DATE: June 24, 2025
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBMITTED BY: Sanja Bugay, Director, Department of Social Services
SUBJECT: Agreement with Marjaree Mason Center, Inc.
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 Marjaree Mason Center, Inc. as the vendor is uniquely qualified to provide ongoing Family Stabilization Program Services; and
2. Approve and authorize the Chairman to execute an Agreement with Marjaree Mason Center, Inc., for domestic violence services, effective July 1, 2025, not to exceed five consecutive years, which includes a three-year base contract and two optional one-year extensions, total not to exceed $4,348,315.
REPORT
There is no additional Net County Cost associated with the recommended actions, which will allow Marjaree Mason Center, Inc. (MMC) to provide domestic violence (DV) services to Welfare-to-Work (WTW) participants in accordance with the California Department of Social Services’ (CDSS) California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) Family Stabilization Program (FSP). This item is countywide.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S):
Should the Board choose not to approve the recommended actions, the Department will not be able to provide DV services to WTW participants currently experiencing an identified situation or crisis that is destabilizing the family.
SUSPENSION OF COMPETITION/SOLE SOURCE CONTRACT:
It is requested that the County find under AP No. 34 (AP 34) that an exception to the competitive bidding requirement is satisfied, and a suspension of competition is warranted due to unusual or extraordinary circumstances, as MMC is the only vendor in Fresno County that meets the criteria for a DV shelter-based program as outlined in W&IC Section 18294, including a 24/7 hotline for crisis calls, as well as DV training for DSS staff. MMC is the only organization in the County with in-house shelters specifically for victims for of DV that are also equipped to offer comprehensive DV services for victims of DV, at no additional cost to the county. The Internal Services Department - Purchasing concurs with the Department’s assessment that this satisfies the exception to the competitive bidding process required by AP 34.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no increase in Net County Cost associated with the recommended actions. The maximum amount of the agreement ($4,348,315) will be fully offset with CalWORKs FSP funds. Sufficient appropriations and estimated revenues will be included in the Department’s Org 5610 FY 2025-26 Recommended Budget and will be included in subsequent budget requests.
DISCUSSION:
On May 26, 2020, the Board approved Agreement No. 20-195 with MMC to provide intensive case management and crisis intervention to families to ensure a basic level of stability in combination with existing barrier removal services. On February 25, 2025, your Board approved Amendment I to Agreement No. 20-195 increasing the contract maximum by $69,663 to $4,069,663.
The goal of FSP is to provide CalWORKs families who are experiencing an identified situation or crisis that is destabilizing the family, including DV, with case management and mental health services tailored to meet their individual needs in becoming self-sufficient. FSP services, such as shelter services, are available to all family members, including children, for families to remain together throughout their stay. Program services include, but are not limited to, DV specific intensive case management, mental health services, and children’s supportive services. Services are intended for CalWORKs WTW participants and their families.
The County’s District Attorney and Sheriff serve on the Board of Directors for MMC; therefore, any recommended agreements between the County and MMC are brought before your Board for authorization, pursuant to the Charter of the County of Fresno, Section 41. County Counsel has reviewed the recommended agreement and can approve as to legal form if your Board chooses to execute the agreement.
If approved, the recommended Agreement will be effective July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2030, provided all optional extensions are exercised. The agreement may be terminated without cause by either party upon providing 30-day advance written notice.
REFERENCE MATERIAL:
BAI #46, February 25, 2025
BAI #55, May 26, 2020
ATTACHMENTS INCLUDED AND/OR ON FILE:
Suspension of Competition Acquisition Request Form
On file with Clerk - Agreement with Marjaree Mason Center
CAO ANALYST:
Ronald Alexander