Parent_Partner,_Native_Liaison_Navigator,_and_Shared_Leadership_Advisory_Group.pdf

DEPARTMENT OF GENERAL SERVICES

Support Services Division

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP)

NUMBER: 952-1230-26

FOR

PARENT PARTNER, NATIVE LIAISON NAVIGATOR,

AND SHARED LEADERSHIP ADVISORY GROUP

RELEASE DATE: November 19, 2025

RESPONSE DUE: December 29, 2025, 5:00 pm

SUBMIT PROPOSAL TO: RFP COORDINATOR

Solano County digitally via OpenGov Solano County

Portal website at:

https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/solanocounty

Umiika Wright

Phone: (707) 784-3236 uwright@solanocounty.gov

Any proposer participating in this solicitation is required to have a vendor application on file with the County.

This application may be downloaded from the Solano County website at www.solanocounty.com . Include the application with your proposal. The County will post any changes and information relating to this RFP digitally via OpenGov. Proposers are responsible for frequently checking OpenGov at https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/solanocounty for any changes or information relating to this

RFP.

“Smoking is not permitted in County Buildings or around Solano County campuses. Thank you in advance for your compliance.”

ANTHONY L. TAVE, P.E.

Director General Services ALTave@SolanoCounty.gov

(707) 784-7902

DUSTIN D. LENO, MBA, A.A.E.

Assistant Director ddleno@solanocounty.com

(707) 784-2781

LORRAINE TANG

Support Services Manager lctang@solanocounty.com

(707) 784-3426

675 Texas Street, Suite 2500

Fairfield, CA 94533-6342

Fax (707) 784-6320 www.solanocounty.com https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/solanocounty http://www.solanocounty.com/ mailto:ALTave@SolanoCounty.gov mailto:ddleno@solanocounty.com mailto:lctang@solanocounty.com http://www.solanocounty.com/

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Introduction

2. Scope of Services

3. Prerequisites

4. Contract Duration and Funding Availability

5. Evaluation of Proposals

6. Award Notice and Acceptance Period

7. Protest and Appeal

8. Terms and Conditions

9. Sample Budget Narrative

10. Electronic Proposal Submittal

Attachments:

A - Special Terms and Conditions

C - Exhibit C - General Terms 6_12_18

RFP NO.952-1230-26

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1. Introduction

The purpose of this Request for Proposals ("RFP") is to define the the County of Solano's minimum requirements, solicit proposals, and gain adequate information by which the County of Solano may evaluate the services offered by Proposers that fall within the Scope of Service/Project as further described in this RFP.

1.1. Summary

The purpose of this Request for Proposals (RFP) is to define the County’s minimum requirements, solicit proposals, and gain adequate information by which the County may evaluate the services offered by Proposers that fall within the scope of services as described in this RFP. The County of Solano, Department of Health and

Social Services (H&SS), Child Welfare Services (CWS), hereinafter referred to as the “County,” intends to secure a contract with a qualified proposer to provide Peer mentoring services through a Parent Partner model to assist parents who are engaged in the Court Family Maintenance and the Family Reunification process.

About the Parent Partner Model

According to research conducted at UC Berkeley School of Social Welfare, “The Parent Partner program is one of a number of recent innovations in child welfare that draws upon the strengths of families. The Parent

Partner program seeks to enlist as support, mothers and fathers who have experienced child removal services and reunification. These individuals are trained and supported to provide direct services to parent clients seeking reunification with their children. The program design intention is for Parent Partners to serve as mentors, guides, and advocates for current parent clients. Parent Partners can be flexible in the roles they play and in responding to a range of needs that parent clients might present. The principal goal of their work, however, is to help parent clients gain awareness of their rights and responsibilities, and to assist parents toward reunification with their children. Because of their unique experience as former clients of the child welfare system, Parent Partners offer a perspective to parents that differs from that of social workers and other allied professionals.

Program Goals

The Child Welfare Services Parent Partner program has two important goals; 1) parents’ voices will be represented in stakeholder meetings to facilitate changes within our system and inform our ongoing practice, and 2) parents will receive support upon the opening of their case and during their initial Child and Family

Team Meeting by a former system involved parent who can assist with education of the child welfare process and engagement in creating Case Plans with parents. Solano County Child Welfare Services is focused on the importance of achieving timely reunification for youth and believe that a Parent Partner Program supports this focus.

Commitment to Restorative Child Welfare

Additionally, Solano County Child Welfare Services is committed to being a Restorative Child Welfare system which seeks to support all parents and specifically fathers in developing and maintaining responsible, safe, and committed relationships with their children. Solano County is dedicated to fostering a father friendly culture. We recognize and honor the critical role that fathers play in healthy development of their children.

Reference: 1 Anthony, E.K., Berrick, J.D., Cohen, E., Wilder, E., (July 2009). Partnering with Parents

Promising Approaches to Improve Reunification Outcomes for Children in Foster Care. Executive Summary, UC Berkeley School of Social Welfare.

