Leadership_Development_Program_and_Executive_Leadership_Coaching_Services.pdf

County of San Mateo

Request for Proposals (RFP) for Leadership Development

Program and Executive Leadership Coaching Services

Probation

RFP No. 2026-RFP-00425

RFP Contact: Darlene Hansen dhansen@smcgov.org

1. Introduction and Schedule

The County of San Mateo (the “County” or “SMC”) covers most of the San Francisco Peninsula. The region covers 744 mi and is home to nearly 800,000 residents and 20 incorporated cities. The County provides for the health and welfare of all people within its borders and serves as the local government for the unincorporated areas. Innovation thrives here in industries including bioscience, computer software, green technology, hospitality, financial management, health care, education and transportation. The

County prides itself on how that prosperity fosters its commitment to protecting and enhancing the health, safety, welfare and natural resources of the community.

1.1. Summary

The County of San Mateo, Probation Department (the “County” and/or “Probation”) is committed to developing our leadership pipeline and looking to enhance and elevate management potential and successes for our senior and emerging leaders. The mission of Probation is to fulfill the leadership development needs of our organization by raising the caliber of leadership through educational and training services tailored to evidence-based science and specific to the adaptive challenges faced by probation leaders today. This Request for

Proposal (RFP) is intended to develop a partnership with an external consultant whose curriculum has been

Standards and Training for Corrections (STC) certified by the Board of State and Community Corrections

(BSCC) in the last 12 months and who can offer a high-impact learning experience focusing on comprehensive training activities related to the development of probation industry leaders.

The Probation Department invites proposals from consultants, firms, or organizations to design and deliver

Leadership Development Programs and Executive Coaching curriculum that includes innovative techniques and strategies to build high performing and high trust teams. Curriculum provided should be STC certified by the BSCC in the last 12 months. The goal is to strengthen leadership capabilities, enhance strategic thinking, and foster a culture of continuous growth across all leadership levels. This funding opportunity seeks programs to provide Probation leaders with a clear path to accelerate performance by building critical skills through assessment tools, individual coaching, group facilitations, interactive sessions and practical application.

Ideally, these sessions will provide strategies in deeper learning experiences for front line supervisors/managers and the executive management team. Probation has recently experienced positive organizational evolution through internal upward mobility and providing succession training through the desired Leadership Development Programs and Executive Coaching Services are an investment in preparing our top-tier staff for future personal and professional growth.

Subject to compliance with all terms and conditions, the timeline for this agreement will be up to three (3) years with a commencing target date of July 1, 2026, including options for renewal for up to five (5) years.

1.2. Background

The Probation Department currently employees roughly 190 staff members, within five (5) divisions, in three

(3) distinct locations. Probation personnel encompass a wide variety of diverse professionals in both Sworn and Non-Sworn capacities. Our leadership team consists of approximately 30 frontline supervisors and managers alongside an additional eight (8) top-level executives. Probation is a dynamic workplace where laws, policies, regulations, and resource allocations are ever-changing, contributing to the need for leaders to make well-informed, timely and strategic decisions yet maintain focus on stakeholders, judicial and internal goals.

The core values of the Probation Department are Leadership, Integrity, Professionalism, Excellence, and

Teamwork. We are resolute to building strong management skills and effective leadership reflecting cohesive

Page 3 of 17 Release date of April 14, 2026 group dynamics, diverse complementary strengths that align shared visions, trust in one another, and prioritization of the common good over individual interests. Probation is committed to remaining an agile, learning employer, one which supports professional growth and development of staff for upward promotional opportunities. The goal is to identify a partner/service that aligns with our culture’s needs and delivers the targeted leadership competencies desired.

Probation has identified the need to outsource supplemental and additional management services within our organization. Highly developed, robust leadership training and senior executive coaching services that is

Probation specific, is desired. These programs should be customized to evidence-based science, and specifically to the adaptive challenges faced by both senior and emerging leaders. Key aspects shall accelerate performance by building critical skills such as communication, emotional intelligence, strategic thinking and self-awareness. Through advanced targeted development, fostering sustainable changes in leadership styles, enhanced performance and confidential 1:1 support we will meet our objective of enhancing organizational success through shared goals, individual accountability and collective trust.

