DATE: May 12, 2020
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBMITTED BY: Vice-Chairman Brandau and Supervisor Pacheco
SUBJECT: Authorizing funding from Federal CARES Act for a small business grant program
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
TITLE
1. Make a finding that it is in the best interest of the County to suspend the competitive bidding process consistent with Administrative Policy No. 34 for unusual or extraordinary circumstances given time constraints resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.
2. Authorize funding for the Fresno County "Helping Underserved Businesses" (HUB) Grant Program using Federal CARES Act funding in an amount to be determined by your Board up to $5 million.
3. Authorize CAO to enter into agreements with Access Plus Capital and Fresno County Economic Development Corporation for the administration of the Fresno County HUB grant program for up to $5 million.
REPORT
Approval of the recommended action will allow the County of Fresno to spend up to $5 million of its Federal CARES Act allocation on the Fresno County HUB Grant Program, creating a grant program for small businesses impacted by COVID-19. The County Administrative Officer would be authorized to enter into any necessary agreements with Access Plus Capital and Fresno County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) for the administration of the grant program.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S):
The Board of Supervisors could choose not to approve this action and instead use the money for another program eligible under the federal CARES Act legislation.
SUSPENSION OF COMPETITION/SOLE SOURCE CONTRACT:
It is requested that the County waive the competitive bidding process under Administrative Policy No. 34 under "unusual or extraordinary circumstances" exception, as time is of the essence to deliver the Federal CARES Act funding to the underserved businesses via the Fresno County Grant Program to help these businesses through the COVID-19 pandemic. EDC and Access Plus Capital are suited, equipped, and authorized to ...
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