1.2. Background

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The Department of Health and Social Services (H&SS) provides numerous services to the residents of Solano

County. It has many divisions including Administration, Behavioral Health, Child Welfare Services (CWS), Employment and Eligibility Services, Public Health Services, and Medical Services.

In Child Welfare Services, the mission is to protect children from abuse and neglect by strengthening families or finding safe, permanent homes so that they can grow into healthy, productive adults. Child Welfare Services includes Hotline, Emergency Response 24/7 Services, Intensive Family Maintenance and Family Reunification

Services, Permanent Placement Services, Supportive Transition Services, and Adoption Services.

Child Welfare Services is a state-supervised, County-administered program. The program’s purpose is to prevent, identify, and respond to allegations of child abuse and neglect. Families in the child welfare system receive services so that children can remain safely in their homes, and children who are temporarily removed from their homes can reunify with their families. For cases in which children are unable to reunify with their families, efforts are made to find a permanent home through adoption or guardianship.

In 2012, California began efforts to develop a California Child Welfare Core Practice Model (CPM) that is intended as a framework to support the state’s child welfare social workers and leaders in sustaining and improving practice in all California Counties. An essential piece of CPM is the practice behaviors which acts as guidelines for child welfare staff, with one focus behavior being engagement. Within the engagement behaviors, the CPM emphasizes the importance of listening to the family and demonstrating you care about their thoughts and experiences, demonstrating an interest in connecting with the family and helping them identify and meet their goals, identifying and engaging family members who are important to the family, and supporting and facilitating the family’s capacity to advocate for themselves. Solano County began implementation of the CPM in 2017, and we continue to strive to fully integrate this model and find new ways to effectively engage with the families we work with.

Alongside the statewide introduction of CPM, the state’s Continuum of Care Reform introduced the Child and

Family Team (CFT) process in 2016 as a key component of ensuring the well-being of children, youth, and families served by child welfare. CFTs are based on the belief that children, youth, and families have the capacity to resolve their problems if given sufficient support and resources to help them do so. The California

Department of Social Services indicates that CFTs are a strength-based approach to practice that recognizes families are experts in their own lives and can achieve success when they have an active role in creating and implementing solutions. Since the statewide role out of CFTs, Solano County has begun working toward the identification of families’ teams and assisting families in creating healthy and supportive networks of individuals who can assist them in safely parenting their children. In addition to this, CFT meetings have been utilized to work with the identified CFTs on case planning for families, to ensure parents are provided with all the support possible throughout this process.

While the integration of the CPM Model and CFT processes has assisted the County in concentrating our practice more on family engagement, we strive to enhance our engagement with families and continue to work toward further alignment with these frameworks. Our most recent County Self-Assessment in 2023 revealed service gaps and barriers in both the education of parents on the CWS process and support provided to parents throughout their time spent working within the system. Given our commitment to improving our practice, Solano County is seeking a qualified proposer to provide Parent Partner services that will assist with the following: continuous evaluation of our practices through collaboration and ongoing stakeholder feedback, engaging our parents from the onset of their case, specifically during initial Child and Family Team meetings and throughout the case planning process, and seeking resources for parents to ensure all of their needs are met to allow them to safely and effectively provide care for their children on a long term basis. The continuation of the Parent Partner program will allow us to provide a more holistic approach to case management with families and will further engage parents at both the case and systems-level, ensuring their voices facilitate change in all aspects of our Child Welfare System.

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1.3. Contact Information

Umiika Wright Senior Buyer 675 Texas Street Ste 2500 Fairfield, CA 94533 Email: uwright@solanocounty.gov Phone: (707) 784-3236

Department:

Health and Social Services

1.4. Timeline

The County reserves the right to adjust this schedule as it deems necessary. Notifications of any adjustments to the schedule will be posted here on OpenGov and Proposers will be emailed directly regarding any such updates or Addenda posted to this procurement.

To receive electronic notifications regarding this opportunity with the County, click the follow button while viewing this solicitation on the County's eprocurement website.

RFP Issued November 19, 2025

Question Submission Deadline December 4, 2025, 5:00pm

County's Responses to Questions December 10, 2025, 5:00pm

Proposal Submission Deadline December 29, 2025, 5:00pm

Interviews and Presentations During the week of 1/19/26 by direct invite if needed

Contractor Selection Date February 2, 2026

Desired Contract Start Date July 1, 2026

2. Scope of Services

2.1. PARENT PARTNERS

The County of Solano envisions a Parent Partner Program that employs individuals who have successfully navigated the Child Welfare System and achieved reunification with their children. These individuals must demonstrate personal stability and the capacity to support and mentor other parents currently involved in the system.

To ensure the success of this program, the selected Proposer must implement a comprehensive approach to recruiting, selecting, training, and supporting Parent Partners. The following outlines the required components of this approach. Please respond using the specified headings:

mailto:uwright@solanocounty.gov tel:(707)784-3236

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A. Recruitment and Selection of Parent Partners

1. Recruitment Strategy:

Describe your approach to identifying and attracting qualified Parent Partner candidates. Include outreach methods, partnerships with community organizations, and strategies to ensure candidates reflect the cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic diversity of the families served by Solano County

Child Welfare Services.