1.3. Contact Information

Project Contact:

Darlene Hansen Management Analyst - EH Email: dhansen@smcgov.org Phone: (650) 312-8816

Procurement Contact:

Darlene Hansen Management Analyst - EH Email: dhansen@smcgov.org Phone: (650) 312-8816

Department:

Probation

Department Head:

John T. Keene Chief Probation Officer

1.4. Timeline

RFP Released April 14, 2026

Deadline for Questions and Comments April 22, 2026, 5:00pm

Deadline for Contract Exceptions April 22, 2026, 5:00pm mailto:dhansen@smcgov.org tel:(650)312-8816 mailto:dhansen@smcgov.org tel:(650)312-8816

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Proposal Due Date and Time May 13, 2026, 5:00pm

Anticipated Contract Award Date June 23, 2026

2. Scope of Work

2.1. Leadership Development Program and Executive Leadership Coaching Services

Qualifications and Experience: The Probation Department seeks partnership with an external consultant whose curriculum is Standards and Training for Corrections (STC) certified by the Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) in the last 12 months. The selected provider shall provide a high-impact learning experience focusing on comprehensive training activities related to the development of leaders specifically within the probation industry. The training sessions for supervisory and management will be delivered to up to 35 staff members. The coaching and training for the executive team level will be for up to 10 staff members.

Personnel Qualifications: The selected provider shall employ staff with appropriate educational background, professional qualifications, relevant experience, and membership/certifications of their area of expertise.

Areas of Expertise: The selected provider and all staff trainers shall provide curriculum that is STC certified in the last 12 months and have substantial experience delivering 1:1 and group training content to Probation personnel at supervisory, management, and senior executive management levels. An example of training modalities, desired core curriculum, and areas of expertise are as follows:

• Executive, Management, and Supervisory Training

• Leadership Effectiveness

• Team Development

• Building a Trust-based Environment

• Strategic Planning and Decision Making

• Self-awareness and Emotional Intelligence

• Effective Communication

• Adaptability

• Survey/Assessment Design and Analysis

• Coaching Leaders at Various Levels

• Group Facilitation

• 1:1 Sessions

• Role-Playing

• Cohort Training Methods (peer-to-peer interaction)

• Debriefing and Wrap-up

Evaluation and Data Collection

Contractor is responsible for facilitating a structured feedback process and will distribute evaluations (e.g., surveys, questionnaires) immediately after the completion of training session(s) to measure participant

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Department.

3. Submission Requirements

3.1. Submission Deadline

Proposals must be electronically received by 5:00 pm, on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 via eProcurement system.

Allow sufficient time for the upload to complete by the Due Date and Time. Partial uploads will automatically terminate, and proposals will be rejected. The eProcurement system submission time will be the official submission time. The County will not be responsible for and may not accept proposals that are late due to slow internet connections or for any other failure of the eProcurement system.

NOTE: The County does not maintain the eProcurement system and is not liable for site failures or technical problems. To resolve technical issues, contact OpenGov Technical Support by using the real time chat located in the lower right hand corner of the screen, or via email at procurement-support@opengov.com https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/smcgov

3.2. Pre-submission Registration

Organizations or individuals interested in responding to this solicitation must register online with the

County of San Mateo at:

• https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/smcgov

It is recommended that organizations complete this registration as soon as possible. The County will not be responsible for and may not accept proposals that are late due to a failure to register in the eProcurement system.

3.3. Submission via eProcurement Portal

Required Documents

Please refer to the Technical Proposal section for submittal documents and requirements.

Electronic Submissions

Include the proposer name and the RFP title and number in each filename. Submit proposals via the eProcurement website, allowing sufficient time for the upload to complete by the Due Date and Time. As noted above, the eProcurement portal submission time will be the official submission time, and partial uploads will automatically terminate, and proposals will be rejected. Contact eProcurement Portal with technical questions regarding this site.

Conflicts between Certain Requirements

Prior to the submission deadlines and solely relating to a determination of the timeliness of questions, comments, and proposal submissions, information displayed on the eProcurement portal site will take mailto:procurement-support@opengov.com mailto:procurement-support@opengov.com https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/smcgov https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/smcgov https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/smcgov/projects/247901/document?section=2368063

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Format

Documents should be created in the following format:

• Text should be Times New Roman (12-point minimum font size) and unjustified (i.e., with a ragged-right margin)

• Pages should have margins of at least one inch on all sides (excluding headers and footers)

• If the proposal is lengthy, a Table of Contents should be included.

