REQUEST FOR QUOTES (RFQ) 13369

DEPARTMENT OF SAN DIEGO COUNTY FIRE

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FOR STRATEGIC PLANNING REPORT

September 14, 2026

A. KEY INFORMATION

1. The County of San Diego is seeking quotes from firms interested in providing Professional Services for Strategic Planning Report (“Offerors”).

2. The County anticipates a contract term of an initial (base) period of one (1) year.

3. The County has posted this solicitation on its official BuyNet website at https://sdbuynet.sandiegocounty.gov/. To see all information related to this RFQ, 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 Katrina McDonald, Procurement Contracting Officer (Katrina.McDonald@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 Questions due date, or Quote due date.

Event Description Date and Time (San Diego Time) Questions due September 16, 2026 prior to 5:00 p.m.

Quotes due September 28, 2026 prior to 5:00 p.m.

6. Questions:

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

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

7. Table of Contents:

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

B. RFQ INSTRUCTIONS AND RULES

1. INSTRUCTIONS FOR SUBMITTING A QUOTE

1.1. It is Offeror’s responsibility to submit a quote based on the most current RFQ, addenda thereto, County’s responses to Questions, any other information posted on BuyNet, and any diligence material made available by

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 G. MILLER

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR

https://sdbuynet.sandiegocounty.gov/ mailto:Katrina.McDonald@sdcounty.ca.gov

COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO – REQUEST FOR QUOTATIONS (RFQ) 13369

the County. Offerors are advised to regularly check BuyNet for information. The County has no obligation to contact Offerors directly with any such RFQ-related information.

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

1.1.2. If an Offeror is unable to download this document, an Offeror may request a hard copy from

Department of Purchasing and Contracting’s front desk or contact clerical support at (858) 505-6367.

1.2. Forms required to be submitted with Offerors response to this RFQ are included in this RFQ or posted on the

County’s web site at: https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/sdc/purchasing/purchasing-forms.html.

1.2.1. The County may update posted forms 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 RFQ or any later version thereof.

1.3. Offeror must submit a complete original quote 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.

1.3.1. If Offeror is unable to submit via BuyNet for any reason, Offeror may submit its quote via email to the

Contracting Officer listed in this document or provide the Purchasing and Contracting front desk with either (i) electronic files on CD/DVD; or, (ii) a printed quote. Offeror must prominently mark such submissions with the RFQ number on the outside of the packaging. Please use this method only if unable to submit through BuyNet.

2. QUESTIONS

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

Officer, in writing, as a question (“Question”). Offerors may 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 in the Schedule for Question submission. Offeror is responsible for ensuring that Questions are received by the County.

3. QUOTE FORMAT

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

3.2. All quotes shall be signed with a handwritten signature by an authorized officer or employee of Offeror.

4. QUOTE ORGANIZATION

4.1. Your quote should be organized in accordance with the Submittal Items in this RFQ.

4.1.1. Offerors shall organize content 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. Offerors must place all cost and pricing information within the Cost/Price exhibit. Price shall be inclusive of all proposed compensation.

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 RFQ 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 Offeror represents, with legal basis, is exempt from disclosure pursuant to the California Public Records Act, including PI (Personal Information), PII (Personally Identifiable Information), or PHI (Protected Health Information);

https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/sdc/purchasing/purchasing-forms.html

4.2.2.2. Any proprietary or other information Offeror represents, with legal basis, 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. Offeror should reference material in the “CONFIDENTIAL/PROPRIETARY” exhibit where it is needed to respond to a Submittal Item through citation to the “CONFIDENTIAL/PROPRIETARY” exhibit (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 confidential under the California Public Records Act).

5. QUOTE EVALUATION

5.1. Evaluations may consider factors such as technical merit, experience, capacity, history of Offeror compliance, availability, price, and more to determine the quote(s) that provide the best value to the County.

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

5.3. 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 quotes, to the degree related to the goods or services sought.

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

6. COUNTY COMMITMENT

6.1. This RFQ 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 quote. Further, Offeror shall not incur any reimbursable cost in anticipation of a contract award.

