Specifications include, but are not limited to: The City seeks to contract with an experienced individual or firm to develop and carry out a successful tenant outreach and education service to inform and educate tenants in properties restricted by the various federal, state, and local programs, described above, at risk of expiration, termination and/or actions that can potentially result in displacement. The outreach and education services are part of a larger preservation strategy conducted by LAHD. In most instances, properties that require services are also targeted by LAHD Preservation Program staff for owner outreach, compliance, and potential extension of affordability. LAHD will catalog, track and prioritize a subset of the properties with the highest risk, and assign the properties to the Contractor for outreach and education activities. LAHD will also request, and rely on Contractor knowledge, to identify at-risk properties and provide tenant outreach and education services based on the program rules and guidelines mandated by each federal, local, or state financing or land use program. This RFP is seeking one (1) qualified individual or firm to provide all services (described in detail in Section B. Scope of Work), in accordance with LAHD's goals and objectives. In addition, the proposer, through its proposal, should demonstrate: Experience conducting in-person tenant outreach and education services to residents living in at-risk affordable housing. A clear and comprehensive vision for carrying out and enhancing the current tenant outreach and education services. An understanding of the threats to affordable housing and the housing crisis within the City. An understanding of the threats to affordable housing and the housing crisis at large. Experience and knowledge of the various types of funding sources, affordability restrictions, rental subsidy programs, terms, tenant protections and regulations. Capacity to analyze the at-risk inventory, documents, and ability to prioritize the type of outreach needs by program, individual property, or issue. Experience and understanding of the relationship between the outreach and education services, interaction of local ordinances, notification requirements, regulations pertaining to residents’ rights and responsibilities, and the potential extension of affordability. Experience reviewing, collecting and analyzing termination notifications, covenants, rental assistance contracts and other rental related documents. The ability to develop a collaborative relationship with LAHD staff, landlord organizations, property owners, and property managers. The ability to create partnerships and leverage resources to preserve, improve living conditions, and prevent potential displacement of residents living in at-risk housing. Capacity to perform in-person tenant outreach and education activities City-wide based off property type, tenant population and location, in addition to providing a staff capacity plan. Employment of staff with the appropriate level of education, understanding and experience related to the preservation of affordable housing and tenant outreach and education. At a minimum, the ability to offer services in both English and Spanish, and arrange translation services for other languages as needed. A comprehensive fee structure to maximize the available resources.
