RFP: Feasibility Study for Entering the Health Care Market for the Seneca Nation

Introduction The Seneca Nation is seeking proposals from qualified consulting firms to conduct a comprehensive feasibility study. This study aims to assess the potential for the Seneca Nation to enter the health care market through the development and operation of urgent care facilities and substance use disorder (SUD) treatment centers. The study will guide strategic decision-making, ensuring alignment with the Seneca Nation’s vision, values, and community needs.

Background: The Seneca Nation holds title to five distinct, but non-contiguous territories located in Western New York, an area of the state where communities are primarily rural in geographic location and are considerable distances from urban services and amenities. The territories are situated in portions of five different counties of western New York: Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, and Niagara. The aggregate acreage of territorial land is 53,759.49 acres, or 84.01 square miles, but the territories are not contiguous. Each parcel is uniquely different in its economic, social, & environmental profile. However, with this investment the Seneca Nation is interested in locating facilities outside the territories for larger consumer usage. The Seneca Nation is also an economic driver for Western New York with existing industries and investments.

The Seneca Nation recognizes the growing need for accessible health care services for all residents of the Southern Tier. This feasibility study will explore the financial, operational, and strategic viability of creating urgent care centers and substance use disorder facilities to serve the broader regional population.

Scope of Work: The selected firm will be responsible for conducting a feasibility study that includes, but is not limited to, the following:

1. Market Analysis

• Assess the demand for urgent care and SUD treatment services within the area surrounding the Seneca Nation territories.

• Evaluate the competitive landscape, including existing health care providers and services.

• Identify demographic and health trends impacting the need for these services.

2. Financial Analysis

• Develop detailed cost projections for establishing and operating urgent care and SUD facilities.

• Assess potential revenue streams, including reimbursements from federal and state programs, private insurance, and self-pay options.

• Conduct a cost-benefit analysis to determine the financial sustainability of the proposed initiatives.

3. Operational Assessment

• Evaluate infrastructure and resource requirements, including facility design, staffing, and equipment needs.

• Assess regulatory and accreditation requirements at the federal, state, and tribal levels.

• Identify potential challenges and risks, along with mitigation strategies. 4. Community and Stakeholder Engagement

• Conduct focus groups, surveys, or interviews with community members, Seneca leadership, and health care providers to gather input and ensure alignment with community needs.

• Provide recommendations for incorporating culturally appropriate practices into service delivery.

5. Recommendations and Implementation Plan

• Provide actionable recommendations regarding the feasibility of the proposed health care initiatives.

• Develop a phased implementation plan, including timelines, key milestones, and resource allocation.

Proposal Requirements: Interested firms must submit a detailed proposal that includes the following:

1. Company Overview o Name, address, and contact information.
o Brief history and qualifications, including experience with similar projects.

2. Project Team
o Resumes and roles of key personnel assigned to this project.
o Experience working with tribal nations and health care systems.

3. Approach and Methodology
o Detailed plan for completing the scope of work, including methods for data collection, analysis, and stakeholder engagement.
o Timeline for project completion.

4. Budget
o Itemized cost proposal, including professional fees, travel expenses, and any additional costs.
o Please contact for budget parameters.

5. References
o Contact information for at least three clients for whom similar work has been completed.

Evaluation Criteria: Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
1. Demonstrated experience and expertise in conducting feasibility studies for health care projects.
2. Understanding of tribal governance and cultural considerations.
3. Quality and feasibility of the proposed approach and methodology.
4. Qualifications of the project team.
5. Cost-effectiveness and value of the proposal. 6. Feedback from references.

Submission Details Proposals must be submitted by March 10, 2025. Submissions should be sent to: Dr. Donielle M. Lovell Director of Planning and Community Development, Seneca Nation donielle.lovell@sni.org 716-945-1790 Ext. 3018 Proposals must be submitted electronically in PDF format. Late submissions will not be considered.

Timeline
• RFP Issuance: February 5, 2025
• Questions Due: February 17, 2025
• Proposal Submission Deadline: March 10, 2025
• Selection of Firm: March 24, 2520
• Project Start Date: Upon Contract
• Completion of Feasibility Study: Negotiable prior to contract

Terms and Conditions • The Seneca Nation reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals and to award the contract in the best interest of the community. • All materials submitted in response to this RFP become the property of the Seneca Nation. • The selected firm must comply with all applicable tribal, federal, and state regulations. We look forward to receiving your proposal and working together to expanding healthcare options for our region