6.2. 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 RFQ or these procedures (other than those arising under a definitive contract with Offeror in accordance with the terms thereof).

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

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

the County’s evaluation and results thereof. Information releasable after the conclusion of negotiations is subject to the disclosure requirements and withholding exemptions of the California Public Records Act.

6.5. Pursuant to County Charter §§ 703.10 and 916, award of a contract resulting from this RFQ 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.

6.6. 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.

7. DILIGENCE AND DUTY TO INQUIRE

7.1. Should Offeror find discrepancies in or omissions from, or be in doubt as to the meaning of, the RFQ or related documents, Offeror shall have a duty to submit a Question to the County.

7.2. Offerors are expected to perform reasonable due diligence with regard to this RFQ 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.

7.3. 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.

7.4. 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 RFQ, except as explicitly provided for in this RFQ.

8. OFFEROR COMMUNICATIONS

8.1. All communications from 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 RFQ or Offeror’s quote, 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 RFQ or by law. Any improper contact may, at the County’s sole discretion, cause Offeror to be removed from consideration for contract award.

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

8.3. Audio and/or video recording of presentations, discussions, negotiations, or other communications with the County regarding this RFQ are prohibited, unless specifically authorized in writing by the Contracting Officer.

9. SOLICITING EMPLOYEES

9.1. 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 Offeror, its affiliates, actual or prospective contractors, or any person acting in concert with Offeror without prior written approval of the County’s Contracting Officer.

This paragraph does not prevent the employment by Offeror of a County employee who has initiated contact with Offeror.

10. PROHIBITED CONTRACTS AND SUBCONTRACTS

10.1. In accordance with Section 67 of the San Diego County Administrative Code, the County shall not contract with, and shall reject any quote 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:

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

10.1.2. Profit-making firms or businesses in which employees described in subsection 11.1.1 serve as officers, principals, partners, or major shareholders;

10.1.3. Persons who, within the immediately preceding twelve (12) months, came within the provisions of subsection 11.1.1 and who (i) were employed in positions of substantial responsibility in the area of service to be performed by the contract; or, (ii) participated in any way in developing the contract or its service specifications; and

10.1.4. Profit-making firms or businesses in which the former employees described in subsection 11.1.3 serve as officers, principals, partners, or major shareholders.

10.2. 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.

10.3. Offeror certifies that, if awarded a contract under this RFQ, such contract will be in compliance with Sections

11.1 and 11.2 above. Offeror shall promptly notify the County of any change in circumstance affecting these provisions.

11. CALIFORNIA REVENUE & TAXATION CODE § 18662

11.1. 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).

11.2. 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/

11.3. If selected for award, 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.

12. W-9 FORM

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

County.

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

C. SUBMITTAL ITEMS

Offeror’s response to Submittal Questionnaire shall be no more than ten (10) pages excluding attachments (e.g., resumes or other supporting documents). Attachments are for additional documentation to support the narrative and are not to be used to extend the narrative beyond the page limitation. 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)

• All 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)

• If proposing Subcontractor’s complete this form.

• 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 RFQ Instructions and Rules section 4.2)

• located at:

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

2. EXHIBIT 2 - PROGRAM/TECHNICAL EXHIBIT

2A - EXPERIENCE

2.1 Confirm (YES/NO) The Offeror has read, understands and accepts the Statement of Work (SOW) as referenced in Section F – Statement of Work. Offeror understands that by marking YES, Offeror may not introduce negotiations to Section F upon award.

YES ☐ NO ☐

2.1.1 If Offeror has exceptions to any requirements, provide a marked up redline version of the SOW that provides applicable alternative language along with supporting explanation to support any alternative standards/language being proposed. Failure to specifically reject a proposed requirement(s) will be deemed an acceptance of such requirement. By accepting, Offeror may not introduce negotiations to Exhibit A requirements upon award.

2.2 Confirm (YES/NO) that Offeror is able to provide all requirements listed in Exhibit F – Statement of Work Sections 2 – 4

YES ☐ NO ☐

2.2.1 If YES, include years of experience and describe your organization’s experience with providing same or similar services.

