26-63-SPS Lease at Collins Middle School for Youth Outreach

The City of Salem, Massachusetts is requesting proposals for a three-year lease of space at Collins Middle School to operate a youth outreach program, with proposals due June 16, 2026 at 11:00 AM and a pre-proposal site visit on June 6 at 11:00 AM.

The scope comprises 9,856 square feet across eight rooms plus two gang-style restrooms, with non-exclusive access to the school's cafeteria, gymnasium, and Bertram Field during non-school hours. The facility will support drop-in center programming, afterschool activities, vacation programs, and summer services. Proposers must commit to providing Salem residents priority enrollment, holding two emergency slots for students in transition, and maintaining inclusive and culturally responsive practices. The awardee must demonstrate a track record serving students with financial barriers and disabilities and support for multilingual learners.

The minimum monthly rent is $2,200 with a separate $100 monthly janitorial fee covering janitorial services, trash and recycling, and bathroom supplies. The initial term commences July 1, 2026 with optional renewal for two additional one-year terms. The contract will be awarded within 60 days of the proposal deadline.

Proposers must hold a minimum of $1 million property and casualty insurance naming the City as insured and demonstrate at least three years' experience operating a similar organization. Evaluation criteria include experience in operating youth-serving organizations, proposed rent payment levels, safety protocols, track records with target populations, multilingual learner support, quality of youth development programming, and communication systems. All proposals must include signed certificates of non-collusion and tax compliance, management resumes, and detailed descriptions of proposed services, operational hours, and safety protocols. Questions should be directed to the City of Salem Purchasing Department. The facility is located at 29 Highland Avenue, Salem, Massachusetts.