RFP 2026-09: Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Programming for Older Adults

Health Promotion and Disease
Prevention Programming for
Older A dults
Older Ame ricans Act
_____________________________________________________________________
Request for Proposals
RFP-2026-09
Greater Nashville Regional Council
44 Vantage Way, Suite 450 | Nashville, Tennessee 37228 | Phone: (615) 862-8828 | Fax: (615) 862-8840
GNRC.org

RFP Summary
About GNRC
The Greater Nashville Regional Council (GNRC) is a public agency established by the Tennessee General
Assembly to convene local and state leaders for the purposes of planning and programming state and federal
investments into public infrastructure and a range of social services.
GNRC is designated by the State Unit on Aging (SUA) as the Area Agency on Aging and Disability (AAAD) for
thirteen counties in Middle Tennessee. In this role, GNRC provides programs, services, advocacy, inter-agency
coordination, and information-sharing opportunities to improve the quality of life for older or disabled
Tennesseans. GNRC delivers a range of federal and state programs in partnership with local agencies and
private-sector organizations. Find out more at www.GNRC.org.
About this Solicitation
GNRC is seeking proposals from agencies and organizations capable of providing evidence-based programs that
aim to prevent disease and promote health (referred to as Evidence-Based Programming throughout this RFP)
for older adults. GNRC intends to award one or more contracts to qualified agencies and organizations that
provide the programs described in this RFP. If Offeror wishes to provide Evidence-Based Programming in
conjunction with a contract for senior center services, refer to RFP-2026-04.
Important Dates and Deadlines
RFP Issued: 02/23/2026
Written questions accepted through 03/11/2026
Submission Deadline: Proposals must be submitted by 03/25/2026
Contract Period: July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2030
Inquiries and Contact Information
All inquiries should be directed in writing to rfp@gnrc.org with a subject line that includes the RFP number.
Amendments to this Solicitation
Any doubt as to the requirements of this RFP or any apparent omission or discrepancy should be presented in
writing to rfp@gnrc.org. Oral statements or instructions will not constitute an amendment to this RFP. Any
amendments to this RFP will be posted online at www.GNRC.org/Procurement.
Non-Discrimination
GNRC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, including limited English proficiency
(LEP), gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion, creed, or disability in admission to, access to, or
operations of its programs, services, or activities. Discrimination against any person in recruitment, examination,
appointment, training, promotion, retention, discipline, or any other employment practices because of non-
merit factors is prohibited. Any person who believes that discrimination has occurred by GNRC, or its contractors, sub-
recipient, and/or consultants on the basis of race, color or national origin, including limited English proficiency (LEP), in
violation of Title VI may file a written complaint. Complaints may also be filed with the state or federal agency involved,
and with the Tennessee Human Rights Commission. Complaints must be filed within 180 days of the alleged
discriminatory act. GNRC's full non-discrimination policy and additional information about ADA or English
language accommodations are available online at www.GNRC.org/legal.
