Emergency Shelter Care (ESC)

The Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) has issued a Request for Statement of Qualifications (RFSQ) to procure Emergency Shelter Care (ESC) services, seeking licensed resource parents to provide short-term, emergency shelter for vulnerable children. The procurement targets resource parents capable of sheltering children aged 0-17, including sibling groups, teen mothers with infants, and non-minor dependents (NMDs). Qualified providers must be licensed and able to offer safe, temporary housing solutions for children requiring immediate placement outside their primary residence. The key objectives include creating a responsive network of emergency shelter providers who can quickly respond to urgent child welfare placement needs within Los Angeles County. The solicitation (ESCRFSQ21-0072) has a contract term extending through April 25, 2025, with a response deadline of September 30, 2028. While specific evaluation criteria are not fully detailed in the provided documents, the primary focus appears to be on the resource parents' ability to provide immediate, supportive care and maintain a safe environment for children in transitional circumstances.

The procurement does not explicitly indicate specific set-aside designations or restrictions on respondent types beyond the requirement of being a licensed resource parent. No incumbent vendors or current contractors are identified in the available documentation. The RFSQ appears designed to expand the county's emergency placement capabilities by building a comprehensive pool of qualified shelter care providers. While precise award values or budget ranges are not specified, the contract opportunity represents a critical social service procurement aimed at supporting vulnerable children in Los Angeles County. The solicitation suggests an ongoing need for emergency shelter resources, with the potential for multiple providers to be selected to meet the diverse placement needs of children requiring temporary care. The procurement emphasizes the importance of creating a flexible, responsive network of licensed resource parents who can provide immediate shelter and support during challenging family circumstances.