rfp_13398_cips.pdf

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) 13398

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES

COMMUNITY INPUT AND PLANNING SERVICES

September 15, 2026

A. KEY INFORMATION

1. The County of San Diego is seeking proposals from firms interested in providing Community Input and Planning

Services (“Offerors”).

1.1. The County anticipates awarding up to six (6) contracts, one (1) per Lot, to the highest-ranking Offerors. The County will make awards until the total available budget for all Lots has been fully allocated. If proposing multiple Lots, the Offeror should indicate the Lot number on the PC-600 form within the Solicitation Number field and submit a separate proposal for each Lot. Additionally, the Offeror should indicate the Lot number in the name of each Exhibit uploaded to BuyNet. The Lots are as follows:

Lot 1: Black/African American Communities

Lot 2: Hispanic/Latino Communities

Lot 3: LGBTQ+ Communities

Lot 4: Tribal Communities

Lot 5: Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, Immigrant, and Refugee Communities

Lot 6: Justice-Impacted, Reentry, Housing-Insecure, and Veteran Communities

2. The contract term is anticipated to be an initial (base) period of six (6) months with four (4) one-year options. The anticipated budget is $2,875,000 - $3,195,000 for each of the six (6) contracts for a total of $17,253,000 - $19,170,000 for the contract term.

3. The County has posted this solicitation on its official BuyNet website at https://sdbuynet.sandiegocounty.gov/. In order to see all information related to this RFP, to submit Questions, and to receive notifications of updates, Offerors must select “Participate in RFx” for this solicitation in BuyNet.

4. The Contracting Officer for this solicitation is Josielyn Kaai, Procurement Contracting Officer (josielyn.kaai@sdcounty.ca.gov).

5. Schedule: This timeline is subject to change at any time, at the County’s sole discretion. The County will issue an addendum for changes to the Pre-Proposal Conference date, Questions due date, or Proposal due date.

Event Description Date and Time (San Diego Time) Pre-Proposal Conference September 23, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.

Questions due September 30, 2026 prior to 5:00 p.m.

Proposals due October 30, 2026 prior to 3:00 p.m.

6. Pre-Proposal Conference. The County will hold a pre-proposal conference by Video/Teleconference using the Microsoft Teams platform on the Date and Time listed in the Schedule. To participate, join the virtual conference at https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/73001bc8-4409-44f8-9f65-6a456fa29fb6@4563af13-c029-41b3-b74c- 965e8eec8f96?source=copyLinkLegacyShareLinkDialog. The County will provide an overview of the RFP process

MAGGIE RAMSBERGER

INTERIM DIRECTOR

DEPARTMENT OF PURCHASING AND CONTRACTING

5560 OVERLAND AVENUE, SUITE 270, SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA 92123-1204

Phone (858) 505-6367 Fax (858) 715-6452

BRENDA MILLER

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR

mailto:josielyn.kaai@sdcounty.ca.gov https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/73001bc8-4409-44f8-9f65-6a456fa29fb6@4563af13-c029-41b3-b74c-965e8eec8f96?source=copyLinkLegacyShareLinkDialog https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/73001bc8-4409-44f8-9f65-6a456fa29fb6@4563af13-c029-41b3-b74c-965e8eec8f96?source=copyLinkLegacyShareLinkDialog

COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO – REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) 13398

COMMUNITY INPUT AND PLANNING SERVICES (CIPS)

and may provide a program/technical overview and other information. Attendance at the pre-proposal conference is encouraged but not mandatory.

7. Questions:

7.1. Offerors should submit all Questions, including requests for clarification related to definition or interpretation of this RFP, in writing by the Date and Time specified in the Schedule. Questions should be submitted via BuyNet, by sending a message to the Contracting Officer through the “Discussions” functionality.

7.2. Non-Offerors should direct inquiries regarding this solicitation to the Contracting Officer.

8. Reserved.

9. Table of Contents:

A. Key Information B. RFP Instructions and Rules C. Evaluation Criteria D. Submittal Items E. Required Forms F. Statement of Work G. Payment Schedule H. Draft Agreement

B. RFP INSTRUCTIONS AND RULES

1. INSTRUCTIONS FOR SUBMITTING A PROPOSAL

1.1. It is the Offeror’s responsibility to submit a proposal based on the most current RFP, addenda thereto, responses to Questions, any other information posted on BuyNet, and any diligence material made available by the County. Offerors are advised to regularly check BuyNet for information. The County has no obligation to contact Offerors directly with any such RFP-related information.

1.1.1. In order to see all information related to this RFP, to submit Questions, and to receive notifications of updates, Offerors must select “Participate in RFx” for this solicitation in BuyNet.

1.2. Forms required to be submitted with Offerors response to this RFP are included in this RFP or posted on the County’s web site at https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/sdc/purchasing/purchasing-forms.html.

1.2.1. Posted forms may be updated from time to time. Unless otherwise specified, offerors may submit the version of a form in place as of the date of the posting of this RFP or any later version.

1.3. Offerors are advised to allow for sufficient time to obtain all necessary documents and forms, resolve any technical difficulties obtaining or completing documents or forms, and, if necessary, obtain documents and forms by an alternate method. If you are unable to download documents or forms, you may request a hard copy or technical assistance from Purchasing and Contracting’s front desk or contact clerical support at (858) 505-6367.