2.2.2 If NO, provide a summary or brief narrative explaining which statement you cannot fulfill and what alternative you would propose to meet the service requirements.

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

2.3 Confirm (YES/NO) whether the Offeror can provide services to the Focus Population listed in Section 3 of the Statement of Work.

2.3.1 If NO, provide a brief narrative explaining which areas you cannot fulfill and why.

2B – COMPANY AND PERSONNEL INFORMATION

2.4 Describe the Offeror’s overall experience providing strategic planning, organizational assessments, system-mapping analysis, stakeholder engagement, operational workflow evaluation and related consulting services for fire agencies, emergency services organizations, or other public safety entities. Indicate the lines of organizational management, authority and responsibility. If any operational components will be provided through a subcontractor, Offeror shall clearly illustrate the lines of accountability.

2.4.1 Identify all proposed team members and their role in meeting the requirements of the SOW. Attach resumes of proposed primary/lead team members. Include experience relevant to implementing the requirement of the SOW. (Do not include personally identifying information such as address or phone number on resumes).

2.4.2 If proposing the use of subcontractors, outline any anticipated use. For each known subcontractor, provide the subcontractor’s information in PC611.

2.5 Describe your methodology for fulfilling the requirements in Section 2 through 4 of the SOW, including document review, workforce assessment, systems-based workflow mapping, survey administration, in-person engagement sessions, data synthesis, and strategic plan development.

2C - REFERENCES

2.6 Provide two (2) verifiable business references for the Offeror’s most relevant similar projects or programs within the past five (5) years. Each reference should include the following:

2.6.1 Company or Agency name

2.6.2 Company mailing address, phone number, and email address

2.6.3 Dates of services provided

2.6.4 Contact Name, Position

2.6.5 Contact person(s) representing the reference organization, title, phone, and email address. The referenced contract person must be familiar with the Offeror and the Offeror’s relevant experience and performance.

2.6.6 County staff may verify the information. The County will make reasonable attempts to contact any reference, and the inability to contact a reference may be treated as unfavorable reference for evaluation purposes. An unfavorable response is a response from a listed reference stating they would not enlist the organization to perform services again in the future, or comments provided that the County deems to be substantially negative or reflective of substandard services.

2.6.7 The County reserves the right to contact County departments or any other agency for which the organization has previously performed under contract. The County also reserves the right to make its own inquiries to other sources for which services have been performed but are not listed. The County may, at its sole discretion, disqualify a vendor if the requested number of references stated is not provided or responses are considered unfavorable. Do not use County of San Diego staff as reference.

3. EXHIBIT 3 - COST/PRICE EXHIBIT

3.1 Submit a completed Payment Schedule.

4. EXHIBIT 4 – ACCEPTANCE OF TERMS AND CONDITIONS

4.1 Confirm acceptance “YES/NO” of the County of San Diego’s Draft Agreement (including insurance requirements):

YES ☐ NO ☐

4.1.1 If “NO,” provide a detailed list of exceptions to the terms and conditions, the nature of its concern, and what terms the Offeror is willing to accept.

Note: The Offeror will be deemed to have accepted any terms and conditions of the Contract to which it does not take exception to. The County may, as part of its evaluation process, conclude that exceptions are so numerous and/or material as to make Offeror’s response to the solicitation unacceptable.

4.2 Provide disclosure of any lawsuits, pending litigation and/or investigation that involve failure or alleged failure to delivery performance on contracts and/or lawsuits/litigation that may directly impact this contract (e.g., non-compliance with legal requirements).

4.2.1 Provide information regarding status, resolution, and if any, penalties, fines or other actions required.

If there are none, state “None” in your response.

5. EXHIBIT 5 – CONFIDENTIAL PROPRIETARY

5.1 Include any Confidential/Proprietary Information in this exhibit, in accordance with RFQ Instructions and Rules section 4.2

D. REQUIRED FORMS

(RESERVED)

E. STATEMENT OF WORK

1. Overview

Contractor shall provide professional services to develop a strategic plan report to assist San Diego County Fire (SDCF) in evaluating organizational priorities, strengthening interagency coordination and communication, and developing an updated strategic framework that supports fire suppression, fire prevention, rescue operations, and Emergency Medical Services (EMS).