2. Selection Criteria:

Explain how your agency will evaluate candidates based on their successful completion of the Court reunification process. Identify the key characteristics and experiences that make a strong Parent

Partner (e.g., empathy, communication skills, reliability, resilience).

3. Anticipated Hiring Numbers:

Indicate the number of Parent Partners you plan to hire.

4. Key Program Staff:

List the staff members who will support the program, including their roles and responsibilities (e.g., program coordinator, clinical supervisor, trainer).

5. Barriers and Mitigation:

Identify any anticipated challenges in recruitment or hiring and describe how you plan to address them.

B. Training and Support Plan for Parent Partners

1. Orientation and Initial Training:

Describe the onboarding process and initial training curriculum. Include topics such as confidentiality, boundaries, trauma-informed care, cultural humility, and the child welfare process.

2. Ongoing Training and Professional Development:

Outline your plan for continued learning opportunities to support Parent Partner growth and effectiveness.

3. Supervisory Structure:

Detail the supervision model, including:

a. Type of supervision (e.g., individual, group, reflective supervision, coaching)

b. Frequency and format

c. Qualifications of supervisory staff

d. Clinical support available to help Parent Partners process sensitive information, maintain boundaries, and manage emotional challenges such as countertransference

C. Compensation and Benefits

1. Compensation Plan: Provide the proposed hourly rate or salary for Parent Partners.

2. Benefits: Describe any additional benefits offered, such as:

a. Mileage reimbursement

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b. Health insurance

c. Meal stipends

d. Professional development stipends

e. Other relevant incentives

1.

2.2. Development and Implementation

Proposers are encouraged to utilize creativity to create an innovative Child Welfare Parent Partner program, please consider the following important points when responding to this item.

A. Targeted Approach. The County aims to improve family and father engagement and support through a culturally sensitive approach. This is especially important given the diversity of the population in Solano

County. In 2024, the Solano County population was comprised of residents who identified in the 2024-

25 Quick Facts Census as 58.1% White, with Hispanic as the second largest population at 30% and followed by Asian at 17%. As of 2024-25, Solano County is the second most diverse county in

California and the sixth most diverse county in the United States, according to US Census data, with racial and ethnic composition within individual cities varying greatly. The greatest percentage of

Black/African American residents reside in Suisun City, Vallejo followed closely by Fairfield. The rate of substantiations for maltreatment shows a slight increase in the Black population and is almost double the rate of the county in general. The Native American population experienced an even higher substantiation rate. Native American and Black children have the highest rates of first entry into foster care.

B. CFTM and Case Planning. As of August 25, 2025, there were 264 children served by the County, of which 211 were living in foster care and 53 were living with their parents receiving Family Maintenance

Services. Over the past year, on average 7 children entered foster care each month, to include both children who were removed from their parent’s care, and those who remain at home receiving services.

All children in foster care placements are required to have CFT meetings within 60 days of entry and then every 6 months thereafter in typical cases. While children who remain in the care of their parents are not required to have CFT meetings, it is best practice to ensure they are being held for these children and families. Parent Partners will engage in, and accompany parents to, CFT meetings. CWS envisions the Parent Partner to serve several roles. These include providing natural support during a stressful time, orienting parents to the Child Welfare System (sharing what to expect and how to navigate the system), and supporting and encouraging parents to participate in the development of their

Child Welfare Case Plan.

C. Please describe how your Parent Partner program will meet the vision described above and how it will be implemented. Please include the following in your narrative.

1. Identify the number of parents to be served monthly.

2. Describe the referral process.

3. Describe how your agency will prioritize Parent Partners to African American and Native American families, fathers, and families with children under the age of one.

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4. Describe how Parent Partners will be prioritized to families who reside in Suisun City, Vallejo, and

Fairfield, as they are identified as high-risk areas for abuse and neglect.

5. Describe how Parent Partners will have a flexible schedule to allow them to be in Court with a parent client and or meet them on evenings or weekends in their preferred location.

6. Describe how Parent Partners will engage parent clients during CFT Meetings and other ways they will support parents.

7. Describe how your agency will assist parent clients with navigating the Child Welfare system.

8. Describe how your agency will ensure that the program will be voluntary.

9. Describe how you will ensure that the family's information remains confidential.

10. Describe how you will educate the Department, the Court, Parent Partners, and community partners about the specific role of Parent Partners, for example:

a. Parent Partners, upon the parents' request, may attend court hearings as a support to the parent and cannot be called to testify in court.

b. Parent Partners will not provide written summaries of parental involvement in the program.

c. Parent Partners are not a service; they are a voluntary support to parents and therefore do not report to the social worker or Child Welfare Service; and

d. Parent Partners are not case assistants.

11. Describe how the Parent Partner team will problem-solve issues, present cases, develop programs, and participate in team-building exercises during group meetings.

