HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOARD STANDING COMMITTEES - 09162024 - Equity Cte Agenda PktCONTRA COSTA COUNTY
AGENDA
Equity Committee
Supervisor Federal D. Glover, Chair
Supervisor John Gioia, Vice Chair
11780 San Pablo Ave. Ste D, El Cerrito |
190 East 4th Street, Pittsburg, CA |
https://cccounty-us.zoom.us/j/826591075
72 | Call in: 1-888-278-0254 access code:
544753
10:30 AMMonday, September 16, 2024
The public may attend this meeting in person at either above location . The public may also
attend this meeting remotely via Zoom or call-in.
Agenda Items: Items may be taken out of order based on the business of the day and preference of the
Committee.
Introductions
Public comment on any item under the jurisdiction of the Committee and not on this agenda (speakers
may be limited to two (2) minutes).
1.RECEIVE and APPROVE the Record of Action from the August 19, 2024
meeting of the Equity Committee, with any necessary corrections .
24-2906
Equity Committee_Record of Action_8.19.24 (draft)Attachments:
2.RECEIVE updates and PROVIDE direction on the African American Holistic
Wellness and Resource Hub Feasibility Study
24-2907
3.RECEIVE updates and PROVIDE direction on the $1M Measure X allocation for
existing African American Wellness Services
24-2908
RFP_African American Holistic Wellness Services_(draft)Attachments:
4.RECEIVE updates from the Co-Directors of the Office of Racial Equity and
Social Justice
24-2909
The next meeting is currently scheduled for October 21, 2024.
Adjourn
Page 1 of 2
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Equity Committee AGENDA September 16, 2024
General Information
This meeting provides reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities planning to attend a the
meetings. Contact the staff person listed below at least 72 hours before the meeting. Any disclosable
public records related to an open session item on a regular meeting agenda and distributed by the
County to a majority of members of the Committee less than 96 hours prior to that meeting are available
for public inspection at 1026 Escobar St., 2nd Floor, Martinez, during normal business hours. Staff
reports related to items on the agenda are also accessible on line at www.co.contra-costa.ca.us.
HOW TO PROVIDE PUBLIC COMMENT:
Persons who wish to address the Committee during public comment on matters within the jurisdiction
of the Committee that are not on the agenda, or who wish to comment with respect to an item on the
agenda, may comment in person, via Zoom, or via call-in. Those participating in person should offer
comments when invited by the Committee Chair. Those participating via Zoom should indicate they
wish to speak by using the “raise your hand” feature in the Zoom app. Those calling in should indicate
they wish to speak by pushing *9 on their phones.
Public comments generally will be limited to two (2) minutes per speaker. In the interest of facilitating
the business of the Board Committee, the total amount of time that a member of the public may use in
addressing the Board Committee on all agenda items is 10 minutes. Your patience is appreciated.
Public comments may also be submitted to Committee staff before the meeting by email or by
voicemail. Comments submitted by email or voicemail will be included in the record of the meeting but
will not be read or played aloud during the meeting.
For Additional Information Contact:
Kendra Carr, kendra.carr@oresj.cccounty.us
Peter Kim, peter.kim@oresj.cccounty.us
Page 2 of 2
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CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
Staff Report
1025 ESCOBAR STREET
MARTINEZ, CA 94553
File #:24-2906 Agenda Date:9/16/2024 Agenda #:1.
EQUITY COMMITTEE
Meeting Date: September 16, 2024
Subject: Record of Action
Submitted For: Equity Committee
Department: Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice
Referral No:
Referral Name: Record of Action
Presenter: Peter Kim
Contact: Peter Kim,peter.kim@oresj.cccounty.us <mailto:peter.kim@oresj.cccounty.us>
Referral History:
County Ordinance requires that each County body keep a record of its meetings. Though the record need not be
verbatim, it must accurately reflect the agenda and the decisions made in the meetings.
Referral Update:
Attached for the Committee’s consideration is the draft Record of Action for its August 19, 2024 meeting.
Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):
REVIEW and APPROVE the Record of Action.
