Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Claire Cunningham, Director, Human Services Agency
Subject: Agreement with Focus Strategies for Technical Assistance and Consultation Services on Coordinated Entry System Redesign
RECOMMENDATION:
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Measure K: Adopt a resolution authorizing an agreement with Focus Strategies to provide technical assistance and consultation services for the Coordinated Entry System (CES) redesign, for the term of April 7, 2026 through June 30, 2027, and a total obligation amount not to exceed $315,000.
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BACKGROUND:
The Human Services Agency (HSA), in close collaboration with the County Executive’s Office coordinated an evaluation of CES in 2025. This evaluation was for the current CES process which was designed with support from Focus Strategies in 2017.
In March 2024, HSA issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to identify a provider of technical assistance and consultation services. Focus Strategies was selected as the provider that best met the needs of the County as outlined in the RFP evaluation criteria.
On June 25, 2024, by Resolution No. 080528, this Board executed an agreement with Focus Strategies to provide technical assistance services in the amount of $745,677 for the term of July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2027.
On May 20, 2025, by Resolution No. 081175, the agreement was amended to add $80,000 in funds for a revised total amount not to exceed $825,677.
On January 27, 2026, by Resolution No. 081657, this Board amended the agreement with Focus Strategies to incorporate the national Right at Home initiative by adding $408,000 in funds for a revised total obligation not to exceed $1,233,677.
DISCUSSION:
HSA would like to enter into a second agreement with Focus Strategies in collaboration with Kate Bristol Consulting to provide technical assistance and consultation support to the County of San Mateo’s Coordinated Entry System. This assistance will include tools, redesign, and support for the implementation process.
Shifts in the needs of people experiencing homelessness, the availability of housing and homeless system resources, and evolving practices in the field have created the need to update CES to better serve the community. The redesign effort is referred to as CES 2.0. The goal of the project is to modernize CES by integrating best practices, redesigning the CES prioritization tool, and applying lessons learned from our homeless system data, system stakeholders, and CES evaluation.
The County Attorney has reviewed and approved the resolution and agreement as to form.
The resolution contains the County’s standard provisions allowing amendment of the County’s fiscal obligations by a maximum of $25,000.
PERFORMANCE MEASURE:
|
Measure |
FY25-26 |
FY 26-27 |
|
Projected deliverables completed on time |
95% |
95% |
COMMUNITY IMPACT:
This agreement will support San Mateo County’s Coordinated Entry System and the redesign of its associated tools, enabling the modernization of CES processes informed by key themes identified through CES meetings and stakeholder input. The effort will emphasize a transparent process that provides people experiencing homelessness and service providers with clear communication and realistic expectations regarding housing program referrals. Additionally, it will prioritize an updated CES assessment that aligns with community priorities, promotes equity, and effectively identifies households facing the greatest barriers to housing.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This agreement is for the term of April 7, 2026 through June 30, 2027, and a total obligation amount not to exceed $315,000 in Measure K funds. Budgetary appropriation to authorize the use of these funds will be included in the budget years that will be affected. There is no net county cost associated with this action.