1.4. Offeror must submit a complete original proposal in accordance with the format provided in this solicitation to the County of San Diego, Department of Purchasing and Contracting, through electronic upload to BuyNet before the Date and Time listed in Schedule.

1.4.1. If Offeror is unable to submit via BuyNet for any reason, Offeror may submit by providing the Purchasing and Contracting front desk with either (i) electronic files on CD/DVD or, (ii) a printed proposal. Offeror must prominently mark such submissions with the RFP number on the outside of the packaging. Please use this method only if unable to submit through BuyNet.

1.4.2. When submitting via BuyNet, Offerors are advised to allow for sufficient time to submit by an alternate method in the event of technical difficulties.

1.4.3. For proposals submitted electronically through BuyNet, the time on the BuyNet server shall be considered the official time for the purpose of determining timely submittal.

1.4.4. For proposals submitted at the Purchasing and Contracting front desk, the time stamp at the front desk shall be considered the official time for the purpose of determining timely submittal.

1.4.5. In the event of multiple submittals of an original proposal by an Offeror, the County will only consider the most recent submittal submitted before the due date and time. The County will not review or consider previous submittals, whether submitted at the front desk or through BuyNet. Offerors are strongly encouraged to submit only one original proposal and to withdraw or replace any previous submittals in the event they update their proposal.

Proposals may be found non-conforming if the County is unable to determine which proposal is the most recent, timely submittal.

1.5. A proposal that is untimely or otherwise not submitted in conformance with 1.4 above will not be considered for award unless: it is received before award is made; the County determines that it is in its best interest to accept the proposal; and https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/sdc/purchasing/purchasing-forms.html https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/sdc/purchasing/purchasing-forms.html

1.5.1. It is determined by the County that the late receipt was due solely to mishandling by the County, or

1.5.2. No timely and conforming proposal was submitted.

1.6. Proposals may not be modified after the due date, except for modifications resulting from the Contracting Officer’s request for a revised proposal, Best and Final Offer (BAFO), or an addendum to the proposal.

1.7. Proposals may be withdrawn by written notice signed by a duly authorized representative of Offeror if received prior to Notice of Intent to Award. After Notice of Intent to Award, all proposals constitute firm offers, subject to negotiation, that will remain open and cannot be revoked, withdrawn, or modified for a period of six (6) months.

1.7.1. All proposals become the property of the County upon submission. An Offeror may request the return of its proposal upon withdrawal, which return the County may grant or deny in its sole discretion.

1.8. By submitting a proposal, Offeror agrees to these RFP Instructions and Rules and all other terms of this RFP.

2. QUESTIONS

2.1. Offerors shall direct requests for explanation regarding the RFP or related documents to the

Contracting Officer in writing as a question (“Question”). Submit Questions by sending a message to the Contracting Officer through the “Discussions” functionality in BuyNet.

2.2. The County may choose not to respond to Questions received after the date and time stated Schedule.

Offeror is responsible for ensuring that Questions are received by the County.

3. PROPOSAL FORMAT

3.1. Submit electronic proposals as files in .pdf format, except where specified otherwise. For pages other than signature pages, converted and searchable formats are preferred.

3.2. Proposals shall be formatted to print on 8-1/2” x 11” page size, with no less than ½” margins and eleven (11) point font and to be suitable for black and white reproduction with no loss of information.

3.3. All proposals shall be signed with a handwritten signature by an authorized officer or employee of the Offeror.

3.3.1. Electronic or digital signatures will not be accepted.

3.3.2. Pages requiring signatures must be scanned from an original handwritten signature. If Offerors are unable to submit a .pdf with scanned signatures, Offerors may optionally submit clear pictures of signature pages containing original handwritten signatures.

4. PROPOSAL ORGANIZATION

4.1. Your proposal must be organized in accordance with the Submittal Items in this RFP.

4.1.1. Content shall be organized to correspond to the applicable exhibit and question or item within each exhibit.

4.1.2. Offerors shall separate each exhibit into one or more files, clearly named as to the exhibit and order.

4.1.3. Pages shall be consecutively numbered within each exhibit at the bottom or top margin of each page.

4.1.4. Cost/Price information:

4.1.4.1. All cost and pricing information must be contained within Cost/Price exhibit and be inclusive of all proposed compensation. No price data is to be included in the Program/Technical or other exhibits.

4.2. Confidential/Proprietary information:

4.2.1. The County is a public agency subject to the California Public Records Act, Government Code § 7920.000, et seq. Some or all of the documents submitted in response to this RFP may be subject to disclosure, and the County intends to publish any resulting contracts to its public website.

4.2.2. It is Offeror's responsibility to identify and separate into a "CONFIDENTIAL/PROPRIETARY” exhibit and to provide a signed Nondisclosure Indemnification Agreement for:

4.2.2.1. all confidential information that should be protected from disclosure, including PI (Personal Information), PII (Personally Identifiable Information), or PHI (Protected Health Information), and

4.2.2.2. any proprietary or other information Offeror determines is exempt from disclosure under the California Public Records Act and wishes to protect from disclosure.

4.2.3. The “CONFIDENTIAL/PROPRIETARY” exhibit must be clearly labeled with all pages marked as “CONFIDENTIAL/PROPRIETARY”

4.2.4. Refence material in the “CONFIDENTIAL/PROPRIETARY” exhibit where it is needed to respond to a Submittal Item (for example “See response 1 contained within the “CONFIDENTIAL/PROPRIETARY” exhibit” for staff Social Security numbers”).

