DATE: May 23, 2023
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBMITTED BY: Sanja Bugay, Director, Department of Social Services
SUBJECT: Purchase of CalSAWS Kiosks through the CalSAWS Consortium
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 for the Department of Social Services to purchase kiosks though the CalSAWS Consortium as CalSAWS Consortium is a Joint Powers Authority formed by all 58 California counties; and
2. Approve and authorize the Chairman to execute the County Purchase Agreement with the CalSAWS Consortium for the purchase of kiosks on behalf of the County, with a total cost not to exceed $756,955.
REPORT
Approval of the recommended actions will allow the Department to purchase, through the CalSAWS Consortium, 26 new kiosks compatible with the State-mandated CalSAWS application. The kiosks, located in the lobbies of DSS buildings, will offer the public a self-service option when applying for public assistance benefits. The purchase includes associated hardware software, administrative, on-site support and training, and recurring technical services charges for the kiosks. Cost for the purchase will be offset through federal American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA) County Technology Enhancements Allocation with no increase in Net County Cost. This item is county wide.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S):
Should your Board not approve the recommended actions, an additional pathway for county residents to access vital services will be eliminated. Without the CalSAWS kiosks in the Department's lobbies the public may experience longer queue time when visiting the offices for public assistance programs without the option for self-service.
SUSPENSION OF COMPETITION/SOLE SOURCE CONTRACT:
The Department's request to suspend the competitive bidding process is consistent with Administrative Policy No. 34 as the...
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