North Austin News

The City of Austin has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for qualified social service providers to offer HIV and STI testing and treatment services. The RFP seeks proposals from organizations with demonstrated experience in providing a range of services, including testing for HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and hepatitis C, low-cost or free walk-in testing, mobile testing, same-day STI treatment, HIV medical care and treatment, and PrEP access.

The RFP was issued on January 22, 2024, with a proposal due date of February 20, 2024. The anticipated start date of the contract is May 15, 2024. Interested organizations must submit their proposals through the Partnergrants database, as no paper copies will be accepted.

According to Helen Howell, the Social Service Funding Specialist for the City of Austin, interested parties must follow certain initial steps before submitting their proposals. This includes confirming that their organization is a registered vendor with the City of Austin and becoming a registered user in the Partnergrants database. Howell emphasized that the proposals will be submitted through the web-based system.

To register as a potential vendor with the City of Austin, organizations can visit Austin Finance Online or email VendorReg@austintexas.gov. They must also complete an Annual Agency Threshold Application in the PartnerGrants database, which remains valid for all competitions closing within a 12-month period.

Once these initial steps are completed, organizations can then proceed to complete the Intent to Apply form for each proposal they plan to submit by the specified due date. The Intent to Apply form can be found on the PartnerGrants website under the opportunity title "RFP2024-001 HIV, STI Testing and Treatment." This form includes a Threshold Certification verifying the completion of the initial steps.

The RFP documents, including the Offer Sheet, RFP Proposal, Program Budget and Funding Summary, COA Certifications & Disclosures, Annual Agency Threshold Criteria, Solicitation Provisions, Definitions & Instructions, RFP Scope of Work, AAPH Client Eligibility Requirements, and Social Services Contract Boilerplate with Standard Exhibits, can be accessed on the City of Austin website.

Interested organizations are encouraged to attend the optional pre-bid meetings and office hours meetings, where they can receive further information and clarification on the RFP process.

The City of Austin is committed to ensuring access to HIV and STI testing and treatment services for its residents. This RFP presents an opportunity for qualified social service providers to contribute to the city's efforts in combating the spread of HIV and STIs and promoting the health and well-being of its community.

For more information and to access the RFP documents, interested organizations can visit the City of Austin website or contact Helen Howell, the Authorized Contact Person, at APHCompetitions@austintexas.gov.