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Table of Contents
Section 1. Background ........................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 About the GNRC ................................................................................................................................................ 1
1.2 About the Project .............................................................................................................................................. 1
Section 2. Scope of Project.................................................................................................................... 2
2.1 Senior Center Requirements ............................................................................................................................. 2
2.2 Requested Services ........................................................................................................................................... 5
Section 3. Instructions to Offerors ........................................................................................................ 7
3.1 Pre-Proposal Inquiries ....................................................................................................................................... 7
3.2 Submission Requirements ................................................................................................................................. 7
3.3 Proposal Contents ............................................................................................................................................. 7
3.4 Terms and Conditions ....................................................................................................................................... 9
Section 4. Selection Process ............................................................................................................... 11
4.1 Proposal Reviews ............................................................................................................................................ 11
4.2 Final Evaluations .............................................................................................................................................. 11
4.3 Solicitation Outcomes ..................................................................................................................................... 11
4.4 Protests ........................................................................................................................................................... 12
Attachment A. Assurance and Certification ........................................................................................ A
Attachment B. Business Information ................................................................................................... B
Attachment C. Service Details .............................................................................................................. C
Attachment D. Funding Request .......................................................................................................... D
Attachment E. Sample Contract Terms ............................................................................................... E
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Section 1. Background
1.1 About the GNRC
The Greater Nashville Regional Council (GNRC or Regional Council) is a public agency established by the
Tennessee Development District Act of 1965 and further empowered by Title 64, Chapter 7, Part 1, Tennessee
Code Annotated (TCA), as amended (the Act) to convene local and state leaders for the purposes of planning
and programming state and federal investments into public infrastructure and a range of social services. GNRC is
owned by and operated on behalf of its local government membership comprised county governments in the
counties of Cheatham, Davidson, Dickson, Houston, Humphreys, Montgomery, Robertson, Rutherford, Stewart,
Sumner, Trousdale, Williamson, and Wilson, Tennessee, and all incorporated municipalities and metropolitan
governments located within these counties.
GNRC is governed by a regional body comprised of city mayors, county mayors/executives, state legislators,
appointments representing business/industry, and appointments representing minority populations. The
Regional Council's Executive Board convenes monthly to enact the adopted Annual Work Program and Budget
on behalf of the membership and oversee the GNRC's programs and services carried out by its staff.
1.2 About the Project
GNRC is seeking proposals from agencies and organizations capable of providing evidence-based programs that
aim to prevent disease and promote health (Evidence-Based Programming) to adults aged sixty and older (older
adults).
GNRC is designated by the State Unit on Aging (SUA) as the Area Agency on Aging and Disability (AAAD) for
thirteen counties in Middle Tennessee. In this role, GNRC provides programs, services, advocacy, inter-agency
coordination, and information-sharing opportunities to improve the quality of life for older or disabled
Tennesseans. GNRC delivers a range of federal and state programs in partnership with local agencies and
private-sector organizations. Find out more at www.GNRC.org.
Service Area
GNRC seeks to contract with at least one senior center located in each county listed below. The following table
indicates the demographics for each county in GNRC's service area:
Population Language Poverty Rural
% of 65+ who speak
% of 65+ % of 65+ who % of 65+ who are % of 65+ who
60+ a language other
County who are are below low-income reside in a rural
population than English at
minority poverty minority area
home
Cheatham 10,032 2.60% 1.30% 7.20% 0.20% 83.00%
Davidson 128,786 26.20% 8.20% 11.10% 2.90% 3.50%
Dickson 13,462 5.80% 1.30% 11.40% 0.70% 67.80%
Houston 2,216 3.60% 0.50% 15.60% 0.60% 100.00%
Humphreys 5,333 3.00% 0.70% 7.60% 0.20% 82.50%
Montgomery 34,372 19.10% 8.60% 7.80% 1.50% 19.70%
Robertson 16,307 6.50% 3.50% 8.90% 0.60% 53.20%
Rutherford 58,541 13.00% 6.40% 7.60% 1.00% 17.00%
Stewart 3,977 3.40% 4.00% 11.50% 0.40% 100.00%
Sumner 47,141 6.70% 2.60% 8.50% 0.60% 27.90%
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Population Language Poverty Rural
% of 65+ who speak
% of 65+ % of 65+ who % of 65+ who are % of 65+ who
60+ a language other
County who are are below low-income reside in a rural
population than English at
minority poverty minority area
home
Trousdale 2,089 10.70% 0.70% 25.20% 2.70% 100.00%
Williamson 54,154 5.40% 4.80% 5.10% 0.30% 19.40%
Wilson 35,587 6.00% 2.70% 7.20% 0.40% 38.50%
Target Population
Services must be targeted primarily to adults aged sixty and older (older adults) in the greatest social or
economic need, with particular attention to low-income, minority older adults, and those residing in rural areas.
