Temporary Shelter Services

San Bernardino County Human Services, specifically the Children and Family Services (CFS) division, is issuing a Request for Proposal (RFP) to procure temporary shelter services for dependent and court-dependent youth ages 11-17 in San Bernardino County, California. The County seeks to contract with qualified organizations to operate a minimum of twelve shelter beds across two separate locations under a "no reject/no eject" policy, ensuring all referrals are accepted regardless of behavioral complexity or special needs. Services must be provided 24/7, including weekends and holidays, with stays limited to five days or less unless extended by the CFS Placement Resource Division Deputy Director. Proposers must deliver comprehensive services including food, laundry, phone access, visitation facilitation, healthcare and dental coordination, medication administration, recreational and educational activities, case management, intake assessments, and transportation. Staffing requirements include Social Workers with a Bachelor's degree and three years of experience or a Master's degree, and Crisis Intervention Counselors with a Bachelor's degree and two years of experience or a Master's degree. The evaluation criteria are weighted as follows: cost (30%), qualifications and experience (30%), administrative capability (20%), technical capability (15%), and references (5%). A non-mandatory proposal conference is scheduled for April 21, 2026, with a question submission deadline of April 28, 2026 at 4:00 p.m., and proposals must be submitted by May 18, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. through both electronic submission via ePro and hard copy with original signatures. Award/denial letters are anticipated by June 8, 2026, with a tentative contract award date of August 4, 2026, and service commencement on September 1, 2026.

The RFP document does not specify set-aside designations or restrictions on organization types that may respond. Current contractors operating shelter services must submit proposals to continue services after August 31, 2026. Proposers must provide evidence of appropriate licensing, permits, and certifications from the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) and Community Care Licensing Division, along with proof of workers' compensation and comprehensive insurance coverage including general liability ($1,000,000 minimum), automobile liability ($1,000,000-$2,000,000 depending on passenger transport), professional liability, abuse/molestation insurance ($1,000,000/$2,000,000 aggregate), and cyber liability ($1,000,000/$2,000,000 aggregate). Additionally, proposers must submit audited financial statements for the previous two years and provide three professional references demonstrating similar service delivery experience. The initial contract term runs three years from September 1, 2026 through August 31, 2029, with potential extension for up to two additional one-year periods contingent on funding availability and contractor performance. The County estimates a total budget not to exceed $7,500,000 for the contract period.