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Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) recommending the Board:
1) Award Request for Proposals (RFP) 23-952-073, to the successful proposer, The Unity Care Group, to provide Independent Living Program services for foster youth in El Dorado County;
2) Approve and authorize the Chair to sign Agreement for Services 7975 with The Unity Care Group, in the amount of $497,799, and for the term of three (3) years from October 1, 2023, through September 30, 2026;
3) Authorize the Purchasing Agent to execute amendments relating to Agreement 7975, contingent upon approval by County Counsel and Risk Management, which do not increase the maximum dollar amount or term of the Agreement; and
4) Authorize the HHSA Director, or the HHSA Chief Assistant Director, to execute programmatic, administrative, and fiscal documents relating to Agreement 7975.
FUNDING: Estimated at 35% State Transitional Age Youth Programs, 28% Federal, and 37% Realignment.
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DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND:
The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993 permanently authorized the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) Independent Living Program (ILP), offering training, services, and programs for current and former foster youth between the ages of 16 - 20 (also known as Transition Age Youth). The ILP provides training, services, and benefits to assist current and former foster youth in achieving self-sufficiency prior to, and after leaving, the foster care system. In California, each county has the flexibility to design services to meet a wide range of individual needs and circumstances, and to coordinate services with other Federal and State agencies engaged in similar activities.
The goal of the ILP is to enable youth to achieve self-sufficiency by providing independent living skills assessments, basic living education, vocational training, job seeking skills, and individualized services, in coordination with a written Transitional Independent Living Plan for each youth in order to assist the youth in achieving the goal of living independently.
On May 23, 2017, the Board of Supervisors (Board) authorized the award of Request for Proposals (RFP) 17-952-042 to the successful proposer, The Unity Care Group (Unity Group) to provide ILP services for foster youth in the County (File 17-0534). Subsequently, on August 28, 2017, Agreement 098-S1811 was fully executed between HHSA and Unity Group, for the maximum obligation of $525,000, for the term upon execution through June 30, 2023. Thereafter, on May 19, 2020, the Board approved and executed Amendment I to said Agreement, which extended the term for three (3) years and (3) months for a new term date of September 30, 2023, and increased the maximum obligation to $1,094,624 (File 20-0506).
On June 12, 2023, to competitively procure a contractor to continue to perform these services, the Procurement and Contracts Division, on behalf of HHSA, released Request for Proposals (RFP) No. 23-952-073, soliciting proposals for Independent Living Program services for foster youth. One (1) proposal was received by the Unity Group which met the requirements of the RFP. On July 7, 2023, following the RFP closure, the single proposal was reviewed by a panel of three (3) evaluators, deeming Unity Group as a qualified proposer.
HHSA recommends the Board award RFP 23-952-073 and approve this renewal Agreement 7975 with the Unity Group in the amount of $497,799 for the term of October 1, 2023, through September 30, 2026, to ensure continuity in these ILP services for foster youth.
ALTERNATIVES:
Should the Board decline to award RFP 23-952-073 to Unity Group or decline to Authorize the Chair to sign this renewal Agreement 7975, Independent Living Program services would not be provided as a result of this RFP process.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION:
1) 05/23/2017, 17-0534, HHSA RFP 17-952-042 Award
2) 05/19/2020, 20-0506, Unity Care Amdt. 1 098-S1811, 206
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
Approved by County Counsel, Human Resources, Procurement and Contracts and Risk Management.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no Net County Cost associated with this Agenda item. Sufficient appropriations were included in the Fiscal Year 2023-24 budget and will be included in future budgets for the term of the Agreement.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS:
Clerk of the Board to obtain signature of Chair on one (1) original Agreements for Services 7975.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT:
Healthy Communities
CONTACT
Olivia Byron-Cooper, MPH, Interim Director, Health and Human Services Agency