Non-Congregate Bridge Shelter Operations and Case Management

The City of Tempe, located in Arizona, is seeking a qualified organization to operate a non-congregate bridge shelter for families and individuals experiencing homelessness through a Request for Proposal (RFP) for Non-Congregate Bridge Shelter Operations and Case Management. The procurement aims to secure a subrecipient to manage approximately 40 rooms at the Sue's Espacio facility and transition to the Apache Inn location with 52 rooms, with capabilities for dual occupancy during peak periods. The selected vendor will provide year-round, 24-hour, low-barrier shelter services with comprehensive case management, focusing on reducing barriers, shortening lengths of stay, and increasing self-sufficiency and permanent housing placements. Key performance benchmarks include achieving at least 30 percent permanent housing exits, 85 percent successful transitions, and 70 percent connections to benefits or services. The RFP includes a pre-proposal conference on December 3, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. via Microsoft Teams, with inquiries accepted until December 8, 2025, at 5:00 p.m., and proposals due electronically through the City's Bonfire procurement portal by December 19, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. Proposals will be evaluated across seven criteria, including organizational capacity (20%), service model (20%), partnerships (20%), performance outcomes (15%), cost effectiveness (15%), equity (5%), and overall response quality (5%).

The contract, which has a two-year base term with potential four additional two-year extensions, will be funded through multiple sources including Community Development Block Grant, HOME Investment Partnership Grant, Emergency Solutions Grant, and City of Tempe General Funds. No specific set-aside designations or restrictions on respondent types are explicitly mentioned in the documents. The procurement does not identify a formal incumbent vendor, and no pre-existing technology integration requirements are specified. While exact award values are not detailed, the RFP requires a comprehensive, itemized two-year budget covering startup and ongoing costs for salaries, security, case management, supplies, and facility operations. Eligible costs are limited to those allowable under 2 CFR Part 200 and applicable federal guidance. The City will retain responsibility for building maintenance, mechanical and electrical systems, utilities, and access control, while the subrecipient will be responsible for operational management. Standard City terms and conditions will apply, including federal compliance requirements for debarment, suspension, drug-free workplace standards, and conflict of interest provisions.