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Council approves publication of mobile outreach and supportive services RFP to support post‑sleep‑center transition
Summary
Council authorized the publication of an RFP for a 24/7 mobile outreach and transportation service (MOTS) to support individuals accessing shelter or recovery services, budgeted at about $55,000 and intended to function in partnership with the police department and code enforcement.
The Moses Lake City Council authorized staff to publish a request for proposals for a mobile outreach and transportation service (MOTS) intended to support individuals ready to access shelter, treatment or family supports following the sleep center closure.
Why it matters: The RFP is part of the city’s post‑sleep‑center transition plan and seeks a subgrantee to operate 24/7 outreach and transportation with an expected contract of roughly $55,000. The subgrantee will not provide prolonged case management or be a shelter operator; staff emphasized the contractor must verify services at receiving facilities rather than simply transporting clients and leaving them.
Housing grants manager Liz Murillo Busby explained the RFP’s key points: a collaborative referral relationship with the Moses Lake Police Department and code enforcement, a target on‑scene or response window of roughly 30–45 minutes for on‑call support, and a quarterly reporting requirement to city council summarizing services, referrals and demographics. She said the contract amount being anticipated is about $55,000.
Council members asked whether the city could contract with more than one provider or establish a rotation similar to tow services. Murillo Busby said staff could present options and noted the budget is limited; she said the ad hoc homeless committee will help develop scoring metrics and return to council in early September with recommendations and metrics for selection.
Council member Skagg asked about per‑person fees; Murillo Busby said the selected subgrantee will propose operational structure and cost terms within 30 days of contract award and that the council could direct more specific fee or provider structure if desired.
Council member Martinez said selection will consider service quality rather than cost alone and noted the city’s ability to adapt selection to local needs. The council moved to publish the RFP and the motion passed unanimously.
Discussion versus decision: The council authorized the RFP’s publication; selection and contract award will come later following scoring and council review.
What’s next: Staff will publish the RFP, accept applications, and return in early September with scoring metrics and recommendations from the ad hoc homeless committee.