12. Describe how the program will provide services to a combination of new parents and parents up to

90 days of service. In special circumstances or difficult cases, the parent partner may be requested for an extension by the case carrying social worker.

2.3. NATIVE LIAISON NAVIGATOR

The Native Liaison Navigator will serve as a cultural bridge between child welfare systems and Native families, ensuring that services are respectful, relevant, and rooted in tribal values. This position will support child welfare staff in navigating Native-specific support pathways and will work collaboratively with families, tribes, and community partners to foster trust, address historical trauma, and promote healing.

Please describe how your Native Navigator Liaison will meet the vision described above and how it will be implemented. Please include the following in your narrative.

Identify the number of parents to be served monthly.

A. Describe the referral process.

B. Describe how your agency will prioritize Native Navigator Liaison to Native American families, fathers, and families with children under the age of one.

C. Describe how Native Navigator Liaison will be prioritized to families who reside in Suisun City, Vallejo, and Fairfield, as they are identified as high-risk areas for abuse and neglect.

D. Describe how Native Navigator Liaison will have a flexible schedule to allow them to be in Court with a parent client and or meet them on evenings or weekends in their preferred location.

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E. Describe how your agency will assist parent clients with navigating the Child Welfare system.

F. Describe how your agency will ensure that the program will be voluntary.

G. Describe how you will ensure that the family's information remains confidential.

H. Describe how you will educate the Department, the Court, Parent Partners, and community partners about the specific role of Native Navigator Liaison, for example:

I. Native Navigator Liaison, upon the parents' request, may attend court hearings as a support to the parent and cannot be called to testify in court.

J. Native Navigator Liaison will not provide written summaries of parental involvement in the program.

K. Native Navigator Liaison are not a service; they are a voluntary support to parents and therefore do not report to the social worker or Child Welfare Service; and

L. Native Navigator Liaison are not case assistants.

M. Describe how the Native Navigator Liaison will problem-solve issues, present cases, develop programs, and participate in team-building exercises during group meetings.

N. Describe how the program will provide services to a combination of new parents and parents up to 90 days of service. In special circumstances or difficult cases, the parent partner may be requested for an extension by the case carrying social worker.

2.4. Shared Leadership Advisory Group

Solano County Child Welfare Services (CWS) envisions a system that benefits from the voice of parents, youth, and community who have been touched by the Child Welfare system. To gather input, CWS strives to create a Shared Leadership Advisory Group. The contractor will assist in the creation of a Shared Leadership model that ensures that those with lived experience are authentically engaged and patriciate in meaningful work. The contractor will provide oversight and coordination of a Shared Leadership Advisory Group. CWS' vision is to be further connected with the community and those impacted by our involvement, and to partner with a goal of shared voice in decision making processes. Once developed the Shared Leadership Advisory

Group will meet regularly to vet Department practices and policies, provide feedback and ideas and receive timely and current information regarding the state of Child Welfare Services.

Please describe how your Shared Leadership Advisory Group will develop a structure and connect with the community of those impacted by CWS involvement.

A. How your agency will Interview and screen families to become potential members of the Advisory

Group.

B. How your agency will train and onboard new members.

C. Describe how your agency will ensure that those with lived experience are meaningfully involved in the decision-making.

D. Provide examples of how you've compensated, supported and elevated lived experience leaders.

E. Describe how you ensure that Shared Leadership practices are culturally relevant and inclusive of tribal, racial, and ethnic communities.

F. Explain how your agency uses strategies to build leadership capacity among parents, youth, or community members.

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2.5. Performance Measures

Describe how the program will track and monitor the Parent Partner program. Note the method or tool to be used, frequency of measurement, and indicator. Please note that the Proposer will be required to utilize the

Protective Factors Survey tool located at: https://friendsnrc.org/resources/pfs-2-choosing-between-the-retroactive-and-traditional/

Desired Outcomes:

A. Increased support to parent clients during their Child Welfare Services case.

B. Increased parental resilience and social connections

C. Decrease parental stress and barriers that prevent successful reunification and community connections.

D. Increased participation and satisfaction in Child and Family Team meetings.

E. Increased knowledge of and participation in Case Planning.

F. Increased knowledge of the Child Welfare system.

G. Increase of the parent’s voice and leadership within the Child Welfare System.

H. Increased access to community services and supports.

I. Increased support and compliance while searching for and maintaining housing.

2.6. Reporting Requirements

Describe how the program will accomplish the following:

A. Establish and use method(s) of systematic program evaluation to review the quality and appropriateness of services provided, including reporting on the progress on all its goals and measurable objectives outlined in this Scope of Work.

B. Provide a monthly report of contacts by Parent Partners to Parent Clients and their level of engagement.

C. Provide Quarterly Reports on Parent Partner progress, time to engage parent clients, services provided, number of engagement services provided (i.e. attended CFT meetings/Court/Drug Court with parent client, referrals made, etc.).

