decision on certain County contracts. Elected

County officers in San Mateo County include: the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors, Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder, County Controller, Coroner, District Attorney, Sheriff, and Tax

Collector-Treasurer.Generally, under current County policy, approval by the Board of

Supervisors is required for any agreement for services above $200,000, and agreements for services below that threshold may be approved by Department heads.If your proposal is selected, you will be required to certify compliance with the Levine Act.As part of this process, you will need to certify and warrant that you have fully complied, and will remain in full compliance, with all applicable requirements of the Levine Act in connection with the

Agreement, including making any required disclosures of campaign contributions to County

Officers, which includes but may not be limited to elected County Officers. Elected County

Officers include members of the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors, as well as the

Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder, Controller, Coroner, District Attorney, Sheriff, and Tax

Collector-Treasurer. Any campaign contribution required to be disclosed under the Levine Act in connection with this Agreement shall be disclosed on the County of San Mateo Levine Act

Disclosure Form, a copy of which is available from the County upon request.Parties are solely responsible for accurate certification and disclosure. The Levine Act is complex, and this brief description is not legal advice. For example, certain contributions must be aggregated when

Page 20 of 23 Release date of September 1, 2026 determining whether contributions have exceeded the $500 threshold. If your proposal is selected, you are urged to review the Levine Act and consider consulting an attorney.

6.4. Term

Human Services Agency - Center on Homelessnessis issuing Request for Proposal (RFP) No. 2027-RFP-

00053 for Right at Home Targeted Homelessness Prevention Program - Legal Services Provider.

The agreement shall have a term of three (3) years. In addition, the County shall have one (1) option to extend the term for an additional period not to exceed two years, which the County may exercise in its sole, absolute discretion. To exercise this option, the County shall provide written notice to the Contractor at least thirty days before the end of the agreement’s term.

The County’s standard contract template has been included with this solicitation. The awarded contractor will be expected to sign an agreement prepared by the County using this template. Please ensure that your firm has completed legal review of these contract terms. If your firm wishes to request exceptions to these standard terms, submit a Contract Exceptions Request by the Deadline for Questions, Comments and

Contract Exceptions listed in the Solicitation Schedule below. The County will consider Contract

Exceptions Requests but reserves the right to reject requested modifications to its standard terms.

7. Terms and Conditions for Receipt of Proposals

7.1. Errors, Omissions and Inquiries regarding the RFP

Proposers are responsible for reviewing all portions of this RFP. Proposers are to notify the department, in eProcurement portal, if the proposer discovers any ambiguity, discrepancy, omission, or apparent error in the RFP. Such notification should be made promptly after discovery, but in no event later than five business days prior to the deadline for receipt of proposals. Modifications and clarifications will be made by addenda as provided below.

Inquiries regarding the RFP should be lodged in eProcurement portal.

7.2. Objections to RFP Terms

Should a proposer object on any ground to any provision or legal requirement set forth in this RFP, the proposer must, not more than ten calendar days after the RFP is issued, provide written notice to the department, via eProcurement portal, setting forth with specific grounds for the objection.

7.3. Addenda

The County may cancel, revise, or reissue this RFP, in whole or in part, for any reason. Revisions will be posted as Addenda on eProcurement portal. No other revision of this RFP is valid. Proposers shall be responsible for ensuring that their proposals reflects any and all Addenda issued by the County prior to the proposal due date regardless of when a proposal is submitted. Therefore, the County recommends that proposers consult eProcurement portal frequently, including shortly before the proposal due date, to confirm that all Addenda have been downloaded.

Page 21 of 23 Release date of September 1, 2026

7.4. Term of Proposal

Submission of a proposal signifies that the proposed services and prices are valid for the duration of the proposed agreement term and that the quoted prices are genuine and not the result of collusion or any other anti-competitive activity.

7.5. Revision or Withdrawal of Proposal

A proposer may revise a proposal on the proposer’s own initiative at any time before the deadline for submission of proposals. The proposer must submit the revised proposal in the same manner as the original on or before the proposal due date.

A proposer may withdraw a proposal at any time before the deadline for submission of proposals. After that time, whether or not a new RFP is issued for the same subject matter, withdrawal of a proposal may preclude the proposer from participating in the procurement as a proposer or subcontractor, except that an original equipment manufacturer may participate indirectly through a reseller.

7.6. Errors and Omissions in Proposal

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

7.7. No Commitment

Neither submission of a proposal nor the County’s receipt of proposal materials confers any right to the proposer nor any obligation on the County. This RFP does not commit the County to award a contract.

7.8. Financial Responsibility

The County shall have no financial responsibility for any costs incurred by a firm in responding to this

RFP or participating in any presentations or negotiations.

7.9. Estimated Quantity

If the RFP results in an indefinite quantity or a requirements agreement, the goods and services actually requested by the County may be less than the maximum value of the agreement and there is no guarantee, either expressed or implied, as to the actual quantity of goods and services that will be authorized under the agreement.

7.10. Public Record

A. General

1. All proposals, protests, and information submitted in response to this solicitation will become the property of the County and will be considered public records. As such, they may be subject to public review.

2. Any contract arising from this RFP will be a public record.

3. The County is not seeking proprietary information and will not assert any privileges that may exist on behalf of the proposer.

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4. Submission of any materials in response to this RFP constitutes:

▪ Consent to the County’s release of such materials under the Public Records Act without notice to the person or entity submitting the materials; and

▪ Waiver of all claims against the County and/or its officers, agents, or employees that the

County has violated a proposer's right to privacy, disclosed trade secrets, or caused any damage by allowing the proposal or materials to be inspected; and

▪ Agreement to indemnify and hold harmless the County for release of such information under the Public Records Act; and

▪ Acknowledgement that the County will not assert any privileges that may exist on behalf of the person or entity submitting the materials.

7.11. Reservations of Rights by the County

The issuance of this RFP does not constitute an agreement by the County that any contract will actually be entered into by the County. The County expressly reserves the right at any time to:

• Waive or correct any defect or informality in any response, proposal, or proposal procedure;

• Reject any or all proposals;

• Reissue an RFP;

• Prior to submission deadline for proposals, modify all or any portion of the selection procedures, including deadlines for accepting responses, the…