VSSN_Cash_Assistance_Overview.pdf

This Request for Proposal issued by the City of New Haven, Connecticut, Department of Community Services Administration (RFP 2025-RFP-CNH-304) seeks qualified organizations to provide essential support services for victims of violence through the Victim Support Services Network (VSSN), established in 2023 as part of the City's strategy to address gun violence. The RFP solicits proposals for trauma-informed, culturally responsive services including emergency and ongoing basic needs assistance such as food, clothing, transportation, temporary housing or relocation support, safety planning, and connections to community-based resources. Eligible service recipients include victims of firearm-related offenses, domestic violence, sexual violence, and other forms of interpersonal and community violence, with particular emphasis on young adults ages 18 to 34. The procurement schedule includes a non-mandatory pre-proposal meeting on February 17, 2026, at 1:00 PM; a question submission deadline of February 24, 2026, at 5:00 PM; and a response submission deadline of March 3, 2026, at 11:00 AM via the City's eProcurement Portal. The contract term is one year with one optional one-year extension subject to the Purchasing Agent's approval, with Mayor approval required if the contract value exceeds $25,000 and Board of Alders approval required if extending beyond one year.

Proposers must submit two separate documents—a technical proposal without pricing and a detailed cost proposal—with all costs on a firm, fixed basis, though limited price adjustments may be considered if material or labor costs fluctuate more than 20 percent during the contract term. Contractors must maintain general liability insurance of $1 million per occurrence and $2 million combined aggregate and comply with the City's Living Wage Ordinance if the contract exceeds $25,000 annually, Executive Order 11246, and Connecticut Fair Employment Practices Act requirements. If funded through State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (ARPA), contractors must comply with extensive federal requirements including indirect cost caps at 10 percent of the total award, quarterly reporting, SAM.gov registration, and compliance with 2 CFR 200 (Uniform Guidance). The specific award value is not disclosed; however, the City developed separate contract templates for ARPA awards of $100,000 or less and greater than $100,000, with all ARPA funds required to be obligated by December 31, 2024, and expended by December 31, 2026. No set-asides for disadvantaged, minority-owned, or women-owned businesses are specified in the procurement documents.