Workforce_&_Economic_Mobility_Initiatives:_Project_Support.pdf

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Workforce & Economic Mobility Initiatives: Project Support
Solicitation number
2027-RFP-Informal-00214
Issued by
San Mateo County, California

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Summary

This is an Informal Request for Proposals (RFP No. 2027-RFP-Informal-00214) issued by the County of San Mateo's County Executive's Office seeking a qualified consultant to provide strategic advisory, research, program design, stakeholder engagement, and implementation planning services for three interconnected workforce and economic mobility initiatives: the Workforce Entry & Economic Growth Initiative, the County Job Center, and the Childcare Initiative. The consultant will work with County departments, external partners, and identified stakeholders to redesign and implement feasible program models with clear operating frameworks and infrastructure recommendations. The RFP was released on November 6, 2026, with proposals due by 3:00 PM on November 13, 2026, via the eProcurement portal. Contract award is anticipated for November 23, 2026, with project kickoff scheduled for the same date. The contract term is six months (0.5 years), with no renewal options mentioned. No site visits or pre-proposal conferences are scheduled.

The County's anticipated budget range is $75,000 to $90,000, with the fee proposal not to exceed $90,000. Evaluation will be conducted on a points-based system weighing method and approach (35%), experience and organizational capacity (30%), price (25%), and preferential points for local businesses or nonprofits (10%). Local Business and Local Nonprofit preferences apply, with additional preferences for Small or Micro Businesses and Small or Micro Nonprofits as defined by San Mateo County Ordinance Code Chapter 2.89. Minimum qualifications require proposers to have provided similar services for a minimum of three years within the last seven years and to have completed at least two similar projects involving workforce and economic mobility analysis, program design, and implementation coordination with public agencies and stakeholders. The proposer must be registered with the System for Award Management (SAM). All submissions must comply with specific formatting requirements and be submitted electronically through the County's eProcurement portal.

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County of San Mateo

Request for Proposals (RFP - Informal) for Workforce &

Economic Mobility Initiatives: Project Support

County Executive's Office

RFP - Informal No. 2027-RFP-Informal-00214

RFP - Informal Contact: Rocio Kiryczun rkiryczun@smcgov.org

1. Introduction and Schedule

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

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

1.1. Summary

The County of San Mateo seeks a qualified consultant to provide strategic advisory, research, program design, stakeholder engagement, and implementation planning services in support of the County’s workforce and economic mobility initiatives. As detailed further below, the selected consultant will support the development of (1) the Workforce Entry & Economic Growth Initiative; (2) the County Job

Center; and (3) the County’s Childcare Initiative, including employer engagement strategies and implementation recommendations for each of these initiatives.

1.2. Contact Information

Henry Nibbelin Management Analyst Email: hnibbelin2@smcgov.org Phone: (650) 363-4259

Department:

County Executive's Office

Department Head:

Michael Callagy County Executive

1.3. Timeline

RFP Released November 6, 2026

Proposal Due Date and Time November 13, 2026, 3:00pm

Evaluate Proposals & Initiate Contract

Negotiations

Week of November 16, 2026

Anticipated Contract Award Date November 23, 2026

2. Scope of Work mailto:hnibbelin2@smcgov.org tel:(650)363-4259

Page 3 of 17 Release date of November 6, 2026

2.1. Introduction

The County of San Mateo seeks a qualified consultant (“Consultant”) to provide strategic advisory, research, program design, stakeholder engagement, and implementation planning services for the

County’s workforce and economic mobility initiatives. The selected Consultant will work with the

County Executive’s Office, County departments, external partners, and other stakeholders identified by the County to support the workstreams described below.

The County anticipates conducting a project kickoff with the selected Consultant on or about November

23, 2026. The Consultant shall complete services in accordance with the requirements and anticipated schedules below, subject to timely access to County information, stakeholders, and feedback.