• PDF format is preferred.

Errors in Proposals

The County will not be liable for any errors in proposals. Proposals may be rejected as unresponsive if they are late, incomplete, missing pages or information, or cannot be opened for any reason. The County may waive minor irregularities, but such waiver will not modify any remaining RFP requirements.

3.4. Procurement Preference for Local Businesses and Local Non-Profits

The County of San Mateo has adopted a Procurement Preference for Local Businesses Ordinance (County

Ord. Code Ch. 2.89.) The purpose of this Ordinance is to promote a strong local economy by giving preference to local businesses, local non-profits, local small and micro businesses, and local small and micro non-profits in County procurements, to the extent consistent with the law and interests of the public. The County’s process for applying local preferences to competitive procurements is set forth in

County Ordinance Code Section 2.89.030. The Ordinance and exemptions (e.g. the ordinance will be exempt when all bids or proposals received are from Non-Profit Organizations) can be reviewed here:

Chapter 2.89 - PROCUREMENT PREFERENCE FOR LOCAL BUSINESSES | Code of Ordinances |

San Mateo County, CA | Municode Library

The requirements for bidders to establish eligibility for a local preference for this solicitation are detailed below in Section III (Submission Requirements) The Ordinance does not apply if a procurement is determined to be exempt (County Ord. Code sec. 2.89.050), and the County reserves the right to waive application of the Ordinance to this procurement if determined to be in the best interests of the County

(County Ord. Code sec. 2.89.060).

4. Minimum Qualifications, Local Preference Ordinance, and Technical Proposal

4.1. Minimum Qualifications and Experience

4.1.1. STC Certified*

Trainer is Standards and Training for Corrections (STC) certified by the Board of State and

Community Corrections (BSCC), or the ability to become STC certified.

☐ Please confirm https://library.municode.com/ca/san_mateo_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT2AD_ART2.8INFIPRCOCO_CH2.89PRPRLOBU https://library.municode.com/ca/san_mateo_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT2AD_ART2.8INFIPRCOCO_CH2.89PRPRLOBU

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*Response required

4.1.2. Probation Experience*

Trainer has three (3) years of experience in the last five (5) years delivering engaging, practical training and coaching services to probation staff, in particular, and law enforcement, in general.

☐ Please confirm

*Response required

4.1.3. Please confirm your firm is registered with System for Award Management (SAM)*

SAM.gov

☐ Please confirm

*Response required

4.1.4. What is the registered Business Name and Unique Entity ID (UEI) No.?*

• UEI number can be obtained by registering your business through SAM.GOV

• Should you be in the process of obtaining your UEI number, please enter the digits ‘123’ temporarily for your response below in order to proceed with proposal. This temporary number should be replaced with the correct registration number for submission of the proposal.

*Response required

4.2. Procurement Preference for Local Businesses and Local Non-Profits

4.2.1. Is the Proposer a "Local Business"?

As Defined by Chapter 2.89.020 of the San Mateo County Ordinance Code, a “Local Business” means any for-profit business which has its principal place of business, or is headquartered, in San Mateo

County. If this designation applies to the proposer, a self-attestation form must be completed and provided with this response.

Please download the below documents, complete, and upload. If this designation is not applicable, please leave blank.

• SMC_LocalBusiness_self-atte...

4.2.2. Is the Proposer a Non-Profit?*

A Non-Profit is defined as a tax-exempt public charity organization (within the meaning of section

501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code) that is formed for purposes other than making a profit, is exempt from paying federal income taxes on the income generated for their exempt purposes.

☐ Yes

☐ No

*Response required

When equals "Yes"

4.2.3. Is the Proposer a "Local Non-Profit"

https://sam.gov/content/home https://government-project.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/153456/a16ffdc0-a0ee-44ca-b6de-1fddd010042f_SMC_LocalBusiness_self-attestation_form_120424.pdf

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As Defined by Chapter 2.89.020 of the San Mateo County Ordinance Code, a “Local Non-Profit" means a tax-exempt public charity organization (within the meaning of section 501(c)(3) of the

Internal Revenue Code) that is formed for purposes other than making a profit, is exempt from paying federal income taxes on the income generated for their exempt purposes, and has its principal place of business, or is headquartered, in San Mateo County. If this designation applies to the proposer, a self-attestation form must be completed and provided with this response.

