City Seeks Provider to Bring Behavioral Health Services to Gateway West

The City of Albuquerque’s Department of Health, Housing & Homelessness has released a Request for Proposals (RFP) seeking a qualified nonprofit or governmental agency to deliver comprehensive behavioral health and substance use services directly inside Gateway West – the City’s largest emergency shelter and service hub for people experiencing homelessness, serving an average of 600 people per night. Up to $1,101,676 in federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) funding is available for Fiscal Year 2027, with proposals due by 4 p.m. on Wednesday, September 23, 2026.

“When someone is struggling with their mental health or a substance use disorder, they shouldn’t have to figure out how to get across town to find help,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “Bringing treatment directly into Gateway West is how we make the system work better for people so they can keep moving toward stability.”

Gateway West serves hundreds of residents facing the greatest barriers every night, many of whom are also navigating behavioral health challenges and substance use disorders that, left unaddressed, make the path to stable housing significantly harder. By embedding evidence-based behavioral health and substance use disorder (SUD) treatment directly within the shelter, this investment aims to meet people where they are, reduce crisis incidents, improve health outcomes, and strengthen each resident’s foundation for long-term recovery and housing stability.

“Stable housing and behavioral health are inseparable. You can’t sustain one without the other,” said Gilbert Ramírez, Director of the Department of Health, Housing & Homelessness. “Through this RFP process we’re looking for a partner who shares that belief and has the experience to deliver.”

The selected provider will expand access to integrated, evidence-based care within the shelter environment, addressing gaps in behavioral health and substance use disorder services for individuals experiencing homelessness. Any contract awarded is contingent upon receipt of SAMHSA funding and final City Council approval.

Information for Applicants

RFP Available: Beginning Monday, August 24, 2026 at cabq.bonfirehub.com

Pre-Proposal Meeting: Wednesday, September 2, 2026 │ 1–2 p.m. │ Virtual via Zoom – cabq.zoom.us/j/89770288309 (non-mandatory)

Proposals Due: Wednesday, September 23, 2026 by 4 p.m. MST via cabq.bonfirehub.com/portal

Proposals must be submitted through the City’s EUNA (Bonfire) eProcurement system. Agencies not yet registered should do so in advance – registration takes time to complete, and the City recommends allowing a minimum of 24 hours to submit. For registration assistance, contact [email protected]. The City will not consider proposals received after the deadline.

Selected providers will be required to adhere to the Administrative Requirements for Social Service Contracts Awarded Under the City of Albuquerque. Depending on proposed services, providers may also be required to comply with the Albuquerque Minimum Standards for Substance Abuse Treatment and Prevention Services. Full requirements are available at cabq.gov/health-housing-homelessness/partner-resources.

For questions, contact Reina Martinez, Division Manager, Division of Behavioral Health and Wellness at 505-768-4704 or [email protected].

For more information about the Department of Health, Housing & Homelessness and Gateway West, visit cabq.gov/health-housing-homelessness or call 311