Fiscal Impact (if any):
N/A
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY Printed on 9/11/2024Page 1 of 1
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Equity Committee
Record of Action for August 19, 2024
Committee Members Present: Supervisor Federal D. Glover, BOS District 5, Committee Chair;
Supervisor John Gioia, BOS District 1, Committee Vice Chair
Staff Present: Kendra Carr and Peter Kim, Co-Directors, Office of Racial Equity and Social
Justice (staff to Committee); Monica Nino, County Administrator, County Administrator’s
Office; Timothy Ewell, Chief Assistant County Administrator, County Administrator’s Office ;
Lara Delaney, Deputy County Administrator, County Administrator’s Office; Emlyn Struthers,
Deputy County Administrator, County Administrator’s Office; Cora Young, Executive Assistant
to the County Administrator, County Administrator’s Office; Ellen McDonnell, Public Defender,
Public Defender’s Office; Ann Elliot, Director, Human Resources Department; Nicole Bilich,
Manager, Human Resources Department; Gilbert Salinas, Chief Equity Officer, Health
Department; Antoine Wilson, Equal Employment Opportunity Officer, Risk Management
Department; Sonia Bustamante, Chief of Staff, BOS District 1; Jill Ray, District Representative,
BOS District 2; Peter Myers, Deputy Chief of Staff, BOS District 3; Alejandra Sanchez, District
Representative, BOS District 4.
Public Attendees: Phil Arnold; Carla; Chinue Fields; Jamie F.; Lea Murray; YAnad Burrell
1. Introductions
Supervisor Glover convened meeting at 9:30 AM.
Committee Chairs introduced themselves, as did staff assigned to the committee, Kendra Carr
and Peter Kim, Co-Directors of the Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice (ORESJ).
2. Public Comment
None.
3. RECEIVE and APPROVE the Record of Action from the July 15, 2024 meeting of the
Equity Committee, with any necessary corrections.
Public Comment
No comment.
Committee received and approved both Records of Action with no corrections.
Vote was taken – two (2) ayes. This item was passed.
4. ACCEPT report from the County Administrator’s Office on the use of gender specific
pronouns in the County Ordinance Code (the “Code”), including recommendations on
transitioning to the use of gender-neutral personal descriptors.
4
Tim Ewell, shared Powerpoint presentation reflecting key highlights from their report. See
Agenda Packet attachments.
Over 1500 pages reviewed for outdated language in County ordinance code as it pertains to
gender. Discovered at least 841 gender specific pronoun matches that were reviewed and
updated, if needed.
Recommending a policy framework to guide County departments in bringing language and
protocols up to date and gender neutral:
• Delete the gender prononun altogether and replace with title, capacity, role, etc that is
most appropriate.
• Restructure the sentence if needed to keep meaning and substance while changing the
pronoun reference.
• If needed, use “they” or “their” if cannot fulfill either of the above.
Recommendation is to accept this report and direct Staff to work with Counsel to draft updates to
the County ordinance code; and to work with ORESJ on a general policy of use of gender-
neutral policies.
Gioia: Agree with this process; yet, given it is so time consuming, is there an app or AI-product
that can be used?
Ewell: Yes, there is an AI app that we are exploring with different vendors. At same time, going
through it manually was a good way to see how much time it actually takes, and to truly
appreciate the amount of time that AI can potentialy save. Will want to recommend eventually a
policy on establishing an AI vendor pool.
Public Comment:
No comment.
Committee accepted this report.
Vote was taken – two (2) ayes. This item was passed.
5. RECEIVE the staff update regarding the renaming of the Labor/Trade Seat on the
Advisory Council on Equal Employment Opportunity and PROVIDE direction to staff as
necessary.
Antoine Wilson, Equal Employment Officer at the Risk Management Department, presented an
update on the Labor/Trade Seat on the EEO Advisory Council. Shared a Powerpoint
presentation. See Agenda Packet attachment.
Previous person held seat for 2 years, but have not been able to fill vacancy since her transition
despite intense outreach. Advisory Council looked across partner agencies throughout all 9
regional counties, explored their processes and practices surrounding the naming of seats, and
discovered that this particular seat is fairly narrow in scope. Asking to rename the seat as an
additional Business Seat representing small businesses.
5
Gioia: Absolutely against turning a Labor seat into a Business seat. The Central Labor Council
should be able to suggest someone to fill the seat. The seat should remain Labor or Trade,
though we can expand it to include apprentices. I will personally make a phone call today to the
Labor trades, we want to increase their representation on boards anyways. So I am against
changing it.
Glover: I agree.
Wilson: While we have already spoken to several of the Labor contacts that your offices have
provided us, we are open to reaching out to others and continuing to explore what is possible. I
will report this back to the committee and look forward to your updates and further direction.
Public Comment:
No comment.
Committee accepted the update and directed staff to not change the seat and instead continue to
outreach with assistance from Supervisors.
Vote was taken – two (2) ayes. This item was passed.
6. RECEIVE updates from the Co-Directors of the Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice
Kendra Carr and Peter Kim, Co-Directors of the Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice
(ORESJ), presented status updates on staffing and hiring.