2.2. Workforce Entry & Economic Growth Initiative

The Consultant shall support the County in re-designing the Workforce Entry & Economic Growth

Initiative to improve feasibility, clarify the operating model, and determine how program subsidies can be administered most effectively. The ultimate objective is to develop a re-designed, feasible program design and infrastructure along with an initial budget and implementation approach to accomplish the initiative’s goal of supporting recent graduates and local small and medium sized businesses.

The Consultant shall:

A. Review Background Information: Review available background materials, including prior program concepts, requests for proposals, budget assumptions, relevant County data, and stakeholder feedback.

B. Research: Conduct focused research on comparable workforce subsidy, early-career employment, and employer-partnership models that may inform the County’s approach.

C. Interview Stakeholders: Engage and interview County staff, employers, workforce development organizations, education partners, recent graduates, and other relevant stakeholders, as requested by County, to identify barriers, opportunities, program requirements, and implementation considerations.

D. Develop Program Design Options: Develop a small set of program design options that address participant eligibility, employer eligibility, subsidy structure, administration, accountability, and job quality.

E. Convene Review Sessions: Facilitate or support County-designated working sessions to review options, assess tradeoffs, and refine a preferred program model.

F. Prepare Recommended Framework: Prepare a recommended program framework and implementation roadmap, including the proposed operating model, proposed budget, timeline, key decision points, anticipated staffing or administrative needs, partner roles, risks, and proposed next steps.

Consultant shall complete the above services according to the following anticipated timeline, subject to timely access to relevant information, stakeholders, and feedback:

https://sanmateocounty.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=7869886&GUID=13A9E88B-3FA5-42EA-98C9-EDCED78C3A0F&FullText=1 https://sanmateocounty.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=7869886&GUID=13A9E88B-3FA5-42EA-98C9-EDCED78C3A0F&FullText=1

Page 4 of 17 Release date of November 6, 2026

Timeframe Deliverables

Weeks 1 to 6 Conduct review of background information, research, and stakeholder interviews to produce two key deliverables.

• First, a discovery summary memo that describes existing materials, stakeholder input, design constraints, and key questions.

• Second, a landscape analysis memo that explains comparable approaches and findings relevant to County’s program design.

Week 7 Prepare two or more feasible program design options that address participant eligibility, employer eligibility, subsidy structure, administration, accountability, and job quality. These options should also address tradeoffs between the options, estimated resource needs, implementation considerations, and the infrastructure required to implement these options.

Week 8 Convene one or more review sessions with the County Executive’s

Office and other County stakeholders, as requested by the County, to present draft program design options and receive feedback on these options.

Week 8-9 Incorporate County and stakeholder feedback and update draft program design and infrastructure. Develop a finalized recommended program design framework and implementation roadmap.

By the end of January 2027 Present the finalized program design and infrastructure to the

County Executive’s Office and other County stakeholders, as requested by the County.

2.3. County Job Center

The Consultant shall support the County in designing an internal County earn-and-learn program in which recent college and trade school graduates enter term positions, receive structured training and mentorship, and become competitive for regular County employment or employment with other local public agencies or private companies. The ultimate objective is to design a practical earn-and-learn pathway into County employment or employment with other local public agencies or companies that responds to workforce needs and gives participants a clear development experience. To accomplish this objective, the Consultant shall:

A. Review Current State; Assess Needs: Partner with Human Resources, participating departments, and other relevant County stakeholders to assess the current state of an earn-and-learn pathway concept, related work already under way, priority workforce needs, operational constraints, and decisions required to advance the Job Center project.

Page 5 of 17 Release date of November 6, 2026

B. Identify Appropriate Departments and Jobs: Identify potential County departments, job classifications, or hard-to-fill roles suitable for structured training, mentorship, and a potential transition to regular County employment.

C. Convene Focus Groups: Convene and host focus groups with San Mateo County students, recent college graduates, and job seekers to better understand their experiences, interests, and key challenges or barriers to obtaining local employment.

D. Conduct Outreach to Educational Institutions: Conduct outreach to local community colleges, universities, and other relevant education or training partners to assess opportunities for partnership with the County Job Center program.

