Homeownership Education Counseling (Pre- and Post-Home Purchase) and Foreclosure Prevention Counseling Services

The City of St. Petersburg, through its Housing and Community Development agency, is soliciting proposals under RFP-26-300 for a qualified organization to provide homeownership education and counseling services. The scope of work encompasses pre- and post-home purchase education as well as foreclosure prevention counseling aimed at improving long-term housing stability and expanding homeownership opportunities for residents. Proposals must be submitted electronically via the OpenGov portal by October 1, 2026. Evaluation criteria include a 30 percent weight on qualifications and experience, focusing on organizational structure, key personnel credentials, and past performance. The contract requires vendors to comply with Florida Statute 287.135 and maintain strict participant confidentiality. While the City encourages the use of minority, women, veteran, and small businesses through a voluntary Subcontractor Utilization Plan, specific SBE requirements apply to contracts valued at 50,000 dollars or more per the St. Petersburg City Code. Administrative terms include monthly invoicing with a 20 business day payment window, subject to the Local Government Prompt Payment Act, and a 5 percent retainage until substantial completion. Performance and payment bonds may be required, with annual bond amounts equaling the one-year value of multi-year agreements.