Successfully moved through the Human Resources and Union/Labor processes, will be going to
next Board of Supervisors meeting (9/10) for final approval of classifications and position add
requests. Creating outreach materials and preparing to begin soliciting applications. Will be
recruiting in mid-September and keep the solicitation open for a month. Want to thank Human
Resources for all their assistance.
Public Comment:
Jamie F: Wants to know if we are considering the verbiage we put out around hiring; bringing
attention to hidden disabilities, lived expertise. Want to use more accessible and supportive
language. Can we bring people from community in when determining language, to avoid callous
or harmful language?
Staff: Yes, the job announcement will reflect inclusive language to people with lived experience,
to attract those most committed to the mission and values of our office. We want to demystify the
process, mitigate barriers, and be inclusive to those with lived expertise and experience, who
reflect the communities that are most vulnerable and marginalized. We are also using plain
language, while borrowing from our own past job announcements that were crafted in
partnership with members of the community and O RESJ Core Committee.
Gioia: As these positions go through HR, I would like to have the process go as fast as possible.
6
Committee accepted the updates from staff.
Vote was taken – two (2) ayes. This item was passed.
7. RECEIVE updates on the $1M Measure X allocation for existing African American
Wellness Services
Kendra Carr and Peter Kim, Co-Directors of the Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice
(ORESJ), presented status updates on $1M Measure X allocation to fund services for African
American Holistic Wellnness.
Apologized on behalf of the office that the process has taken longer that expected. The recent
Request for Qualifications produced zero submissions; Staff recognize that the scope of work
was too broad given the capacity and structure of most community foundations , and is working
on reducing the scope of work by taking on some of the work internally, notably the procurement
process and integration of a participatory review committee, and restricting the role of the
contractor to administering and distributing the funds.
Staff are meeting again with local community foundations to gauge what is more feasible from
their perspectives, and also exploring if any County departments can lend support and capacity
around procurement. ORESJ is prioritizing this project due to the urgent need to get these funds
into the community as soon as possible.
Shared a proposed timeline which would include an separate RFP process soliciting community-
based service providers to implement the services. To clarify, the County/Board of Supervisors
would have final approval of which service provider agencies are selected to deliver the
services, while the community foundation would administer the actual contracts with the service
provider agencies, to ensure that prompt, timely, and consistent payment of funds is made to
ensure service delivery is not hampered nor dis rupted.
Public Comment:
Phil Arnold: When you release, what mechanism do you use to publicize the RFP? We had a
problem with folks without traditional access. How will you advertise?
Staff: We are exploring simple, streamlined procurement processes such as the process used for
the Keller Canyon Mitigation Fund grant program which was geared to smaller, community-
based non-profits.
Glover: Yes, my office oversees that grant and we had over 120 grassroots agencies and
programs apply in that process. It seemed to have worked well.
Committee accepted the updates from staff. Directed us to move forward with the re-release of
the RFQ without going back to the full Board since neither the amount of funding nor the overall
purpose and goal will change.
7
Vote was taken – two (2) ayes. This item was passed.
8. Next Committee meeting is currently scheduled for September 16, 2024 at 10:30AM.
The September 16, 2024 meeting at 10:30AM was confirmed.
9. Adjourn
Committee meeting was adjourned at 10:26 AM
8
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
Staff Report
1025 ESCOBAR STREET
MARTINEZ, CA 94553
File #:24-2907 Agenda Date:9/16/2024 Agenda #:2.
EQUITY COMMITTEE
Meeting Date: September 16, 2024
Subject: African American Holistic Wellness and Resource Hub Feasibility Study
Submitted For: Equity Committee
Department: Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice
Referral No:
Referral Name: African American Holistic Wellness and Resource Hub Feasibility Study
Presenter: Kendra Carr
Contact: Kendra Carr,kendra.carr@oresj.cccounty.us <mailto:kendra.carr@oresj.cccounty.us>
Referral History:
At the October 17, 2023 Board of Supervisors meeting, 13 Steering Committee members were appointed to
support the development and implementation of the African American Holistic Wellness and Resource Hub
Feasibility Study. At the November 13, 2023 Equity Committee meeting, staff to the Committee were directed
to convene the Steering Committee and prepare a draft request for qualifications (RFQ) to solicit the services of
a firm/consultant to conduct a feasibility study for the creation of an African American Holistic Wellness and
Resource Hub to present to the Board of Supervisors. The RFQ was issued and closed on March 4, 2024, with a
total contract cost of $80,000 (one-time Measure X funds allocated by the Board of Supervisors for the
feasibility study). By the March 4, 2024 deadline, one response was received. In collaboration with the Steering
Committee for the African American Holistic Wellness and Resource Hub Feasibility Study, the ORESJ Co-
Directors recommended a re-issue of the request as a Request for Proposals (RFP) and increase the contract
cost to $180,000. The additional $100,000 would come from the FY 23-24 ORESJ budget, in one-time funds.