At a minimum, GNRC strives to provide services to older adults and their caregivers in the greatest social or
economic need in proportion to the population of the counties served.
Reimbursement-Based Contract
This contract is a reimbursement-based contract. This means that contractors must incur the costs related to
the contract and provide appropriate documentation of your expenditures. Once GNRC receives an acceptable
invoice and supporting documentation, GNRC will then submit the cost for reimbursement to its funders. When
GNRC receives the funds, it then disburses them to your business. There is no guaranteed payment time for
invoices, and the average time of payment is approximately 45 days after the time complete documentation is
submitted. This means that, for example, services provided on August 15 would be invoiced on September 8th
and likely not be paid for until October 23rd or later.
Funding Sources and Programs
Funding sources include federal Older Americans Act Title III D Health Promotion and Disease Prevention funds.
The following is a brief description of the program:
Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Programs (also referred to as Evidence-Based Programming)
are designed to improve health and well-being and to reduce disease and injury for older adults. Eligible
programs must meet all requirements of evidence-based programming as set by the Administration for
Community Living (ACL). More information about these requirements is provided in Section 2.2. These
programs are funded through OAA Title III D funds.
Section 2. Scope of Project
2.1 Senior Center Requirements
The Greater Nashville Regional Council (GNRC) is seeking agencies and organizations with experience providing
evidence-based programs that aim to prevent disease and promote health (Evidence-Based Programming or
EBP) to older adults. Selection of an Offeror to receive a contract means that the provider is a GNRC Service
Provider. Evidence-Based Programming participants, members, or attendees who are aged sixty and older are
referred to as Older Adult Participants. GNRC may refer Older Adult Participants to the Contractor for services.
It is important to note that having a contract with GNRC does not mean that the services provided will
automatically be eligible for reimbursement.
Minimum Qualifications
To be eligible for selection as a GNRC Service Provider, Offeror must meet the following criteria:
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1. Have submitted a proposal to GNRC in response to this RFP as instructed in Section 3 that
demonstrates:
a. Adequate staffing for the programs and services being proposed
b. Adequate financial capacity to sustain a reimbursement-based contract
2. Be registered and in good standing with the Tennessee Secretary of State, if applicable.
3. Be eligible to conduct business in the state of Tennessee and in the relevant city or county.
Standards of Conduct
GNRC Service Providers must adhere to the following Standards of Conduct:
1. Federal and state funds provided through a contract with GNRC will be expended only for services
authorized by a contract with GNRC. Federal and state funds can only be expended on services provided
to Older Adult participants.
2. Treat Older Adult Participants in a respectful and dignified manner, involve Older Adult Participants and
their caregivers in the delivery of services, and provide services in a timely and safe manner.
3. No GNRC Service Provider will exclude any person from participation in, deny any person benefits of, or
subject any person to discrimination in the performance of services or in the employment practices of
the Senior Center on the grounds of handicap or disability, age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin,
or any other classification protected by federal, Tennessee state constitutional, or statutory law.
4. Quality Assurance will be an ongoing process in which all entities including SUA, GNRC, and GNRC
Service Providers will play a role.
5. No GNRC Service Provider will collect the Social Security number of any Older Adult Participant.
6. Non-coercive solicitation of voluntary contributions is allowed. These contributions will be considered
program income and will be expended during the budget year in which it is received. Program income
must be used to expand the service for which the contribution was given and not replace federal
funding. Services will not be denied to an Older Adult Participant who will not or cannot make a
voluntary contribution.
7. Outside of allowable voluntary contributions and membership dues, no GNRC Service Provider staff,
volunteers, or guests (such as vendors) will solicit or accept gratuities or favors or sell any type of
merchandise or service to Older Adult Participants; nor may they seek to encourage the acceptance of
any particular belief or philosophy by any attendee or participant.
Program Requirements
Below are program requirements that GNRC Service Provider must agree to:
1. Record Older Adult Participant information using the Participant Registration Form in the state-
approved database, making updates as they occur. All required forms will be provided by GNRC.