D. Provide data needed and requested by the County to complete the annual Office of Child Abuse

Prevention reporting. Information shall include but not be limited to the following:

1. Demographic information on families served,

2. How the desired outcomes are measured,

3. How many families achieved the desired outcomes, and

4. Any unexpected challenges and benefits. Information provided in Quarterly Reports will also be included in the annual reporting.

E. Maintain records of client information and program participation.

https://friendsnrc.org/resources/pfs-2-choosing-between-the-retroactive-and-traditional/ https://friendsnrc.org/resources/pfs-2-choosing-between-the-retroactive-and-traditional/

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F. Maintain demographic data on clients referred and served and provide data reports to CWS as requested.

3. Prerequisites

4. Contract Duration and Funding Availability

The County intends to award one (1) three-year contract(s) with an estimated cost not to exceed $1,176,640, to the responsible proposer(s) whose proposal is determined to be the most responsive to the requirements of this RFP. The term of the resulting contract(s) will begin on or about 07/01/2026, and terminate on

06/30/2029. The County reserves the right to award a one-year contract through this RFP, which may be renegotiated and/or renewed/extended, subject to contractor performance and continued funding, for two additional one-year terms without a competitive bid process, representing a total contract term of no more than three (3) years at the sole discretion of the County, provided the County notifies the Contractor in writing of its intention to do so at least thirty (30) days prior to the contract expiration date. An extension of the term of this contract will be affected through an amendment to the contract. If the extension of the contract necessitates additional funding beyond that which was included in the original contract, the increase in the County’s maximum liability will also be affected through an amendment to the contract and shall be based upon rates provided for in the original contract and response.

The estimated not-to-exceed cost breakdown for the project is as follows:

Funding Program FY 2026/2027 FY 2027/2028 FY 2028/2029

PSSF Parent Partner $204,981 $204,981 $ 204,981

FFSP Block Grant Shared Leadership/

Native Navigator

$147,079 $147,079 TBD

The amount allocated to this RFP is approximate at this time.

The funding or portions of this funding for the contract resulting from this RFP may be contingent upon the

State budget; receipt of funds from and/or obligation of funds by the Federal government to the State and from the State to the County; and inclusion of sufficient funding for the services hereunder in the budget approved by the County’s Board of Supervisors for each fiscal year covered by said contract. If such approval, funding, or appropriations are not forthcoming, or are otherwise limited, the contract may be immediately terminated, reduced, or modified without penalty.

5. Evaluation of Proposals

Evaluation Committee: A County Evaluation Committee (CEC) will evaluate all proposals. The CEC will be composed of County staff and other parties that may have relevant expertise or experience. The CEC will score and recommend proposals in accordance with the evaluation criteria set forth below. Evaluation of the proposals shall be within the sole judgment and discretion of the CEC.

If desired by the County, the top-rated firms scoring highest on the first round of evaluations may be invited for an interview and further rated. The County reserves the right to determine the number of proposers to be interviewed. The same evaluation criteria used for the proposal evaluation process will be used to rate the firms during the interviews. At the end of the interview process, the CEC will re-rank the firms to determine the best evaluated firm. The project manager and any key team members should attend the interview. The determination as to the need for interviews, the location, order and schedule of the interviews is at the sole discretion of the County. The evaluation interview panel may include representatives from the County and

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If the evaluation process includes a two-stage approach to develop a short list of proposers that will continue to the final stage of oral interview and reference checks; the preliminary scoring will be based on the total points, excluding points allocated to references and oral interview. If a short list process is used for a solicitation, references shall only be performed on the short-listed proposers and the score is not included in the preliminary short list score. Only the proposers meeting the short list criteria will proceed to the next stage. All other proposers will be deemed eliminated from the process.

The County will select the proposal that presents the best value and is most advantageous to the County and the public. Accordingly, the County may not necessarily award the proposer with the lowest price proposal if doing so would not be in the overall best interest of the County. The County reserves the right to expand or reduce the proposed scope of work during the contract negotiations based on budget constraints and to award to a single or multiple proposers.

The evaluation criteria and their respective weights are as follows:

No. Evaluation Criteria Scoring Method Weight (Points)

1. General Qualifications and Experience

Proposals will be evaluated against the

RFP specifications and the questions below:

A. Do the individuals assigned to the project have experience on similar projects?

B. How extensive is the applicable education and experience of the personnel designated to work on the project?

Points Based 35 (35% of Total)

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2. Scope of Work/Program Description

Proposals will be evaluated against the

RFP specifications and the questions below:

A. Has proposer demonstrated a thorough understanding of the purpose and scope of the project?

B. How well has the proposer identified pertinent issues and potential problems related to the project?

C. Has the proposer demonstrated that it understands the deliverables the County expects it to provide?

D. Does the methodology depict a logical approach to fulfilling the requirements of the RFP?

E. Does the methodology match and contribute to achieving the objectives set out in the RFP

Has the proposer demonstrated that it understands the County’s time schedule and can meet it?

Points Based 35 (35% of Total)

3. Budget/Cost

While not reflected in the Cost evaluation points, an evaluation may also be made of:

A. Reasonableness (i.e., does the proposed pricing accurately reflect the proposer's effort to meet requirements and objectives).