E. Conduct Outreach to Local Employers: Conduct surveys and outreach to local employers, companies, municipalities, and other public sector employers to identify occupations and skills that are in demand and to inform potential Job Center target roles and training approaches.

F. Develop Participant Journey: Define a draft participant journey that addresses outreach, recruitment, eligibility, selection criteria, onboarding, training, mentorship, performance evaluation, completion, and potential transfer to County employment.

G. Develop Recommendations: Develop recommendations for program governance, participant supports, recruitment and outreach methods, selection criteria, training content, mentor expectations, and evaluation methods.

H. Analyze Key Questions: Identify and assess legal, labor, classification, compensation, budget, and operational questions for County consideration and in coordination with the appropriate

County subject matter experts.

I. Develop Pilot Design and Structure: Develop and recommend a pilot program design and infrastructure, including the proposed cohort size, participating departments and roles, resource needs, implementation steps, and proposed measures of success.

Consultant shall complete the above services according to the following anticipated timeline, subject to timely access to relevant information, stakeholders, and feedback:

Timeframe Deliverables

Weeks 1 to 6 Partner with appropriate County departments and stakeholders to complete the services described in subsections A. through H. By the end of week 6, complete a current state and needs assessment memo explaining relevant work already underway, workforce needs, operational constraints, feedback from student and recent graduate focus groups, education partner outreach, employer and municipality outreach, and decisions required from County leadership.

Page 6 of 17 Release date of November 6, 2026

Week 7 Prepare a draft program design covering target roles, participant eligibility, recruitment, selection, training, mentorship, evaluation, and completion. Also, prepare a draft pilot structure for the program, including participating departments, resource needs, implementation sequence, and proposed performance measures.

Week 8 Present draft program design and pilot structure to the County

Executive’s Office and other County stakeholders, as requested by the

County. Receive edits and feedback from the County on draft design and structure.

Weeks 8-9 Incorporate County and stakeholder feedback and update draft program design and structure. Develop a finalized recommended program design and structure.

By the end of January 2027 Present the finalized program design and structure to the County

Executive’s Office and other County stakeholders, as requested by the

County.

2.4. Childcare Initiative

As requested by the County, Consultant shall provide strategic advisory and stakeholder engagement support for the County’s Childcare Initiative, including the childcare navigation portal and the TriShare childcare subsidy program. The ultimate objective is to build employer awareness and participation and to help the County develop clear, practical messaging for the Initiative. To accomplish this objective, Consultant shall:

A. Understand Program Details: Participate in key planning discussions for the navigation portal and

TriShare program to understand program design, anticipated launch timing, eligibility requirements, employer expectations, and the participant experience.

B. Identify Employer Audiences: Identify and segment priority employer audiences based on workforce needs, employee demographics, readiness to participate, and alignment with County objectives.

C. Engage with Employers and Stakeholders: Gather input from employers and other relevant stakeholders regarding likely motivations, questions, concerns, barriers to participation, and engagement opportunities.

D. Develop Messaging Framework: Develop an employer messaging framework in coordination with County Communications and program leads, including core messages, an employer value proposition, frequently asked questions, and recommended outreach language.

E. Build Prospect List: Develop a prioritized prospect list of employers, business associations, and other potential partners for County use in future outreach once the Childcare Initiative is ready to launch.

https://sanmateocounty.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=8057915&GUID=3EF2E352-28E9-46BB-8675-D0127BE20473&FullText=1

Page 7 of 17 Release date of November 6, 2026

F. Develop Engagement Approach: Recommend an employer engagement approach, including outreach sequencing, communication channels, partner roles, briefing approaches, and methods for collecting stakeholder feedback.

G. Employer Outreach: As requested by the County, conduct outreach to employers and other key stakeholders to support the success of the Childcare Initiative.

The County and Consultant shall coordinate to develop an appropriate timeline for the completion of these key tasks and deliverables in accordance with the needs of the Childcare Initiative. Currently, the

County expects Consultant to begin work on the tasks in this workstream beginning in late December

2026 or early January 2027.