2. Have methods and procedures in place for the collection of data, including but not limited to:
a. Number of Older Adult Participants
b. Number and type of workshop
c. Location of workshop
3. Submit Older Adult Participant attendance monthly in the state-approved database.
4. Submit a copy of the agency's 990 tax form if the GNRC Service Provider is a non-profit organization.
5. Submit financial reports to GNRC at least quarterly by the tenth day of the month following the quarter.
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6. Maintain evidence of proper certification or credentials to conduct specific evidence-based programs
for all leaders, coaches, or instructors.
7. Assist Older Adult Participants to access benefits under other programs, including those administered
by GNRC. Communication with GNRC may be necessary to ensure that services are coordinated in a
manner that does not lead to an unnecessary duplication of services.
8. Post notices of nondiscrimination in conspicuous places that are available to all employees and
applicants. Proof of these policies and notices must be made available upon request.
9. Post the following in a conspicuous place that is available to all participants:
a. Participant Grievance Procedures
b. Title VI Civil Rights Notice
c. Equal Employment Opportunity Poster
d. Public Accountability Poster (800# TN Comptroller's Office)
e. Call 911 for Emergency
f. Location of First Aid Kits, Fire Extinguishers, and other supplies
g. Monthly Calendar of Events
General Contract Requirements
Below are the general requirements and expectations that GNRC Service Providers must agree to. By submitting
a response to the RFP, Offerors are asserting that they agree to these general requirements and will enter a
contract containing these requirements (sample attached as Attachment D).
1. Follow Standards of Conduct as outlined in this RFP and as otherwise communicated to the GNRC
Service Providers.
2. Meet appropriate federal or state requirements for licenses and liability insurance for the entirety of
the contract.
3. Comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations including, without
limitation, civil rights laws.
4. Update the proposal information to GNRC as changes occur during the contract period.
5. Comply with all requirements specified in the service descriptions when providing GNRC-authorized
services. See Section 2.2 for Service Descriptions.
6. Make arrangements for the availability of services in weather-related and other emergencies when
feasible.
7. Report any abuse, neglect, or exploitation directly to Adult Protective Services, as required by law, as
well as submit reports about incidences and action taken to GNRC.
8. Treat all Older Adult Participant information as confidential. Ensure that it is filed securely and accessed
or shared according to the minimum necessary rule.
9. Have procedures in place to ensure that no information about Older Adult Participants is obtained or
disclosed by a GNRC Service Provider in a form that identifies the person without the informed written
consent of that person or of his or her legal representative. Disclosure may be allowed by court order,
or for program quality assurance by authorized federal, state, or GNRC staff so long as access is in
conformity with the Privacy Act of 1974 or other governing law. All Older Adult Participant information
must be maintained in controlled access files. (Exception: A written release of information when making
a referral for Adult Protective Services is not required.)
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10. Follow the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) laws to further protect
the privacy of center participants if the GNRC Service Provider is a Covered Entity or otherwise subject
to HIPAA requirements.
11. Maintain sufficient insurance to indemnify GNRC and its funding partners against loss. Insurance
requirements are outlined in the attached sample contract (Attachment D).
12. Obtain sufficient bond coverage for protection of GNRC and the SUA from theft, forgery, embezzlement,
and fraud losses by the GNRC Service Provider, any of its agents or employees, full or part-time.
13. Inform all individuals of their right to file a grievance and provide them with a copy of GNRC's required
grievance procedures and follow the GNRC-required grievance procedures when a center participant is
dissatisfied with service(s) being provided.
14. Complete background checks for employees and volunteers in accordance with Tennessee Code
Annotated 52-2-1002.
