Request for Proposals: Collection Agency Services for the Department of Community Development's Community Development Block Grant Program

The City of Sandusky, Ohio is seeking proposals from collection agencies to provide collection services for the Department of Community Development's Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program.

The Community Development Department houses the Community Development Block Grant funding. The funding supports programs that historically provided loans for downpayment assistance and rehabilitation to eligible residents' dwellings or businesses. Upon participating in the program, a lien was required to be placed on property as collateral.

Staff have compiled a list of properties in which the loan is considered due. Upon a violation of the terms in the Promissory Note staff will first attempt to contact the lien holder to establish a payment plan. A collection agency is sought to assist staff in collecting payments for liens where the lien holder is non-responsive or unable to contact the lienholder. This can include lienholders that signed a Repayment Plan but are delinquent on payments.

The successful bidder will be responsible for the collection of outstanding liens for non-compliant lien holders on behalf of the Department of Community Development. Staff will provide an updated list to the selected agency quarterly.

Obligations of the Proposer

• The successful bidder must operate in accordance with the ethical collection practices and obey all laws, including the Federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.
• The successful proposer shall be required to provide to the City of Sandusky regular monthly remittances and statements no later than thirty (30) days following the month of collection.

Proposal packages shall be submitted with one original in sealed envelope labeled "Collection Agency Services for the Department of Community Development". Sealed Proposals will be received by the City of Sandusky by mail service or in person at City Hall, Department of Community Development, 240 Columbus Avenue, Sandusky, Ohio 44870. Proposals received by fax or email will not be considered.

The term of the contract shall be for one (1) year, with two (2) one (1) year renewal options for the City of Sandusky to retain services. It is estimated that services would start in or near to January of 2027.

Insurance Requirements

• Comprehensive general liability insurance with a minimum limit of **$1,000,000** per occurrence combined single limit for bodily injury and property damage, including coverage for contractual liability, personal injury, products and complete operations coverage's.
• Blank fidelity bond covering all officers and employees, with a minimum limit of **$1,000,000**, including the city as loss payee as its interests may appear.

Evaluation criteria

• Quality of the proposal and its consistency with carrying out the City's objectives.
• Qualifications and experience of the Proposer, its team and its experience with comparable operations.
• Proposer's financial capacity.
• The projected economic viability of the proposal.
• The Proposer's experience in similar operations and management and in working with local government.
• Benefits of the proposal to the City of Sandusky.
• Ability of the City to negotiate a mutually satisfactory contract with the Proposer.
• Such other factors as the City deems relevant.