Request for Proposals (RFP) for Family Homelessness Prevention & Assistance Program (FHPAP)

Request for Proposals (RFP) for
Family Homelessness Prevention &
Assistance Program (FHPAP)
RFP release date: October 5, 2026
Submission due date: October 29, 2026
Government Center | 14949 62nd Street North | P. O. Box 6 | Stillwater, MN 55082-0006
P: 651-430-6001 | F: 651-430-6017 | TTY: 651-430-6246
www.washingtoncountymn.gov
Washington County is an equal opportunity organization and employer

Table of Contents
1. Introduction ....................................................................................................................................................... 3
1.1. Background Information ................................................................................................................................. 3
1.2. Budget Information ......................................................................................................................................... 3
1.3. Schedule .......................................................................................................................................................... 4
1.4. County Authorized Representative ................................................................................................................. 4
2. Scope of Services ............................................................................................................................................... 4
2.1. FHPAP Service Models .................................................................................................................................... 4
2.2. Primary Population(s) Served ......................................................................................................................... 5
2.3. Eligible Sub-grantees....................................................................................................................................... 5
3. Proposal Submittal ............................................................................................................................................. 7
3.1. Cover Sheet ..................................................................................................................................................... 7
3.2. Proposal Narrative .......................................................................................................................................... 7
3.3. Conflict of Interest .......................................................................................................................................... 9
3.4. Appendix A Budget ......................................................................................................................................... 9
3.5. Appendix B - County's Standard Terms and Conditions ................................................................................ 9
4. Proposal Evaluation and Selection..................................................................................................................... 9
4.1. Evaluation Committee .................................................................................................................................. 10
4.2. Evaluation Criteria ........................................................................................................................................ 10
4.3. Final Selection ............................................................................................................................................... 10
4.4. Conditions of this RFP ................................................................................................................................... 10
5. Proposal Questions .......................................................................................................................................... 11
Appendix A - Budget Table ...................................................................................................................................... 12
Appendix B - County's Standard Terms and Conditions ......................................................................................... 16
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RFP for Family Homelessness Prevention and Assistance Program (FHPAP)
1. Introduction
The Family Homeless Prevention and Assistance Program (FHPAP) is designed to provide supportive services
and/or financial assistance to households that are experiencing homelessness or at imminent risk of housing
instability. The FHPAP application from Minnesota Housing (MN Housing) is expected to be released in
November 2026 and Washington County will submit an application to MN Housing for these funds.
Washington County wishes to sub-grant to multiple experienced organizations that can serve the
Washington County area based on the needs and priorities established by the Heading Home Washington
(HHW) collaborative. The grant will continue the work of the Washington County FHPAP program that has
been established since 2007 while advancing the immediate needs of the community. It has been
determined that the primary needs of our community at this time are to supplement funding in the areas of
Prevention and Rapid Rehousing.
The grant term will be October 1, 2027, through September 30, 2029; however, under the discretion of MN
Housing, the grant term may be extended or amended.
1.1. Background Information
Washington County, Minnesota is the fifth most populous county in Minnesota with a diverse population,
including longtime residents, young professionals and families, and new immigrant communities. Over the
last 20 years, Washington County has experienced rapid growth from a rural, farming community to an
expanding urban area.
The County was established in 1849 and has the powers, duties, and privileges granted counties by state
law, codified in Minn. Stat. 373. The County serves an area of 423 square miles, with an estimated
population of 262,748. The County's fiscal year begins on January 1 and ends on December 31. The County is
governed by a five-member County Board of Commissioners representing separate districts. In addition, the
Offices of County Attorney and Sheriff are elected on a countywide basis.
The County offers a full range of services including property tax administration, law enforcement and
corrections, public works, parks, solid waste management, library, community health, county extension,
human resources, courts, and general administration. The County employs approximately 1,400 employees.
The Community Services Department (CSD) is the department responsible for delivering human services to
Washington County residents. The CSD Mission is to "provide equitable access to services and supports to
ensure that individual and family needs are met, empower people to make meaningful decisions and live the
life they want, protect those who may not be able to protect themselves."
