On-Call Equitable Community Engagement Services

The County of San Mateo Planning and Building Department is soliciting statements of qualifications for on-call equitable community engagement services through an RFSQ, with proposals due October 16, 2026. Local Business and Local Non-Profit preferences apply: five percent additional points for entities meeting local definitions, and three to five percent additional points for small or micro businesses and nonprofits, totaling up to ten percent preferential points.

The County seeks to establish a prequalified consultant bench of community-based organizations, nonprofits, firms, academic partners, and individuals to assist San Mateo County jurisdictions in conducting culturally sensitive outreach to historically underrepresented populations, including renters, low-income families, unhoused individuals, people with disabilities, seniors, and communities of color. Services include building community trust and relationships, designing equity-focused engagement strategies, leading community activities, planning in-person and virtual events, and supporting staff in closing feedback loops with communities regarding how input was integrated into decisions.

The agreement will have a five-year term. Proposals are evaluated on team qualifications (25%), relevant experience and skills serving historically underrepresented populations (25%), existing relationships with Bay Area and San Mateo County communities (25%), and client and community references (15%). Proposers must demonstrate a minimum of three years of experience within the last five years providing similar services and must be registered in good standing with SAM.gov.

Written questions are due September 25, 2026, with responses posted October 2. Evaluation of qualifications is scheduled for October 30, with final prequalified consultant list determination on November 6. No pre-proposal conference will be held. The County reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, modify solicitation procedures, or determine that no contract will be pursued.