City requests nonprofit input on human service needs
The Honolulu Department of Community Services has issued a request for information about critical community needs to help write a request for proposals for human services, housing, urban renewal and community development programs.
The RFI notes: “With the economy slowing, it ‘s important to protect taxpayer money and plan our spending wisely so we can continue providing the important services that our residents expect and deserve."
Nonprofits are asked to respond to the following questions based on how their organization would propose to provide community services:
- Given the limited amount of funds in the appropriation and the services already funded by various government grants and contracts, what specific gaps in the current array of services should be addressed?
- What groups are underserved? How can the needs of these underserved groups be better served?
- What community efforts has your organization participated in?
- What is the minimum amount of funds that would be necessary for your organization to support an initiative of critical social need?
- What is the most effective method to ensure exceptional performance, and what performance measures are the most effective to monitor quality?
- What are the essential components to having a sound program? What are the key types of staff and their qualifications that must be present?
- Are there appropriate utilization management components or service utilization areas that should be included in the program to ensure the most efficient and appropriate use of resources?
- Based on your organization’s experience, please provide the DCS with any suggestions or recommendations that may assist the DCS in developing a realistic and reasonable RFP.
Responses must include name, organization and contact information of person/organization submitting the response. Clearly identify any portion of a RFI response you wish to keep confidential and provide reasons that the information should not be disclosed. The deadline to respond is 4 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 7. Mark the cover “DCS RFI Response” and mail or deliver to Department of Community Services, Office of Special Projects, 711 Kapiolani Blvd., Suite 1422, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813, Attention: Milton Holt or mholt@honolulu.gov.
All interested nonprofits may attend an informational meeting at 2 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 9, at McCoy Pavilion, where the eight questions listed above will be discussed in detail. Since space is limited, RSVP to Milton Holt, (808) 768-5860 or mholt@honolulu.gov, and contact Holt with any questions.