4.2.5. If the County determines that a submission improperly designates information as confidential or proprietary, the County may, at its sole discretion: (i) deem the information releasable; (ii) declare the submission non-conforming/non-responsive; (iii) remove such information, or

(iv) take any other appropriate action. (Note: pricing and terms and conditions are generally not considered confidential under the California Public Records Act).

5. PROPOSAL EVALUATION

5.1. Evaluations shall be based on the criteria contained in the Evaluation Criteria and Submittal Items to determine the proposals(s) that provide the best value to the County.

5.2. The County shall have the discretion, but not the obligation, to construe any submission as non-conforming and ineligible for consideration if it does not conform to the requirements of this Request for Proposals. The County shall also have the discretion to waive any irregularities or deviations from the requirements of this Request for Proposals in any submission.

5.3. Small-Local Business preference: In accordance with Section 405 of the San Diego County Code of Administrative Ordinances, when evaluating competing proposals, the County will give a fifteen percent (15%) price preference to offerors that meet the definition of a Small-Local Business set forth in Board Policy B-53 and that have completed the Small-Local Business Self-Certification Form.

The price preference will be applied to the proposed price portion of the evaluation only. Fifteen percent (15%) or one hundred and fifty-thousand dollars ($150,000), whichever is less (“Price Adjustment”), shall be subtracted from any Small-Local Business’s proposed price being evaluated for award (“Adjusted Price”). A Small-Local Business’s Adjusted Price shall be the basis for evaluating the proposal’s price. Contract award will be made to the proposer(s) providing the best value to the County after consideration of the price preference and will be made at the unadjusted price. For example, a Small-Local Business submitting a proposal for $100,000 would be evaluated as if the proposed price was $85,000. If, based on the Adjusted Price, the Small-Local Business is evaluated to be the best value, the Small-Local Business would be awarded a contract at the unadjusted price of $100,000.

5.4. Small-Local Business Subcontractor Utilization: Offeror’s failure to submit an acceptable Small- Local Business Subcontractor Utilization Plan at time of submittal may result in the County rejecting Offeror’s proposal. Notwithstanding the foregoing, County, at its sole discretion, may elect to allow an Offeror to supplement, correct deficiencies in, or provide additional information or documentation to support its Small-Local Business Subcontractor Utilization Plan.

5.5. During evaluation, County may appropriately consider the sustainability and social, human health, environmental, and economic impact of Offeror’s proposed products and approach to providing goods and services, in accordance with Board Policy B-67. Therefore, Offerors are encouraged to include relevant information in their proposals.

5.6. During evaluation, the County may appropriately evaluate the cultural competency of Offeror and Offeror’s proposed approach to providing goods and services. Therefore, Offerors are encouraged to include relevant information in their proposals.

5.7. When evaluating an Offeror’s cost or pricing, the County may also consider the effect of the proposal on the overall total cost to the County.

5.8. In evaluating an Offeror’s ability to satisfy the requirements of this RFP and any resulting contract, the County may also consider any parent, subsidiary, or related legal entity of Offeror, including, without limitation, a legal entity that Offeror acquired or merged with or will use as a guarantor in providing services to the County.

5.9. [#include for federal funds] When evaluating Offeror’s proposal, County will appropriately consider the proposed purchase, acquisition, or use of goods, products, and materials produced in the United States in accordance with 2 CFR § 200.322. Offeror should include information relevant under section 200.322 in its proposal in order to be considered for such preference during evaluation.

6. EVALUATION AND SELECTION PROCESS

6.1. Proposals received, including any additions, revisions, and clarifications, will be evaluated by a

Source Selection Committee (SSC) appointed by a Source Selection Authority(s) (SSA). The County may evaluate information known to the County, in addition to the information provided in response to the RFP.

6.2. The County reserves the right to request clarification and/or additional information (“Clarification”) from Offerors. The Contracting Officer will determine the appropriate means of requesting and obtaining Clarification, which may include telephonic communication, email, letter, presentation, oral interview, or an addendum or revision to the proposal. The County may invite Offerors to make presentations to, or participate in interviews with, the County at a date, time, and location determined by the County. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the County is not obligated to seek Clarification, therefore Offerors are advised to submit complete and accurate information in their proposals.

6.3. At any point in the evaluation process, the County may determine that a proposal is unacceptable in any area or that a proposal is no longer in the competitive range, and no longer consider it for award.

In such cases, the Contracting Officer will attempt to notify the Offeror.

6.4. At any point in the evaluation process, the County may hold discussions with one or more Offerors in the competitive range. Discussions may include requests for revised proposals, Best and Final Offers (BAFOs), or addenda to the proposal that may contain additional selection factors.

6.5. The SSC may recommend to the SSA that award be made to one or more Offerors. After receipt and approval of the SSA’s decision, the County will post a Notice of Intent to Award (NOI).

6.6. Upon posting of the NOI, the County will enter into contract finalization negotiations with the selected Offeror(s) and, upon successful completion, award a contract(s).

6.7. The County may rescind or modify the NOI at any time due to unsuccessful negotiations or if the County otherwise determines that it is in its best interest to do so.

