RFQ 2026-02: In-Home Services for Older or Disabled Adults

InHome Services for Older
or Disable d Adults
_____________________________________________________________________
Request for Qualifications
RFQ-2026-02
Greater Nashville Regional Council
44 Vantage Way, Suite 450 | Nashville, Tennessee 37228 | Phone: (615) 862-8828 | Fax: (615) 862-8840
GNRC.org

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 statements of qualifications (Proposals) from agencies capable of providing in-home services to
older adults, adults with disabilities, and/or their caregivers. GNRC intends to award a reimbursement-based
contract to one or more qualified service providers through this solicitation. Offerors may respond to all or parts
of the scope of services description in Section 2.0.
Important Dates and Deadlines
RFQ Issued: 02/11/2026
Written questions accepted through 03/01/2026
Submission Deadline: Proposals must be submitted by 03/15/2026
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 solicitation
number.
Amendments to this Solicitation
Any doubt as to the requirements of this solicitation 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
solicitation. Any amendments to this solicitation 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-
recipients, 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.
GREATER NASHVILLE REGIONAL COUNCIL | RFQ 2026-02 | PAGE i

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 Provider Requirements ..................................................................................................................................... 3
2.2 Requested Services ........................................................................................................................................... 6
Section 3. Instructions to Offerors ........................................................................................................ 9
3.1 Pre-Proposal Inquiries ....................................................................................................................................... 9
3.2 Submission Requirements ................................................................................................................................. 9
3.3 Proposal Contents ............................................................................................................................................. 9
3.4 Terms and Conditions of this Solicitation ....................................................................................................... 11
Section 4. Selection Process ............................................................................................................... 13
4.1 Proposal Evaluation ......................................................................................................................................... 13
4.2 Final Evaluations .............................................................................................................................................. 13
4.3 Solicitation Outcomes ..................................................................................................................................... 13
4.4 Protests ........................................................................................................................................................... 14
Attachment A. Assurances and Certifications .................................................................................... A
Attachment B. Business Information ................................................................................................... B
Attachment C. Service Details .............................................................................................................. C
Attachment D. Service Rates ................................................................................................................ D
Attachment E. Sample Contract ........................................................................................................... E
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Section 1. Background
1.1 About the GNRC
The Greater Nashville Regional Council (GNRC) is a public body corporate and politic initially created 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). GNRC is owned by and operated on behalf of its local government
membership comprised of 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 composed 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 statements of qualifications (Proposals) from agencies capable of providing in-home services to
adults aged sixty and older (Older Adults), adults with disabilities, and/or their caregivers.
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 a minimum of two service providers per county listed below for each service type.
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%
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%
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Target Population
Services must be targeted primarily to 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 State of Tennessee Options for Community Living funds, federal Older Americans Act
(OAA) Title IIIB Supportive Services funds, and federal OAA Title IIIE Family Caregiver funds.
For all programs, GNRC identifies eligible individuals and determines needed services. GNRC is responsible for
identification, coordination, and authorization of all care and any adjustments to the services being provided
through these programs.
Service types are defined in Section 2.2. The following is a brief description of each program:
Tennessee's Options for Community Living Program is designed to enable older adults to live
independently in their homes by providing services such as homemaker services, personal care services,
and/or home delivered meals. With the assistance of these limited services, along with the support of
family and others, the older adult may be able to avoid or prevent prolonged admission into
institutional care.
The Older Americans Act (OAA) Title IIIB provides 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 IIIB 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. For the purpose of this RFQ, the OAA funding will be used to provide funding for
in-home services such as homemaker, chore, personal care, minor home modifications, personal
emergency response systems, and adult day care.
The National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP) Title IIIE provides resources and assistance for
family caregivers caring for older adults and for grandparent relative caregivers. Information, assistance,
and counseling can be provided to any caregiver, but provision of respite and supplemental services is
limited to caregiver support for older individuals who are unable to perform at least two activities of
daily living, or who require substantial supervision due to cognitive or other mental impairment.
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Section 2. Scope of Project
2.1 Provider Requirements
The Greater Nashville Regional Council (GNRC) is seeking agencies with experience providing in-home services
to adults aged 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 Service Provider. Having a contract with GNRC does not
guarantee that any amount of services will be authorized or that services provided will automatically be eligible
for reimbursement.