15. Document and maintain personnel files for each GNRC Service Provider staff or volunteer who provides
direct care for, has direct contact with, or has direct responsibility for the safety and care of Older Adult
Participants. At minimum, personnel files must contain the following:
a. A statement of any prior convictions
b. Confidentiality statement renewed and signed annually.
c. Current job description
d. Results of employment history and personal reference checks
e. Results of background checks as required by TCA 52-2-1002
f. Results of any other requested checks
g. Justification of the decision to employ an individual, with reference to any information received
from the background check. The justification must be signed by the GNRC Service Provider.
h. Evidence of orientation and training
i. Annual documentation of flu vaccination or declination
16. Require GNRC Service Provider staff and volunteers to participate in training relevant to their major job
responsibilities and in GNRC- and SUA-designated training when appropriate.
17. Have a policy in place to ensure that personnel or volunteers who have contracted any infectious illness
or disease do not provide services to any Older Adult Participants until they are without symptoms.
18. Allow GNRC to monitor operations at least annually, including on-site access.
19. Respond to requests for information from SUA and GNRC.
This RFP will be incorporated into any contract awarded. If there is a material change in any information Offeror
provides as a response to this RFP, Offeror must immediately notify GNRC.
2.2 Requested Services
Agencies and organizations selected through this RFP will provide evidence-based disease prevention and health
promotion programs for adults aged sixty and older (older adults). The contracting period is July 1, 2026 to June
30, 2030.
Evidence-Based Programming
Evidence-Based Programming refers to activities related to the prevention and mitigation of the effects of the
following:
Chronic disease (including osteoporosis, hypertension, obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases)
Alcohol and substance abuse reduction
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Smoking cessation
Weight loss and control
Stress management
Falls prevention
Physical activity
Improved nutrition
The programs offered through this funding must either meet ACL's evidence-based definition or be considered
an "evidence-based program" by any operation division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
(HHS) and is shown effective and appropriate for older adults.
If you have any questions about the approval of a program, ensure those are answered before you respond to
this RFP.
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Section 3. Instructions to Offerors
3.1 Pre-Proposal Inquiries
All inquiries should be directed in writing to rfp@gnrc.org by the end of the day on March 11, 2026. The email
must include a subject line that contains the RFP number. Answers will be provided in writing and made
available to all potential Offerors. All questions and answers compiled through March 11, 2026 will be posted
online at GNRC.org/Procurement as an addendum to the solicitation. Any correspondence related to the RFP
should refer to the appropriate RFP number, page, and paragraph number.
3.2 Submission Requirements
Offerors may submit a proposal in one of two ways:
1. Submit one electronic copy (PDF format) to rfp@gnrc.org. The subject heading of the email should be
clearly marked "Attention: RFP 2026-09; or
2. Submit one hard copy to GNRC, 44 Vantage Way, Suite 450, Nashville, TN, 37228.The outside of the
package should be clearly marked "Attention: RFP 2026-09"
A copy should be maintained for the Offeror's records.
Proposals should include all typed, completed forms included with this RFP. There are no page limits or specific
formatting requirements, but Offerors are encouraged to be mindful of the level of effort involved in reviewing
proposals.
3.3 Proposal Contents
The following items must be submitted with each proposal. Failure to include ANY of these items may result in a
proposal being rejected.
Item 1. Cover Letter
Offeror must provide a cover letter signed by an authorized individual submitting the proposal on behalf of their
agency. This letter must include:
a. A statement that the accompanying proposal is in response to this RFP
b. A statement that Offeror is willing, if selected, to execute a contract with GNRC containing the contract
terms provided in Attachment E
c. A statement identifying the individual(s) authorized to finalize a contract on behalf of the Offeror
d. The Offeror's mission statement, values, and guiding principles, if applicable
Item 2. Assurances and Certifications
Include a completed Assurances and Certifications form, provided as Attachment A to this RFP. The form must
include the appropriate signatures.
Item 3. Business Information
Include a complete Business Information form, provided as Attachment B to this RFP.
Item 4. Service Details
Include a completed Service Detail form, provided as Attachment C with this RFP, to indicate evidence-based
programming proposed by the Offeror.
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