SSN-RC-2021-028 - Proposed Sole Source to RHAC for Housing Counseling Services

The County of Rockland Department of Community Development is considering the issuance of a Sole Source award to Rockland Housing Action Coalition, Inc. for the provision of housing counseling services to residents of Rockland County.  Funding amount is contingent on the adoption of the County of Rockland Annual Budget. As such, the final funding amount may differ from the estimated amount provided in this notice.

This award may be made on a sole source basis in accordance with the Rockland County Procurement Policy.

Term: January 1, 2021- December 31, 2021

The contract fills a need to:

• Provide housing counseling
• Construct affordable housing and manage low income rental complexes. 
• Provide housing counseling on an individual basis to Rockland County Residents. 
• Present housing seminars at various locations throughout to the County. 
• Onsite property managers at various sites throughout Rockland to assist tenants with their housing and financial issues by referral to government agencies and/or community groups that provide services.

• Continue providing foreclosure prevention to assist Rockland homeowners remain in their homes
• Counseling Services include:
  • Credit issues
  • Development of realistic household budgets
• Construct and manage affordable low/moderate income rental and sale housing at various locations throughout Rockland County –Rockland County Comprehensive Plan:
  • Expand housing opportunities for Rockland County’s diverse population
  • Promote high-quality residential communities with a range of appropriate densities
  • Provide sufficient and affordable housing stock for the aging and young adult populations, caregiver work force and emergency service volunteers

• Unduplicated number to be serviced in 2020 -550
• Duplicated number to be serviced in 2020 - 600
• Demographic breakdown (age, gender, and location)

• Recruitment process:
  • Assist approximately 550 individuals and families resolve housing issues.  The duplicated number would consist of the same individuals requesting additional types of counseling, therefore duplicated number approximately 600 individuals.
• Recruit cliental served from lenders HUD, NYS Realtors Association, community groups and county agencies
• Comply with subsidized housing development and assist with income eligibility requirements governed by Section 42 of the IRS Code

• Be a HUD approved housing counseling agency
• Must be located in Rockland County and have established services locations throughout the County
• Own and manage affordable housing developments within Rockland County

• Be a 501 (c)3
• Be governed by a Board of Directors
• Be up-to-date with all IRS filings
• Be up-to-date with all NYS filings
• Have a 2021 budget with Board approval
• Be fiscally sound
• Have a Non-discrimination Policy
• Have a Conflict of Interest Policy
• Maintain program records for the purpose of an audit and provide to the County all program-related information including proprietary materials, upon request
• Submit quarterly, year-end, and any other reports as required by the Department of Community Development
• Be available for announced on-site visits