Minimum Qualifications
To be eligible for selection, Offerors must meet the following criteria:
1. Have submitted a proposal to GNRC in response to this RFQ as instructed in Section 3 that
demonstrates:
a. Adequate staffing and training protocols
b. Proposed service unit reimbursement rate below maximum allowable, when applicable
c. Adequate financial capacity to sustain a reimbursement-based contract
2. Have all currently required licenses for the services being offered, including:
a. Homemaker, Personal Care, In-Home Respite: PSSA License with the Department of Mental
Health or Department of Disability and Aging OR Home Health Agency license with the
Department of Health
b. Adult Day Care: Adult Day Services License with the Department of Human Services (DHS)
c. Institutional Respite: Licensed by the Tennessee Office of Health Care Facilities
3. Are registered and in good standing with the Tennessee Secretary of State, if applicable
4. Have been in business serving a roster of clients for at least one year
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.
2. Services under this contract will be provided only to individuals who have been determined by GNRC to
meet eligibility criteria and are authorized to receive services (each such individual is referred to as a
"GNRC Client").
3. Treat GNRC Clients in a respectful and dignified manner, involve the GNRC Client and their caregivers in
the delivery of services, and provide services in a timely and safe manner.
4. GNRC Clients will not be denied or limited services because of their income or financial resources.
Distance from GNRC Service Provider will not be used to deny services as this practice violates the
mandate for special emphasis to rural residents, residents with disabilities, and isolated individuals.
5. Quality Assurance will be an ongoing process in which all entities, including the SUA, AAAD, GNRC
Service Providers, and GNRC Clients, will play a role.
6. No GNRC Service Provider will collect the Social Security number of any GNRC Client.
7. No GNRC Service Provider staff or volunteer will pay bills, cash checks, or in any way handle a GNRC
Clients' money without prior approval of the GNRC Service Provider supervisor. All transactions
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involving GNRC Clients' money must be documented using a standardized form, which includes, at
minimum, the name of the worker(s), purpose of errand, dollar amount given to the worker, and the
signatures of the worker and the GNRC Client. The GNRC Client must receive a copy of the form. A
receipt including specific notation of the amount of change returned to the GNRC Client must also be
provided to the client, with a copy kept by the GNRC Service Provider.
8. No GNRC Service Provider staff or volunteer will solicit or accept gratuities, favors, or anything of
monetary value from a GNRC Client, Service Provider by whom they are not employed, contracted, or a
potential contractor.
9. No GNRC Service Provider staff or volunteer will offer any type of merchandise or service for sale; nor
may they seek to encourage the acceptance of any particular belief or philosophy by any GNRC Client.
Program Requirements
Below are program requirements that GNRC Service Providers must agree to:
1. Provide services to GNRC Clients according to GNRC service authorizations in a timely manner as
dictated by program requirements.
2. Have in place adequate staffing plans to meet the needs of GNRC Clients in all counties in which GNRC
Service Providers are contracted to serve.
3. Provide personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves, for GNRC Service Provider staff or
volunteers who work in GNRC Clients' homes.
4. Designate a responsible supervisor by name and title for contracted service activities who will ensure
that services are provided on a day-to-day basis according to the contract, governing statutes, and
Provider Authorization/Notification of Change documents.
5. Ensure that every GNRC Service Provider staff or volunteer displays proper identification when entering
GNRC Clients' homes in an official capacity. Proper identification is either:
a. A photo ID issued by the GNRC Service Provider that identifies the name of the GNRC Service
Provider and the name of the staff or volunteer; or
b. A GNRC Service Provider-issued identification (such as a business card) presented with a valid
state-issued photo ID (such as a driver's license).
6. Have procedures in place for the collecting and reporting of GNRC client data and statements and
provide it to GNRC by the eighth day of the month following the month being reported.
7. Keep documentation of all contact with or on behalf of GNRC Clients in the state-approved database.
8. GNRC Service Provider staff or volunteers must notify GNRC, by phone or email, of any changes in a
GNRC Client's condition/health/needs within five business days. The changes and notification should be
documented in the GNRC Client's record within the state-approved database.
9. Communicate with GNRC to ensure that clients have access to benefits under other programs and that
services are coordinated in a manner that does not lead to an unnecessary duplication of services.
10. Notify GNRC if the GNRC Client is interested in the opportunity to make a voluntary contribution to the
cost of their services. No GNRC Client will be denied services in the event they or their family cannot or
do not wish to provide voluntary contribution.
General Contract Requirements
Below are the general requirements and expectations that GNRC Service Providers must agree to. By submitting
a response to the RFQ, Offerors are asserting that they agree to these general requirements and will enter into a
contract containing these requirements.
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1. Follow Standards of Conduct as outlined in this RFQ and as otherwise communicated to 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 incidents and action taken to GNRC.
8. Treat all GNRC Client 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 a GNRC Client 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 GNRC Client 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 GNRC Clients 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 contract terms (Attachment E).