Please download the below documents, complete, and upload. If this designation is not applicable, please leave blank.

• SMC_LocalBusiness_self-atte...

4.2.4. Is the Proposer a Local "Small" or "Micro" Business?

As Defined by Chapter 2.89.020 of the San Mateo County Ordinance Code:

“Small Business” means any business which holds a Small Business Certification awarded by the

California Office of Small Business and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise Services (OSDS).

“Micro Business” means any Small Business certified by the OSDS which is automatically designated by the OSDS as a Micro Business due to gross annual receipts falling below the OSDS-designated dollar amount.

If the above designations apply, please provide the OSDS provided Certification ID.

If this designation is not applicable, please leave blank.

4.2.5. Is the Proposer a Local "Small" or "Micro" Non-Profit?

As Defined by Chapter 2.89.020 of the San Mateo County Ordinance Code:

“Small Non-Profit" means a Local Non-Profit with an annual revenue of $1,000,000 to $2,500,000 according to its most recently filed IRS Form 990.

“Micro Non-Profit" means a Local Non-Profit with an annual revenue of less than $1,000,000, according to its most recently filed IRS Form 990.

If the above designations apply, please provide your latest filed IRS form 990. A filing from the last two calendar years is acceptable.

If this designation is not applicable, please leave blank.

4.2.6. Proposal Submission*

Interested trainers should submit the following:

A. Cover Letter and Company Overview (Max 2 Pages)

1. Contact Info: Provide name, title, and signature of the individual authorized to bind the firm.

2. Minimum Qualifications: Provide a concise narrative proving you meet or can meet the STC requirements and describe your experience with organizations of similar size and complexity.

https://government-project.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/153456/80d29c2f-acda-4b87-837e-cb4ead1fb303_SMC_LocalBusiness_self-attestation_form_120424.pdf

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3. Philosophy: Briefly describe your approach to adult learning and managing a multigenerational workforce within the probation industry.

B. Resume/CV (Max 2 Pages)

1. Highlight relevant experience in developing talent as a leadership coach, including expertise in the subject area; work experience related to the topic; areas of related training experience;

education and training received; and relevant specialized instructor training courses.

2. Provide specific leadership development accomplishments, and any relevant certifications as well as evidence of mentoring, facilitation, and leadership training experience with both existing and emerging leaders.

C. Sample Outline (Max 5 Pages) A preliminary outline demonstrating your project approach on how you would teach an evidence-based leadership program, as well as executive coaching services focusing on comprehensive training activities related to the development of probation industry leaders.

Outline should include but is not limited to the following:

1. Core Curriculum Methodology: Outline your core methodology for designing training curriculum.

What unique instructional design models do you use to ensure engagement? Describe delivery formats and your instructional design approach for similar projects.

2. Customization Examples: Describe your process for customizing content to meet specific organization needs.

3. Evidence of Impact: Provide an example of how your training methods produced measurable leadership change or improved performance in a similar industry. Show how your methodology achieved specific project goals.

4. Outcomes: How will you facilitate effective post-training evaluations that will encourage reflection and retention, and measure participants key takeaways, satisfaction, and engagement?

D. References (Max 1 Page): Contact information, including the name, address, and telephone number of recent clients (preferably other public agencies), for at least two agencies where you have provided similar training. If you are already a Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) Standards and Training for Corrections (STC) Provider, you may provide course evaluations in addition to agency references.

E. Cost Estimate (No Page Limit): No specific funding amounts or budget limits are provided in this

RFP. Vendors should develop cost proposals based on their own assessments and in alignment with the Scope of Work. Please include a breakdown of fees for development time, material creation, per-session delivery, and travel. The County reserves the right to accept other than the lowest priced offer and to reject any proposals that are not responsive to this request. Vendors are encouraged to submit a five (5) year budget and provide a breakdown for each service area.

