Introduction
T.R.U.S.T. South LA (T.R.U.S.T.) invites qualified consultants or consultant teams to submit proposals to support the organizational efforts to expand its portfolio.

Organizational Background
Founded in 2005, T.R.U.S.T. is a community land trust advancing permanently affordable housing and shared ownership models in South Los Angeles. T.R.U.S.T.’s preservation and small-scale development initiatives stabilize neighborhoods, expand access to affordable housing, and build local power through shared ownership and stewardship.

Project Overview
T.R.U.S.T. is looking for a consultant that can provide an advisory role for pipeline development strategy, funding application support and, conditional on funding application award, lead acquisition closing and rehab project management.  

Scope of Services
Consultant will provide services in the following areas:

1. Pipeline Development & Feasibility Advising
   • Assist in feasibility analysis for new potential deals (at least 1 mixed-use, new construction and 4-5 preservation projects) including initial underwriting, preliminary feasibility, and alignment with CLT values and parameters.
   • Assist high-level pro forma feasibility modeling and disposition options towards future shared-ownership conversion for tenants.
2. Funding Application Support: Preparation & Submission
   • Assess eligibility and strategic competitiveness of projects for public, private, philanthropic and blended-capital programs (City, County, State, Federal, CDFIs, Foundations).
   • With T.R.U.S.T. staff, assist with preparation and submission of funding applications and required submission materials as requested, including:
     • Support with securing site control conditions, as well as coordination with legal counsel on transaction structure, LLC formation, purchase agreement edits, and tracking closing conditions.
     • Revise development budget integrating findings from inspections and third-party reports using funding guidelines underwriting and workbook requirements.
3. Lead Project Management Oversight: Acquisition Closing and Rehab (Conditional on Project Application Funding Award, where this scope does not apply to unfunded projects.)
   • Upon receipt of a funding award, provide general project management oversight for funded rehab projects from acquisition and funding close through rehab completion. Services include coordination with contractors, consultants, internal T.R.U.S.T. staff, and funders to support timely delivery, quality control, and compliance with all applicable funding requirements:
     • Monitoring construction schedules and budgets, coordinating change order review and approvals, and supporting draw requests and payment processing.
     • Coordinating submission of required funding, labor compliance, and project close-out documentation.
     • Facilitating walkthroughs, punch-list completion, and project closeout to support successful stabilization and funder  monitoring outcomes.

Deliverables
Deliverables will be produced on a task-specific basis, with timelines mutually agreed upon. All materials developed under this scope shall be structured, clearly documented, and transferable for T.R.U.S.T. South LA’s future use in funding applications, project
implementation, and internal capacity building. T.R.U.S.T. staff will provide timely review and feedback to support completion.

1. Pipeline Development & Feasibility Advisor
   • Complete feasibility & underwriting Packages for at least 4–5 preservation projects and 1 new mixed-use construction project, including:
     • preliminary pro forma models
     • high-level sources and uses
     • feasibility assumptions aligned with CLT values and sharedownership outcomes
   • Produce funding eligibility & competitiveness assessment memos for each evaluated project, designed as reusable reference documents, including at minimum:
     • potential funding sources and layering strategy
     • scoring and competitiveness considerations
     • key risks, readiness gaps, and recommended next steps
2. Funding Application Support: Preparation & Submission
   • Application-ready financial frameworks for at least three funding applications (e.g., United to House LA, Los Angeles County Affordable Housing Solutions Agency, Strategic Growth Council), using funder underwriting requirements including:
     • development and operating budgets
     • sources and uses statements
     • cash flow projections
3. Lead Project Management Oversight: Acquisition Closing and Rehab (Conditional on Project Application Funding Award, where this scope does not apply to unfunded projects.)

• • Refine Project Management & Construction Oversight Tools, including:
    • escrow closing tracking templates,
    • sample project schedules,
    • budget tracking templates,
    • change order review workflows,
    • draw and payment tracking tools suitable for future projects.
  • Coordination & Compliance Documentation for funded rehab projects, including:
    • organized project files to support labor compliance, funder reporting,
      and close-out,
    • materials structured to support audits and monitoring visits.
  • Project Close-Out & Stabilization Materials, including:
    • punch-list and walkthrough documentation,
    • funder-required close-out submissions,
    • transition materials to support ongoing stewardship and stabilization.

Anticipated Timeline
Consultant is expected to be under contract by end of January 2026 for a 6-month term, with the possibility of extension conditional on successful funding award of projects.

Budget & Compensation 

T.R.U.S.T. will evaluate proposed budgets for cost-effectiveness and alignment with scope. Please include all professional time, travel, materials, and incidental expenses in your proposal. Progress payments will be tied to acceptance of deliverables.

Evaluation Criteria
Proposals will be evaluated based on the following factors:

• Relevant experience and qualifications (30%)
• Understanding of scope and approach to deliverables (30%)
• Proposed budget and cost-effectiveness (20%)
• Capacity to meet timeline and availability (10%)
• References and past performance (10%)

Contract Terms & Conditions

• The consultant will operate as an independent contractor and is solely responsible for all applicable taxes, liabilities, and personal insurance.
• The consultant agrees to indemnify and hold T.R.U.S.T. South LA harmless from any claims, damages, or liabilities arising out of or related to the performance of services under this agreement.
• The consultant must maintain, at a minimum, $1 million in general liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage, as required by law.
• All work products and deliverables produced under this contract shall become the sole property of T.R.U.S.T. South LA.

RFP Schedule