Workforce & Economic Mobility Initiatives: Project Support

The County of San Mateo's County Executive's Office is soliciting proposals under Informal Request for Proposals 2027-RFP-Informal-00214 for strategic advisory, research, program design, stakeholder engagement, and implementation planning consultant services, with proposals due November 13, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. through the County's eProcurement portal. Local Business and Local Nonprofit preferences apply, carrying 10% of evaluation points as preferential points, with additional preferences for Small or Micro Businesses and Small or Micro Nonprofits as defined by San Mateo County Ordinance Code Chapter 2.89.

The consultant will support three interconnected initiatives: the Workforce Entry & Economic Growth Initiative, the County Job Center, and the Childcare Initiative. Deliverables include employer engagement strategies and implementation recommendations for each initiative. The consultant will work with County departments, external partners, and stakeholders to redesign and implement feasible program models with clear operating frameworks and infrastructure recommendations.

Proposers must have provided similar services for a minimum of three years within the last seven years and completed at least two similar projects involving workforce and economic mobility analysis, program design, and implementation coordination with public agencies and stakeholders. Proposers must be registered with the System for Award Management (SAM).

The anticipated budget range is $75,000 to $90,000, and the fee proposal must not exceed $90,000 over a six-month term. The draft standard agreement, under $200,000, requires $1,000,000 each in general, motor vehicle, and professional liability coverage naming the County as additional insured, and it requires compliance with the Living Wage Ordinance and prevailing wage where applicable.

Evaluation weights method and approach at 35%, experience and organizational capacity at 30%, price at 25%, and preferential points for local businesses or nonprofits at 10%. The RFP was released November 6, 2026. Contract award is anticipated November 23, 2026, with project kickoff the same day.