rfp

Request for

Proposal (RFP)

Development of Refugee & Immigrant

Housing - Lincoln, NE

Issuing Organization: Good Neighbor Community

Center for Cultural Centers of Lincoln

Collaborative.

RFP Number: 22-PRH-007 Date Issued: February 28, 2025 Deadline for Submission: March 28, 2025 Contact for Inquiries and Submission: Tom Randa | Tom@gncclincoln.org Other contact person: Sheila Dorsey Vinton | Sheila@lincolnasiancenter.org Click to view full PDF version of the RFP The Good Neighbor Community Center (GNCC), as the fiscal sponsor for the Cultural Centers of Lincoln Collaborative (CCL Collaborative), seeks a qualified developer to construct at least six (6) rowhome-style, four-bedroom affordable rental units in Lincoln, Nebraska, for refugee and immigrant households. Funded by a $790,000 grant from the Pandemic Relief Housing Program, this project prioritizes accessibility, affordability, and cultural sensitivity. The selected developer will secure additional funding, provide a dedicated grant manager, ensure compliance with federal and state regulations, implement a professional property management strategy, and partner with local organizations to provide comprehensive support services to residents. Proposals will be evaluated based on project impact, readiness, developer experience, financial capacity, grant management capability, and the effectiveness of the proposed property management plan. This initiative aligns with the CCL Collaborative's mission to enhance housing and community resources for underserved populations in Lincoln. It prioritizes equitable access and addresses the unique needs of historically underserved groups while complying with all federal, state, and local laws and regulations. The project will adhere to key compliance obligations, including: Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 Fair Housing Act Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Nebraska Contractor Registration Act Federal provisions under the American Rescue Plan Act Uniform Guidance under 2 CFR § 200, including federal procurement standards, financial management, and reporting Developers are encouraged to review the governing provisions included in this RFP to fully understand the compliance requirements for the development, funding, and operation of this housing project. The development and selection processes will adhere to federal conflict-of-interest standards under 2 CFR § 200.318 and promote full and open competition as required by 2 CFR § 200.319.

Overview of the Cultural

Centers of Lincoln

Collaborative Project

The CCL Collaborative represents a partnership among four Lincoln-based organizations: • Asian Community & Cultural Center • Malone Center • El Centro de las Américas • Good Neighbor Community Center The CCL Collaborative is committed to fostering inclusivity, cultural connection, and community growth. GNCC, acting as the fiscal sponsor, oversees funding distribution and compliance to align with the Collaborative’s mission to support underserved populations, including New Americans, refugees, and immigrants. For more about the CCL Collaborative, visit https://culturalcentersoflincolncollaborative.com. Together, these centers continue to work cohesively under the broader framework of the Cultural Centers of Lincoln to address the diverse needs of the community while pursuing both collective and individual goals.

History of the Cultural Centers of

Lincoln

The journey of collaboration began in 1999 with the formation of the Cultural Centers Coalition, comprising the Asian Community and Cultural Center, Malone Center, El Centro de las Américas, and the Indian Center. This coalition was rooted in a commitment to foster inclusivity, diversity, and social justice for Lincoln and Lancaster County’s underserved communities. Over the years, the Coalition expanded to include the Good Neighbor Community Center and the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska, solidifying its role as a collective voice for Lincoln’s culturally diverse populations. In 2019, the group rebranded as the Cultural Centers of Lincoln, a 501(c)(3) organization. That same year marked the start of strategic meetings among four of these agencies, leading to the establishment of the Cultural Centers of Lincoln Collaborative. While the Indian Center and Ponca Tribe of Nebraska are not actively engaged in the day-to-day CCL Collaborative discussions, a dedicated Ponca Tribe member ensures that Native American perspectives are represented in all planning efforts. This inclusion highlights the broader commitment of the Cultural Centers of Lincoln to maintain cultural representation and unity in its initiatives.

Cultural Centers of Lincoln: Ongoing

Collaboration

While the CCL Collaborative focuses on specific strategic projects, the Cultural Centers of Lincoln agencies continue to work together as a unified collective. This broader coalition serves as a model of multicultural cooperation, leveraging shared strengths to deliver impactful outcomes centered on diversity, social justice, and cultural competency. Together, the centers: Engage in ongoing initiatives to enhance equity and inclusion across Lincoln. Share resources and expertise to support underserved communities. Promote cultural awareness and understanding through education, advocacy, and events. Mission and Goals of the CCL Collaborative The Cultural Centers of Lincoln Collaborative is a distinctive initiative within the Cultural Centers of Lincoln that focuses on: • Fostering inclusivity, cultural connection, and community growth. • Addressing the housing, resource, and service needs of underserved populations, including New Americans, refugees, and immigrants. • Celebrating Lincoln’s diversity while amplifying voices and perspectives that have historically been excluded. • Developing community-centered solutions that reflect the values of diversity, equity, and cultural competence. A Vision for the Future A key milestone in the Collaborative’s strategic plan is the development of a shared community campus—a facility envisioned as a hub for social services, cultural exchange, and cross-cultural relationships. Anticipated to open by the end of 2026, this center will: • Provide affordable, accessible, and culturally sensitive services to Lincoln’s diverse populations. • Foster collaboration among the cultural centers and with external partners to maximize impact. • Symbolize Lincoln’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. This shared space is designed to empower the Collaborative to address community needs more effectively, providing the infrastructure necessary for enhanced programming, service delivery, and community engagement. Through these collective and individual efforts, the Cultural Centers of Lincoln continue to embody its founding vision: creating a stronger, more inclusive community where every voice is valued, and every individual has the opportunity to thrive.