Request for Qualifications - Code Blue - 2026-2027

CITY OF ST. LOUIS
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES
REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ)
CODE BLUE
STAFFING FOR VARIOUS PROJECTS
2026 - 2027
Release Date: October 19, 2026
Proposal Due Date: November 2, 2026, 4:00 pm

CITY OF ST. LOUIS
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES
REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS
The City of St. Louis, Department of Human Services (DHS) is issuing this Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for the City's
2026 - 2027 Code Blue Activities to address some critical needs associated with Shelter Staffing and Shuttle Support
activities.
Beginning October 19, 2026, RFQ packets will be available for pick-up at the Department of Human Services, Homeless
Services Division, or via the City's website: https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/procurement/
QUESTIONS REGARDING THE RFQ
Must reference the RFQ page number and section to which question applies. DHS will document questions and
provide a written response. All questions must be submitted before October 26, 2026. Questions must be submitted
in writing to the following:
Amy Bickford, Chief Program Manager
Department of Human Services - Homeless Services Division
1520 Market Street, Room 4065, St. Louis, MO 63103
hsd-proposals@stlouis-mo.gov
Bids are due by 4:00 p.m. November 2, 2026. Qualifications in the form of a proposal shall be submitted via email to
hsd-proposals@stlouis-mo.gov. Incomplete or late proposals may be rejected or may receive a reduction in points
scored.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Code Blue Funding for 2026 - 2027 4
Timeline of Events 4
Code Blue Goals 4
Code Blue Framework 5
Funds Available 5
Code Blue Communication 5
Code Blue Shelters 6
Code Blue Shuttle Transportation 6
Code Blue Rally Points 7
Projects Requiring Staff Support 7
1. Shelter Staff Support 7
2. Shuttle Support 7
3. Rally Point Support 7
RFQ Submission Requirements 8
Proposal Evaluation 9
Review & Selection Process 9
RFQ Terms & Conditions 10
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CODE BLUE FUNDING FOR 2026 - 2027
The City of St. Louis, Board of Aldermen, have allocated in the City's General Budget, funding for the
Department of Human Services, Homeless Services Division (HSD), for services for the 2026 - 2027 CODE BLUE
INITIATIVE. Code Blue was an initiative launched in the previous inclement weather season, that provided
shelter and services through a larger City investment of funding than ever made prior. The Code Blue initiative
goal is to provide safe shelter and transportation services to hundreds of families and households during the
coldest winter nights.
TIMELINE OF EVENTS
Date Activity/Time
10/19/26 Request for Qualification Release
11/02/26 RFQ closes; proposals due by 4:00 pm
11/02/26 - 11/13/26 Internal City activities, to review bids, meet with Selection
Committee, notification process
11/16/2026 All notifications made by close of business
12/01/2026 Goal date to have contracts executed.
12/01/2026 Project Start Date
03/31/2027 Project End Date (likely end by 3/15, contract will be through 3/31).
CODE BLUE GOALS
SHELTER LOCATIONS & CITY-
PROVIDER VARIETY & EQUITY
WIDE COVERAGE
WARM SHELTER
FOR ALL
COMMUNICATION &
HEALTH & SAFETY
TRANSPORTATION
1. The City of St. Louis will provide emergency shelter beds throughout the winter season,
to accommodate any unhoused person searching for shelter.
2. The City of St. Louis will have multiple shelter locations dispersed throughout the City's
full geography, allowing for wide coverage, and access for the unhoused.
3. The City of St. Louis's emergency shelters will have policies and procedures to ensure
the health and safety for the unhoused and shelter staff.
4. The City of St. Louis will seek variety and equity among shelter providers by accepting
proposals for funding, from a variety of organizations, and shelter providers will be
funded in a streamlined equitable format.
5. The City of St. Louis will utilize a Unified Command Structure, allowing for widespread
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communication of Code Blue Level activations, to include transportation access and
shelters maintaining bed counts in Get Help.
CODE BLUE FRAMEWORK
LEVEL AMBIENT WINDCHILL NUMBE TOTAL TOTAL EST. TOTAL EST.
TEMPERATUR TEMPERATURE R OF NUMBER NUMBER NUMBER NIGHTS OF
E THRESHOLD THRESHOLD BEDS OF BEDS OF BEDS OF OPERATIO
ADDED ADDED AVAILABL NIGHTS N
PER E ACTIVE
LEVEL PER
LEVEL
1 Greater than N/A - Baseline N/A N/A 400 N/A N/A
32 degrees
2 - 5 32 degrees 25 degrees 250 250 650 20 56
3 - 5 25 degrees 15 degrees 100 350 750 29 36
4 - 5 20 degrees 10 degrees 150 500 900 4 7
5 ONLY 10 degrees 5 degrees 100 600 1,000 3 3
*Additionally, at Levels 3 - 5, Shuttles will be activated and providing transportation to shelters.
