Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Michael P. Callagy, County Executive
Iliana Rodriguez, Assistant County Executive
Subject: Contracts to Conduct Performance Evaluations of Measure K Programs
RECOMMENDATION:
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Measure K: Adopt a resolution authorizing the County Executive, or designee(s), to execute the following agreements for the purpose of Measure K Program Performance Evaluation Services:
A) An agreement with American Institutes for Research in the Behavioral Sciences (AIR), for a term of September 23, 2025 through September 22, 2027, in a total amount not to exceed $400,000, with an option to extend the agreement for one year in an additional amount not to exceed $200,000, at the sole discretion of the County Executive or designee; and
B) An agreement with Harder + Company Community Research (Harder + Co), for a term of September 23, 2025 through September 22, 2027, in a total amount not to exceed $400,000, with an option to extend the agreement for one year in an additional amount not to exceed $200,000, at the sole discretion of the County Executive or designee; and
C) An agreement with Raimi + Associates for a term of September 23, 2025 through September 22, 2027, in a total amount not to exceed $400,000, with an option to extend the agreement for one year in an additional amount not to exceed $200,000, at the sole discretion of the County Executive or designee; and
D) An agreement with RDA Consulting (RDA), SPC, for a term of September 23, 2025 through September 22, 2027, in a total amount not to exceed $400,000, with an option to extend the agreement for one year in an additional amount not to exceed $200,000, at the sole discretion of the County Executive or designee.
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BACKGROUND:
Measure K is a half-cent sales tax that funds important services to improve quality of life in San Mateo County. In 2023, the Board of Supervisors identified three priority areas for Measure K funding: children, families and seniors; emergency preparedness; and housing and homelessness.
In order to ensure the effective use of Measure K funds, the Board approved $1,500,000 for FY 2025-26 to support evaluations of selected County programs funded by Measure K. Evaluations provide an opportunity for an independent, objective and comprehensive review of the efficacy and effectiveness of the program being evaluated, increases transparency and accountability, and helps leaders make evidence-based decisions in future funding opportunities and program improvement.
DISCUSSION:
The County Executive’s Office launched a competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) for Measure K Program Performance Evaluations, with an emphasis on the Measure K focus area of Children, Families and Seniors, on February 7, 2025.
Sixteen qualified proposals were received and reviewed by a panel of County staff with diverse areas of expertise. Four were selected for in-person interviews. The County Executive’s Office has determined that all four firms have the requisite expertise to review and evaluate these programs.
AIR, a national firm based in northern Virginia, provides behavioral and social science research and consulting services to public agencies, nonprofit organizations and government entities. Recent projects include a mixed-methods program evaluation for 14 mental health programs offered by San Mateo County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS) department and an evaluation for San Francisco’s Department of Children, Youth, and their Families of programming that supports youth impacted by the justice system.
San Diego-based Harder + Co has been providing evaluation, planning and consulting services for large governmental organizations, philanthropic and nonprofit clients for 40 years. Recent projects include evaluation of San Mateo County’s ARPA-funded out-of-school care program for youth and work with several First 5 commissions in California.
Raimi + Associates, based in Berkeley, is a multi-disciplinary planning and applied research firm with experience in conducting evaluations on social services for children, families and seniors, early childhood education, health care access, food security and chronic disease. Recent projects include an update to the East Palo Alto general plan, the 2019 Big Lift Needs Assessment, and the Community Collaborative for Children’s Success.
Oakland-based RDA has 40 years of experience conducting multidisciplinary evaluations, with specific experience in programs that serve historically underserved and unserved populations, including older adults and low-income households. Recent projects include multiple program evaluations for BHRS, such as the Parent Project and Mental Health First Aid.
The evaluations provided by these contractors will include quantitative analyses, qualitative analysis, review of best practices/literature review, and recommendations for improvement.
The proposed agreements for evaluation will each have an original term of September 23, 2025, through September 22, 2027, and each will be subject to a maximum fiscal obligation of $400,000. In addition, the County shall have one (1) option to extend the term for a period one (1) year for an additional amount not to exceed $200,000, which the County may exercise in its sole, absolute discretion.
The County Attorney’s Office has reviewed and approved the proposed agreements and resolution as to form.
COMMUNITY IMPACT:
Investments from the County’s Measure K half-cent sales tax are designed to enhance the social safety net for the County’s most vulnerable and marginalized residents. Evaluations will help ensure that services supported by Measure K resources are being provided in an equitable and effective manner.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The proposed agreements with each firm have a maximum fiscal obligation of $400,000 for a total aggregate fiscal commitment of $1,600,000 over two fiscal years. Each agreement includes an option to extend for one additional year, for an additional amount not to exceed $200,000. If the County elects to exercise all of its options, the cumulative fiscal commitment is $2,400,000 over three fiscal years. This amount will be paid for with Measure K funds and will be included in the FY 2025-26 Adopted Budget and FY 2026-27 Recommended Budget.