4.2.7. Performance Measures*

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Please explain your plan for helping our staff achieve the following practical targets:

1. Percentage of Staff members reporting increased competency in core curriculum areas. Target 90%

2. Completion of 1:1 coaching sessions for all executive staff members within the agreed timeline. Target

100%

*Response required

4.2.8. Personnel*

Provide an organizational chart and Include the following information for all personnel that will be assigned to this project:

A. Name

B. Title

C. Contact email:

D. Contact phone number

5. Evaluation and Selection Criteria

The proposals will be evaluated by a selection committee with relevant expertise. The County intends to evaluate the proposals generally in accordance with the criteria itemized below. Proposers with the highest scoring proposals may be interviewed by the committee to make the final selection.

No. Evaluation Criteria Scoring Method Weight (Points)

1. Project Approach

A. The proposal specifically addresses key objectives with clear deliverables

B. Evidence-based curriculum

C. Clear plan for coaching sessions versus group sessions

Points Based 35 (35% of Total)

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2. Trainer Qualifications and Experience

A. Standards and Training for

Corrections (STC) certified by the Board of State and

Community Corrections

(BSCC), or the ability to become STC certified.

B. Proven history with training

Probation or Law Enforcement agencies of similar size

Points Based 35 (35% of Total)

3. Price

A. The pricing structure is clear and competitive - the proposer provides transparent pricing for development, travel, and delivery.

Points Based 20 (20% of Total)

4. Preferential Points

Where price is not the sole evaluation factor for a solicitation (e.g., in the case of a "best-value" solicitation), five percent (5%) of the total evaluation points awardable will be added to the proposal score for each Local Business or Local Non-Profit score for evaluation purposes. In the event of a tie between a

Local Business or Local Non-Profit and another bidder, the Local Business or

Non-Profit shall be awarded the

Contract, assuming agreement on other contract terms.

An additional three percent (3%) preference shall be given to a Local

Business or Local Non-profit (for a total of eight percent (8%) of total points awardable) if the proposer is a Small

Business or Small Non-Profit, or an additional 5 percent preference (for a total of ten percent (10%) of total points awardable) if the proposer is a Micro

Business or Micro Non-Profit.

Points Based 10 (10% of Total)

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6. Instructions to Proposers

6.1. Instructions

There will be no pre-proposal conference or site visit for this project.

6.2. Communications

A. As of the issuance date of this RFP and continuing until it is canceled or an award is made, no proposer or person acting on behalf of a prospective proposer may discuss any matter relating to the RFP with any officer, agent, or employee of the County, other than through eProcurement portal, to the Authorized Contact Person, or as outlined in the evaluation or protest procedures.

B. Proposers (including any agent, owner, employee, board members, or other such affiliates) shall not offer any gift, favor, or other personal benefit to any County officer or employee during the procurement process for this agreement, including during the solicitation period and contract negotiations.

Violation of the foregoing prohibitions may result in a proposer being found non-responsible and barred from participating in this or future procurements.

6.3. Contract Award

A. Award Procedure

Contract negotiations are neither an offer nor guarantee that a contract will be executed. A contract award, if any is made, will be to the responsive, responsible proposer offering the overall best value to the County for the services and goods described in this solicitation, or as applicable, for a specific portion of the services and goods described. Any agreement reached will be memorialized in a formal agreement using the attached template, executed by the appropriate authority.

B. Notice of Intent to Award

If a decision is made to take steps to enter into an agreement with one or more proposers, the

County will post a Notice of Intent to Award or otherwise notify proposers the remaining proposers of their non-selection. Notice may instead be provided by including approval of the agreement as an item on an agenda for a meeting of the Board of Supervisors.

C. Commencement of Performance

After all parties have signed the agreement, the County will notify the contractor and performance may proceed. Prior to execution of the agreement by the County, no County employee may authorize work under the agreement. Any work performed prior to the full execution of the Agreement may not be compensated.

D. Levine Act DisclosureThe Levine Act (California Government Code Section 84308) imposes certain requirements on parties contracting with the County of San Mateo related to campaign contributions to County “officers,” including elected County officers and candidates seeking elective office, who may participate in making a decision on certain County contracts. Elected

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County officers in San Mateo County include: the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors, Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder, County Controller, Coroner, District Attorney, Sheriff, and Tax

Collector-Treasurer.Generally, under current County policy, approval by the Board of

Supervisors is required for any agreement for services above $200,000, and agreements for services below that threshold may be approved by Department heads.If your proposal is selected, you will be required to certify compliance with the Levine Act.As part of this process, you will need to certify and warrant that you have fully complied, and will remain in full compliance, with all applicable requirements of the Levine Act in connection with the

