TITLE
Recommendation to adopt Specifications No. RFP DV21-034 and award a contract to Yardi Systems, Inc., of Goleta, CA, to provide Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) implementation, in a total amount not to exceed $1,437,177, for a period of one year; and, authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute all documents necessary to enter into the contract, including any necessary amendments. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
City Council approval is requested to enter into a contract with Yardi Systems, Inc. (Yardi), to implement the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) and assist eligible renters who have experienced economic impacts due to the COVID-19 pandemic with rental and utility payment assistance.
The City of Long Beach (City) has been awarded a total of $30.2 million in funds through the Federal Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 (HR 133) and California State Senate Bill 91 (SB 91) to assist low-income renters who have experienced economic impacts due to the COVID-19 pandemic. On February 9, 2021, the City Council directed staff to reserve the State Block Grant amount of $16.4 million, conform the City’s program to the State’s ERAP rules, and self-administer a local program combining the State Block Grant with the previously received $13.8 million federal allocation. Yardi has been selected to provide a solution that will help the City quickly assist impacted households within State and federal deadlines.
Yardi will provide a solution to help implement ERAP through an online portal for collecting digital applications, providing case management and customer service, and issuing rent relief payments to program beneficiaries. The value of the contract, $1,437,177, represents the not-to-exceed fee to be paid to Yardi for these services. Yardi will establish an account, similar to an escrow account, through which the payments to program beneficiaries will flow as program applications are approved. This contract will ensure the City is able to me...
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