2. Goals and Outcomes

2.1. Contractor shall provide the services described herein to accomplish the following goals and objectives:

2.1.1. Improve existing communication systems, suggest new communication systems (if applicable), and update organizational strategic priorities based on the assessment of existing communication processes and planning needs.

2.1.2. Enhance collaboration among SDCF leadership, frontline staff, County personnel, and community partners to identify operational gaps, refine strategic properties, and improve organizational coordination.

2.1.3. Develop a clear, actionable strategic plan that includes updated goals and objectives, stakeholder input, a system-based assessment, and coordinated planning to guide future organizational priorities.

3. Focus Population

3.1. Contractor shall provide services to SDCF leadership, CAL FIRE leadership, designated SDCF personnel, and other stakeholders identified by the County, or County designee.

4. General Requirements

4.1. Contractor shall perform the following:

4.1.1. Conduct a comprehensive document review, including current plans, operational data, and response records, to inform updated planning and decision-making.

4.1.2. Conduct workforce optimization assessments across all staff levels to evaluate staffing, workflows, and resource allocation and identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency and effectiveness.

4.1.3. Conduct a systems-based workflow assessment (system-of-systems map) to identify operational friction points, interdependencies, and gaps between mission systems and supporting systems, ensuring all strategic goals accurately reflect organizational workflows.

4.1.4. Conduct a two (2)-day in-person working session at a single location agreed upon by the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) or designee and Contractor.

4.1.5. Administer an online survey to various levels of County staff, County Fire Chiefs, Fire Safe Councils, Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT), and Community Planning Groups to collect insights on operational and administrative priorities.

4.1.5.1. Include a statement indicating that the information collected in the survey is not considered confidential.

4.1.5.2. Use an identifier number for each respondent rather than collecting names.

4.1.6. Conduct in-person staff sessions, with the County, across strategic locations throughout the service area (number and duration to be determined) to gather operational input and discuss priorities.

4.1.7. Facilitate engagement sessions with community partners, including Fire Safe Councils, CERT programs, and Community Planning Groups, to strengthen trust and coordination between agencies and the communities they serve.

4.1.8. Facilitate a structured review of existing strategic goals and objectives using a Keep/Merge/Reframe/Retire, or similar, decision framework informed by data, staff feedback, and results from the system-mapping assessment.

4.1.9. Prepare and deliver a Board-ready presentation for submission at the request of the COR or designee.

4.1.10. Create a public-facing summary specifically built for posting on the SDCF website to ensure transparent, accessible communication for community stakeholders.

4.1.11. Produce a five (5) year strategic plan, including graphics, with updated operational and administrative details, accompanied by an executive summary prepared for leadership review.

4.1.12. Provide a minimum of one hundred (100) printed copies of the completed strategic plan to SDCF.

4.1.13. Provide SDCF with the final strategic plan electronic file, in an agreed upon format.

4.2. Upon request of the COR or designee, the Contractor shall also be able to assist with the following:

4.2.1. Develop a work‑implementation plan identifying urgent operational and administrative tasks requiring accelerated action.

4.2.2. Develop a twelve (12) month implementation roadmap with designated responsible parties, measurable performance indicators, and a quarterly review cadence designed to reestablish the annual evaluation process referenced in any prior plan.

4.2.3. Conduct two (2) quarterly check-ins during the contract term to ensure project tasks remain aligned with SDCF priorities and timelines.

F. PAYMENT SCHEDULE

1. Compensation: Payment of services, under Exhibit A - Statement of Work will be fixed price after County review and acceptance of required deliverables and payment structure.

2. Pricing Schedule: This is a fixed price contract. All requests for payment are subject to County approval based upon submitted documentation at the time of invoice.

2.1. Hourly labor rates for each position listed below shall be fully burdened rates from Contractor staff, which are inclusive of hourly rate, fringe benefit rate, overhead rate, general and administrative rate, vacation, sick time, travel, training, etc.

