Life Coaching and Credible Messenger Services for Community Violence Intervention-Rebid

The City of New Haven, Connecticut is seeking qualified providers for a Request for Proposal (RFP) to deliver life coaching and credible messenger services as part of a community violence intervention strategy through the PRESS (Pathway for Reintegration, Engagement, Strategy and Support) initiative. The procurement aims to support individuals returning from incarceration, those with firearm offenses, and those at high risk of gang/group involvement through mentorship, personal development, and positive behavior change. The RFP specifically seeks two violence prevention professionals who will each manage a caseload of at least 20 high-risk adult clients over a two-year period. Evaluation criteria are comprehensive, totaling 100 points distributed across four categories: Project Narrative (45 points), Capabilities and Competencies (15 points), Data, Evaluation & Reporting (15 points), and Budget (25 points). The solicitation was released on July 28, 2025, with proposals due by August 12, 2025 at 11:00 am, and the contract term is one year with two potential one-year renewal options at the City's discretion. Respondents must submit a technical proposal, cost proposal, and various required forms including a City Forms Signature Sheet, Disclosure & Certification Affidavit, Current Workforce Certificate, and Statement of Qualifications.

Providers must demonstrate experience in trauma-informed practices and community engagement, with a requirement to use Apricot360 for case management and documentation. While no specific set-aside designations are explicitly mentioned, the RFP suggests a preference for providers with strong community connections and the ability to provide 24/7 support to mentees, including life coaching, personal development sessions, and service referrals. The contract will involve close collaboration with local stakeholders and requires providers to work extensively with high-risk individuals. Though a specific budget range is not detailed in the documents, the RFP indicates that budget will be a significant factor in proposal evaluation, accounting for 25 of the 100 total evaluation points. The standard form of agreement indicates that compensation will be made monthly based on certified invoicing and progress reports, with a maximum compensation amount to be specified in the final contract. Providers will be classified as independent contractors, with no employment contract or fringe benefits implied, and the City reserves the right to terminate the agreement with 21 days' written notice.