Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: John T. Keene, Chief Probation Officer
Subject: Agreement with Humore.us LLC DBA Focus on the 40 for Leadership Development Programs and Executive Leadership Coaching Services
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution authorizing the President of the Board of Supervisors to execute an agreement with Focus on the 40 for Leadership Development Programs and Executive Coaching Services for the period of October 1, 2026 through June 30, 2029, in an amount not to exceed $677,875.
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BACKGROUND:
On April 8, 2026, Probation issued a Request for Proposals (RFP No. 2026-RFP-00425) seeking qualified firms to deliver a comprehensive Leadership Development Program and Executive Leadership Coaching Services. This initiative is designed to strengthen internal leadership capacity, enhance succession planning, and provide executive-level coaching to our senior and emerging leaders.
The County received seven (7) proposals by May 6, 2026, closing deadline. An evaluation committee reviewed and scored the proposals based on the criteria established in the RFP, including qualifications, i.e., Standards and Training for Corrections (STC) certified by the Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC), program methodology i.e., training services tailored to evidence-based science and specific to the adaptive challenges faced by probation leaders today, and overall cost. Focus on the 40 was selected as the highest-ranked proposer. The vendor demonstrated exceptional expertise in organizational development, a proven track record of successful public sector probation-specific coaching, and an innovative curriculum tailored to our department's strategic goals.
DISCUSSION:
The Probation Department is currently navigating a major workforce transition, driven by an accelerating rate of retirements among veteran staff. As seasoned employees depart, taking decades of institutional knowledge with them, the department faces the urgent challenge of onboarding and training new hires at an unprecedented pace. Accelerating this ramp-up time is essential to maintain operational continuity, prevent backlogs, and meet rising workload demands without compromising quality or safety.
Today’s community corrections environment demands that leaders balance public safety objectives, evidence-based practices, and staff wellness while navigating complex regulatory landscapes. To meet these demands, senior and emerging leaders must be equipped with advanced skills in strategic communication, conflict resolution, and organizational resilience. Entering into this agreement with Focus on the 40 will directly address these needs through a customized, culturally relevant curriculum built specifically for probation professionals.
A critical requirement of RFP No. 2026-RFP-00425 was that the training modules meet the Standards and Training for Corrections (STC) certification requirements established by the Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC). Focus on the 40 explicitly met this benchmark as their program methodology uniquely blends executive coaching with evidence-based science.
The selection of Focus on the 40 by the evaluation committee was based on the vendor’s distinct ability to bridge organizational psychology with practical law enforcement leadership. Under the proposed contract, the program will deliver measurable outcomes by focusing on two core tracks:
• Leadership Development Programs: Cohort-based training designed to establish a unified operational philosophy across senior management and emerging leaders, strengthening succession pathways.
• Executive Leadership Coaching Services: Tailored, one-on-one coaching sessions aimed at enhancing individual decision-making, executive presence, and problem-solving capabilities for key departmental leadership.
Approval of this agreement ensures the Probation Department can launch the initial training phases starting in October 2026. This comprehensive framework will provide sustainable infrastructure to grow internal talent, reduce leadership turnover, and ultimately enhance the overall efficiency and service delivery of the department.
The Probation Department requests that the Chief Probation Officer or his/her designee be granted authorization to execute contract amendments that modify the County’s maximum fiscal obligation by no more than $25,000 (in aggregate) for each agreement, and/or modify the contract term and/or services so long as the modified term or services is/are within the current or revised fiscal provisions.
The term of this agreement is October 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029.
The agreement and accompanying Resolution have been reviewed and approved as to form by the County Attorney's Office.
PERFORMANCE MEASURE:
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Measure |
Target |
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Designated training modules successfully certified by the California Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) <http://www.bscc.ca.gov/> under the Standards for Training in Corrections (STC) program on the initial Request for Certification (RFC) submission.100% |
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Enrolled participants across all levels reporting increased competency and practical application in core curriculum areas. |
90% |
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Engagement and utilization rate of scheduled 1:1 coaching and development sessions across all participant levels. |
80% |
FISCAL IMPACT:
The total fiscal impact of this Agreement is $677,875. Funding is available within the Department's FY 2026-27 Recommended Budget general fund allocation. Equivalent ongoing costs are accounted for in the Department's FY 2027-28 and FY 2028-29 multi-year budget projections.