6.8. [#include for federal funds, otherwise reserve] The County intends to expend federal funds for contract(s) resulting from this solicitation. 2 CFR § 200.324 requires that pricing and profit margin be negotiated prior to award if only one conforming proposal is received. Failure to provide sufficient cost and pricing information for such negotiations may be cause for the County to terminate negotiations.

6.9. The actual timing and sequence of events resulting from this RFP shall ultimately be determined by the County, in its sole discretion. The County may, at any time cancel this RFP, reject all proposals, restart evaluations, modify or replace the membership of the SSC, or correct any deficiencies in the procurement process or evaluation.

7. DEBRIEF AND REVIEW OF CONTRACT FILES

7.1. After an Offeror has been notified by the Contracting Officer that that Offeror’s proposal is no longer being considered for award, the Offeror may request a debriefing from the Contracting Officer. For debriefings held prior to contract execution, the Offeror will be limited to a review of the information pertaining to the County’s evaluation of their own proposal, in accordance with Section 9.4 of these RFP Instructions and Rules. After contract execution, debriefings may include review of other proposals, the Source Selection Committee Report, and other releasable documents.

8. PROTEST PROCEDURE

8.1. Board Policy A-97 sets forth the procedures for the filing and resolution of protests related to this

RFP. Board Policy A-97 is available from the Clerk of the Board, 1600 Pacific Highway, San Diego, CA 92101, or on the County’s website at https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/sdc/cob/ocd.html

8.2. All protests must be filed in accordance with Board Policy A-97, which requires, among other things, that a protest must be filed timely, be submitted in writing to the Contracting Officer identified in the solicitation package, and be based on a protestable action and established grounds for protest.

8.3. For Drug Medi-Cal Organized Delivery System (DMC-ODS) provider selections, an Offeror that has exhausted the County’s protest procedure may be entitled to an additional review by the State of California – Health and Human Services Agency – Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), in accordance with MHSUDS Information Notice No. 19-018, which is located at:

https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/formsandpubs/Documents/MHSUDS%20Information%20Notices/MHSU DS_Information_Notices_2019/MHSUDS_IN_19-018_DMC- ODS_Provider_Selection_Review_Process.pdf .

9. COUNTY COMMITMENT

9.1. This RFP does not commit the County to award a contract, nor does it commit the County to pay any of Offeror’s costs incurred in the preparation or submission of the proposal. Further, no reimbursable cost may be incurred in anticipation of a contract award.

9.2. Neither Offeror nor any of its representatives shall have any claims whatsoever against the County or any of its respective officials, agents, or employees arising out of or relating to this RFP or these procedures (other than those arising under a definitive contract with Offeror in accordance with the terms thereof).

9.3. The County reserves the right to separately procure the same or similar goods or services.

9.4. The County may withhold all information regarding this procurement until after negotiations are complete, including, but not limited to: the number of proposals received; the identity of Offeror(s);

the content of proposals; the County’s evaluation and results thereof; and, the identity of the members of the SSC. Information releasable after the conclusion of negotiations is subject to the disclosure requirements and withholding exemptions of the California Public Records Act.

https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/sdc/cob/ocd.html https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/formsandpubs/Documents/MHSUDS%20Information%20Notices/MHSUDS_Information_Notices_2019/MHSUDS_IN_19-018_DMC-ODS_Provider_Selection_Review_Process.pdf https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/formsandpubs/Documents/MHSUDS%20Information%20Notices/MHSUDS_Information_Notices_2019/MHSUDS_IN_19-018_DMC-ODS_Provider_Selection_Review_Process.pdf https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/formsandpubs/Documents/MHSUDS%20Information%20Notices/MHSUDS_Information_Notices_2019/MHSUDS_IN_19-018_DMC-ODS_Provider_Selection_Review_Process.pdf

9.5. Pursuant to County Charter §§ 703.10 and 916, award of a contract resulting from this RFP may be subject to the County’s requirement to determine that the services can be provided more economically and efficiently by an independent contractor than by persons employed in the Classified Service

9.6. In the event that an Offeror is involved in a merger, acquisition, or other change in control, the County reserves the right to award a contract to a resulting entity.

10. DILIGENCE AND DUTY TO INQUIRE

10.1. Should an Offeror find discrepancies in or omissions from, or be in doubt as to the meaning of, the

RFP or related documents, Offeror shall have a duty to submit a Question to the County.

10.2. Offerors are expected to perform reasonable due diligence with regard to this RFP and the work required, including, but not limited to, information that is publicly or otherwise reasonably available and, if applicable, information that can be obtained during a site visit (including verification of measurements, conditions, and other attributes). Neither the selected Offeror(s), nor any Offerors, shall be entitled to any price adjustment or other relief based upon information that was discovered or should have been discovered through due diligence.

10.3. The County makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of any diligence material or other information provided by the County or any of its agents, representatives, contractors or consultants. Such information may reflect good faith assumptions, estimates, or projections, which may or may not prove to be correct.

10.4. Offeror should not rely upon oral statements made or explanations given by the County, including any oral responses to Questions or other inquiries. No prior, current, or post award communication(s) with any officer, agent, or employee of the County shall affect or modify any terms or requirements of this RFP, except as explicitly provided for in this RFP.