The Heading Home Washington Collaborative serves as the FHPAP Advisory Board, which holds as its vision,
"A thriving Washington County community with stable and affordable housing for all." The collaborative
serves to reduce barriers, raise awareness, build partnerships and create solutions to prevent and end
homelessness. The Family Homelessness Prevention and Assistance Program fits squarely into that vision.
1.2. Budget Information
Washington County is eligible to receive an estimated $605,000 from MN Housing. While respondents
should submit a budget that reflects the level of funding necessary to operate their proposed program, we
ask that budgets also acknowledge the total estimated amount that Washington County is expected to
receive within the total base funding allocated by the state legislature. Awards from MN Housing will be
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RFP for Family Homelessness Prevention and Assistance Program (FHPAP)
made public in summer 2027, and at that time budgets will be updated accordingly to fit within allocated
amounts. Please include in your budget narrative what areas you would prioritize if funding needed to be
reduced. Depending on the amount of FHPAP funds allocated to Washington County, additional tax aid
funding and/or state grant funding may be available in certain circumstances
1.3. Schedule
Washington County anticipates the following schedule:
Schedule Due Date
RFP Release Date 10/5/2026
Questions Due 10/12/2026
Addendum Release Date 10/15/2026
Proposals Due 10/29/2026
Notification of Selection 11/13/2026
Collaboration on MN Housing RFP December 2026
Contract Negotiation July 2027
Commencement Date 10/1/2027
Completion Date 9/30/2029
1.4. County Authorized Representative
The County Authorized Representative for this RFP is:
Name: Jenny Mason
Email: Jenny.Mason@washingtoncountymn.gov
2. Scope of Services
The successful respondent will have the ability to perform all the functions below. Respondents who cannot
provide the full range of requested services may submit a proposal but must clearly note any services listed
in this request which would not be provided. Respondents are also encouraged to highlight any services for
which they possess particularly notable qualifications.
2.1. FHPAP Service Models
Based on data analysis, provider surveys, interviews of persons who have received FHPAP services, and an
FHPAP design workshop held on September 9, 2026, the Heading Home Washington FHPAP Advisory Board
elects to focus its 2027-2009 Request for Proposal on the following two service models:
* Homelessness Prevention to keep households from becoming homeless.
* Rapid Rehousing to support assessed households, prioritizing those with a clear connection to
Washington County, so they may quickly return to stable housing with the appropriate supports and
rental assistance. For this funding cycle, Washington County will prioritize families for Rapid
Rehousing resources, considering that single adults have access to other housing support options
within the Continuum of Care.
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RFP for Family Homelessness Prevention and Assistance Program (FHPAP)
Definition of models from MN Housing are found below, with additional detail from Washington County
regarding the goal of funding and description. This will be used as a guide by the scoring team when
reviewing proposals.
A prospective sub-grantee may apply to provide one (1) or more service models from the allowable FHPAP
service model types listed below, as defined by MN Housing:
Service
MN Housing Definitions Washington County Additional Remarks
Models
#1 Temporary financial assistance and/or supportive It is anticipated that one or more sub-grantees for HP will be
Homelessness services to assist people in maintaining existing funded. Referrals will be received from United Way 211
Prevention permanent housing, relocation to more and/or households in court facing eviction.
(HP) appropriate permanent housing, and/or diverting
them from entering the homeless system. Service In consultation with providers, Grantee will propose a target
strategies are focused on addressing the amount of financial assistance per household, as well as a
immediate housing crisis and should be maximum amount based on household type and size. A
integrated with other mainstream resources to variance policy will also be utilized.
address more long-term needs. Household eligibility must be determined by the MN
Homelessness Prevention Assessment (M-PAT) score, or
other assessment tool approved by MN Housing.
#2 Rapid Rapid Rehousing's fundamental goal is to reduce Due to no increase in base funding from the Minnesota
Rehousing the amount of time people spend homeless and is legislature for this cycle, Washington County will prioritize
(RRH) designed for households to quickly exit Rapid Rehousing services for families who meet the
homelessness and return to permanent housing. Minnesota definition of homelessness, with particular
FHPAP RRH is more aligned with serving emphasis on those qualifying under McKinney-Vento.
households short-term (one to six months of Providers are expected to demonstrate familiarity with
assistance); however, it is possible assistance can domestic violence resources and ensure appropriate
be provided for a longer period (up to 24 months) referrals and safety planning when applicable.
if assessment or program staff determines the
household needs continued assistance.