2.5. Other Services

In addition to the foregoing services described in this RFP, Consultant shall provide other services as reasonably requested by the County and agreed to by Consultant to support the work of the County

Executive’s Office.

2.6. Project Management

Consultant shall provide project management and coordination services throughout the term of the agreement, including:

A. Kick-Off Meeting: Conduct a project kickoff with County-designated staff to confirm objectives, available materials, work already underway, decisionmakers, key stakeholders, deliverables, and timelines.

B. Workplan: Maintain a practical workplan that identifies and tracks the status of activities, deliverables, dependencies, risks, and decisions required by County leadership.

C. Progress Updates: Provide concise written or verbal progress updates as reasonably requested by

County but at least every two weeks to Rocio Kiryczun (Deputy County Executive), Henry

Nibbelin (Management Analyst), or another County-designated project lead(s).

D. Working Sessions: Schedule and facilitate focused working sessions with County staff and other stakeholders, as appropriate, to develop and test recommendations.

E. Issue Escalation: Promptly notify County of material risks, delays, scope questions, stakeholder access issues, or decisions that may affect timing, quality, or feasibility of deliverables.

2.7. Performance Measures

The County expects to evaluate Consultant’s performance based on the quality, completeness, timeliness, and usefulness of the services and deliverables Consultant provides. Performance measures may include:

A. Timely completion and submission of the deliverables identified in this RFP, subject to County-provided information, stakeholder availability, and County review timeframes.

B. Completion of a discovery process that incorporates available County materials, relevant research, and stakeholder input.

Page 8 of 17 Release date of November 6, 2026

C. Development of feasible, clearly documented program design and infrastructure recommendations for the Workforce Entry & Economic Growth Initiative and County Job Center.

D. Delivery of a final proposed program design and infrastructure for the Workforce Entry &

Economic Growth Initiative and County Job Center by the end of January 2027.

E. Development of a practical employer engagement plan, messaging framework, and prospect list for the Childcare Initiative.

F. Provision of regular progress updates, maintenance of the project workplan, and timely escalation of material risks, issues, dependencies, and decisions requiring County direction.

G. Responsiveness to County feedback and incorporation of County-approved revisions into final deliverables.

3. Submission Requirements

3.1. Submission Deadline

Proposals must be electronically received by 3:00 pm, on Friday, November 13, 2026 via eProcurement system.

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

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

3.2. Pre-submission Registration

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

County of San Mateo at:

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

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

3.3. Submission via eProcurement Portal

Required Documents

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

Electronic Submissions mailto:procurement-support@opengov.com mailto:procurement-support@opengov.com https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/smcgov https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/smcgov https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/smcgov/projects/323956/document?section=undefined

Page 9 of 17 Release date of November 6, 2026

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

Conflicts between Certain Requirements

Prior to the submission deadlines and solely relating to a determination of the timeliness of questions, comments, and proposal submissions, information displayed on the eProcurement portal site will take precedence in the event of a discrepancy between that information and the information within the solicitation documents. For all other discrepancies, the information in the solicitation documents will take precedence.

Format

Documents should be created in the following format:

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

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

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

• PDF format is preferred.

Errors in Proposals

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

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

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

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

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

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

San Mateo County, CA | Municode Library

The requirements for bidders to establish eligibility for a local preference for this solicitation are detailed below in Section III (Submission Requirements) The Ordinance does not apply if a procurement is determined to be exempt (County Ord. Code sec. 2.89.050), and the County reserves the right to waive https://library.municode.com/ca/san_mateo_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT2AD_ART2.8INFIPRCOCO_CH2.89PRPRLOBU https://library.municode.com/ca/san_mateo_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT2AD_ART2.8INFIPRCOCO_CH2.89PRPRLOBU

Page 10 of 17 Release date of November 6, 2026 application of the Ordinance to this procurement if determined to be in the best interests of the County

(County Ord. Code sec. 2.89.060).

