RFP 2026-04: Senior Center Services for Older or Disabled Adults

Senior Center Services
___________________________________ __________________________________
Request for Proposals
RFP-20 26-04
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 community facilities capable of providing a broad spectrum of services and a
facility for recreational activities for older adults, adults with disabilities, and their caregivers. The GNRC intends
to award one or more contracts to qualified multipurpose senior centers capable of providing the services
described in this RFP.
Important Dates and Deadlines
RFP Issued: 02/18/2026
Written questions accepted through 03/08/2026
Submission Deadline: Proposals must be submitted by 03/22/2026
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.................................................................................................................... 3
2.1 Senior Center Requirements ............................................................................................................................. 3
2.2 Requested Services ........................................................................................................................................... 6
Section 3. Instructions to Offerors ........................................................................................................ 8
3.1 Pre-Proposal Inquiries ....................................................................................................................................... 8
3.2 Submission Requirements ................................................................................................................................. 8
3.3 Proposal Contents ............................................................................................................................................. 8
3.4 Terms and Conditions ..................................................................................................................................... 10
Section 4. Selection Process ............................................................................................................... 12
4.1 Proposal Reviews ............................................................................................................................................ 12
4.2 Final Evaluations .............................................................................................................................................. 12
4.3 Solicitation Outcomes ..................................................................................................................................... 12
4.4 Protests ........................................................................................................................................................... 13
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 multipurpose senior centers and community facilities for the organization and
provision of a broad spectrum of services, including Health Promotion and Disease Prevention 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.
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+ % of 65+ who speak % of 65+ who % of 65+ who are % of 65+ who
60+
County who are language other than are below low-income reside in a rural
population
minority English at home poverty minority area
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%
Trousdale 2,089 10.70% 0.70% 25.20% 2.70% 100.00%
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Population Language Poverty Rural
% of 65+ % of 65+ who speak % of 65+ who % of 65+ who are % of 65+ who
60+
County who are language other than are below low-income reside in a rural
population
minority English at home poverty minority area
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 B Supportive Services funds, federal Older
Americans Act Title III D Health Promotion and Disease Prevention funds, and State of Tennessee Senior Center
Operations funds.
The following is a brief description of each program:
Multipurpose Senior Centers (also referred to as Senior Centers) are community facilities that organize
and provide a broad spectrum of services and that provide facilities for recreational activities for older
adults. Eligible organizations may also host a virtual Senior Center. Services provided include health
(including mental and behavioral health), social, nutritional, and educational services. Senior Centers are
funded through the following:
Older Americans Act (OAA) Title III B funds, which provide an array of supportive services designed to
allow older adults to reside in the community and in their own homes with the maximum amount of
dignity for as long as possible. Title III B services are targeted to older adults with the greatest economic
need, with particular attention to low-income minority individuals, those with the greatest social needs,
and those residing in rural areas. Federal funds require a 10% match of local cash or in-kind funds.
o State of Tennessee Senior Center Operations funds supplement the operations of Multipurpose
Senior Centers in conjunction with federal OAA funding. Eligibility and utilization of state
funding correspond with OAA funding. State funds require a 50% match of local cash or in-kind
funds.
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.
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Section 2. Scope of Project
2.1 Senior Center Requirements
The Greater Nashville Regional Council (GNRC) is seeking non-profit corporations and local governments with
experience providing senior center services to adults age sixty and older (older adults), adults with disabilities,
and their caregivers. Selection of an Offeror to receive a contract means that the provider is a GNRC Senior
Center. GNRC Senior Center 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 Senior Center, Offeror must meet the following criteria:
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 one of the following:
a. Chartered in the State of Tennessee as a non-profit corporation with a governing entity that is
responsible for the overall operation and fiscal integrity of the organization with a written set of
by-laws that defines the governing entity and establishes its organizational structure; or
b. A division of a city or county government that operates in accordance with policy and
procedures of the city or county government, and is created by statute, resolution, or
ordinance. The city or county government must have policies and procedures that address the
administrative and fiscal policies that govern the operation and management of the senior
center.
3. Be one of the following:
a. A single-purpose agency with programs and activities designed and operated only for the
benefit of older adults;
b. A multipurpose agency with a broad spectrum of services to older adults, including but not
limited to provision of health, social, nutritional, and educational services, as well as the
provision of facilities for recreational activities for adults aged sixty and over;
c. An organization which hosts an online platform which offers a broad spectrum of services to
older adults, including the provision of health (including mental or behavioral health), social,
nutritional, and educational services as well as recreational activities through a computer or
other internet-enabled device.
4. Be open to the public at least 4 days per week for at least 4 hours per day.
5. Have public areas that are accessible for participants with limited mobility, including those participants
using canes, walkers, or wheelchairs. Public areas include but are not limited to parking lots, entrances,
restrooms, and activity spaces.
6. Be eligible to conduct business in the state of Tennessee and in the relevant city or county.
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Standards of Conduct
GNRC Senior Centers 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 Senior Center 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 Senior
Centers will play a role.
5. No GNRC Senior Center will collect the Social Security number of any Older Adult Participant.
6. No GNRC Senior Center will deny any Older Adult Participant access to, or provision of any service
provided through GNRC funding because of non-payment of membership dues.
7. 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.
8. Outside of allowable voluntary contributions and membership dues, no GNRC Senior Center 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 Senior Center 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. Submit Older Adult Participant attendance monthly in the state-approved database.
3. Submit an annual report to the Secretary of State and to GNRC. GNRC Senior Centers who are non-
profit organizations must also submit a copy of the Senior Center's 990 tax form.
4. Administer an annual satisfaction survey and submit the results to GNRC.
5. Maintain evidence of proper certification or credentials to conduct specific evidence-based programs
for all leaders, coaches, or instructors.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. Post the following in a conspicuous place that is available to all participants:
a. Participant Grievance Procedures
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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 Senior Centers 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 Senior Center 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.)
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.
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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
The Senior Centers selected through this RFP will provide health (including mental and behavioral health), social,
nutritional, and educational services, as well as facilities for recreational activities for older adults. The
contracting period is July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2030.
Senior Center Services
Offerors must provide Telephone Reassurance in addition to one or more of the following services during hours
of operation:
Telephone Reassurance (Required)
Regular phone calls aimed at providing comfort and preventing loneliness for older adults who may otherwise
be at risk of isolation. Older adults may opt to enroll in telephone reassurance services. Calls may be made by
trained volunteers.
Health Education
Individual and/or group sessions that help participants understand how their lifestyle impacts their physical and
mental health and to develop practices that enhance their total well-being. Includes programs relating to
prevention and reduction of chronic disabling conditions (including osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease),
alcohol and substance abuse reduction, smoking cessation, weight control, and stress management.
Physical Fitness and Exercise
Activities designed to improve strength, flexibility, endurance, muscle tone, reflexes, cardiovascular health,
and/or other aspects of physical functioning. Includes group exercise, music therapy, art therapy, and dance-
movement therapy, including programs for multigenerational participation.
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Recreation
Activities (structured or unstructured) which foster the health and/or social well-being of individuals through
social interaction and the satisfying use of leisure time.
Education
Activities designed to assist individuals to acquire knowledge, experience, or skills; provided to a group of older
adults regarding issues related to their health, welfare, or well-being. Includes sessions to increase awareness in
such areas as nutrition, financial management/consumerism, crime, or accident prevention, promoting personal
enrichment, increasing or gaining skills of a craft or trade.
Evidence-Based Programming
In addition to the services above, Offerors will provide Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Programs
(Evidence-Based Programming) through OAA Title III D funding. These are 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
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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