1. The purpose of this RFP is to solicit proposals from qualified proposers that provide community-based supportive services to low income persons living with HIV (PLWH).

2. A contract is necessary to insure that the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act of 2009 and that Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) funding is used to develop and/or enhance access to a comprehensive continuum of high quality, community-based care for low-income individuals and families living with HIV. Contract(s) will provide efficient and effective service delivery to eligible clients and to insure that there is no duplication of services. The scope of work to be performed is outlined in the Deliverables section of this RFP.

According to the 2011 estimates, approximately 27% (1,202,000) of the Louisiana population was living in poverty, and 20% of the population (906,800 were uninsured). (Kaiser Family Foundation, 2011). At the end of December 2012, 18,493 persons were known to be living with HIV infection in Louisiana, 10,123 (55%) of whom have progressed from HIV to AIDS. There are persons living with HIV in every parish in Louisiana. Of persons living with HIV infection in 2011, 64% had at least one primary medical care visit during the year. Persons living with AIDS were more likely to have a medical visit (75%) compared to persons living with HIV (50%). Females, non-Hispanics, and persons under the age of 13 were also more likely to be receiving medical care. The New Orleans (41%) and Lake Charles (46%) are had the highest unmet need for primary medical care. In 2012, SHP coordinated HIV-related care, treatment and support services for 5,695 people living with HIV infection in Louisiana. These services were supported through the Ryan White Part B Program and the state formula Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) programs. Service categories and number of people served varied by region.