Title
Probation Department recommending the Board:
1) Make findings in accordance with El Dorado County Ordinance Code, Chapter 3.13.030 (B) that specialty skills and qualifications not expressly identified in County classifications are involved in the performance of the work;
2) Find that Agreement for Services 7526 is exempt from competitive bidding in accordance with Procurement Policy C-17, Section 3.5 Specific Exemptions and Written Findings of Fact;
3) Approve and authorize the Chair to sign Agreement for Services 7526 with Northern California Construction Training to provide a pre-apprenticeship program to increase the skillsets of clients of the El Dorado County Probation Department, for the term of July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024, and for a Not to Exceed Amount of $299,590.00; and
4) Authorize the Purchasing Agent, or designee, to execute further documents relating to Agreement for Services 7526, including amendments which do not increase the maximum dollar amount or term of the Agreement, and contingent upon approval by County Counsel and Risk Management.
FUNDING: Public Safety Realignment (AB109).
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
Northern California Construction Training (NCCT) is a non-profit organization providing pre-apprenticeship training programs that provide students with training in construction-based trades. The comprehensive program includes hands-on training in construction trades, job safety, first aid, preparation for entry exams to apprenticeship programs, development of appropriate work behaviors, certifications, and job placement services. These skills are not currently identified in County job classifications and NCCT offers a variety of training opportunities for which it would not be feasible to hire and train additional permanent staff to provide. Upon completion of the program, 85% of graduates are placed in employment, with a continuing effort from NCCT to place graduates not employed at the time of graduation.
NCCT has been providing pre-apprenticeship programs to Probation Department (Probation) clients since October of 2018. NCCT supports Probation’s Vision to create “Safe Communities through Changed Lives.” Programs incorporate aspects of evidence-based re-entry principles, including enhancing intrinsic motivation, increasing positive reinforcement, and engaging clients in an ongoing community support function.
Probation sees a continuing need to fulfill the rehabilitative needs of adult clients and provide vocational and educational training to increase options in viable career fields for former offenders. Many employers in the construction field offer job opportunities to justice involved individuals and provide the ability to earn livable wages, which has been shown to reduce recidivism and help students become more successful and productive members of the community.
County Procurement Policy Section 3.5, describes exceptions that may be made to the competitive bidding process. Agreement 7526 falls under Exemption “Training Seminars/classes,” Findings of Fact “Vendors offer training seminars on subjects of interest at specific dates, time and locations. Consultants who conduct on-site classes are selected on the basis of competency in a specific subject on timely needs.” NCCT provides pre-apprenticeship training, instruction, and job placement in the construction trades for Probation clients. NCCT has a dedicated space in the town of El Dorado, and partners with Probation and the El Dorado County Office of Education in this endeavor. County Procurement and Contracts has affirmed that services with NCCT may be exempted from competitive bidding.
ALTERNATIVES
The Board could not approve the Agreement and provide direction to Probation to find alternatives to supporting and enhancing the skills of Probation clients.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
22-0575 #21 5/17/2022
21-0508 #24 5/18/2021
20-1138 #24 9/1/2020
20-0354 #21 5/19/2020
19-0817 #17 6/11/2019
18-1668 #21 12/4/2018
18-1168 #29 8/14/2018
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
Community Corrections Partnership; Chief Administrative Office, Procurement and Contracts Unit; County Counsel, Risk Management
CAO RECOMMENDATION / COMMENTS
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no General Fund impact. Public Safety Realignment funding in the amount of $299,590.00 is included in the Community Corrections Partnership Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-24 budget and Probation's FY 2023-2024 Recommended Budget.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
1.) Obtain signature of Chair on two (2) originals of Agreement 7526.
2.) Clerk of the Board to return one (1) fully executed Agreement to the Probation Department.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
Public Safety, Healthy Communities
CONTACT
Jackie S. Cook, Administrative Analyst, 530-621-5588