Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Louise F. Rogers, Chief, San Mateo County Health
Jei Africa, Director, Behavioral Health and Recovery Services
Subject: Agreement with RDA Consulting, SPC for Mental Health Services Act Planning, Evaluation and Technical Assistance Services
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution authorizing an agreement with RDA Consulting, SPC for Mental Health Services Act planning, evaluation, and technical assistance services, for the term of January 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026, in an amount not to exceed $526,273.
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BACKGROUND:
In July 2024, Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS) released a Request for Proposals (RFP) to support the division with planning and evaluation services, with a focus on assessing the quality and impact of services, utilization and need of mental health and substance use services in San Mateo County and supporting planning and reporting of legislative requirements under the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA), Proposition 1, and other needs as determined by BHRS. RDA Consulting, SPC submitted a proposal in response to the RFP. BHRS recommends for RDA Consulting, SPC to provide evaluation and research services based on their long extensive relevant and demonstrated experience and knowledge with planning and evaluation services.
Additionally, in August 2024, BHRS released an RFP to provide planning and implementation technical assistance services, specifically to transition from the current MHSA to the Proposition 1 - Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA). RDA Consulting, SPC submitted a proposal in response to this RFP. BHRS recommends RDA Consulting, SPC to support a comprehensive planning process in partnership with diverse communities and stakeholders and to develop the required BHSA Three-Year Integrated Plan for Fiscal Years 2026-29.
DISCUSSION:
RDA Consulting, SPC has provided MHSA evaluation, technical assistance and program planning services that have led to successful MHSA Prevention and Early Intervention, direct treatment, and workforce training projects. RDA Consulting, SPC has developed annual evaluation reports for many MHSA Innovation (INN) projects, including the San Mateo County Pride Center, the Health Ambassador Program for Youth, and the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics in an Adult System of Care. The reports are shared annually with MHSA stakeholders, submitted to the State Department of Health Care Services and the Mental Health Services Oversight Commission, and have supported successful innovation extension requests and sustainability planning. The agreement with RDA Consulting, SPC will allow for continuity in the evaluation of pilot projects including the Kapwa Kultural Center and Café; Pacific Islanders Organizing, Nurturing, and Empowering Everyone to Rise and Serve program; the Mobile Behavioral Health Services for Farmworkers; and the Recovery Connection Drop-In Center. MHSA legislation requires comprehensive evaluation services of all approved INN pilot projects.
The resolution contains the County’s standard provision allowing amendment of the County’s fiscal obligations by a maximum of $25,000 (in aggregate).
This agreement is late due to extended negotiations with RDA Consulting, SPC.
The agreement and resolution have been reviewed and approved by the County Attorney as to form.
It is anticipated that 100% of the MHSA evaluation, reporting, and planning requirements will be completed by RDA Consulting, SPC.
PERFORMANCE MEASURE:
|
Measure |
FY 2024-25 Estimated |
FY 2025-26 Projected |
|
Percentage of the MHSA evaluation, reporting, and planning requirements that will be completed by RDA Consulting, SPC |
100% 6 items |
100% 5 items |
EQUITY IMPACT:
Planning and evaluation services support BHRS in delivering effective and impactful services for marginalized cultural, racial, and ethnic communities living with severe mental health and substance use disorders by providing BHRS with performance and client-level outcomes and identifying continuous improvement needs. BHRS programs provide direct treatment and recovery supports (e.g., Full-Service Partnerships, Assisted Outpatient Treatment, Mobile Crisis Response, Pathways Program, etc.) for the most vulnerable San Mateo County clients. Marginalized communities are engaged in evaluation planning, key interviews and focus groups representing diverse racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds (Asian Indian/South Asian 5%, Chinese 7%, Filipino 5%, Black/African American, 4% Hispanic/Latino 19%, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander 2%, White/Caucasian 43%). A total of 85 unduplicated clients and family members received 804 stipends in FY 2023-24 for their participation on various planning and evaluation activities, key interviews and/or focus groups.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The term of the agreement is January 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026. The amount of the agreement is not to exceed $526,273 for the 18-month term. Funds in the amount of $206,353 are included in the BHRS FY 2024-25 Adopted Budget and will be 100% funded by MHSA. Similar arrangements will be made for FY 2025-26. There is no Net County Cost.
Attachment: RFP Matrix