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

4.1. Minimum Qualifications

4.1.1. Has Proposer has been providing similar services for a minimum of three (3) years within the last seven (7) years?*

☐ Yes

☐ No

*Response required

4.1.2. Has Proposer completed at least two (2) similar projects that involve analyzing workforce and economic mobility needs, designing programs to address those needs, and successfully implementing those programs in coordination with public agencies, job seekers, and/or other relevant stakeholders*

☐ Yes

☐ No

*Response required

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

☐ Please confirm

*Response required

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

Unique Entity ID (UEI) numbers can be found on sam.gov

*Response required

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

4.2.1. Is the Proposer a "Local Business"?

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

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

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

• SMC_LocalBusiness_self-atte...

4.2.2. Is the Proposer a Non-Profit?*

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

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

☐ Yes https://government-project.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/181058/6417ee00-d47d-4708-90f9-2a47dd51b2e5_SMC_LocalBusiness_self-attestation_form_120424.pdf

Page 11 of 17 Release date of November 6, 2026

☐ No

*Response required

When equals "Yes"

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

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

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

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

• SMC_LocalBusiness_self-atte...

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

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

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

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

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

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

If this designation is not applicable, please leave blank.

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

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

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

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

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

If this designation is not applicable, please leave blank.

4.3. Technical Proposal

4.3.1. Introduction and Executive Summary (up to 2 pages)*

Submit a letter of introduction and executive summary of the proposal. The letter must contain:

https://government-project.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/181058/23f425e3-2794-4144-828d-5b909b017089_SMC_LocalBusiness_self-attestation_form_120424.pdf

Page 12 of 17 Release date of November 6, 2026

• Name, title and contact information (email, phone, and address) for representative of proposer that is responsible for communication related to this RFP.

• Name, title, contact information, and signature of person authorized to obligate firm to perform the commitment contained in the proposal.

Submission of the letter will constitute a representation by proposer that it is willing and able to perform the commitments contained in the proposal and has not violated the terms of this RFP.

*Response required

4.3.2. Statement of Minimum Qualifications (up to 2 pages)*

Please describe how proposer meets the minimum qualifications set forth in this RFP. Submission of the

Minimum Qualifications checklist is not a substitute for providing a detailed written response.

*Response required

4.3.3. Project Approach (up to 5 pages)*

This section should correlate to the Scope of Work. Proposer should explain how it will perform the relevant work, including a detailed plan for how it will approach each part of this project identified in the

Scope of Work and complete the project deliverables according to the County's expected timeline.

*Response required

4.3.4. Firm Qualifications (up to 3 pages)*

Attach information regarding background and qualifications, including the following:

• A brief description of the proposer.

• A description of not more than two (2) projects similar in size and scope conducted by the proposer, including the client, reference and telephone numbers, primary staff members involved, budget, schedule, and project summary.

• If subcontractors are anticipated, identify them (if known) and provide information on how they will be used.

*Response required

4.3.5. Team Qualifications*

Provide a chart identifying:

▪ Project team and reporting structure

▪ Lead project manager

▪ Role each person will play in the project

Provide a brief description of the experience and qualifications of the project team members, including short resumes if desired.

Page 13 of 17 Release date of November 6, 2026

Written assurance that the key individuals listed and identified will be performing the work and will not be substituted or reassigned without the County’s prior approval

*Response required

4.3.6. Fee Proposal*

The Fee Proposal should be submitted as a separate PDF file from the Technical Proposals detailed in

Required Documents.

Please note that for this Informal RFP the County's anticipated budget range is between seventy-five thousand ($75,000.00) and ninety thousand dollars ($90,000.00). Accordingly, the fee proposal should not exceed ninety thousand dollars ($90,000.00).

The County reserves the right to accept other than the lowest priced offer and to reject any proposals that are not responsive to this request.

*Response required

5. Evaluation and Selection Criteria

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

No. Evaluation Criteria Scoring Method Weight (Points)

1. Method and Approach

• Understanding of the scope of services to be provided

• Appropriateness of the proposed solution/services

Points Based 35 (35% of Total)

Page 14 of 17 Release date of November 6, 2026

2. Experience and Organizational

Capacity

• Qualification and experience of both the proposer and key personnel

• Experience with other public agencies

• Organizational resources and staff, apparent ability to meet any required timelines and other requirements

Points Based 30 (30% of Total)

3. Price

• Pricing will be evaluated both qualitatively and quantitatively.

