Client Advocacy Services

The County of Orange Social Services Agency is soliciting proposals for Client Advocacy Services to assist eligible individuals with the application process for Supplemental Security Income, State Supplementary Payment, Retirement, Survivors and Disability Insurance, and Social Security Disability Insurance. The scope of work focuses on General Relief clients who may be unhoused or incapacitated, as well as Children and Family Services clients with qualifying disabilities. The selected contractor will provide application assistance and may act as a representative during the Social Security Administration hearing and appeals process. Key requirements include that all direct staff must complete SOAR certification and be familiar with Orange County General Relief Regulations. The contract is intended as a three-year agreement running from July 1, 2027, to June 30, 2030, with an estimated maximum value of 2,100,000 dollars, and a possible two-year renewal option. Award decisions will be based on proposal scoring and potential interviews, with a strict policy that any exceptions to the County Model Contract will result in a score of zero for that criterion. Contractors must adhere to rigorous data privacy and cybersecurity standards, including the NIST 800-53 framework and FIPS 140-3 encryption, while complying with various civil rights acts and the Dymally-Alatorre Bilingual Services Act. Proposals must be submitted electronically by November 4, 2026, and must include an organizational chart, corporate documents, CPA-certified financial statements, and a valid Unique Entity ID. The County provides preferences for certified Local Small Businesses and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises. Performance will be monitored through monthly application metrics and secure reporting, with the County reserving the right to inspect records and premises at all reasonable times.