ESTIMATED TERM: OCTOBER 1, 2026 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2027

FIXED SERVICES

SOW

Reference Description of Services Estimated

Quantity Unit of

Measure Unit Cost Extended Price

(Estimated Quantity x Unit Cost)

4.1

• Document review and assessments (current plan, annual-review records, response data)

• One online survey to stakeholders

• In-person working sessions and staff sessions at agreed-upon locations

• Facilitated review across strategic initiatives and goals.

• Refreshed five-year plan

• A system-of-systems map

• Board-ready presentation

• Public-facing summary built to post on the

County Engage site.

• 5-year Strategic plan development with executive summary

N/A Lump Sum

4.1.12 • Printed copies of the completed strategic plan 100 Each

TOTAL COST

OPTIONAL SERVICES (AS-NEEDED)

SOW

Reference Description of Services Quantity Unit of Measure Cost

4.1.12 • Additional printed copies of the completed strategic plan 1 Each

4.2 • Facilitated sessions with stakeholders 1 Each

4.2 • Work implementation plan 1 Each

4.2 • 12-month road map with real metrics and reviews 1 Each

4.2 • Quarterly check-ins, as needed 1 Each

PRICING SUMMARY

Total Cost

Optional Costs (As Needed)

TOTAL CONTRACT AMOUNT (NOT TO EXCEED)

*Rates shall be fully burdened rates from Contractor and are inclusive of hourly rate, fringe benefit rate, overhead rate, general and administrative rate, vacation, sick time, travel, training, etc.

3. Invoices

3.1. Invoices submitted shall be in accordance with Exhibit C – Pricing Schedule

3.2. Contractor shall submit an invoice with required reports (if applicable) to the County within 15 calendar days of deliverable completion.

3.3. Invoices and reports (if applicable) shall be submitted via email to OES.AP@sdcounty.ca.gov

3.4. Invoices shall include the following:

3.4.1. Business name and address

3.4.2. Month of service

3.4.3. Contract Number

3.4.4. Hours spent by staff, description of work performed, extended price

3.4.5. Total invoice amount

3.4.6. Signature approval and date of signature

3.5. Invoices must contain the following certifications with signature:

I certify that the above deliverables and/or services were delivered and/or performed specifically for this Agreement in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth herein.

I further certify, under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California, that no employee or entity providing services under the terms and conditions of this Agreement is currently listed as debarred, excluded, suspended, or ineligible on the federal System for Award Management (SAM: https://sam.gov/SAM/pages/public/index.jsf), the federal Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE: http://exclusions.oig.hhs.gov), or the State of California Medi-Cal Suspended and Ineligible list (www.medi-cal.ca.gov).

Printed Name Signature Date mailto:OES.AP@sdcounty.ca.gov

G. DRAFT AGREEMENT

The County’s contract with the successful Offeror(s) will be based upon the following Draft Agreement, structured as follows:

Draft Agreement

Exhibit A – Statement of Work Exhibit B – Insurance Requirements Exhibit C – Payment Schedule

Exhibits A (Statement of Work) and C (Payment Schedule) will be added during contract finalization. Offerors will be deemed to have accepted the Draft Agreement and Statement of Work, except where Offeror has taken clear exception in its quote in accordance with and when provided for in the Submittal Items.

COUNTY CONTRACT NUMBER [#Insert Number]

AGREEMENT WITH [#CONTRACTOR’S NAME] FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FOR

STRATEGIC PLANNING REPORT

Contract: ###### Page 15 of 37 Services Template: rev 4/15/2026 v6.3

This agreement (“Agreement”) is made and entered into effective as of the date of the last signature on the signature page by and between the County of San Diego, a political subdivision of the State of California (“County”) and [# enter full corporate title, business structure (obtain from contractor - e.g. “a California corporation,” “a California limited liability company,” “a California public benefit corporation”), located at (complete address)] (“Contractor”), with reference to the following facts:

RECITALS

A. Pursuant to the San Diego County Administrative Code section 401, the County’s Director of the Department of Purchasing and Contracting is authorized to award a contract for Professional Services for Strategic Planning Report.

