HLC0000123 Winter Bed NOFA

The Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities is requesting proposals for seasonal emergency overnight shelter and warming center services under a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA HLC0000123), with responses due October 16, 2026 at 3:00 PM and a virtual bidders' conference on October 7, 2026 at 1:00 PM.

Eligible respondents are municipalities partnered with established homelessness service providers or nonprofits with municipal partnerships. All funded programs must serve individuals without children meeting HUD's homeless definition, operate as low-threshold facilities, and participate in the Homelessness Information Management System (HMIS) and the local Continuum of Care's Point In Time Count. Priority regions include Greater Boston, Western Massachusetts, Greater Worcester, Bristol and Plymouth Counties, and Upper Merrimack Valley.

The scope encompasses one-time funding for newly added seasonal shelter and warming center capacity operating November 15, 2026, through April 30, 2027. Funded programs must provide supportive services including housing search, case management, behavioral health connections, and employment readiness assistance. Eligible one-time costs include material goods such as cots, mattresses, and linens, seasonal staffing, and administrative costs capped at 10 percent of other requested funding. Clinical supports for medical and behavioral health services are ineligible.

The total procurement value is approximately $15 million in one-time state appropriation with no renewal options. Awards will be distributed through cost-reimbursement grants with individual maximum obligation amounts subject to appropriation and funding availability.

Evaluation criteria weight scope of services and outcomes at 40 percent, organizational experience and capacity at 30 percent, budget and cost-effectiveness at 20 percent, and need and location at 10 percent. Written questions are due October 7, 2026 at 3:00 PM. Award announcements are anticipated by October 30, 2026.

Respondents must submit a comprehensive application including scope of services, experience and capacity narratives, detailed budget using the provided Excel template, documentation of eligibility, evidence of municipal or provider partnerships, proof of HMIS readiness, current financial internal controls policies, Massachusetts Substitute Form W-9, and Contractor Authorized Signatory Listing.