Consulting Services for the Homelessness Initiatives

Background
The City of Jacksonville's Housing and Community Development Division is seeking proposals for professional consulting services aimed at addressing homelessness through the Homelessness Initiatives. The goal is to develop a comprehensive 5-Year Homelessness Strategic Plan tailored to the unique needs of Duval County's homeless and chronically unhoused populations.

Work Details
The contractor will provide consulting services that include:

1. **Phase 1: Planning/Research & Implementation Process**
- Collaborate with the Commission to define success metrics for the Strategic Plan and Action Plans.
- Engage stakeholders, including funders, decision-makers, and individuals with lived experience of homelessness, to gather insights on local homelessness systems.
- Utilize data-driven approaches to assess needs and gaps in services.
- Identify opportunities for leveraging funding and resources across sectors.
- Evaluate access to mental health and addiction services.

2. **Phase 2: Strategic Plan Development**
- Create a shared vision for an effective homelessness response, focusing on affordable permanent housing solutions.
- Set measurable goals based on local needs assessments and evidence-based practices.
- Establish metrics for tracking progress and measuring impact.
- Include estimated costs associated with implementing the Strategic Plan.

3. **Phase 3: Strategic Plan Presentation & Adoption**
- Produce a written Strategic Plan addressing homelessness needs within six months of contract start date.
- Present the plan to the City Council for adoption.

4. **Phase 4: Action Plan Development & Implementation**
- Develop annual Action Plans that incorporate measures from the Strategic Plan, with initial plans presented to relevant City Council committees.

Period of Performance
The initial term of the agreement will commence upon execution of the contract and will continue through January 1, 2026, with options for up to four additional one-year renewals based on satisfactory performance.

Place of Performance
The majority of services will be performed within Duval County, Florida.