Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Koren Widdel, Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer
Subject: Agreement with The Regents of the University of California
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution:
A) Authorizing the President of the Board of Supervisors to execute an Agreement with The Regents of the University of California (“UC”) to provide educational programs and services for the benefit of San Mateo County residents through the UC Cooperative Extension program, for the term of July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2028, with one two-year option to extend through June 30, 2030, in a total amount not to exceed $647,058; and
B) Granting a waiver of the County’s competitive procurement process for this Agreement; and
C) Authorizing the Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer, or their designee, to execute further amendments to the Agreement to modify the County’s maximum fiscal obligation by no more than $25,000 (in aggregate), and/or modify the Agreement’s term and/or services so long as the modified term or services is/are within the current or revised fiscal provisions.
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BACKGROUND:
The University of California’s (“UC”) Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, connects San Mateo County’s residents and agricultural industry to UC research through the UC Cooperative Extension (“UCCE”) program.
UCCE's advisors, specialists, and faculty deliver information to the San Mateo County residents and agricultural industry through educational and applied research programs. UCCE’s community-based programs include a San Mateo County-based advisor, the UC Master Gardeners, UC 4-H Youth Development Program, and UC Master Food Preservers, all of which connect residents of all ages to agricultural and natural resource sciences and empower them to become active and engaged citizens. UCCE maintains UC Elkus Ranch in Half Moon Bay and a local office in South San Francisco.
This Board has authorized agreements between the Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer and the UC to provide these educational programs and services to County residents through the UCCE program since 2015, and has granted waivers of the County’s competitive bidding process for these agreements in accordance with the sections of Administrative Memorandum B-1 which allow competitive procurement requirements to be waived for agreements with other public entities and for the continuation of ongoing services or projects. The current two-year agreement between the parties, authorized by the Board on June 13, 2023, expires on June 30, 2025, and has a maximum fiscal obligation of $238,472.
DISCUSSION:
Staff recommend that the County enter into a new agreement (“Agreement”) with UC to continue providing educational programs and services to County residents through the UCCE program, for the term of July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2028, with one two-year option to extend through June 30, 2030, in a total amount not to exceed $647,058.
Under the Agreement, UCCE will provide services including:
• Working in conjunction with governmental agencies and private parties on projects to provide an integrated, research-based approach to agriculture and natural resource understanding and management, with emphasis on integrated pest management, urban forestry and agriculture, livestock and rangeland management, youth development, nutrition, environmental science, food preservation, home gardening, and citizen science participation;
• Providing technical and conceptual assistance to constituent requests and inquiries related to agricultural and natural resources;
• Supporting and providing research and educational programs that meet local agriculture and natural resource needs, focus on enhancing agricultural productivity in San Mateo County, protecting water, land, and air resources, and help to shape healthy sustainable food systems for San Mateo County residents;
• Offering opportunities for individuals, families, and youth to enhance quality of living by providing resources that support independent and self-sufficiency, problem-solving skill development, health maintenance, and obesity/diabetes prevention, as well as providing information on food safety, preparation, preservation, and budgeting for food security;
• Providing the outdoor learning laboratory at UC Elkus Ranch Environmental Education Center;
• Providing university-trained volunteers for research-based advice and support to local gardeners, food preparers, and youth agencies;
• Offering the 4-H Program; and
• Providing and/or conducting annual training and education on emerging issues and policies pertaining to agriculture and natural resource conservation and management.
Staff further recommends that the Board waive the formal competitive procurement process for this Agreement pursuant to Section IV(B)(2) of County Administrative Memorandum B-1 (May 9, 2022), which states that the competitive solicitation requirement may be waived for “agreements with other public entities, including governments, universities, schools, or other organizations acting as governmental agencies.” As a university, UCCE is uniquely situated to provide the above-described services to San Mateo County residents and agricultural producers. As noted above, this Board has previously granted waivers of the County’s competitive bidding process for these agreements with UCCE, which has demonstrated a strong commitment to providing high quality services and has successfully met the established performance goals.
Staff further requests that the Board authorize the Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer, or designee(s), to execute amendments to the Agreement to modify the County’s maximum fiscal obligation by no more than $25,000 (in aggregate) and/or modify the agreement term and/or services so long as the modified term or services is/are within the current or revised fiscal provisions.
The County Attorney’s Office has reviewed and approved the resolution and Agreement as to form.
PERFORMANCE MEASURE:
|
Measure |
FY 2023-24 Actuals |
FY 2024-25 Projected |
Annual Target |
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Number of youth and adults participating in UCCE led agricultural and environmental programs |
26,600 |
25,000 |
25,000 |
COMMUNITY IMPACT:
UCCE connects the UC’s research in agriculture, natural resources, nutrition, and youth development directly to our county residents in order to deliver locally tailored solutions that strengthen economies, promote public health, support sustainable land management, and empower the next generation.-
FISCAL IMPACT:
The maximum fiscal obligation under the Agreement is $647,058 allocated over the three-year term with one two-year extension option. Funding for this agreement is covered by Net County Cost and included in the Department’s FY 2025-27 Recommended Budget.