11. OFFEROR COMMUNICATIONS

11.1. All communications from the Offeror (including its employees, agents, and representatives) to the

County or its officers and employees (including consultants working on or assisting with this procurement), related to this RFP or the Offeror’s proposal, must be directed in writing exclusively to the Contracting Officer, unless otherwise authorized in writing by the Contracting Officer.

Offerors shall not communicate with or attempt to contact any other County personnel about this solicitation, except as otherwise allowed for in this RFP or by law. Any improper contact may, at the County’s sole discretion, cause the Offeror to be removed from consideration for contract award.

11.2. If Offeror issues any public announcement, or otherwise engages in communication that, in the County’s sole determination, compromises the integrity of this RFP process or attempts to restrain competition, Offeror may be removed from consideration for award.

11.3. Audio and/or video recording of pre-proposal conferences, presentations, discussions, negotiations, debriefings, or other communications with the County regarding this RFP are prohibited, unless specifically authorized in writing by the Contracting Officer.

12. SOLICITING EMPLOYEES

12.1. Until contract award, Offerors shall not, directly or indirectly, solicit any employee of the County to leave the County’s employ in order to accept employment with the Offeror, its affiliates, actual or prospective contractors, or any person acting in concert with the Offeror without prior written approval of the County’s Contracting Officer. This paragraph does not prevent the employment by an Offeror of a County employee who has initiated contact with the Offeror.

13. PROHIBITED CONTRACTS AND SUBCONTRACTS

13.1. In accordance with Section 67 of the San Diego County Administrative Code, the County shall not contract with, and shall reject any bid or proposal submitted by the person or entities specified below, unless the Board of Supervisors finds that special circumstances exist which justify the approval of such contract:

13.1.1. Persons employed by the County or of public agencies for which the Board of Supervisors is the governing body;

13.1.2. Profit making firms or businesses in which employees described in subsection 13.1.1 serve as officers, principals, partners or major shareholders;

13.1.3. Persons who, within the immediately preceding twelve (12) months, came within the provisions of subsection 13.1.1, and who (1) were employed in positions of substantial responsibility in the area of service to be performed by the contract, or (2) participated in any way in developing the contract or its service specifications; and

13.1.4. Profit making firms or businesses in which the former employees described in subsection

13.1.3 serve as officers, principals, partners or major shareholders.

13.2. Per Board Policy A-79, a successful Offeror that is a non-profit corporation shall not subcontract any work under the agreement with a related for-profit subcontractor where an interlocking directorate, management, or ownership relationship exists, unless specifically authorized by the Board of Supervisors.

13.3. Offeror certifies that if awarded a contract under this RFP, such contract will be in compliance with Sections 13.1 and 13.2 above. Offeror shall promptly notify the County of any change in circumstance affecting these provisions.

14. CALIFORNIA REVENUE & TAXATION CODE § 18662

14.1. In compliance with California Revenue and Taxation Code § 18662, if Offeror is a non-resident of

California (out-of-state invoices) that receives California source income and has not completed Franchise Tax Board Form 590, there may be a backup withholding on all payments. Fifteen (15) business days prior to the first payment from the County, new suppliers, or suppliers with expired forms or forms with incorrect information, must submit new forms to the County (forms are available from the Franchise Tax Board website listed below).

14.2. Under certain circumstances, Offerors may be eligible for reduced or waived nonresident withholding. If Offeror has already received a waiver or a reduced withholding response from the State of California and the response remains valid, Offeror should submit the response to the County in lieu of the forms. Failure to submit the required forms will result in withholding of payments.

Offerors should access the Franchise Tax Board websites, listed below, for tax forms and relevant information regarding non-resident withholding, including waivers or reductions. The County will not give Offerors any tax advice. It is recommended that Offerors speak with their tax advisers and/or the State of California for guidance.

Franchise Tax Board Websites:

https://www.ftb.ca.gov https://www.ftb.ca.gov/forms/search/

14.3. If selected for award, the Offeror must submit applicable forms to the Auditor & Controller via fax, at (858) 694-2060, or mail originals to: County of San Diego, 5530 Overland Avenue, Suite 410, San Diego, CA 92123. The P.O. Number or Contract Number (if available) and “California Revenue and Taxation Code § 18662” must appear on fax cover sheet and/or the outside of the mailing envelope.

15. W-9 FORM

15.1. If selected for award, the Offeror must complete and submit a W-9 form if a current form is not on file with the County.

(Remainder of this page left blank) https://www.ftb.ca.gov/ https://www.ftb.ca.gov/forms/search/

C. EVALUATION CRITERIA

Proposal Evaluation Criteria

The evaluation criteria listed below are in descending order of importance by paragraph, not subparagraph, and will be considered in the evaluation of the Offeror’s written and oral proposals accordingly. Proposals should give clear, concise information in sufficient detail to allow an evaluation based on these criteria.

The evaluation criteria listed below are in descending order of importance and will be considered in the evaluation of the Offeror’s written and oral proposals accordingly. Proposals should give clear, concise information in sufficient detail to allow an evaluation based on these criteria.

Criteria Key Factors include extent to which:

Organizational Capability, Experience and Qualifications

• Offeror demonstrates successful, relevant experience conducting community-based engagement, facilitation, outreach, and stakeholder planning activities serving diverse stakeholder populations within the County of San Diego.