B. Realism (i.e., is the proposed cost appropriate to the nature of the products and services to be provided); and

C. Affordability (i.e., the ability of the

County to finance the services).

The County will select the proposal that presents the best value and is most advantageous to the County and the public. Accordingly, the County may not necessarily award the proposer with the lowest price proposal if doing so would not be in the overall best interest of the

County.

Points Based 30 (30% of Total)

6. Award Notice and Acceptance Period

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After the evaluation of proposals and final consideration of all pertinent information available, the County will either reject all proposals or issue a written notice of intent to award the Contract to the highest rated responsive Proposer. The notice shall identify the highest rated proposal. The notice shall not create rights, interests, or claims of entitlement for the highest rated Proposer and all proposals may still be rejected.

The highest rated Proposer should be prepared to enter into a Contract with the County which shall be substantially the same as the Standard Contract included as an attachment to this RFP. The Contract provided with this RFP is to be considered a sample and the County reserves the right to add terms and conditions, deemed to be in the best interest of the County based on the selected proposal, during final contract negotiations.

If a Proposer fails to sign and return the Contract drawn pursuant to this RFP and final Contract negotiations within 14 days of its delivery to the Proposer, the County may cancel the award and award the Contract to the next highest rated Proposer.

7. Protest and Appeal

Any actual Proposer who wishes to protest the notice of intent to award a Contract may submit a protest. The protest must be submitted in writing to the Director of the General Services Department within 7 calendar days after such Proposer knows or should have known of the facts giving rise to the protest, but in no event later than 7 calendar days after the date of the notice of intent to award the Contract. All letters of protest shall clearly identity the reasons and basis for the protest. The protest must also state the law, rule, regulation, or policy upon which the protest is based. The Director of the General Services Department will issue a written decision within 10 working days after receipt of the protest which shall include the reason for the action taken and the process for appealing the decision. Proposers shall frequently check the County website and https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/solanocounty for any updates related to this RFP.

8. Terms and Conditions

A. The County’s Purchasing & Contracting Policy Manual is fully incorporated into and made a part of this

RFP by this reference and governs this RFP.

B. RFP Amendment, Cancellation, and Right of Rejection.

1. The County reserves the unilateral right to amend this RFP in writing at any time by posting an

Addendum to the County’s bidding website. Proposers are responsible for staying up to date on the project by reviewing all notifications and Addenda released through the bidding website. Proposers shall respond to the final written RFP and any Exhibits, Attachments, and Addenda to the RFP. The

County also reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to reject any and all proposals or to cancel or reissue the RFP.

2. The County reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to waive variances in proposals provided such action is in the best interest of the County. Where the County waives minor variances in proposals, such waiver does not modify the RFP requirements or excuse the applicant from full compliance with the RFP. Notwithstanding any minor variance, the County may hold any proposal to strict compliance with the RFP.

C. Confidentiality. The County will retain a master copy of each response to this RFP, which will become a public record after the award of a Contract unless the qualifications or specific parts of the qualifications can be shown to be exempt by law under Government Code section 7920.000 et seq. Proposers may clearly label part of a submittal as "CONFIDENTIAL" if the Proposer agrees to indemnify and defend the County for honoring such a designation. The failure to have so labeled any information shall https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/solanocounty https://content.solanocounty.gov/sites/default/files/2025-09/Purchasing%20and%20Contracting%20Policy.pdf

SUBMISSION DATE: Monday, December 29, 2025 5:00 pm Page 15 of 23 constitute a complete waiver of all claims for damages caused by any release of the information. If a public records request for labeled information is received by the County, the County will notify the

Proposer of the request and delay access to the material until 7 working days after notification to the

Proposer. Within that time delay, it will be the Proposer’s duty to act in protection of its labeled information. Failure to so act shall constitute a complete waiver.

9. Sample Budget Narrative

(Note: The Budget narrative is the justification of “how” and/or “why” a line item helps to meet the program deliverables. The categories will change based on the proposed budget)

A. Personnel

1. Salary – Total: $55,396.00

Program Director currently oversees the program and will spend 100% of their time hiring, supervising and training staff. This individual’s annual salary is $26,596.00 and will be covered for the 12 months of the contract.

Program Coordinator will spend 100% of their time providing direct service to the participants

(describe services). This individual’s annual salary is and will be covered for the 12 months of the contract totaling $22,000.00.

Program Assistant is a part-time assistant which will provide (describe services). This individual’s annual salary is $10.00 per hour for 20 hours a week for 34 weeks of the contract year totaling

$6,800.00.

2. Fringes Benefits – Total: $18,629.00

FICA will be paid for all salaries: $55,396.00 x .0765 = $4237.79

Unemployment cost is $31,722.00 x 3 x .03 = $2,855.00

Retirement for full-time employees: $48,596.00 x .06 = $2,916.00

Health Insurance cost for full-time employees is the following:

Director: $357 x 12 months = $4,284.00

Coordinator: $365 x 12 months = $4,380.00

B. Operating Expenses

1. Travel – Total: $1,689.00

The staff is expected to travel around the county/State to visit sites, attend meetings and trainings/conferences, meet with county partners, visit families etc. The agency reimbursable rate is

0.445 and not the Federal rate of 0.585.