B. Contractor is specially trained and possesses certain skills, experience, education, and competency to perform these services.

C. The Chief Administrative Officer made a determination that Contractor can perform the services more economically and efficiently than the County, pursuant to section 703.10 of the County Charter.

D. The Agreement shall consist of:

• This document,

• Exhibit A Statement of Work,

• Exhibit A-1,

• Exhibit B Insurance Requirements, and

• Exhibit C Payment Schedule.

E. In the event of a conflict between any provisions of this Agreement, the following order of precedence shall govern: First (1st) this document; Second (2nd) Exhibit B; Third (3rd) Exhibit A; Fourth (4th) Exhibit C; and fifth (5th) Exhibit A-1.

NOW THEREFORE, for valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:

ARTICLE 1

KEY PROVISIONS

1.1 CONTRACTOR: _____

1.2 SERVICES: Professional Services for Strategic Planning Report

1.3 AGREEMENT TERM: The initial term of this Agreement shall begin on October 1, 2026 and end on September 30, 2027 (“Initial Term”).

1.4 OPTION TO EXTEND:

1.4.1 Options to Extend for One to Six Additional Months at End of Agreement. County shall also have the option to extend the term of this Agreement, in one or more increments, for a total of no less than one (1) and no more than six (6) calendar months (“Incremental Options”). The County may exercise each Incremental Option by providing written notice to Contractor no fewer than fifteen (15) calendar days prior to expiration of this Agreement. The rates in effect at the time an Incremental Option is exercised shall apply during the term of the Incremental Option.

1.5 COMPENSATION: Pursuant to Exhibit C, Article 4, and other applicable provisions of this Agreement, County agrees to pay Contractor a sum not to exceed [# write out amount] ($######) (“Maximum Agreement Amount”). [#optional] Furthermore, compensation for the Initial Term and any Option Periods shall not exceed the amounts shown for the Initial Term or that Option Period shown in Exhibit C.

1.6 COR: The County designates the following individual as the Contracting Officer’s Representative (“COR”).

#Name and Title

#Address #Address

#Phone and email

1.7 CONTRACTOR’S REPRESENTATIVE: Contractor designates the following individual as the Contractor’s Representative.

#Name and Title #Address #Address

#Phone and email

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ARTICLE 2

PERFORMANCE OF WORK

2.1 Statement of Work. Contractor shall perform the work described in the “Statement of Work” attached as Exhibit A to this Agreement, and by this reference incorporated herein, except for any work therein designated to be performed by County.

2.1.1 Evaluation Studies. Contractor shall participate as requested by the County in research and/or evaluative studies designed to show the effectiveness and/or efficiency of Contractor services or to provide information about Contractor’s project.

2.2 Standard of Performance. Contractor shall, in good and workmanlike manner and in accordance with the highest professional standards, at its own cost and expense, furnish all of the labor, technical, administrative, professional and all other personnel, all supplies and materials, equipment, printing, transportation, training, facilities, and all other means whatsoever, except as herein otherwise expressly specified to be furnished by County, necessary or proper to perform and complete the work and provide the services required of Contractor by this Agreement.

2.3 Contractor as Independent Contractor. Contractor is, for all purposes of this Agreement, an independent contractor. Neither Contractor nor any person engaged by Contractor to accomplish the work under this Agreement, including, without limitation, Contractor’s and its subcontractors’ employees, volunteers, officers, agents, consultants, and subcontractors (“Workforce”) shall be deemed to be employees of the County. Contractor shall perform its obligations under this Agreement according to the Contractor’s own means and methods of work, which shall be in the exclusive charge and under the control of the Contractor, and which shall not be subject to control or supervision by County except as to the results of the work. County hereby delegates to Contractor any and all responsibility for the safety of Contractor’s Workforce, which shall include inspection of property to identify potential hazards. Neither Contractor nor Contractor’s Workforce shall be entitled to any benefits to which County employees are entitled, including without limitation, overtime, retirement benefits, workers’ compensation benefits and injury leave.

