Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Claire Cunningham, Director, Human Services Agency
Subject: Amending an Agreement with VIVA Social Impact Partners
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution authorizing an amendment to the agreement with VIVA Social Impact Partners, to provide additional communication consulting services, increasing the amount by $99,955, for a new total obligation amount not to exceed $346,955.
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BACKGROUND:
On July 26,2023 the San Mateo County Human Services Agency (HSA), Office of the Agency Director (OAD), initiated a Request for Proposals (RFP) for The Big Lift (TBL) Communications Services to increases The Big Lift’s visibility and build public will for its mission.
In response to the RFP the County received proposals from twelve unique applicants. The Review Committee met on September 21, 2023, to evaluate vendor proposals. The Review Committee unanimously selected VIVA Social Impact Partners (VIVA) as the recommended consultant for contract award. VIVA is a consultant based in San Mateo County with a wealth of experience in early childhood and education communications.
On June 11, 2024, by Resolution No. 080432, the Board approved an amendment to the Agreement to increase funding by $47,000 for a new total obligation amount of $247,000 and adjusted Year 1 budget expenses in Exhibit B.
DISCUSSION:
HSA requests to amend the Agreement to increase funding by $99,955 for a new total obligation amount of $346,955 to continue to provide communication consulting services and replace Exhibit B with Exhibit B1 (Feb 2025).
VIVA is helping TBL advance its 2023-26 strategic communications goals to increase visibility and highlight the importance of third-grade reading proficiency in San Mateo County. A key milestone in this effort was the July 2024 launch of Let’s Read San Mateo County, a multilingual website designed to support young readers and their families. Available in English, Spanish, Chinese, and Tagalog, the site offers expert-backed strategies, developmental milestones, and engaging resources, including books, videos, and interactive activities to build reading skills.
To expand awareness of this vital resource, additional funding will support a targeted outreach campaign, including paid digital and transit advertising, earned media, and community-based promotion through bookmarks, posters, and promotional stands. VIVA will collaborate with The Big Lift to develop messaging, produce materials, and manage ad placements, while The Big Lift will lead engagement and distribution efforts with partners.
Beyond the campaign, the funding will enhance The Big Lift’s communications capacity through a light-touch audience growth initiative, an upgraded email outreach platform with CRM functionality, and the creation of an educator resources hub. It will also support the development of content recognizing Inspiring Summers’ 10-year impact and provide additional communications support to strengthen engagement across stakeholders.
PERFORMANCE MEASURE:
|
Activity |
Estimated Date of Completion |
|
Let’s Read Campaign Development - Advertising |
April 30, 2025 |
|
Let’s Read Campaign Development - Partner Outreach (Design and Production) |
May 30, 2025 |
|
2025 Event Materials Design & Production |
April 15, 2025 |
|
Audience Growth Campaign |
June 30, 2025 |
|
Educator Resource Hub |
June 30, 2025 |
|
Inspiring Summers Content |
June 30, 2025 |
COMMUNITY IMPACT:
The contract between San Mateo County (SMC) and VIVA Social Impact Partners advances equity by supporting The Big Lift’s 2023-26 strategic communications goals to elevate awareness of the importance of third-grade reading proficiency. A key milestone in this effort was the July 2024 launch of Let’s Read San Mateo County, a multilingual website designed to support young readers and their families. Available in English, Spanish, Chinese, and Tagalog, the site provides expert-backed strategies, developmental milestones, and engaging resources-including books, videos, and interactive activities-to help children build strong reading skills.
By prioritizing family engagement, kindergarten readiness, and third-grade reading proficiency, The Big Lift is working to close opportunity gaps and create pathways to long-term success. Research shows that early academic achievement is a powerful predictor of future outcomes, including high school graduation, post-secondary education, economic mobility, improved health, and overall quality of life.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The term of the Agreement is December 1, 2023 through November 30, 2025 for a total amount $346,955. $100,000 of this Agreement is funded through a contribution from the Silicon Valley Community Foundation. The remaining portion is funded by The Big Lift’s Measure K revenue. The funding and appropriations for these services are included in The Big Lift FY 2024-25 Adopted Budget and will be included in future budgets.