• Offeror demonstrates experience working with individuals with behavioral health lived experience, peers, caregivers, culturally diverse communities, and historically underserved groups relevant to BHSA stakeholder categories through collaboration with culturally specific community-based organizations (CBOs), justice-involved networks, and small or local businesses to advance equity and inclusion in the communities served.

• Offeror’s proposed staffing structure supports the proposed program’s goals including training, management oversight, and cultural competency.

• If proposed, Offeror’s proposed subcontractors/consultants, including small business participation, offer meaningful impact or added value.

Program Approach • Offeror’s proposed approach demonstrates the ability to gather, analyze, document, and report stakeholder input and achieve the program’s goals and outcomes effectively and efficiently through a comprehensive, culturally responsive, trauma-informed program model that fulfills Community Planning Committees (CPCs) requirements

• Offeror’s proposed approach demonstrates a clear, evidence‑based methodology for stakeholder engagement, including recruitment strategies using trusted messengers, language access supports, accessibility accommodations, and recurring participation retention mechanisms.

• Offeror’s proposed approach considers County threshold languages, coordination with cross-system stakeholders and facilitation methodologies tailored to specific cultures or communities

• Offeror’s proposed implementation timeline is clear, operationally efficient and meets all required milestones

• Offeror demonstrates sustainable practices into all services provided, minimizing environmental impact and adhering to applicable sustainability and regulations.

Cost • Price reasonableness to support the program

• Offeror’s proposal provides stable, comprehensive and predictable pricing that limits pricing risk or variance to the County

Organizational Stability and Risk

• Offeror’s fiscal stability, contract compliance, litigation, record of quality performance and any risk to the County.

Acceptance of County’s Terms & Conditions and Insurance

• The acceptance or non-acceptance of the terms and conditions, including insurance, and the extent to which any exceptions increase risk to the County.

D. SUBMITTAL ITEMS

Proposals should give clear, concise information in sufficient detail and in the order presented below to allow for a comprehensive evaluation. The County shall have the discretion, but not the obligation, to construe any submission as non-conforming and ineligible for consideration if it does not conform to the Submittal Requirements described by these Submittal Items. The County shall also have the discretion to waive any irregularities or variances from these Submittal Items in any submission and/or seek Clarification.

Although the Submittal Requirements below may be organized by Evaluation Criteria, the headings are only for purposes of organization and clarity. The County may evaluate the information provided under any section of the Submittal Requirements for each Evaluation Criterion (e.g., when evaluating the offeror’s Technical Approach, the County is not limited to reviewing the information submitted in response to the Technical Approach section and may, for example, also rely on information submitted in response to the Offeror's Experience, Qualifications, Capacity, Competency, etc.).

Offeror’s response to these Submittal Items shall be no more than thirty (30) pages, excluding supporting materials submitted as attachments, work samples, disclosures, financials, resumes, and job descriptions. When including attachments, reference the specific supporting information in the applicable portion(s) of your narrative response.

1) EXHIBIT 1 - REQUIRED FORMS

1.1. Submit a completed and signed Offeror’s Cover Page (PC600) form

• Required for all Offerors

• located at:

https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/dam/sdc/purchasing/docs/PC600_dpc_Offerors_Cover_Page.pdf

1.2. Submit a completed and signed Representations and Certifications form (PC601)

• Required for all Offerors

• located at:

https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/dam/sdc/purchasing/docs/PC601_dpc_Reps_and_Certs.pdf

1.3. Submit a completed and signed Small-Local Business Self-Certification Form (PC610)

• Required if claiming Small-Local Business Preference; All other Offerors are encouraged to complete this form to support County data collection.

• located at:

https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/dam/sdc/purchasing/docs/PC610_dpc_Small_Local_Self_Cert.pdf

1.4. Submit a completed Small-Local Business Subcontractor Utilization Plan (PC611)

• In accordance with Board Policy B-53, Offeror must submit a Small-Local Business Utilization Plan demonstrating that Offeror: (i) will either meet or exceed a 3% Small-Local Business Subcontractor Participation Requirement based on the total pricing/payment schedule of Offeror's submittal or show a good faith effort to do so, or (ii) is exempt from the Small-Local Business Subcontractor Participation Requirements.

• located at:

https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/dam/sdc/purchasing/docs/PC611_dpc_SLB_Sub_Utilization.pdf

1.5. Submit a completed and signed Nondisclosure Indemnification Agreement (PC620) (if applicable).

• Required if submitting Confidential/Proprietary Information (see RFP Instructions and Rules section 4.2) https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/dam/sdc/purchasing/docs/PC600_dpc_Offerors_Cover_Page.pdf https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/dam/sdc/purchasing/docs/PC601_dpc_Reps_and_Certs.pdf https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/dam/sdc/purchasing/docs/PC610_dpc_Small_Local_Self_Cert.pdf https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/dam/sdc/purchasing/docs/PC611_dpc_SLB_Sub_Utilization.pdf

• located at:

https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/dam/sdc/purchasing/docs/PC620_dpc_Nondisclosure_Indemnity.p df

2) EXHIBIT 2 - PROGRAM/TECHNICAL EXHIBIT

Section 2A: Organizational Capability, Experience and Qualifications

2.1. Provide a detailed description of Offeror’s experience conducting community-based stakeholder engagement, behavioral health engagement, culturally specific outreach, facilitation, and community planning processes. Offeror may list up to five (5) contracts that are most recent and relevant to the services in this solicitation, beginning with the most recent, and ending with the oldest of those selected. Description should include:

2.1.1 Documented history of work with culturally specific Community Based

Organizations (CBOs) (e.g., LGBTQ+ centers, Tribal groups, immigrant-serving organizations, justice-involved).