FUNDS AVAILABLE
The City has allocated roughly $75,000 from City Public Safety Proposition P funds for staffing support services
under this Request for Qualifications. There may be additional funds from Board Bill 94, the previous year's
Code Blue funds to be utilized, consisting of not more than an additional $100,000.
Grant Term will be 4 months.
Anticipated project start time will be December 1, 2026.
CODE BLUE COMMUNICATION
The City will utilize an Incident Command Structure much like was performed last year for Code Blue. City
departments, interested providers, and relevant stakeholders will be meeting daily to make determinations
about when Code Blue will be activated and at what level. This team will determine days activated at least 48
hours in advance but will strive for 72-hour advanced notice.
Communication is very important and the City has established several communication structures to aid in the
best possible communication about Code Blue Activations.
o Activations at Level 2 and above will be advertised on the City's website in a banner at the top of the
page, that will allow readers to click for more information, taking them to the Code Blue webpage;
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where all updates will be posted in detail. At this Level, communication will also be posted on the CoC's
communication platform, Basecamp.
o Activations at Level 3 and above will include a Press Release.
o The City will make available Code Blue flyers that anyone can request and pick up for distribution.
o Activation at Level 3 and above will include operating shuttles to pick people up and drop them off at
open emergency shelters (some of the specific details are still being discussed).
The City will require of all shelter providers funded via this RFP, to designate staff members to be charged with
maintaining an active bed occupancy count in the platform called Get Help. Part of this requirement will
include updating Get Help throughout the evening of any open beds, to enable street outreach teams, the
transport shuttles and United Way call takers to know exactly where to refer people and reserve a bed for
them. This step, as a requirement will aide in clear bed count communication across the system. Each
morning, a member will also need to be designated to send a text to an appointed City Leadership team
member their total bed count for the night, which will be checked against the data entered into Get Help.
CODE BLUE SHELTERS
The City has already completed two rounds of Requests for Proposals and made selections of ten
organizations that will be providing the bulk of the emergency shelter services needed for this Code Blue
season. To ensure maximum preparedness, the City is working towards having some additional backup options
for additional sheltering needs, should they arise. The biggest concern is in ensuring we have enough beds
available for every person that needs them on the very coldest of nights, mainly at Code Blue Level 4 and Level
5.
For this goal, the City has identified a couple of potential options to stand up additional shelter options at
Code Blue Levels 4 - 5. The City anticipates this to be around 7 - 15 nights, and potentially 7 - 15 daytime
operations. The sites potentially secured are a building that could host 60 individuals for either day or night
operations and a 40-room hotel which could host families. These sites could change, and there could be added
sites. Staffing support will be needed to handle upwards of 150 individuals for night time or day time
sheltering, as needed.
CODE BLUE SHUTTLE TRANSPORTATION
The City will work with a transportation service to deploy three 10 - 14 passenger vans, that will be utilized to
provide shuttle services to unhoused people seeking shelter. The goal of this project is to utilize shuttles to
operate a minimum of three routes, one covering south St. Louis, one covering north St. Louis and one that
covers the central corridor to downtown. The City would like to expand this coverage, to include areas that
were missed last year, such as the far North Baden area, and potentially more area within the south region of
the city. Shuttle routes will be established through the Code Blue planning committees that will activate on
Level 3, Level 4 and Level 5 Activation Days, roughly covering the hours of 4:00pm - 8:00pm.
The City is interested in partnering and/or funding an organization(s) that can provide staffing for this project
which would provide safety, security, and reservation services to the unhoused. The staff the City is looking for
are those that can ride the busses, use an app to register people for shelter beds, and provide safety and
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security measures which will support the safe transportation of unhoused people to shelter locations.
Depending on the size of the vehicle being used for transportation, drivers may require a CDL driver's license.
Shuttle Driver for South Warming Bus: The Department of Human Services owns several shuttles that can be
utilized for a stationary warming bus. DHS anticipates that, for each Code Blue activation at Level 3 and above,
one of these shuttles will be dispatched to a destination in South City, and will remain parked at that location,
to be used as a warming bus. The residents waiting on this bus will be picked up by the coordinated
transportation that the City's transportation partner will provide. The City seeks to find drivers for this service
who will drive the shuttle from their parking spot, and park it in the South zone, and sit on the bus with the
residents. After their shift they will drive the shuttle back to the parking location.
CODE BLUE RALLY POINTS
For the City's Code Blue Initiative, Rally Points will be established and recognized throughout the City. A Rally
Point is a place that people can go to that need shelter for the night. Shuttles will drive the specified routes,
stopping at Rally Points, to pick up people and deliver them to shelters. Most of the identified Rally Points will
be locations where the unhoused can go inside and wait for the shuttle. The staff needed for the Rally Points
are people that can monitor people, utilize the app to enroll people that come to a rally point, and
communicate with the shuttle staff. These staff will also ensure the site is closed up and left in the same
condition as the beginning of the shift. Staff should know how to interact with the vulnerable unhoused
population, and provide safety and security for all.
