RFP - calworks employment and supportive services

The County of San Diego, Department of Self Sufficiency Services, is requesting proposals for CalWORKs Employment and Supportive Services across four regional service areas and Refugee Employment Services, with proposals due August 31, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. and a pre-proposal conference on August 3, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. via Microsoft Teams. Offerors must demonstrate a 3% Small-Local Business Subcontractor Participation or provide evidence of good faith efforts to meet this threshold; federal funding applies, so no Small-Local Business preference is available to prime contractors.

The scope spans CalWORKs employment services, housing support, child care administration, learning disability screening and consulting, refugee employment services, family stabilization, wrap-around intensive case management, and supportive services including transportation, ancillary expenses, and emergency assistance. Contractors may propose for one or more of four regions (East, South, Central/North Central, and North) or submit separate proposals for Refugee Support Services. All key personnel must be hired within 30 days of contract execution and be based within two hours' travel time of San Diego County. Contractors must submit a Linguistic and Cultural Diversity Plan documenting multilingual staff (Spanish, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Arabic, and Somali speakers), historical diversity initiatives, and planned subcontractor utilization across DBE, ESB, MBE/WBE, and non-certified firms.

The contract is cost-reimbursement; the County anticipates awarding one or more contracts. The total potential contract value over five years is between $213.75 million and $237.5 million, with year-one anticipated maximum between $42.75 million and $47.5 million. The initial base period runs January 1, 2027 through December 31, 2027, with four optional one-year renewal periods. Awards will be evaluated on best value incorporating sustainability, cultural competency, workforce diversity, and U.S.-produced goods preferences. Contractors must provide audited financial statements for the past three years, maintain 60-day operational reserves, and possess an acceptable accounting system. Insurance requirements include Commercial General Liability of $2 million per occurrence with $4 million aggregate, Automobile Liability of $1 million, Professional Liability of $2 million per occurrence with $4 million aggregate, and Cyber Security Liability of $2 million per occurrence. Written questions are due August 10, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Proposals must be submitted electronically through BuyNet.