DATE: September 10, 2024
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBMITTED BY: Sanja Bugay, Director, Department of Social Services
SUBJECT: Agreement with Central California Legal Services
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
TITLE
1. Under Administrative Policy No. 34 for competitive bids or requests for proposals, determine that an exception to the competitive bidding requirement is satisfied and a suspension of competition is warranted due to unusual or extraordinary circumstances, and that the best interests of the County would be served by entering into an agreement with Central California Legal Services as the vendor is uniquely qualified to provide legal services; and,
2. Approve and authorize the Chairman to execute an Agreement with Central California Legal Services for legal services to Housing Disability and Advocacy Program clients, effective September 10, 2024, which includes a ten-month base contract and an optional one-year extension, total not to exceed $845,591.
REPORT
There is no additional Net County Cost associated with the recommended actions. Approval of the recommended actions will allow the Department of Social Services to provide legal services to Housing Disability and Advocacy Program (HDAP) clients through Central California Legal Services (CCLS). If approved, CCLS will continue to represent HDAP clients through the disability appeals process, helping more HDAP clients receive the benefits they are eligible for, move towards self-sufficiency, and resolve their homelessness. The item is countywide.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S):
Should your Board choose not to approve the recommended actions, HDAP clients needing disability legal aid will not receive adequate representation to navigate the disability application and appeals process. This will result in fewer clients being approved for disability benefits which may result in a return to homelessness.
SUSPENSION OF COMPETITION/SOLE SOURCE CONTRACT:
It is requested that the County find that an exception to the co...
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