Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Claire Cunningham, Director, Human Services Agency
Subject: Agreement with Child Care Coordinating Council of San Mateo to Administer the Alternative Payment Program
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution authorizing:
A) A waiver of the Request for Proposals (RFP) process; and
B) The execution of an agreement with the Child Care Coordinating Council of San Mateo for a term of July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026 and a total obligation amount of $3,602,976 to administer the Alternative Payment Program in San Mateo County; and
C) The Human Services Agency Director, or designee, to execute any amendments with the Child Care Coordinating Council of San Mateo to add funds of up to $3,700,000 and extend the term to align with additional funding disbursements allocated by the California Department of Social Services.
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BACKGROUND:
The California Alternative Payment Program (CAPP), funded by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS), provides childcare identification and subsidy assistance to income-eligible families, or families involved with the child welfare system.
The Human Services Agency (HSA) receives CAPP funding from CDSS and passes it on, through a subrecipient agreement, to the Child Care Coordinating Council of San Mateo (4Cs) to administer the CAPP program in San Mateo County. 4Cs is the state permitted Resource and Referral agency and the designated Alternative Payment Provider (APP).
HSA anticipates receiving an extension on the current allocation which is set to expire June 2025. HSA also anticipates receiving an additional disbursement of up to $3,700,000 sometime in FY 2025-26.
DISCUSSION:
HSA is requesting the County authorize an initial agreement with 4Cs for a term of July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026, for a total obligation amount of $3,602,976, to align with the anticipated CAPP disbursement extension. HSA is also requesting the Director of HSA, or their designee, be authorized to execute an amendment with 4Cs to align with future CAPP disbursements received during FY 2025-26. Under this agreement, 4Cs will help eligible families locate, and enroll in safe, accessible child care. It is estimated that this agreement will serve or continue to serve (for those currently enrolled) 235 children. As the County’s designated Alternative Payment Provider, 4Cs will also make payments directly to child care providers.
Pursuant to the County of San Mateo Administrative Memorandum No. B-1, Section IV. Waivers of Competitive Process, paragraph C. Non-Emergency - General Exemptions,
item 1., a competitive solicitation may be waived for services only available from single
source. 4Cs is the only agency in San Mateo County (other than HSA) recognized by State Department of Education (DOE) as qualified to administer state funded childcare programs such as CAPP. Therefore, HSA is requesting that the Board of Supervisors waive the Request for Proposals (RFP) process as 4Cs is the only provider in San Mateo County qualified to administer CAPP funding.
The resolution contains the County’s standard provisions allowing an amendment of the County’s fiscal obligations by a maximum of $25,000 (in the aggregate).
The County Attorney’s Office has reviewed and approved the agreement and resolution as to form.
PERFORMANCE MEASURE:
|
Measure |
FY 2025-26 Target |
|
Percent of families referred and enrolled that are receiving child care services |
95% |
COMMUNITY IMPACT:
This agreement provides income eligible families, who have a qualifying need, with assistance to pay for childcare. A key component of this agreement is parental choice which allows enrolled families to choose the childcare setting that meets the specific need of their family. As a result, this agreement reduces child care accessibility barriers and keeps children safe and in their communities.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The term of this agreement is from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026. The amount of the agreement is not to exceed $3,602,976. The agreement is funded by the California Alternative Payment Program allocation from the California Department of Social Services and County Maintenance of Effort (MOE). Budgetary appropriation for this agreement will be included in the FY 2025-26 Recommended Budget. There is no Net County Cost associated with this item.