COMMUNITY HOUSING DEVELOPMENT SERVICES

The State of South Carolina, specifically the Department of Mental Health (SCDMH), is procuring Community Housing Development Services through a fixed-price bid solicitation (Number 5400023893) for developing affordable housing for individuals with mental illnesses. The procurement seeks to establish a Qualified Provider List (QPL) of contractors capable of creating community-based housing units across the state. Eligible contractors will develop housing units with SCDMH funding, with a maximum compensation of $25,000 per housing unit designated for persons with mental illnesses. The solicitation requires contractors to demonstrate five years of experience developing and managing affordable housing for low and very low-income households, with a preference for experience serving individuals with mental health needs. Key deliverables include detailed development plans, financial statements, professional references, and proof of organizational good standing. The original submission deadline was September 14, 2022, with questions due by September 6, 2022, and the anticipated contract term running from September 26, 2022, to September 25, 2027, comprising an initial one-year term with four potential one-year renewals.

Eligible respondents include nonprofits (501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), or other IRS designations), Public Housing Authorities, and for-profit entities such as partnerships, corporations, or joint ventures. While no specific minority business set-asides are explicitly defined, the bid form requests minority business participation information. Contractors must demonstrate financial capacity to execute affordable housing development and must commit to making housing units available to individuals with mental illnesses for a minimum of 20 years. SCDMH funding can cover up to 50 percent of total project development costs, including site acquisition, pre-development, and development expenses. Contractors must also sign a Business Associate/Qualified Service Organization Agreement acknowledging compliance with HIPAA and state confidentiality requirements. The maximum compensation structure allows $25,000 per housing unit, with any costs exceeding this amount not considered for award. Notably, for a 10-unit development, funding would typically be based on 2 units designated for persons with mental illnesses, with potential exceptions at DMH's discretion for smaller developments.