Request for Proposals: 2026 Cooling Station Facility Use and Operational Services

The City of Gastonia is issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the operation of a Cooling Station for the 2026 summer season. The Cooling Station will provide a safe and accessible facility for individuals experiencing homelessness or housing instability during periods of extreme heat. Key details of the RFP include: 1. **Purpose**: The City of Gastonia is seeking a qualified organization to operate a Cooling Station for the 2026 summer season. 2. **Facility Requirements**: The proposed facility must meet minimum safety, accessibility, and zoning requirements, with preference given to indoor facilities. 3. **Operation Period**: The operation period is from June 15, 2026, to September 15, 2026, when the temperature is forecasted to reach 95°F or above. 4. **Hours of Operation**: The Cooling Station will operate from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm on days when temperatures are forecasted to reach 95°F or above. 5. **Collaborative Partners**: The City of Gastonia, Gaston County, and the Gaston-Lincoln-Cleveland Continuum of Care will provide coordinated support to ensure the successful operation of the facility. 6. **Proposal Submission**: Proposals must be submitted by April 16, 2026, at 2:00 pm ET, and may be delivered by email, in person, USPS mail, or courier service. 7. **Evaluation Criteria**: Proposals will be evaluated based on factors such as experience in emergency shelter operations, ability to provide culturally responsive services, and proven success in supporting participant engagement. 8. **Method of Award**: The City of Gastonia reserves the right to finalize a contract based on all factors involved in the written response submittal without further discussion or interviews. The City of Gastonia is looking for an organization with experience in emergency shelter operations, trauma-informed care, and collaborative service delivery to operate the Cooling Station. The selected organization will be responsible for providing a safe and accessible facility, staffing, intake, and other services to support the needs of shelter guests.