On-Call Emergency Shelter Beds and Case Management for Adult Human Trafficking Victim-Survivors

As outlined in the Scope of Work, the County of San Mateo seeks highly qualified contractors to provide on-call emergency and interim shelter beds and comprehensive case management services within their existing facilities and frameworks for victim-survivors of human trafficking (referred to in this RFP as "clients", "victims", or "victim-survivors"), including during and following sting operations and enforcement actions. Placement lengths will vary based on individual need. Some clients may require only short-term emergency shelter, while others may need an extended stay of up to one year or until they have achieved sufficient stability to transition safely to other stable housing.

This procurement covers both sex trafficking and labor trafficking victim-survivors, including adults of all gender identities and expressions. However, if an agency only provides services to a certain subset of human trafficking victim-survivors, they are still invited to apply. All applicants must be committed to inclusive, equitable, and trauma-informed services.

San Mateo County (SMC) has identified human trafficking as a significant public safety and public health issue. SMC hosts SFO international airport, the 10th busiest airport in the country, and is nearby two other international airports (Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport and San Jose Mineta International Airport), making it a significant transit hub within the Bay Area. The County has convened a coordinated, multi-agency effort let by the District Attorney's office to identify, disrupt, and prosecute trafficking networks and connect victim-survivors to services. Activities have included updating the County's Human Trafficking Protocol for all police departments and the Sheriff's Office; collaborating with local, state, and federal agencies to proactively shutdown illicit human trafficking activity; and creating a team of inspectors and detectives to work on human trafficking fulltime.

Currently, there are no shelters in San Mateo County that specifically serve human trafficking victim-survivors. As a result, victims seeking services may struggle to find placement on their own, and law enforcement cannot reliably offer safe, appropriate, and immediate shelter to victims during or following enforcement operations.

This RFP is in response to that gap. Effective programs should provide trauma-informed, survivor-centered service delivery that prioritizes survivor autonomy and low-barrier access. Shelter sites should maintain an undisclosed location with appropriate on-site staffing, robust security infrastructure, and written security breach protocols. Sites should be located where survivors have access to a variety of support services. Staff should be extensively trained and have all required state and federal certifications.