2.4 Contractor’s Agents and Employees or Subcontractors. Contractor’s duties under this Contract shall be performed on behalf of Contractor by ____ [#list all names] (“Contractor’s Key Personnel”). Contractor represents and warrants that (1) Contractor’s Key Personnel has fulfilled all applicable requirements of the laws of the State of California to perform the work under this Contract and has full authority to act for Contractor hereunder. Contractor’s Key Personnel shall not be changed during the Term of the Contract without County’s prior written consent.

Contractor shall obtain, at Contractor’s expense, all Workforce required for Contractor to perform its duties under this Agreement, and all such services shall be performed by Contractor’s Key Personnel, or under Contractor’s Key Personnel’s supervision, by persons authorized by law to perform such services. Retention by Contractor of any Workforce member shall be at Contractor’s sole cost and expense, and County shall have no obligation to pay Contractor’s Workforce to support any such person’s or entity’s claim against the Contractor; or to defend Contractor against any such claim.

In the event any subcontractor or consultant is utilized by Contractor for any portion of the project, Contractor retains the prime responsibility for carrying out all the terms of this Agreement, including the responsibility for performance and ensuring the availability and retention of records of subcontractors and consultants in accordance with this Agreement.

2.4.1 “Related Subcontract” means an agreement to furnish, or the furnishing of, supplies, materials, equipment, or services of any kind to Contractor or any higher tier subcontractor in the performance of some or all of the work in this Agreement. Related Subcontracts includes consultant agreements, which are defined as agreements for services rendered, or the rendering of services, by persons who are members of a particular profession or possess as special skill and who are not officers or employees of the Contractor. Examples include those services acquired by Contractor or a subcontractor in order to enhance their legal, economic, financial, or technical positions.

Professional and consultant services are generally acquired to obtain information, advice, opinions, alternatives, conclusions, recommendations, training, or direct assistance, such as studies, analyses, evaluations, liaison with government officials, or other forms or representation. Related Subcontracts shall not include agreements for ancillary goods or services, or consulting services intended to support Contractor in a general manner not specific to the work performed under this Agreement. “Related Subcontractor” means an individual or entity holding or performing a Related Subcontract.

2.4.2 Required Subcontract Provisions: Contractor shall notify all Related Subcontractors of Contractor’s relationship to County and include in its subcontracts all provisions necessary to ensure Contractor’s and subcontractors’ compliance with this Agreement. Without limiting the foregoing, Contractor shall specifically include in its Related Subcontracts, and require Related Subcontractors’ compliance with, the applicable provisions of Articles 3, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 17 and 18, and section 4.6.1 of Article 4 hereunder, altered as necessary for proper identification of the contracting parties.

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2.4.3 Contractor shall provide COR with copies of all Related Subcontracts entered into by Contractor within thirty (30) days after the effective date of the Related Subcontract, or within thirty (30) days of the effective date of this Agreement if such Related Subcontract is already in existence at that time.

2.4.4 County Approval: Any Related Subcontract with a subcontractor, or lower tier subcontractor, not listed in the SOW must have prior concurrence of the COR.

2.5 Offshore Prohibition. Except where Contractor obtains the County’s prior written approval, Contractor shall perform the work of this Agreement only from or at locations within the United States. Any County approval for the performance of work outside of the United States shall be limited to the specific instance and scope of such written approval, including the types of work and locations involved. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this section shall not restrict the country or countries of origin of any assets purchased to provide the work hereunder; provided that when such assets are used to provide the work, such assets shall be used only from or at locations within the geographic boundaries of the United States.

2.6 Responsibility for Equipment. County shall not be responsible nor be held liable for any damage to persons or property consequent upon the use, misuse, or failure of any equipment used by Contractor or Contractor’s Workforce, even though such equipment may be furnished, rented, or loaned to Contractor by County. The acceptance or use of any such equipment by Contractor or Contractor’s Workforce shall be construed to mean that Contractor accepts full responsibility for and agrees to exonerate, indemnify, and hold harmless County from and against any and all claims for any damage whatsoever resulting from the use, misuse, or failure of such equipment, whether such damage be to the employee or property of Contractor, other contractors, County, or other persons. Equipment includes, but is not limited to material, computer hardware and software, tools, or other things.