The three components of RRH include: case
management and services, housing navigation
assistance, move-in assistance and necessary
rental assistance. Referrals to this program are
provided by SMAC (Suburban Metro Area
Continuum of Care) Coordinated Entry in
coordination with the Washington County
Housing Team.
2.2. Primary Population(s) Served
Eligible households of FHPAP assistance must meet the following criteria:
* Eligible household income must be at or below 200% of federal poverty guidelines.
* Eligible households must be Minnesota residents, or a household otherwise approved in writing by
Minnesota Housing, approval of which is at Minnesota Housing's sole discretion.
* Eligible households must be homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness and in need of services
and/or financial assistance due to a housing crisis.
2.3. Eligible Sub-grantees
Eligible sub-grantees include not-for-profit organizations or agencies engaged in a public service.
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RFP for Family Homelessness Prevention and Assistance Program (FHPAP)
Sub-grantees must also:
* Demonstrate comprehensive current knowledge of Washington County's housing programs,
services, and partner resources.
* Have clear access point(s) in Washington County for participants seeking services.
* Be experienced with FHPAP provider expectations or have a clear, credible plan for developing the
capacity to meet these expectations.
* Have a current HMIS license or be willing to get licensed for HMIS (Homeless Management
Information System) data entry within the first 30 days of the contract. This includes submitting
quarterly reports to present program outcomes to Washington County.
* Participate in evaluation and monitoring of the program as required by MN Housing and/or
Washington County and assist with the development of lessons learned and program improvement.
* Be able to provide both case management, and the financial services necessary to meet the
requirements of the service models.
* Actively participate in monthly Heading Home Washington meetings, which serve as the FHPAP
Advisory Committee meetings.
* Contract with Washington County and carry adequate liability insurance (exact requirements will be
provided upon request).
* Submit quarterly outcome and expenditure reports to Washington County.
* Actively collaborate with other Washington County sub-grantees, Heading Home Washington, SMAC
(Suburban Metro Area Continuum of Care) Coordinated Entry, and Washington County Community
Services.
Prospective sub-grantee organizations that are presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment,
declared ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from participation in this transaction by any Federal or State
department or agency are not eligible to respond to this RFP.
The County embraces and supports person-centered practices and expects sub-grantees to demonstrate
they do the same. Person-centered practices are structured in a way to support a service recipient's comfort
and ability to express choice, control, and direction in all aspects of service delivery and support. While the
nature of some services and service deliveries is such that it must account for factors beyond the service
recipient's choice, control and direction, including, but not limited to court orders, the safety of the person
and others, and governing law, the County values consideration of the service recipient's perspective,
knowing that services are more efficient and effective when aligned with personal choice.
The County further recognizes that pervasive racism, discrimination, and other institutional and community
biases, as well as harm from historical trauma, are experienced by cultural communities and that this may
contribute to overrepresentation of cultural communities in some County services. Appropriate service
delivery requires open discussion considering the real-life experiences of the people served, paying
attention to the impact of pervasive racism and bias. At the referral level, it means inquiring with service
recipients about how to integrate their family or individual culture into service delivery. At the service level,
it includes attention to outcomes for people receiving services to assess whether effectiveness differs in
cultural communities and responding to any differences.
It is expected that while performing services for the County, sub-grantees shall abstain from unacceptable
behaviors including, but not limited to:
* Racial, ethnic, or discriminatory jokes or slurs.
* Hostile, condemning, or demeaning communications, both verbal and written.
* Behavior demonstrating disrespect, dishonesty, intimidation, or disruption to the work relationship;
and
* Retaliation against any person who reports or addresses unacceptable behavior.
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RFP for Family Homelessness Prevention and Assistance Program (FHPAP)
It is the responsibility of the sub-grantee to demonstrate that staff delivering services for the County can
meet these expectations and are trained, as needed, to ensure respectful, cooperative, and professional
conduct in interactions with County staff and service recipients.
