Authorize Rejection of the Sole Proposal Received for the Development of Permanent Supportive Housing (COUNCIL DISTRICT 5)

It is recommended that the City Council authorize the rejection of the sole proposal received for the development of permanent supportive housing.

On December 20, 2017, the City issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the development of permanent supportive housing (PSH) units. The goal was to increase the number of PSH units by providing loans for gap capital funding for projects, that would provide a minimum of 20 PSH units.

The RFP was advertised for bid on December 20, 2017 and December 21, 2017 in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.  Directions Home staff also emailed the RFP to 16 nonprofits and developers who had previously expressed an interest.  Only one proposal was received, from Integrity Community Development Corporation, but it did not include a response to the portion of the RFP requiring a Minority Business Enterprise engagement plan. Because the proposal was missing a required element, the proposal was deemed non-responsive. Staff therefore recommends that City Council reject this sole proposal in accordance with state law.

Rather than issue another RFP, Directions Home staff will be meeting with potential PSH developers and interested nonprofits. The goal of these meetings will be to discuss ways to partner with the private sector and to build capacity in the nonprofit sector in order to complete a viable  proposal.

This M&C does not request approval of a contract with a business entity.