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 GNRC Client 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 GNRC
Clients in their homes. At minimum, personnel files must contain the following:
a. A statement of any prior convictions
b. A confidentiality statement, renewed and signed annually
c. Their 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
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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
j. Results of the check of all Tennessee Department of Health databases of licensed health
professionals including Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA), if applicable
16. Require GNRC Service Provider staff and volunteers to participate in training relevant to their major job
responsibilities and in GNRC- and SUA-designated trainings when appropriate.
17. Have a policy in place to ensure that personnel who have contracted any infectious illness or disease do
not provide services to GNRC Clients until they are without symptoms.
18. Allow GNRC to monitor operations at least annually, including providing on-site access.
19. Respond to requests for information from the SUA and GNRC.
This RFQ will be incorporated into any contract awarded. If there is a material change in any information Offeror
provides as a response to this RFQ, Offeror must immediately notify GNRC.
2.2 Requested Services
GNRC Service Providers will provide services to older adults, adults with disabilities, and their caregivers as
authorized by GNRC staff. The contracting period is July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2030. Offerors may propose to
provide any combination of the services identified in this section. GNRC anticipates needing providers for the
following services:
Adult Day Care
Programs that provide personal care for dependent adults in a supervised, protective congregate setting during
some portion of a twenty-four-hour day. Service sites may include intermediate and skilled care facilities,
hospitals, churches, community centers, senior centers, and other appropriate, accessible facilities. Services
offered in conjunction with adult day care include social and recreational activities, training, counseling, meals
for adult day care; and/or services such as rehabilitation, medication assistance, and home health aide services
for adult day health.
Services are reimbursed on a per hour basis with maximum per-day fees.
Assistive Technology
Any item, device, or piece of equipment used to maintain or improve the independence and function of people
with disabilities and older adults in education, employment, recreation, and daily living activities. This can
include cognitive or learning devices, control and signaling aids, daily living aids, hearing augmentation aids,
home automation solutions, mobility aids, prosthetic devices, orthotic devices, seating devices, recreational
aids, speech aids and visual or reading aids. This program includes the services necessary to get and use the
devices, including assessment, customization, repair, and training.
Services are reimbursed on a case-by-case basis.
Caregiver Training
A service that provides family caregivers and other unpaid caregivers with instruction to improve knowledge and
performance of specific skills relating to their caregiving roles and responsibilities. Skills may include activities
related to health, nutrition, and financial management; providing personal care; and communicating with
healthcare providers and other family members. Training may include use of evidence-based programs, may be
conducted in-person or online, and may be provided in individual or group settings.
Services are reimbursed per session.
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Chore
Programs that offer the services of domestic workers who go into an older adults' homes and help with heavy
house cleaning chores. Activities include assisting older adults having difficulty with one or more of the following
instrumental activities of daily living: heavy housework, yard work, or sidewalk maintenance.
Services are reimbursed on a per hour basis.
Home Modifications/Repairs
Programs that provide assistance in the form of labor and supplies for older adults who need to make essential
repairs in order to eliminate health or safety hazards, such as weatherization; installation of safety or
accessibility features such as ramps, handrails, grab bars or repairing or replacing steps; or repair of heating,
plumbing, or electrical systems.
Services are reimbursed on a case-by-case basis.
Homemaker
Performance of light housekeeping tasks provided in an older adult's home and other community settings. Tasks
may include preparing meals, shopping for personal items, managing money, or using the telephone in addition
to light housework.
Services are reimbursed on an hourly basis.
In-Home Respite
A respite service provided in the home of the caregiver or care receiver that allows the caregiver time away to
do other activities. During such respite, other activities can occur which may offer additional support to either
the caregiver or care receiver, including homemaker or personal care services.
Services are reimbursed on a per hour basis.
Institutional Respite
Programs that offer respite services in assisted living, intermediate, or skilled nursing care facilities to allow
family caregivers to be temporarily relieved from their caregiving responsibilities.
Services are reimbursed on a per day basis.
Medical Equipment/Supplies
Programs that provide necessary sickroom equipment, medical bandages, respiratory aids, and other medical
supplies that are required by older adults who are convalescing following surgery or illness.
Services are reimbursed on a case-by-case basis.
Personal Care
Providing personal assistance, supervision, or cues for an older adult having difficulties with one or more of the
following five activities of daily living: eating, dressing, bathing, toileting, and transferring in and out of bed.
Services are reimbursed on a per hour basis.
Personal Emergency Response System
Programs that provide electronic equipment which connects older adults or people who have disabilities with
participating hospitals, paramedics, or other sources of emergency assistance.
Contracts provide funding for installation of the equipment as well as an amount to cover any monthly
monitoring fee.
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