Sub-grantee organizations must have a strong commitment to providing culturally responsive, high-quality
services to eligible individuals within Washington County's communities. Organizations that provide staff
reflective of the racial and cultural communities in Washington County are preferred.
Sub-grantees selected through this solicitation must adhere to all applicable federal and state rules, laws,
statutes, bulletins, and manuals including the standards outlined in the following links:
462A.204 FAMILY HOMELESS PREVENTION AND ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
o
3. Proposal Submittal
All proposals, once submitted, become the property of the County. They will not be returned to the
respondent. Submission of a proposal indicates acceptance by the respondent of the conditions contained in
this RFP unless clearly and specifically noted in the proposal submitted and confirmed in the contract
between the County and the selected sub-grantee.
* Proposals will be limited to no more than five (5) pages in length, excluding a cover sheet, table of
contents, and appendices. The font shall be no smaller than 11-point.
All proposals must contain the following documents:
Cover Sheet - Include name, address, phone number and contact information for the Authorized
Representative of the prospective sub-grantee organization.
Proposal Narrative - Responses to information requested in the Proposal Narrative section.
Conflict of Interest Statement
Appendix A - FHPAP Budget Table
Appendix B - Terms and Conditions signed by Authorized Representative of the prospective sub-grantee
organization.
Contractors must submit to the e-mail address below with a subject line clearly marked as Washington
County FHPAP Proposal, no later than October 29, 2026 4:00PM CST. Late submittals will not be considered.
Name: Jenny Mason
Email: Jenny.Mason@washingtoncountymn.gov
3.1. Cover Sheet
Includes name, address, phone number and contact information for the Authorized Representative of the
prospective sub-grantee organization.
3.2. Proposal Narrative
1. Program Model Description
Clearly describe the service activity you propose to provide, including:
The specific services you will offer.
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The population you intend to serve.
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The number of households you will assist.
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The cost per household, including both financial assistance and service delivery.
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A.Prevention Applicants
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If you are applying for prevention funds, please address the following:
How would you prioritize households?
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Describe the steps your program takes to reduce exits to homelessness, including support
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services, follow-up, and problem-solving strategies that are used to stabilize households.
Explain your approach to financial assistance, including typical amounts and duration of
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support.
Explain how your organization will verify information and prevent fraud.
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B. Rapid Re-Housing Applicants
If you are applying for RRH funds, please address the following:
Describe what you believe is necessary to make shorter-term housing subsidies effective,
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including typical subsidy duration, maximum/average assistance, and flexibility.
Explain your case management model, including frequency and strategies for helping
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households stabilize quickly.
Describe your property owner/management engagement approach, including how you
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identify units, mitigate tenant screening barriers, and resolve conflicts.
Explain how your program determines subsidy levels and length of support.
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2. Staffing and Qualifications
Please explain how your organization will execute the proposed service activity and how it will
integrate with other ongoing activities, either these of your own organization or other community
providers. Include:
Staffing plan, roles, and qualifications. Include Supervisory structure.
o
Staff-to-household ratios.
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Describe the trainings your organization requires or provides for staff to ensure high quality
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service delivery.

3. Equity
Please articulate your organization's strategy to build racial and LGBTQIA+ equity in all you do and
speak to how your organization's staffing reflects those whom you serve. Include any partnerships
and/or outreach strategies to meet this goal.
4. Community Collaboration
Provide specific examples of how you currently collaborate with other Washington County
organizations and community members. Include participation in county or regional homelessness
systems and familiarity with Washington County's housing landscape and population needs.
5. Service Delivery
A. Existing applicants Only:
Describe the ability of your organization to carry out this project based on prior work,
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including outcomes achieved and lessons learned
Explain how you would improve your work in the next biennium.
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Describe your plan for submitting accurate and timely data reports and invoices.
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B. New applicants Only:
Provide a brief description of your organization, and your current engagement in
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Washington County. In your response, please include specific examples of how your
organization actively collaborates, communicates, or coordinates with community partners,
service providers, and local stakeholders in Washington County.
Explain how this proposal fits in with other current service activities that define your
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organization.
Explain how your organization engages with households disparately impacted by
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homelessness.