2.6.1 Contractor shall repair or replace, at Contractor’s expense, all County equipment or fixed assets that are damaged or lost as a result of the actions of Contractor or Contractor’s Workforce.

2.7 Non-Expendable Property Acquisition. County retains title to all non-expendable property provided to Contractor by County, or which Contractor may acquire with funds from this Agreement if payment is on a cost reimbursement basis, including property acquired by lease purchase Agreement. Contractor may not expend funds under this Agreement for the acquisition of non-expendable property having a unit cost of $5,000 or more and a normal life expectancy of more than one year without the prior written approval of COR. Contractor shall maintain an inventory of non-expendable equipment, including dates of purchase and disposition of the property. Inventory records on non-expendable property shall be retained, and shall be made available to the County upon request, for at least three years following date of disposition. Non-expendable property that has value at the end of the Agreement (e.g. has not been depreciated so that its value is zero), and to which the County may retain title under this paragraph, shall be disposed of at the end of the Agreement as follows: At County’s option, it may: 1) have Contractor deliver to another County contractor or have another County contractor pick up the non-expendable property; 2) allow Contractor to retain the non-expendable property provided that Contractor submits to the County a written statement in the format directed by the County of how the non-expendable property will be used for the public good; or 3) direct the Contractor to return to the County the non-expendable property.

ARTICLE 3

DOCUMENTS AND RECORDS

3.1 Ownership, Publication, Reproduction, and Use of Material. All reports, studies, information, data, statistics, forms, designs, plans, procedures, systems, and any other material or properties produced under this Agreement shall be the sole and exclusive property of County. No such materials or properties produced in whole or in part under this Agreement shall be subject to private use, copyright, or patent right by Contractor in the United States or in any other country without the express written consent of County. County shall have unrestricted authority to publish, disclose, distribute and otherwise use, copyright or patent, in whole or in part, any such reports, studies, data, statistics, forms or other materials or properties produced under this Agreement.

3.2 Confidentiality. Contractor agrees to maintain the confidentiality of, and to take industry appropriate as well as all legally required measures to prevent the unlawful disclosure of, any information that is legally required to be kept confidential.

Except as otherwise allowed by local, State, or federal law or regulation, Contractor agrees to only disclose confidential records where the holder of the privilege, whether the County, or a third party, provides written permission authorizing the disclosure. Further, any reports, records, data, or other information given to or prepared or assembled by Contractor under this Agreement that the County requests to be kept confidential shall not be made available to any individual or organization by the Contractor without the prior written approval of the County except as may be required by law. Contractor shall not disclose to any individual or organization any reports, records, data, or other information received, prepared, or assembled by Contractor under this Agreement

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3.2.1 Specific Requirements for County Confidential Information under Sections 965 through 971 of the San Diego County Code of Administrative Ordinances

3.2.1.1 Definitions. For purposes of this Section, “County Confidential Information” means, collectively, information related to any: (i) actions that an individual has the right to undertake free from undue governmental interference, discrimination, or criminalization under federal, state, or local law including, without limitation, Reproductive Healthcare Services, Gender Affirming Health Care, Gender Affirming Mental Health Care, and exercising rights under the First Amendment of the United States Constitution (collectively, “Protected Personal Activity”), and (ii) actual or perceived attributes of an individual that are safeguarded from discrimination under state law, including, without limitation, immigration or citizenship status, disability status, gender identity or expression, or transgender status, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, national origin, or language, and/or marital or familial status (collectively, “Protected Personal Characteristics”). All capitalized terms used in this Section 3.2.1, but not defined herein, shall have the meaning assigned to such terms in Section 966 of the San Diego County Code of Administrative Ordinances.

3.2.1.2 Confidentiality. Contractor agrees to maintain County Confidential Information received or obtained pursuant to the obligations under this Contract, if any, confidential, and shall not share and/or transmit such information to any third party including, without limitation, any governmental agency, unless required to do so pursuant to federal, state, or local law or as necessary to perform the obligations of Contractor pursuant to this…