County Emergency Shelter Operations and Services at Bridges at Kraemer Place and Yale Navigation Center

The County of Orange, California, through its County Executive Office - Office of Care Coordination, is soliciting proposals for County Emergency Shelter Operations and Services at two facilities: Bridges at Kraemer Place and Yale Navigation Center. The Request for Proposal (RFP) seeks qualified firms to operate emergency shelter programs with a total capacity of 625 beds (425 at Yale and 200 at Bridges) serving adult individuals, adult households, and couples experiencing homelessness. Respondents must have a minimum of five years of consecutive experience in county/government emergency shelter operations and demonstrate ability to operate 24/7, provide case management, offer transportation and meals, and implement housing-first and trauma-informed care principles. The evaluation process will utilize a comprehensive scoring system totaling 1,000 points, with 700 points allocated to written proposals, 100 points for presentations/interviews, and 200 points for cost proposals. Key deadlines include a September 22, 2025 deadline for questions, non-mandatory site visits scheduled for September 18, 2025, and proposal submissions due by October 6, 2025 at 2:00 pm. Proposals must be submitted electronically through the County's online bidding system, with no facsimile or email submissions allowed.

The solicitation does not explicitly outline specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. The initial contract term will be three years with options to renew for two additional one-year periods, contingent on Board of Supervisors approval and available funding. The County anticipates reimbursing the selected respondent(s) monthly through a fee-for-service structure, with up to $50,000 in potential start-up funds available for equipment, supplies, and marketing. The contract will be funded through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, with specific expenditure thresholds requiring contractors to spend 50% of the contracted amount by February 15, 2024, 70% by March 15, 2024, and 80% by April 15, 2024. Proposals will be evaluated based on organizational experience, program design, staffing, facility management, and compliance with the county's model contract. The selected vendor(s) will be required to adhere to the County of Orange's Standards of Care for Emergency Shelter Providers, which emphasizes creating a supportive, dignified, and safe environment for homeless participants.