2.2. Offeror’s key personnel and staffing plan shall include:

2.2.1 Job descriptions for key personnel responsible for CPC facilitation, reporting, outreach, engagement, coordination, and administrative oversight, if already hired.

2.2.2 Staffing chart showing roles, responsibilities, culturally specific expertise, lived-experience representation, linguistic capabilities, and subcontractors, if proposed.

2.2.3 A description of how staffing reflects communities served.

2.3. Provide an annual training plan for all program staff (employees, volunteers, and/or subcontractor(s), consultants, other professional staff, etc.). Training plan should include all required trainings from Exhibit A.

2.4. Submit sample community engagement materials relevant to the populations being served:

2.4.1 Outreach flyers;

2.4.2 Recruitment materials;

2.4.3 Sample facilitation tools;

2.4.4 Example community reports or summaries previously produced;

2.4.5 Sample stakeholder feedback tools (surveys, summaries, etc.).

2.5. References: Provide a minimum of three (3) and no more than five (5) business references for the Offeror's most relevant projects and/or programs within the past five (5) years. References must be relevant to this population and program services to be provided. County staff will verify each reference. Each reference should be summarized in no more than one (1) page and should include the following:

2.5.1 Reference organization's name and purpose.

2.5.2 Reference organization’s address, phone number, email address.

2.5.3 Contact person(s) representing the reference organization, title, phone number, and e-mail address. The referenced contact persons must be familiar with the Offeror and the Offeror's relevant experience and performance.

2.5.4 A summary that includes: the services provided; contract term and budget; if the services were completed within the original contract term and budget (explain reasons for any budget increases and delays); problems encountered and resolutions; program objectives and results.

2.5.5 If previous work was not similar, list three (3) business references who can attest to Offeror’s competency.

2.5.6 If your organization lists a County Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) or HHSA staff as a reference, the Source Selection Committee (SSC) will rely upon compliance and performance information provided by Agency Contract Support https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/dam/sdc/purchasing/docs/PC620_dpc_Nondisclosure_Indemnity.pdf https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/dam/sdc/purchasing/docs/PC620_dpc_Nondisclosure_Indemnity.pdf

(ACS) in lieu of the COR or HHSA staff member. If a County staff member from outside of the Agency is provided as a reference, this will be elevated to ACS and Department of Purchasing and Contracting (DPC) prior to contact.

2.6. If Offeror will utilize the work of any consultant(s)/subcontractor(s) to meet specific requirements of Exhibit A under a Memorandum of Agreement (including volunteer services), provide a list of those consultant(s)/subcontractor(s) with the following information:

2.6.1 Fully identify the consultant(s)/subcontractor(s), if known at the time of proposal submission, and describe, in accordance with the appropriate experience requirements specified above, the name and address and experience of each consultant/subcontractor.

2.6.2 Describe the specific program requirements to be met by the subcontractor(s), minimum requirements, anticipated hours, and cost per fiscal year. Include SOW references, as applicable.

2.6.3 Specify the type of contract or agreement and whether or not the consultant/subcontractor has committed to the contract or agreement.

2.6.4 If the consultant(s)/subcontractor(s) are unknown at the time of proposal submission, explain how they will be solicited and selected and provide a draft schedule for soliciting, selecting and subcontracting.

2.6.5 If Offeror does not propose to use consultant(s)/subcontractors(s), state as such in the response.

Section 2B: Program Approach

2.7 Provide a statement that Offeror has read, understands, and accepts the Exhibit A – Statement of Work (SOW).

2.7.1 If Offeror has exceptions to any SOW requirements, provide a marked up redline version of the SOW that provides applicable alternative proposed standards/language along with supporting explanation to support any alternative standards/language being proposed. By accepting, Offeror may not introduce negotiations to Exhibit A requirements upon award.

2.8 Describe how Offeror will establish, organize, and facilitate Community Planning Committees (CPCs) and other recurring engagement activities for assigned stakeholder groups to effectively and efficiently meet the County’s requirements and achieve the goals and outcomes of the program. The description shall include:

2.8.1 How the Offeror will recruit participants using community-rooted outreach strategies, trusted messengers, culturally specific partners, and networks serving BHSA priority populations.

2.8.2 How recurring participation will be sustained, including methods to reduce barriers, provide participant supports, and maintain meaningful engagement over time.

2.8.3 How CPCs will be structured to ensure diversity across demographic, cultural, linguistic, LGBTQ+, Tribal, immigrant/refugee, youth, justice-involved, and other BHSA-identified groups.

2.8.4 How Offeror will facilitate CPC meetings, including facilitation methodology, trauma-informed and culturally responsive techniques, and approaches that center lived experience.

2.8.5 How Offeror will promote awareness of planning activities, behavioral health information, and engagement opportunities among stakeholder populations.

2.8.6 How Offeror will coordinate with County departments, County meetings, Tribal partners, cultural organizations, regional collaboratives, and community-based groups.