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RFP for Family Homelessness Prevention and Assistance Program (FHPAP)
Describe your plan for implementing HMIS participation, data quality, and timely reporting.
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Describe your process for determining verifications/proof and preventing fraud
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6. Budget Narrative
Provide a brief narrative to accompany the Appendix A Budget spreadsheet.
3.3. Conflict of Interest
The respondent must identify any potential conflict of interest it may have with the County or any other
party or entity that may be affected by the terms of this RFP and responsive proposals. The respondent
agrees that, should any conflict or potential conflict of interest become known, it will immediately notify the
County of the conflict or potential conflict, and will advise the County whether it will or will not resign from
the other engagement or representation. Unless waived by the County, a conflict or potential conflict may,
in the County's discretion, require withdrawal or rejection of the respondent's proposal.
3.4. Appendix A Budget
Use the template marked as Appendix A to provide your budget.
Please work within the budgeted percentages allowed by MN Housing, which caps
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administrative expenses at 15%, and support services at 49% of the total Washington County
requested budget.
Washington County asks that prospective applicants carefully consider the need for Support
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Services and propose adequate staffing.
It is also important to note that MN Housing closely reviews the cost per household as one of
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their evaluative measures, so cost per household will be considered in scoring.
3.5. Appendix B - County's Standard Terms and Conditions
Submit a signed Appendix B, as the sub-grantee to whom the contract is awarded shall be required to
comply with the terms and conditions contained therein.
4. Proposal Evaluation and Selection
The County will evaluate the information the respondent provides in response to this RFP.
* The County will review each proposal to determine whether it is responsive to all mandatory
submission requirements. Proposals that fail to meet mandatory submission requirements may be
deemed non-responsive and disqualified from further consideration.
* Responsive proposals will be independently reviewed and scored by members of the evaluation
committee using the evaluation criteria and point weights identified below. The individual scores
assigned by the evaluation committee members will be compiled and averaged to determine an
overall evaluation score for each proposal. Respondents will then be ranked based on their overall
evaluation scores.
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RFP for Family Homelessness Prevention and Assistance Program (FHPAP)
4.1. Evaluation Committee
All responsive proposals received by the deadline will be reviewed by an RFP Review Team comprised of
Washington County staff and community members. These will be evaluated based on the evaluation criteria
below.
The RFP Review Team will recommend which proposals will provide the best service and value to
Washington County. Washington County will determine funding sources which could include FHPAP and/or
state and local tax aid or grant funding.
4.2. Evaluation Criteria
The criteria and assigned weight on which proposals will be evaluated are:
Evaluation Criteria Points
Understanding of Program Requirements and Service Model 25
Organizational Qualifications, Staffing, and Capacity 20
Equity and Accessibility Commitment 15
Community Collaboration and Familiarity with Washington County 20
Budget, Internal Controls, and Data Quality 20
Total 100
4.3. Final Selection
The County intends to make awards to the highest-ranked respondent(s) in each program area to ensure
comprehensive service coverage across the County's population.
It is anticipated but not guaranteed that the selection of a sub-grantee(s) will be completed November 13,
2026. Following notification of the selected sub-grantee(s), the County reserves the right to negotiate
project scope, pricing, and related terms to ensure alignment with project needs and available resources. It
is expected contracts will be executed in the summer of 2027.
4.4. Conditions of this RFP
* This RFP process does not obligate the County to award a contract or complete the services.
* The County reserves the right to waive any minor irregularities.
* The County reserves the right to reject any or all proposals.
* The County reserves the right to request additional information or clarifications from respondents.
* The County reserves the right to interview any, all, or none of the respondents.
* The County reserves the right to enter into a contract with more than one sub-grantee.
* If the RFP process concludes by withdrawal, cancellation or rejection of all proposals, the County
reserves the right to issue another RFP for this service.
* The County shall not be liable for any expenses incurred by the respondent including but not limited
to expenses associated with the preparation and submission of the proposal.
* Proposals submitted become a matter of public record. All data collected, created, received,
maintained, or disseminated for any purposes by the activities of the respondent because of this
RFP is governed by the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13,
as amended, the Minnesota Rules implementing such Act now in force or as adopted, as well as
Federal Regulations on data privacy.
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