City of Long Beach
Public Information Office
411 W. Ocean Blvd,
Long Beach, CA 90802
www.longbeach.gov
The City of Long Beach is launching a Request for Proposals (RFP) to partner with community organizations to implement programs that address the systemic barriers and racism that created the inequitable differences seen locally throughout the pandemic and address the impacts of COVID-19 in the most at-risk, historically underserved and under-resourced communities in Long Beach. RFPs for organizations are in nine different activity categories outlined below and further described in the RFP. Eligible organizations are encouraged to submit proposals through the City's Vendor Portal, PlanetBids, by 11 a.m. on June 13, 2022.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a disproportionate impact on specific communities within Long Beach, particularly identified in the hospitalization rates for COVID-19. The City’s Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) conducted data analyses to identify the risk factors most likely associated with hospitalizations due to illness from COVID-19 as well as the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic in Long Beach (including using the City’s COVID-19 Digital Dashboard). The analysis determined that death or hospitalization from COVID-19 have been concentrated inequitably in regions of West, Central and North Long Beach and within communities that are primarily Black or African American, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, Hispanic or Latinx, or Southeast Asian. Additional community engagement was undertaken as part of this analysis, along with review of previous City plans such as the Framework for Reconciliation and Health Department’s Strategic Plan, to address systemic racism and barriers facing these groups. Input from the Black Health Equity Collaborative, Cambodian, Filipino and Pacific Islander youth focus groups, and the Mi Vida Cuenta Latinx Health Initiative were all guiding influences in the development of this funding opportunity.
The selected community organizations will receive funding to engage in key health activities in one or more of the below categories. Definitions and examples of each category are provided within the RFP and include implementing community workshops, culturally affirming events and after school programs.
Specific details related to project scope areas, eligibility requirements, evaluation criteria, and submission instructions are available at PlanetBids. The City also has developed an instructional video on the registration process.
This program is made possible by the Long Beach Recovery Act, a plan to fund economic and public health initiatives for Long Beach residents, workers and businesses critically impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. More than $3 million in funding has been allocated to support Healthy and Safe Communities, which includes prioritizing investing in community organizations who have knowledge and expertise in serving communities most adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Additional information about the Long Beach Recovery Act is available at longbeach.gov/recovery.