New York City Mayor Eric Adams on Tuesday said it will now allow companies and nonprofit organizations to competitively bid for procurement contracts that will service asylum seekers in the city's care.
The mayor released a competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) for companies and organizations to provide shelter and shelter-related services in response to the asylum seeker crisis, according to a news release. The city, for many of its previous contracts, had been using a no-bid, emergency procurement contracting process.
The RFP seeks to solicit a range of vendors to support the next phase of the “Asylee Flex” program, enabling the city to reduce costs while diversifying vendors and subcontractors through the competitive bidding process.
The new RFP requires potential vendors to submit executive summaries of their qualifications, detailed plans of action, references, and budget proposals, including detailed pricing information on staff members, shelter locations, and operations, according to the news release.
It also includes a 30% minority- and women-owned business enterprise subcontractor utilization goal. The proposals will be evaluated for cost, experience, proposed approach, and organizational capacity, and awarded contracts will be for up to one year in length.
The selected vendor, or vendors, will be expected to provide services at existing sites, and possibly additional sites as directed by the city. The scope of work includes managing relationships with hotels, engaging with and maintaining open lines of communication with key stakeholders, as well as providing shelter, food, housekeeping, security, case management, laundry, and the coordination of additional services with no additional fee including legal, reconnection, travel, education and donations.
“The RFP we’re putting out today will help us find even more savings, making sure we get the most out of every taxpayer dollar," Adams said.
Brad Lander, the city comptroller, said he was happy with the decision.
“After two years, it is good to finally see the Adams Administration move toward replacing expiring emergency contracts for asylum seeker services with vendors selected through a competitive bid process. Competitive bidding leads to better prices, better oversight, and better vendors," he said in a statement.