PROJECTS REQUIRING STAFF SUPPORT
This opportunity for qualified organizations, firms, and consultants will provide staffing, coordination and
operational support for the City's Code Blue Operational Plan. There could be a few opportunities for an
organization to assist with Code Blue by handling the staff supports needed. The City anticipates several
staffing needs during the Code Blue season and may identify additional needs as operations evolve.
Staff support will be needed for the following needs:
1. Shelter Staff Support: Provide staffing, management, operational oversight and security for City
shelter sites, including a 60-bed overnight shelter and a motel-based shelter with up to 40 rooms.
Additional support may be needed at other shelter locations throughout the season, particularly for
organizations that are new to shelter operations.
2. Shuttle Support: Provide staff to ride on City-operated shuttles transporting unhoused individuals to
shelter. Shuttle support staff will assist with passenger registration, provide safety and security,
communicate with shelters and Code Blue coordinators regarding available space at shelters, answer
passenger questions, and address other operational needs so drivers can focus on the safety of
operating the vehicle. The Leadership team is already contracting with a data provider which will make
an app available for the shuttle support staff for coordinating reservations. This task could include, if
the awarded organization is able, the provision of a staff person to drive the South City shuttle bus.
3. Rally Point Support: Provide two or more staff members at each of the designated Rally Point locations
where unhoused individuals can wait indoors for transportation to shelter. Staff will manage the Rally
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Point location, assist individuals waiting for transportation, and coordinate with shuttle and Code Blue
operations.
The City may also identify additional staffing, coordination, or operating support needs during the Code Blue
season and may utilize awarded venders or contractors for those services as needed.
RFQ SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Organizations that wish to submit their qualifications for the scope of work addressed in this RFQ will need to
submit the following information to the Department of Human Services, as outlined below.
1. Cover Letter: Provide a letter, often called a Transmittal Letter, which signed by an authorized agent,
with a brief summary of ability and willingness to perform the scope of work within this RFQ.
2. Organization Information, Background and Capability: Provide a more thorough description of your
organization, its contact information, and the services it is qualified to provide to the City of St. Louis.
Describe the organization's strengths, capabilities and experience in performing these services.
3. Key Personnel: Provide the name, title, telephone number and email address for the persons who will
function as the primary contact and back-up contact persons for this project. Provide brief
resumes/qualification of personnel who will be primarily involved in the project.
4. Services Approach: In this section provide a description of how your organization intends to perform
the specific services requested above, including a thorough description of the approach. Identify each
of the areas listed in the Scope of Work section that the organization desires to be considered for this
RFQ. For any of the services listed the organization does not want to be considered for, please state
those with reason. Additionally, explain why the organization is particularly suited to meet the services
needed as outlined above. There are few key aspects of this work, that require a bit more details, so
please respond to these questions.
* Training staff: Explain how you will staff the different projects the City needs staffing support.
How will staff be trained and equipped to manage unhoused people in the three project types
listed above.
* Safety & Security: The preference of City leadership, is for non-armed security to be available
to provide safety and security work within shelter and shuttling projects. Explain how your
organization can provide safety and security, and the approach and training provided to those
staff charged with these requirements.
* Multi-tasking Work: Staff deployed to any of these projects will need to be able to multi-task.
Shelter staff handle all sorts of questions, concerns, feeding, cleaning, calming people down,
providing management and leadership, etc. Shuttle staff will be tasked with handling talking to
unhoused people, using a mobile app to enter names, date of births and reserving beds for
people, while ensuring safety of passengers, and texting with leadership team occasionally.
Rally Point Support will require the same sorts of skills listed above. Explain the approach your
organization would take to ensure the staff deployed to any of these positions are equipped to
handle all parts of the work.
5. Fee Schedule: Provide a fee schedule or listing with details about organization's fee schedule, or
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pricing list. Please include a minimum and maximum acceptable fee for services the organization would
accept. While this department is willing to accept invoices for services rendered, a contractual
agreement will be executed, with a maximum threshold to be paid by the division for the services
contracted for payment.
6. City Business Licenses: Respondents must provide a copy of its current City of St. Louis Business
License, or a statement that affirms that the organization will get one once awarded.
7. Verification of Taxes: Respondents need to affirmatively verify that the organization is current will all
taxes and provide a tax remittance.
8. Submission: The above items shall be compiled and submitted to hsd-proposals@stlouis-mo.gov.
Qualifications with supporting above listed materials are highly encouraged to be submitted to the below
address by 4:00 p.m November 2, 2026.
