RFI 2026 - development partner to build and maintain a facility

Cumberland County, North Carolina, has issued an RFI for a development partner to build and maintain an Unhoused Support Center facility, with questions due October 30, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. ET and responses due November 9, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. ET. Vendors must be in good financial standing with the State of North Carolina and the Internal Revenue Service, with no liens or outstanding building debts, before the County will consider them.

The developer would manage all phases of facility creation, using a Board of County Commissioners-approved design. The facility must accommodate 100 or more individuals and families, including men, women, and children, across 24,000 square feet. Required features include ADA-compliant design, kennels for animals, a kitchen, bathrooms, and accessible parking. Respondents must demonstrate experience building temporary emergency shelters, constructing projects from design development documents, securing local zoning and building approvals, and maintaining community communication. The respondent may lease the completed facility to the County, with potential lease-to-own or purchase options. Cost models must include lease-to-own options, lease-only options, and construction budgets.

The County welcomes service providers, nonprofits, competitive providers, and partnerships among organizations. Responses are limited to six pages, use a minimum 11-point font on 8.5" by 11" pages, and must be emailed to Heather Skeens, Assistant County Manager, at hskeens@cumberlandcountync.gov. The County states this RFI is not a guarantee of a contract opportunity. It reserves the right to terminate the RFI or finalize a contract with one or more vendors based on written submissions alone, without further discussion or interviews. All submitted materials may become public record.