Agreement, including making any required disclosures of campaign contributions to County

Officers, which includes but may not be limited to elected County Officers. Elected County

Officers include members of the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors, as well as the

Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder, Controller, Coroner, District Attorney, Sheriff, and Tax

Collector-Treasurer. Any campaign contribution required to be disclosed under the Levine Act in connection with this Agreement shall be disclosed on the County of San Mateo Levine Act

Disclosure Form, a copy of which is available from the County upon request.Parties are solely responsible for accurate certification and disclosure. The Levine Act is complex, and this brief description is not legal advice. For example, certain contributions must be aggregated when determining whether contributions have exceeded the $500 threshold. If your proposal is selected, you are urged to review the Levine Act and consider consulting an attorney.

6.4. Term

Probationis issuing Request for Proposal (RFP) No. 2026-RFP-00425 for Leadership Development

Program and Executive Leadership Coaching Services.

The agreement shall have a term of three (3) years. In addition, the County shall have one (1) option to extend the term for an additional period not to exceed two years, which the County may exercise in its sole, absolute discretion. To exercise this option, the County shall provide written notice to the Contractor at least thirty days before the end of the agreement’s term.

The County’s standard contract template has been included with this solicitation. The awarded contractor will be expected to sign an agreement prepared by the County using this template. Please ensure that your firm has completed legal review of these contract terms. If your firm wishes to request exceptions to these standard terms, submit a Contract Exceptions Request by the Deadline for Questions, Comments and

Contract Exceptions listed in the Solicitation Schedule below. The County will consider Contract

Exceptions Requests but reserves the right to reject requested modifications to its standard terms.

7. Terms and Conditions for Receipt of Proposals

7.1. Errors, Omissions and Inquiries regarding the RFP

Proposers are responsible for reviewing all portions of this RFP. Proposers are to notify the department, in eProcurement portal, if the proposer discovers any ambiguity, discrepancy, omission, or apparent error in the RFP. Such notification should be made promptly after discovery, but in no event later than five business days prior to the deadline for receipt of proposals. Modifications and clarifications will be made by addenda as provided below.

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Inquiries regarding the RFP should be lodged in eProcurement portal.

7.2. Objections to RFP Terms

Should a proposer object on any ground to any provision or legal requirement set forth in this RFP, the proposer must, not more than ten calendar days after the RFP is issued, provide written notice to the department, via eProcurement portal, setting forth with specific grounds for the objection.

7.3. Addenda

The County may cancel, revise, or reissue this RFP, in whole or in part, for any reason. Revisions will be posted as Addenda on eProcurement portal. No other revision of this RFP is valid. Proposers shall be responsible for ensuring that their proposals reflects any and all Addenda issued by the County prior to the proposal due date regardless of when a proposal is submitted. Therefore, the County recommends that proposers consult eProcurement portal frequently, including shortly before the proposal due date, to confirm that all Addenda have been downloaded.

7.4. Term of Proposal

Submission of a proposal signifies that the proposed services and prices are valid for the duration of the proposed agreement term and that the quoted prices are genuine and not the result of collusion or any other anti-competitive activity.

7.5. Revision or Withdrawal of Proposal

A proposer may revise a proposal on the proposer’s own initiative at any time before the deadline for submission of proposals. The proposer must submit the revised proposal in the same manner as the original on or before the proposal due date.

A proposer may withdraw a proposal at any time before the deadline for submission of proposals. After that time, whether or not a new RFP is issued for the same subject matter, withdrawal of a proposal may preclude the proposer from participating in the procurement as a proposer or subcontractor, except that an original equipment manufacturer may participate indirectly through a reseller.

7.6. Errors and Omissions in Proposal

The County will not be liable for any errors in proposals. Proposals may be rejected as unresponsive if they are incomplete, are missing pages or information, or cannot be opened for any reason. The County may waive minor irregularities, but such waiver will not modify any of the remaining RFP requirements.

7.7. No Commitment

Neither submission of a proposal nor the County’s receipt of proposal materials confers any right to the proposer nor any obligation on the County. This RFP does not commit the County to award a contract.

7.8. Financial Responsibility

The County shall have no financial responsibility for any costs incurred by a firm in responding to this

RFP or participating in any presentations or negotiations.

