Futures First Program Request for Proposals

The City of Long Beach, Department of Health & Human Services, Office of Youth Development, issued RFP HE-23-237 on March 23, 2023, for certified life coaching services and individualized case management to opportunity youth ages 16–24 not working or in school; the initial proposal due date was May 11, 2023, extended by Addendum No. 1 to May 25, 2023. Proposing organizations must be 501(c)(3) non-profit entities with at least three years of experience serving opportunity youth or at-risk youth in Long Beach and a team of certified life coaches; this eligibility requirement is a core filter. April Parker Foundation of Long Beach was awarded the contract on July 10, 2023, and qualifies as a Minority-owned Business Enterprise, Women-owned Business Enterprise, and Long Beach local vendor.

The program targets at least 300 youth over three years, delivering life coaching, case management, assessment services, career and education planning, and linkages to wraparound services aligned with five pathways: social entrepreneurship, Dreamers entrepreneurship, post-secondary education, career technical training, and aerospace careers. Proposers must carry comprehensive general liability insurance of $2 million per occurrence and $4 million general aggregate, workers' compensation coverage of $1 million, commercial automobile liability of $500,000 combined single limit (or $5 million if transporting clients), and professional liability insurance of $1 million per claim.

The initial contract term is one year with options to renew for two additional one-year periods. The total annual contract amount is $271,488. Evaluation criteria included organizational capacity and experience, method of approach, coordination and collaboration with community partners, communication and reporting systems, commitment to racial equity, and reasonableness of cost. An optional pre-proposal meeting was scheduled for April 3, 2023; questions were due April 20, 2023. One proposal was received. Performance goals include 75% of youth receiving pro-social supportive services, 90% achieving at least one individualized goal within six months of enrollment, and 95% of youth completing skills training continuing to college, trade school, business ownership, space industry certification, or employment.