G004 Homeless Care for Homeless Veterans, Akron Ohio

Performance Work Statement (PWS)

To procure contracted residential services (CRS) for homeless veterans in Akron, Ohio, utilizing a "Safe Haven" model of care. The goal is to provide a safe, supportive, and therapeutic environment to help chronically homeless veterans, particularly those with severe mental illness and substance use disorders, transition from homelessness to stable housing.

• Provide up to 12 beds (male and/or female) in a facility preferably within 3 miles of the Akron VA CBOC.

• Offer a low-demand, low-barrier environment with minimal rules focused on safety and engagement.

• Services include room and board (private accommodations, linens, 3 nutritious meals/day, snacks), laundry facilities, and a "safe room" for veterans under the influence.

• Provide case management, including developing Individual Care Plans (ICPs), weekly counseling, financial planning, and assistance with permanent housing searches.

• Support recovery from substance use disorders using a Harm Reduction approach, not strict abstinence.

• Facilitate access to VA services, including primary care and mental health appointments.

• Offer structured group activities (e.g., life skills, vocational counseling) at least twice monthly.

• Ensure internet and computer access for residents.

• Provide transportation for appointments and housing searches.

• Maintain a minimum of 75% occupancy rate (preferred 85%).

• Veterans' length of stay not to exceed 180 days, with extensions requiring VA approval.

• Discharge to permanent housing: FY26 target 55%.

• Negative exits (violations of program rules): FY26 target no more than 20%.

• Critical incident reporting within 24 hours.

• Return calls from VA within 4 hours during business hours.

• Location: Akron, Ohio, and surrounding counties.

• Expected length of stay: Up to 6 months (180 days) per veteran.

• Facility must comply with ADA standards, fire safety codes (NFPA), and local/state regulations.

• Gender-specific privacy and safety provisions are required, especially for female veterans.

• Staff must be clinically trained, with at least two staff members on duty 24/7.

• Mandatory annual training for staff on topics including CPR, First Aid, crisis intervention, harm reduction, and de-escalation.

• Criminal background checks for staff working with children.

• Contractor must not hire individuals currently or recently (within 2 years) enrolled in a VA Homeless Program.

• Strict policies against sexual relationships between staff and veterans.

• Compliance with confidentiality regulations (42 CFR Part 2, 38 USC 7332).

• Participation in the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS).

Sources Sought Notice

This notice is to identify businesses capable of providing Homeless Care for Homeless Veterans (HCHV) Services for the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center. The services are to be performed in Akron, Ohio.

This is a sources sought notice to gauge industry capability. Specific requirements will be detailed in the anticipated Performance Work Statement (PWS), which is attached and subject to change.

• Interested companies should submit a Capabilities Statement.
• Responses must include: Company Name and Address, UEI Number, Socioeconomic Size Status (e.g., Large, Small, WOSB, SDVOSB), and Point of Contact information (name, phone, email).
• Responses are due via email by Friday, April 24, 2026, at 4:00 PM EST.
• Submissions should be sent to Angela Higgins at angela.freel@va.gov.
• Phone calls will not be accepted for this notice.

This notice is intended to locate any business capable of performance. Specific set-aside information is not provided at this stage.

• This is NOT a Request for Quotation (RFQ); quotes will not be reviewed at this time.
• The Department of Veterans Affairs will not be responsible for any costs incurred in response to this notice.
• This notice does not commit the Government to an award or a specific acquisition approach.
• The anticipated NAICS Code is 624221.
• The draft Performance Work Statement is attached and subject to changes.