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7.9. Estimated Quantity

If the RFP results in an indefinite quantity or a requirements agreement, the goods and services actually requested by the County may be less than the maximum value of the agreement and there is no guarantee, either expressed or implied, as to the actual quantity of goods and services that will be authorized under the agreement.

7.10. Public Record

A. General

1. All proposals, protests, and information submitted in response to this solicitation will become the property of the County and will be considered public records. As such, they may be subject to public review.

2. Any contract arising from this RFP will be a public record.

3. The County is not seeking proprietary information and will not assert any privileges that may exist on behalf of the proposer.

4. Submission of any materials in response to this RFP constitutes:

▪ Consent to the County’s release of such materials under the Public Records Act without notice to the person or entity submitting the materials; and

▪ Waiver of all claims against the County and/or its officers, agents, or employees that the

County has violated a proposer's right to privacy, disclosed trade secrets, or caused any damage by allowing the proposal or materials to be inspected; and

▪ Agreement to indemnify and hold harmless the County for release of such information under the Public Records Act; and

▪ Acknowledgement that the County will not assert any privileges that may exist on behalf of the person or entity submitting the materials.

7.11. Reservations of Rights by the County

The issuance of this RFP does not constitute an agreement by the County that any contract will actually be entered into by the County. The County expressly reserves the right at any time to:

• Waive or correct any defect or informality in any response, proposal, or proposal procedure;

• Reject any or all proposals;

• Reissue an RFP;

• Prior to submission deadline for proposals, modify all or any portion of the selection procedures, including deadlines for accepting responses, the specifications or requirements for any materials, equipment or services to be provided under this RFP, or the requirements for contents or format of the proposals;

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• Procure any materials, equipment or services specified in this RFP by any other means; or

• Determine that no project will be pursued.

7.12. No Waiver

No waiver by the County of any provision of this RFP shall be implied from any failure by the County to recognize or take action on account of any failure by a proposer to observe any provision of this RFP.

7.13. Cooperative Agreement (Piggyback)

This competitive solicitation is being conducted as a Cooperative Procurement. The services, terms and conditions of any agreement resulting from this solicitation may be used by other organizations as a

Cooperative Agreement.

This provision in no way commits any affiliate to procure services from any awarded contractor, nor does it guarantee that any additional orders will result. At their discretion, and subject to their own procurement policies, interested organizations may make use of this competitive procurement and contract directly from the awarded contractor.

8. Protest Procedures

8.1. Protest of Non-Responsiveness Determination

Within five (5) working days of the County's issuance of a notice of non-responsiveness, any firm that has submitted a proposal and believes that the County has incorrectly determined that its proposal is non-responsive may submit a written notice of protest. Such notice of protest must be received by the County on or before the fifth working day following the County's issuance of the notice of non-responsiveness. The notice of protest must include a written statement specifying in detail each and every one of the grounds asserted for the protest. The protest must be signed by an individual authorized to represent the proposer, and must cite the law, rule, local ordinance, procedure or RFP provision on which the protest is based. In addition, the protestor must specify facts and evidence sufficient for the County to determine the validity of the protest.

8.2. Protest of Contract Award

Within five (5) working days of the County's issuance of a notice of intent to award the contract, any firm that has submitted a responsive proposal and believes that the County has incorrectly selected another proposer for award may submit a written notice of protest. Such notice of protest must be received by the

County on or before the fifth working day after the County's issuance of the notice of intent to award.

The notice of protest must include a written statement specifying in detail each and every one of the grounds asserted for the protest. The protest must be signed by an individual authorized to represent the proposer, and must cite the law, rule, local ordinance, procedure or RFP provision on which the protest is based. In addition, the protestor must specify facts and evidence sufficient for the County to determine the validity of the protest.

Page 17 of 17 Release date of April 14, 2026

8.3. Delivery of Protests

All protests must be received by the due date. If a protest is mailed, the protestor bears the risk of non-delivery within the deadlines specified herein. Protests should be transmitted by a means that will objectively establish the date the County received the protest. Protests or notice of protests made orally

(e.g., by telephone) will not be considered. Protests must be delivered to:

Protests@smcgov.org

Subject: Leadership Development Program and Executive Leadership Coaching Services, 2026-

RFP-00425