If a group/organization needs to drop off paper proposals they can be submitted to this address:
Department of Human - Homeless Services Division
Attn: Amy Bickford
1520 Market Street, Room 4065, St. Louis, MO 63103
PROPOSAL EVALUATION
Submissions will be evaluated in accordance to the following criteria:
1. Specialized experience, qualifications and technical competence of the organization, its principals,
project manager and any key staff discussed.
2. Ability of the organization to provide innovative solutions.
3. Proximity of the organization to the City.
4. Fees or fee structures as may be appropriate for the service to be provided.
5. Ability of the organization to meet statutory or ordinance requirements.
6. Approach to the project and any unusual problems anticipated, and overcome with suggestions.
7. Past record of performance of the organization, with respect to schedule compliance, cost control, and
quality of work.
8. M/WBD and/or DBE participation, if applicable.
9. The capacity and capability of the organization to perform the work within the time limitations.
REVIEW & SELECTION PROCESS
Proposals will be evaluated according to the following process:
1. Review and evaluation of the proposals by the Homeless Services Division (HSD) and the City Selection
Committee Members for conformance to the submission requirements and a determination of whether the
proposals meet the minimum criteria established in this RFP. Process utilizes Exhibit E & F.
2. The Selection Committee where each member shall discuss and vote on selection of applicants to perform the
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services requested in the RFP.
3. DHS Homeless Services Division will provide written notification to all applicants regarding selections. This
communication will further discuss the process for awarding contracts.
Each member of the Selection Committee shall vote to select applicants to perform the services requested in the RFP. If
presentations have been made, the Selection Committee shall defer the selection vote until after presentations are
complete. After the PSA Committee's review process and decision-making meeting, DHS Homeless Services Division will
provide written notification to all applicants regarding selections. This communication will further discuss the process for
awarding contracts.
RFQ TERMS & CONDITIONS
1. The City reserves the right to reject any proposal submitted; to select one or more respondents; to void this RFP and the review
process and/or terminate negotiations at any time; to select separate respondents for various components of the scope of
services; to select final team members from among the proposals received in response to this RFP. Additionally, any and all RFP
project elements, requirements and schedules are subject to change and modification. City also reserves the unqualified right to
modify, suspend, or terminate at its sole discretion any and all aspects of this RFP process, to obtain further information from
any and all respondents, and to waive any defects as to form or content of the RFP or any responses by any agency.
Respondents may be asked to make one or more presentations and participate in interviews.
2. This RFP does not commit the City to award a contract, to defray any costs incurred in the preparation of a response to this
request, or to procure or contract for services. All submitted RFPs become the property of the City as public records. All
proposals may be subject to public review, on request, unless exempted as discussed elsewhere in this RFP.
3. By accepting this RFP and/or submitting a proposal in response thereto, each proponent agrees for itself, its successors and
assigns, to hold the City and all of their various agents, commissioners, directors, consultants, attorneys, officers and employees
harmless from and against any and all claims and demands of whatever nature or type, which any such proponent, its
representatives, agents, contractors, successors or assigns may have against any of them as a result of issuing this RFP, revising
this RFP, conducting the selection process and subsequent negotiations, making a final recommendation, selecting a proponent
or negotiating or executing an agreement incorporating the commitments of the selected proponent.
4. Proposals shall be open and valid for a period of 60 days from the date of their submission to the City.
5. All materials submitted in accordance with this RFP will become and remain the property of the City and will not be returned. All
proposals will be considered public records, pursuant to the City's understanding and interpretation of the laws of the State of
Missouri. All proposal material may be treated as open records. The City cannot guarantee confidentiality of any materials.
Thus, proposals and communications exchanged in response to this RFP should be assumed to be subject to public disclosure.
6. The proposed activities within an applicant's proposal must meet the funding priority and eligible components as stated within
the RFP.
7. Applicant must have a Unique Identity Number (formerly known as a DUNS Number).
8. Applicant must have registered in the System for Award Management (https://www.sam.gov/SAM/) before a contract can
be awarded and are strongly encouraged to start the registration process on www.SAM.gov as soon as possible.
9. Applicant must be current with IRS Form 990 filings (when applicable) or be under an automatic or approved extension.
10. Applicant must have completed all required federal audits (if applicable).
11. Applicant must be current on filings of all federal, state, or local taxes.
12. Applicant must not have any unresolved or open HUD audit or monitoring findings.
13. Applicant must be in good standing with the State of Missouri and City of St. Louis (Please note applicants must have a current
business license or be deemed exempt by the License Collector's Office).
See: https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/license/business-license-info/ and https://www.stlouis-
mo.gov/government/departments/license/business-license-info/Graduated-Business-License-Process.cfm
14. Applicant's proposed activities in the City of St. Louis must take place in a building approved for occupancy by the City of St.
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