Youth and Adults Development and Violence Prevention Programs

The City of Newark, located in Essex County, New Jersey, is soliciting proposals for Youth and Adults Development and Violence Prevention Programs through RFP #2021-67. The procurement seeks community-based interventions targeting youth ages 11-17 and adults ages 18-30, with a focus on addressing health disparities and social determinants of violence exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Program objectives include providing mental health treatment, substance misuse treatment, crisis intervention, and services promoting access to health and social services. The evaluation criteria will use a 100-point scoring system, with 50 points for program narrative, 20 points for organizational capacity, 25 points for organizational experience, and 5 points for budget narrative. Electronic proposals were to be submitted through the ProcureNow portal by 10:15 am on January 6, 2022, with a contract term of twelve consecutive months. Proposals must demonstrate the ability to coordinate with community providers and promote prosocial behavior, strengthen community bonds, and increase family and public safety.

Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations, for-profit business entities, and licensed solo practitioners with at least one year of operational history. The funding is supported by American Rescue Act funds, with total available funding up to $1,000,000 and individual award amounts ranging from $10,000 to $250,000. While no specific set-aside designations were mentioned, the RFP emphasizes serving hard-hit communities, particularly low-income families and communities of color in Newark. Bidders must complete mandatory documentation including compliance certifications, pay-to-play reform ordinance certifications, hold harmless agreements, and disclosure statements. Funded applicants will be required to submit quarterly deliverables and adhere to specific reporting requirements, including metrics on services provided, clients served, demographics, and narrative summaries of activities. The City reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and make final determinations based on the best interests of the City of Newark.