Program Director 300 miles x 0.445 = $134; Daily Subsistence $91.75 x 5 days = $458.75; Total

$593.00

Program Coordinator 200 miles x 0.445 = $89; Daily Subsistence $91.75 x 5 days = $458.75; Total

$548.00

SUBMISSION DATE: Monday, December 29, 2025 5:00 pm Page 16 of 23

Program Assistant 200 miles x 0.445 = $89; Daily subsistence $91.75 x 5 days = $458.75; Total

$548.00

2. Equipment Purchases – Total: $1,200.00

One computer package including printer, scanner, and Word Programs will be purchased. The computer will be based in the administrative office and will be used to develop and maintain client databases in addition to performing administrative work connected to this program.

3. Transportation - Total $5,280.00

Due to the lack of transportation services in the county, transportation is provided for families and children to participate in activities.

Gas: $100.00 a month x 12 months = $1200.00

Insurance: Automobile Liability per year for $1380.00

Repair and Maintenance: Routine Maintenance for Van (oil change, tires, etc.) as needed $300.00

Van Rental for use of County Transportation Vans ($200.00 a month x 12 months) = $2,400.00

4. Medical Supplies and Expense – Total $100.00

4 First-aid kits will be purchased in case of a medical emergency. 4 x $25.00 = $100.00

5. Facility Expenses – Total $7,133.00

Monthly rent and utilities cost is necessary for the site location to provide the services and activities.

The cost is pro-rated at 50% for Rent and Utilities because the Department of Education contract covers the other 50% of the cost.

Rent: $600.00 a month (pro-rated 50% of usage) $300.00 x 12 months = $3600.00

Utilities: $300.00 a month (pro-rated 50% of usage) $150.00 x 12 months = $1800.00

Repair/Maintenance: $50 a month x 12 months = $600.00

Janitorial Supplies: $30 a month x 12 months = $360.00

Liability/Property Insurance: $1546.00 per year (pro-rated 50%) = $773.00

6. Other – Total $11,151.00

Meeting Supplies: to provide supplies for administrative meetings, workshops, etc. $75.00 x 12 months = $900.00.

Employee Training: to provide supplies for professional development and orientation for staff.

$41.67 x 12 months = $500.00.

Dues and Subscriptions: to maintain memberships to organizations $10.00 x 12 months =

$1200.00.

Flex Funds: to provide financial support to participants, pay bills, and provide clothing, etc. $91.66 per month x 12 months = $1100.00.

Office Supplies: including binders, file folders, printer paper, toner, staples, etc. $100.00 per month x 12 months = $1200.00

Phone and Internet Service: This service is needed to stay connected to funding sources, parents, community collaborators and staff $125.00 per month x 12 months = $1500.00

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Postage: Includes mailing, postage of flyers, program announcements, fiscal reports, etc. $100.00 x 12 months = $1200.00.

Printing: to include flyers, registration forms, handouts, workshop information, binding etc. $41.67 x

12 months = $500.00.

Advertising: to include hiring notices, meetings, special events $50.00 x 12 months = $600.00.

Sub-Contracting for Lawn and Parking Lot: to maintain the appearance and safety of the outside area of the organization $83.33 x 12 = $1,000.00.

Curricula Cost: (Name Curricula and population it will serve): $1200.00.

Snacks: provided for meetings, participants, etc. $70.92 x 12 months = $851.00.

7. Indirect Costs – Total $0

Please provide a percentage based on the agency’s cost allocation plan unless the agency is using the Direct Allocation Method.

Total: $100,000

10. Electronic Proposal Submittal

10.1. Proposal Requirements: *

The technical proposal (excluding the cover letter, resumes, sample forms, financials, writing samples, and

County forms) shall not exceed a total of 25 single-sided, 8.5” x 11”, numbered pages.

☐ Please confirm

*Response required

10.2. Federal Tax ID Number:*

Enter your Federal Tax ID Number

*Response required

10.3. Cover Letter:*

The proposal must be submitted with a cover letter describing the proposer’s interest and commitment to the proposed project. The letter must state that the proposal is valid for a period of 90 days and include the name, title, address and telephone number of the individual to whom correspondence and other contacts should be directed during the selection process. The person authorized by the proposer to negotiate a contract with the

County must sign the cover letter.

Address the cover letter as follows:

Solano County General Services Department Purchasing Services 675 Texas Street Suite 2500 Fairfield, CA 94533 Attention: Umiika Wright, RFP Coordinator

*Response required

10.4. Approach and Management Plan:*

This section shall provide the proposer’s proposed approach and management plan for providing the services. Include an organizational chart showing the proposed relationships among contractor staff, County staff and any other parties that may have a significant role in the delivery of this program.

