Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Colleen Chawla, Chief, San Mateo County Health
Jei Africa, Director, Behavioral Health and Recovery Services
Subject: Second Amendment to the Agreement with Browne Inc., for the San Mateo County Health Website Development Project
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution authorizing an amendment to the agreement with Browne Inc., for the San Mateo County Health Website Development Project, for the term of July 22, 2024 through June 30, 2026, increasing the amount by $90,000 to an amount not to exceed $287,500.
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BACKGROUND:
Browne, Inc. developed the County Health public-facing website and the creation and implementation of the County Health logo. In an effort to support the consistency of branding and messaging, Browne, Inc. also supported Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS) with the creation of a communication campaign and marketing for behavioral health crises services that are clear and distinguishable and raise awareness of BHRS crisis services.
On July 31, 2024, the Director of BHRS entered into a contract with Browne Inc., to implement the crisis services communication campaign for the term of July 22, 2024, through June 30, 2025, in an amount not to exceed $97,500.
On April 10, 2025, the Director of BHRS approved an amendment to add media campaign services, extending the agreement term to end on June 30, 2026, and increasing the total amount not to exceed $197,500.
It is now necessary to amend the agreement to add communication campaign services for the BHRS Transformation Journey following the passage of Proposition 1, increasing the maximum obligation by $90,000 for a total not to exceed $287,500 with no change to the agreement term.
DISCUSSION:
BHRS is committed to ensuring continuity, consistency, and trust in its public-facing communications, both visually and through its messaging. Contracting with a vendor that has developed the branding, look, and logo for our County Health department aligns with BHRS’ dedication to presenting a unified and recognizable identity to all individuals, families, and communities we serve. Maintaining this continuity across divisions and programs strengthens community and reinforces our values.
The increased funds support Browne, Inc.’s expanded role in promoting the BHRS Transformation Journey following the passage of Proposition 1 and other legislative priorities. Leveraging this vendor’s expertise will be critically important as BHRS embarks on this comprehensive initiative to advance behavioral health outcomes, innovation, and service integration. The vendor will partner with BHRS to develop clear, compelling key messages, talking points, website updates, newsletters, and other vital communication materials, ensuring that public stakeholders, staff, and clients receive timely, accurate, and engaging information about Transformation Journey milestones, opportunities, and service enhancements.
In lieu of a new Request for Proposal (RFP) process, San Mateo County’s Procurement Division has approved a “piggyback” request to utilize the San Mateo County Health’s existing RFP released on February 6, 2023, in which Browne, Inc. was competitively awarded its contract.
The resolution contains the County’s standard provision allowing amendment of the County’s fiscal obligation by a maximum of $25,000 (in aggregate).
The amendment and resolution have been reviewed and approved by the County Attorney as to form.
It is anticipated that 100% of the communication deliverables to prepare BHRS for compliance with Proposition 1 will be completed.
PERFORMANCE MEASURE:
|
Measure |
FY 2024-25 Actual |
FY 2025-26 Estimated |
|
Percentage of the communication deliverables that will be completed to prepare BHRS for compliance with Proposition 1 by July 1, 2026 |
100% 7 deliverables |
100% 8 deliverables |
COMMUNITY Impact:
Strategic communication services are essential to amplify the reach and impact of BHRS services, especially for marginalized communities experiencing severe mental health and substance use disorders. By developing engaging messaging, informative materials, and accessible digital content, this vendor will empower BHRS to communicate service changes, new opportunities, and resources in ways that resonate with diverse populations. Effective outreach enables more vulnerable community members to understand, access, and benefit from transformational enhancements in behavioral health care, ultimately fostering improved trust and engagement across San Mateo County.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The term of the amended agreement is July 22, 2024, through June 30, 2026. The amount of the amended agreement is not to exceed $287,500. The amendment increases the contract amount by $90,000. Funds in the amount of $90,000 are included in the BHRS FY 2025-26 Adopted Budget and will be 100% funded by the Mental Health Services Act. There is no Net County Cost associated with this agreement.