FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:    Karen Hawes, Human Services
                (941) 652-7930 or
                Diana Childers, 652-7944

FORT MYERS, Fla. (February 12, 2001) – Local non-profit human services organizations wanting funding next year from Lee County will need to go through a new "Request for Proposals" (RFP) process that begins Wednesday (Feb. 14).

The new process enables the county to purchase "units of service" from agencies in the areas of: Supportive Housing/Living, Economic Opportunity, Activities for Youth, and/or Basic Assistance. Agencies will submit proposals to provide direct services in one or more of the above-mentioned areas.

Total funds available for Fiscal Year 2001-02 is $2,074,737. The minimum contract award will be $12,000. Key dates are:

• RFP packets will be released Feb. 14 at the Lee County Department of Human Services, 83 Pondella Rd., North Fort Myers; or can be downloaded from the county’s web site at www.lee-county.com/NEWS2/default.asp.

• Technical assistance workshops will be held on Feb. 20 (10 a.m.) and Feb. 21 (1 p.m.) in room 1B of the Lee County Public Works Building, 1500 Monroe St., in downtown Fort Myers. The RFP process and guidelines will be discussed.

• A letter of intent to bid must be submitted to the Human Services Department by Feb. 28.

• Completed proposals must be received by the Human Services Department by 5 p.m. Mar. 28.

The program serves low-income, homeless, elderly, developmentally disabled, and handicapped residents of Lee County. Examples of agencies that have received funds in the past include the Lee Association of Retarded Citizens, Child Care of Southwest Florida, Abuse Counseling & Treatment, Senior Friendship Centers, and Boys & Girls Clubs.

To be eligible, bidders must meet the following requirements:

1. Services must be based on a unit cost and produce measurable outcomes in one or more of the four areas.
   
   
2. Be a 501(c)3 private, not-for-profit agency.
   
   
3. Be in operation for one year and provide an independent audited financial statement and management letter.
   
   
4. Possess the administrative/fiscal capability to manage the proposed program and maintain adequate records.
   
   
5. Provide direct client services to residents of Lee County.