Needle Exchange/Infectious Disease Elimination Program

Orange County, Florida is seeking proposals for a Needle Exchange/Infectious Disease Elimination Program (Y26-139) through an electronic RFP process on the OpenGov e-Procurement Platform. The program aims to provide free sterile needle and syringe exchange services to intravenous drug users to prevent transmission of HIV, AIDS, viral hepatitis, and other blood-borne diseases. Eligible organizations must be a licensed hospital, health care clinic, medical school, Addictions Receiving Facility, or 501(c)(3) HIV/AIDS service organization. The program will operate at one or more fixed locations or through mobile health units in compliance with Florida Statute Section 381.0038(4) and Orange County Ordinance 2020-12. Respondents must provide comprehensive program objectives, monthly tracking of exchange activities, quarterly and annual reporting to Orange County Health Services Department and Florida Department of Health, and maintain robust oversight and accountability systems. The evaluation will prioritize staff qualifications (15 points), firm qualifications (30 points), technical approach (25 points), location (10 points), and funding strategy (20 points), with potential bonus points for hiring dislocated workers and utilizing Service-Disabled Veteran subcontractors. Key deadlines include a January 21, 2026 deadline for submitting questions and a February 10, 2026 response submission deadline at 4:00 pm EST.

The procurement is restricted to specific types of healthcare and nonprofit organizations, with no explicit set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises. Four potential vendors have been identified as possible respondents: Hope and Help of Central Florida, The Center Orlando, CAN Community Health, and STEPS. The program must be entirely self-funded, with no county, state, or municipal funds permitted for syringe exchange operations in Florida. The contract will be awarded for an initial one-year term with four potential one-year renewal options, structured as a firm fixed fee contract with pricing to be determined through competitive bidding. Respondents must submit evidence of similar work experience, equipment and facility details, and personnel assignments. An independent price analysis will be conducted to ensure fair pricing, and the County reserves the right to conduct site visits before award. While no specific budget range is provided, the program must operate at no cost to Orange County Government or program participants, with funding mechanisms to be determined by the selected vendor.