• Evaluators will analyze the fee proposal based on the estimated cost to complete the project deliverables according to the County's key milestones

Points Based 25 (25% of Total)

Page 15 of 17 Release date of November 6, 2026

4. Preferential Points

Where price is not the sole evaluation factor for a solicitation (e.g., in the case of a "best-value" solicitation), five percent (5%) of the total evaluation points otherwise awardable will be added to the proposal score for each

Local Business or Local Non-Profit score for evaluation purposes. In the event of a tie between a Local

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

Non-Profit shall be awarded the

Contract, assuming agreement on other contract terms.

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

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

Non-Profit, or an additional 5 percent preference (for a total of ten percent

(10%) of total points otherwise awardable) if the proposer is a Micro

Business or Micro Non-Profit.

Points Based 10 (10% of Total)

6. Instructions to Proposers

6.1. Instructions

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

6.2. Communications

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

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

Page 16 of 17 Release date of November 6, 2026

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

6.3. Contract Award

A. Award Procedure

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

B. Notice of Intent to Award

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

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

C. Commencement of Performance

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Page 17 of 17 Release date of November 6, 2026

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

6.4. Term

County Executive's Office is issuing Request for Proposal (RFP) No. 2027-RFP-Informal-00214 for

Workforce & Economic Mobility Initiatives: Project Support.

The agreement shall have a term of one-half (0.5) year (six months). The County’s standard contract template has been included with this solicitation. The awarded contractor will be expected to sign an agreement prepared by the County using this template. Please ensure that your firm has completed legal review of these contract terms. If your firm wishes to request exceptions to these standard terms, submit a

Contract Exceptions Request by the Deadline for Contract Exceptions listed in the Solicitation Schedule.

The County will consider Contract Exceptions Requests but reserves the right to reject requested modifications to its standard terms.

1. Introduction and Schedule
1.1. Summary
1.2. Contact Information
1.3. Timeline
2. Scope of Work
2.1. Introduction
2.2. Workforce Entry & Economic Growth Initiative
2.3. County Job Center
2.4. Childcare Initiative
2.5. Other Services
2.6. Project Management
2.7. Performance Measures
3. Submission Requirements
3.1. Submission Deadline
3.2. Pre-submission Registration
3.3. Submission via eProcurement Portal
3.4. Procurement Preference for Local Businesses and Local Non-Profits
4. Minimum Qualifications, Local Preference Ordinance, and Technical Proposal
4.1. Minimum Qualifications
4.1.1. Has Proposer has been providing similar services for a minimum of three (3) years within the last seven (7) years?*
4.1.2. Has Proposer completed at least two (2) similar projects that involve analyzing workforce and economic mobility needs, designing programs to address those needs, and successfully implementing those programs in coordination with public agencies,...
4.1.3. Please confirm your firm is registered with System for Award Management (SAM)*
4.1.4. What is the registered Business Name and Unique Entity ID (UEI) No.?*
4.2. Procurement Preference for Local Businesses and Local Non-Profits
4.2.1. Is the Proposer a "Local Business"?
4.2.2. Is the Proposer a Non-Profit?*
4.2.3. Is the Proposer a "Local Non-Profit"
4.2.4. Is the Proposer a Local "Small" or "Micro" Business?
4.2.5. Is the Proposer a Local "Small" or "Micro" Non-Profit?
4.3. Technical Proposal
4.3.1. Introduction and Executive Summary (up to 2 pages)*
4.3.2. Statement of Minimum Qualifications (up to 2 pages)*
4.3.3. Project Approach (up to 5 pages)*
4.3.4. Firm Qualifications (up to 3 pages)*
4.3.5. Team Qualifications*
4.3.6. Fee Proposal*
5. Evaluation and Selection Criteria
6. Instructions to Proposers
6.1. Instructions
6.2. Communications
6.3. Contract Award
6.4. Term

File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .