Management and Administration of Victim Support Services Network (VSSN)

The City of New Haven is soliciting proposals for the management and administration of its Victim Support Services Network (VSSN), a program designed to coordinate victim support efforts across service providers in the aftermath of violent incidents. The successful contractor will be responsible for convening and coordinating providers, managing client intakes, conducting needs assessments, facilitating warm referrals to partner organizations, tracking outcomes, and supporting continuous system improvements. An integral part of the role includes organizing community canvases with cross-sector partners following violent events and developing sustainable funding strategies, with an emphasis on securing Medicaid reimbursement for eligible services to extend the network’s viability beyond current City funding. The solicitation (2026-RFP-CNH-329) is managed by the City's Community Services Administration with proposal submissions due by May 12, 2026. The contract integrates federal regulatory requirements under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and other statutes related to procurement, labor standards, and environmental compliance. Although the document lacks explicit FAR clause listings typical of federal contracts, it incorporates standard compliance with anti-lobbying provisions, work hours and safety standards, and uniform administrative requirements. The contract’s evaluation criteria prioritize the applicant’s approach to service coordination, including the effectiveness of methods to collaborate, track victims, and deliver services, alongside organizational experience and capacity, with a combined scoring framework placing significant weight on these factors. The contract mandates electronic invoicing according to the City’s policies, includes detailed conflict of interest provisions restricting financial or personal interests among City and contractor personnel, and enforces affirmative action obligations to prevent discrimination. The City reserves broad rights regarding termination, modifications, and price adjustments, requiring any contract changes to be written and approved in advance. The place of performance is located in New Haven, Connecticut, with acceptance authority residing with the City. Submission instructions require proposals in two volumes—technical and pricing—filed electronically via a dedicated procurement portal. The contract underscores transparency, compliance with federal funding restrictions, and emphasizes sustainability planning to promote long-term victim support service continuity.