2.8.7 How Offeror will demonstrate active relationships with community-based organizations (CBOs) through submission of:

2.8.7.1 A chart or narrative describing current and/or past collaborative partnerships within the past five years, including: (1) partner organization(s); (2) description of the collaboration; (3) dates of the partnership (months/years);

(4) the CBO’s role and services provided; (5) focus population/community served; and (6) other relevant qualifications or experience demonstrating the CBO’s capacity and aptitude to successfully support the deliverables outlined in the SOW.

2.8.8 Copies of active Memorandum of Understanding (MOUs) or Letters of Intent (LOIs)demonstrating partnership at the time of application.

2.9 Describe Offeror’s approach and methods for achieving culturally responsive, diverse, and community-based behavioral health services. Provide sufficient detail that demonstrates how the approach and methods will effectively and efficiently support the requirements, goals, and outcomes of the program.

2.9.1 Offeror shall provide a completed Attachment A, HHSA Cultural & Linguistic

Diversity Plan Template, attached as a separate file on BuyNet.

2.10 Provide a detailed outreach plan describing:

2.10.1 Use of CBO partnerships, trusted community networks, and culturally specific organizations to reach BHSA key populations.

2.10.2 Strategies for language access, accessibility accommodations, digital and in-person engagement, and recurring communication.

2.10.3 Describe how Offeror will gather, document, analyze, and report community feedback, concerns, priorities, and recommendations as required in Exhibit A.

Include:

2.10.4 Methodologies for qualitative and quantitative data collection.

2.10.5 How themes, barriers, and trends will be summarized.

2.10.6 Submission of two (2) sample community reports, summaries, or engagement documentation previously created by Offeror.

2.11 Describe Offeror’s approach and methods for achieving culturally responsive, diverse, and community-based behavioral health engagement. Narrative shall include:

2.11.1 Lived-experience staffing.

2.11.2 Cultural humility practices.

2.11.3 Culturally relevant facilitation frameworks (e.g., LGBTQ+ safe space principles, Tribal engagement protocols, immigrant/refugee trauma-informed practices).

2.11.4 A description of Offeror’s local hiring strategy prioritizing staff reflective of the communities served.

2.12 Describe how Offeror will administer participant supports (gift cards, transportation supports, meals, childcare, accessibility supports), including:

2.12.1 Eligibility determination.

2.12.2 Secure tracking and distribution processes.

2.12.3 Fraud prevention controls.

2.12.4 Equity strategies prioritizing underserved populations.

2.13 Provide a comprehensive Program Implementation Plan identifying all start dates, end dates, milestones, responsible staff, dependent actions, engagement phases, and sequencing required to establish CPCs and achieve full program functionality. Description should include:

2.13.1 How quickly the program will start up, when the first services will be provided, and how the program will be at full capacity and ready to provide all services no later than four (4) months from contract start date. Proposals demonstrating the ability to become fully operational withing this timeframe will be evaluated more favorably.

2.13.2 Staffing ramp-up.

Section 2C: Organizational Stability and Risk

2.14 Financial Information:

2.14.1 Submit, as applicable, the following information for the last three (3) fiscal years.

Annual audit report to include:

2.14.1.1 Audited financial statements with the applicable notes.

2.14.1.2 Independent Auditor’s Report on Compliance and Internal Control over

Financial Reporting based on an Audit of the Financial Statements in Accordance with Government Accounting Standards.

2.14.1.3 Independent Auditor’s Statement of Findings and Questioned costs.

2.14.1.4 Management Letter.

2.14.2 If the Offeror does not have audited financial statements, submit un-audited financial statements for the last three (3) Fiscal Years, to include the Statement of Financial Position (Balance Sheet) and the Statement of Activities (Income Statement).

2.14.3 The Offeror may submit in place of the requested audited or un-audited financial statements for the last three (3) Fiscal Years, as listed above, copies of letters issued by Agency Contract Support verifying receipt of audited or unaudited financial statements for the last three (3) fiscal years.

2.14.4 Provide documentation that the Offeror has sufficient reserves to maintain the program for sixty (60) days. Documentation may include cash and/or credit reserves.

2.15 Litigation Information:

2.15.1 If applicable, provide a description of any litigation and the resolution in the past five

(5) years related to the Offeror’s performance. Provide a brief explanation of the reasons for the actions, their status, how they were resolved, and if there were any penalties, fines, or other actions taken.

2.15.2 Provide a copy of a letter from Offeror’s attorney and/or in-house legal counsel concerning the status of lawsuits and pending litigation for the most recent fiscal year.

2.15.3 List all information concerning the status of any lawsuits and pending litigation of the Offeror and principals thereof, and a description of any litigation active in the past five (5) years related to the Offeror’s past performance under agreements similar to the one proposed in this RFP.

2.15.4 Explain if the Offeror, or any of its officers, are presently the subject of any investigations, accusations, or charges by any federal, State, or local law enforcement agencies; or licensing/certification body as certified in Paragraph 4.2.2. of the Representations and Certifications form in this packet.

2.16 Non-Compliance Information:

2.16.1 Offeror should include any history of Corrective Action, Contract Risk Report or there compliance issues over the past five (5) years, including program name, reason for corrective action, the agency issuing, how they were resolved, and if they were resolved within the required timeline, and length of time on corrective action.

2.16.2 Offeror should provide information on any breach or noncompliance, failure or refusals to complete a contract; information on early termination and details of any and all liquidated damages assessed by any entity.

3) EXHIBIT 3 –…