SUBMISSION DATE: Monday, December 29, 2025 5:00 pm Page 18 of 23

If applicable, Proposers also are to describe the organization's intended approach to collaboration and coordination with other organizations providing similar services in the County. This should include, but not necessarily be limited to, steps that would be taken to explore the potential for sharing resources and avoiding duplication of services.

*Response required

10.5. Team Member Qualifications and Experience:*

Proposer shall provide the qualifications and experience of the key team member(s) that will work on the project. Emphasize the specific qualifications and experience from projects similar to this project for the key team members as evidenced by resumes. Key team members are expected to be committed for the duration of the project. Replacement of key team members will not be permitted without prior consultation with and approval of the County.

Please download the below documents, complete, and upload.

Supply three (3) References from Government Agencies and/or Firms of similar size as Solano

County for whom the Key Team Member has provided similar services during the last three (3) years.

• Key_Team_Member_Reference_F...

*Response required

10.6. Agency References:*

Please download the below documents, complete, and upload.

The bidder shall provide the (3) references of government agencies and or firms for whom they have provided similar services during the last three (3) years.

THESE REFERENCES SHOULD BE FROM DIFFERENT ENTITIES AND NOT FROM SOLANO COUNTY.

• Agency_Reference_Form_-_RFP...

*Response required

10.7. Staffing Plan:*

Proposer shall provide a staffing plan (by month) and an estimate of the total hours (detailed by position) required for preparation of the program tasks as outlined. Discuss the workload, both current and anticipated, for all key team members (if applicable), and their capacity to perform the requested services for the project, according to your proposed schedule. Discuss the approach for completing the requested services for this project within budget.

*Response required

10.8. Work Plan and Schedule:*

Proposer shall provide a description of how each task of the project will be conducted, this shall include identification of deliverables for each task and a schedule. The work plan should be in sufficient detail to demonstrate a clear understanding of the project. The schedule should show the expected sequence of tasks and include durations for the performance of each task, milestones, submittal dates and review periods for each submittal. Discuss the approach for completing the requested services for the project on schedule. The project is expected to commence no later than

07/01/2026 and all public meetings, draft and final documents fully completed by 06/30/2029.

*Response required

10.9. Cost Control:*

https://government-project.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/49299/2854777e-f01e-4b37-8215-fa16dc10f60f_Key_Team_Member_Reference_Form_-RFP_OG.pdf https://government-project.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/49299/3ea1588a-f197-41ba-bc05-63a9d7fd3f1b_Agency_Reference_Form_-_RFP_OG.pdf

SUBMISSION DATE: Monday, December 29, 2025 5:00 pm Page 19 of 23

Proposer shall provide information on how project costs will be controlled to ensure all work is completed within the negotiated budget for the project. Include the name and title of the individual responsible for cost control.

*Response required

10.10. ***Optional**** Additional Information:

Please provide any additional or relevant information that you would like to have considered by the

County of Solano.

10.11. Budget:*

Proposer shall include a budget breakdown that accounts for the following: (a) the total dollar amount requested to complete the project, (b) any other resources, including in-kind, that will support the proposed project, (c) the number of anticipated hours and rate of the project manager and key team members per year. The estimated level of hours for other staff can be summarized in general categories.

*Response required

10.12. Detailed Budget:*

The amount budgeted for this contract is estimated at a value not to exceed 1,323,719 for the duration of the contract. Please download and complete the attached worksheet and upload here when complete. The proposed budget shall include the following:

A. A single agency line-item budget (see Sample Budget Narrative) for the entire contract broken down by fiscal year.

B. Budget narrative utilizing a format similar to that shown in the Sample Budget Narrative describing costs and detailing cost allocation methods utilized to prepare the budget.

C. A cost allocation plan that clearly differentiates between direct and indirect costs. Agency to ensure the same costs have been treated as indirect costs have not been claimed or budgeted as direct costs, and that similar types of costs in like circumstances have been accounted for consistently.

D. (If Applicable) A federally approved negotiated indirect cost rate. If Agency does not have such a negotiated indirect cost rate agreement, the Agency may claim an indirect cost rate of up to 10% of modified total direct costs, provided the Agency does not use the Direct Allocation Method for allocating indirect costs.

• Sample_Budget_Form_OG_2025

*Response required

10.13. Detailed Documentation of Financial Resources:*

The Proposer shall provide the following documentation of sufficient financial strength and resources to provide the scope of services as required:

A. The Proposer’s most recent independent audited financial statements for a fiscal year ended within the last 36 months.

B. In lieu of audited financial statements, the County may accept, on a case-by-case basis, o a current written bank reference, in the form of a standard business letter, indicating that the

Proposer’s business relationship with the financial institution is in positive standing; or https://government-project.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/211957/8635b380-031c-453d-b3bf-811056118ec6_Sample_Budget_Form_OG_2025.docx

SUBMISSION DATE: Monday, December 29, 2025 5:00 pm Page 20 of 23 o Documentation disclosing the amount of cash flows from operating activities for the Proposer’s most current operating period.