Non-Congregate Shelter, Qualified Vendor List (QVL)

The City of Tucson and Pima County are seeking to establish a Qualified Vendor List (QVL) for Non-Congregate Shelter through Request for Proposal (RFP) No. 230175, targeting privately owned facilities like hotels capable of providing shelter to families and individuals encountered by the Department of Homeland Security at the Southern border. The primary objective is to identify and contract with facilities that can accommodate asylum seekers referred by Casa Alitas Welcome Center, with shelter provisions ranging from five days for non-COVID-positive individuals and families to up to 30 days for those without immediate sponsors. Facilities must be prepared to accept direct referrals and provide essential shelter services. The RFP will remain open and continuous through February 26, 2025, with an initial submittal period closing on June 2, 2023, and no awards made after August 29, 2025. A pre-submittal conference is scheduled for May 30, 2023, at 1:00 pm, and interested vendors should carefully review all attached documentation, including FTA terms and conditions, HUD forms, and Section 3 program requirements. Evaluation will likely focus on facility capabilities, compliance with federal regulations, and ability to meet shelter service specifications.

The procurement includes specific set-aside and preference provisions, particularly through the Section 3 Program, which mandates prioritizing employment and economic opportunities for low- and very low-income persons. Contractors must ensure 25% of labor hours are performed by Section 3 Workers, with 5% by Targeted Section 3 Workers, and comply with disadvantaged business enterprise (DBE) participation requirements. The contract will reimburse hotels up to $120.00 per room per night, with a maximum reimbursement of $823,000.00 for eligible Emergency Food and Shelter Program expenses. Pima County will serve as the designated fiscal agent for these federally funded humanitarian relief funds. Potential vendors must meet extensive federal compliance requirements, including those outlined in various HUD forms (5369, 5370-C1) covering non-construction contracts, equal employment opportunity guidelines, and procurement regulations. Successful offerors will be added to the City of Tucson's Qualified Vendor List, with the potential for ongoing shelter service contracts supporting migrants encountered at the Southwest Border.