Constituent Financial Empowerment Services

Summary (Newest Update)

Background DeKalb County Government seeks electronic proposals from qualified individuals and firms with experience in homeownership counseling, financial literacy and credit counseling, and facilitation of technical assistance for small businesses and entrepreneurs. This solicitation aims to address the financial stability and economic mobility challenges faced by many residents and entrepreneurs in DeKalb County, which has a diverse population of approximately 770,000 residents. The program is designed to improve financial capability, promote sustainable homeownership, and support small business growth. Work Details The contractor shall provide integrated consulting services that include: 1. Homeownership Counseling Services: - Pre-Purchase Counseling: First-time homebuyer education, mortgage readiness assessments, budget analysis, education on mortgage products, assistance with down payment programs, fair housing education. - Homebuyer Education Workshops: Group workshops covering the homebuying process with certificates of completion. - Post-Purchase Counseling: Home maintenance planning and escrow accounts education. - Foreclosure Prevention: Early intervention counseling for distressed households. 2. Financial Literacy and Credit Counseling Services: - Financial Literacy Education: Budgeting, banking relationships, savings strategies. - Credit Counseling: Credit report reviews and improvement strategies. - Individual Financial Coaching: One-on-one sessions to develop financial action plans. 3. Small Business Technical Assistance Facilitation: - Business Readiness Support: Business plan development and financial statement preparation. - Capital Readiness Support: Business credit counseling and loan packaging assistance. - Technical Assistance Coordination: Referrals to specialized service providers and coordination with local economic partners. 4. Program Management and Administration: - Staffing qualified counselors, participant intake and assessment, compliance with regulations, community engagement efforts. Period of Performance The contract will be performed over a three-year term with one option to renew for an additional year. Services are expected to commence within 30 calendar days after receipt of a written Notice to Proceed. Place of Performance Services will be delivered within DeKalb County, Georgia through in-person, virtual or hybrid formats as approved by the County. Bidder Requirements Responders must have at least five years of relevant experience providing homeownership counseling and financial literacy services. At least one HUD-Certified Housing Counselor must be assigned to deliver housing counseling services. Responders are required to attend mandatory LSBE meetings and comply with all LSBE forms as part of their proposal submission.