The Equity Committee and Board of Supervisors approved the request, and the updated RFP was issued on
April 24, 2024 and closed on May 24, 2024.
By the May 24, 2024 deadline, seven proposals were received, of which six were complete. The ORESJ Co-
Directors convened the proposal review committee (five members of the African American Holistic Wellness
and Resource Hub Feasibility Study Steering Committee) to review and score the complete proposals based on
the rubric provided in the original, posted RFP. The Steering Committee voted 10 out of 11 to recommend
Ceres Policy Research as the consultant to conduct the feasibility study. The Equity Committee (June 24, 2024)
and Board of Supervisors (July 9, 2024) approved the steering committee’s recommendation.
Ceres Policy Research entered into contract to conduct the feasibility study from August 2024 to March 2025.
Referral Update:
Dr. Kerby Lynch, Ceres Policy Research, met with the Steering Committee for the African American Holistic
Wellness and Resource Hub Feasibility Study on September 9, 2024 to provide an overview of the feasibility
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study, timeline and deliverables. Dr. Lynch facilitated a discussion among the Steering Committee regarding the
community engagement process, which will include listening sessions and a survey to determine the current
service gaps and community needs identified by African American community members. Steering Committee
members volunteered to host listening sessions with target populations, such as African American
seniors/elders, African American parents and youth in the K-12 education system, etc. Additional listening
sessions are being planned, and will be held by October 18, 2024.
Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):
RECEIVE update and PROVIDE direction on next steps.
Fiscal Impact (if any):
N/A
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY Printed on 9/11/2024Page 2 of 2
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CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
Staff Report
1025 ESCOBAR STREET
MARTINEZ, CA 94553
File #:24-2908 Agenda Date:9/16/2024 Agenda #:3.
EQUITY COMMITTEE
Meeting Date: September 16, 2024
Subject: Request for Proposals, $1M Measure X, African American wellness services
Submitted For: Equity Committee
Department: Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice
Referral No:
Referral Name: Request for Proposals, $1M Measure X, African American wellness services
Presenter: Kendra Carr
Contact: Kendra Carr,kendra.carr@oresj.cccounty.us <mailto:kendra.carr@oresj.cccounty.us>
Referral History:
On December 12, 2023, the Board of Supervisors, at the recommendation of the Measure X Community
Advisory Board, voted to allocate $1,000,000 of Measure X funds for existing African American Wellness
Services. The ORESJ was tasked with developing a plan to administer the funds. The plan was presented at
Equity Committee meetings from February 2024 to April 2024, and included the following:
-Partner with a local community foundation with extensive experience supporting Black-led and Black-
serving organizations to serve as a contracted agency tasked with overseeing and carrying out
procurement, selection, and fund distribution responsibilities, which will include a community and
resident participatory process that includes review of applications and recommendation of awardees (for
Board of Supervisors approval), as well as monitoring of progress and assessing outcomes.
-Release the funding in two annual phases:
o $500,000 in phase 1 (July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025)
o $500,000 in phase 2 (July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026)
-While applications for funds will be accepted for all of Contra Costa County, programs and initiatives
serving East County’s most impacted communities will be prioritized.
-These awards are expected to augment and/or expand existing services or programs by increasing
capacity (e.g. serve more participants, host additional events, extend program periods).
-Based on MXCAB key areas of need, African American holistic Wellness and Resource Hub Feasibility
Study Steering Committee input, and existing research data, the proposed service/program categories to
be prioritized are:
o Behavioral health supports
o Food and/or housing insecurity services
o Maternal and infant health services
o Youth development support services
o Community healing supports, particularly from trauma due to police violence
After a failed RFQ attempt (June 2024), on September 11, 2024, an abbreviated RFQ was released to solicit the
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partnership of a community foundation to administer the $1M in grant funds. Statements of qualification are
due on October 16, 2024.
Referral Update:
While the process to solicit the partnership of a community foundation is underway, the Co-Directors of the
ORESJ have drafted a request for proposals to solicit grant proposals from community-based organizations
poised to provide African American wellness services.
Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):
REVIEW and PROVIDE feedback on the draft request for proposals and DIRECT the Co-Directors of the
ORESJ to forward the request for proposals to the Board of Supervisors for approval.
Fiscal Impact (if any):
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY Printed on 9/11/2024Page 2 of 2
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Request for
Proposals
September 2024
Provide Services to
Increase and Expand
African American
Holistic Wellness
RFP#: ########
Release Date: Wed, September 25, 2024
Submission Due Date: Thu, October 31, 5:00 PM
Contact for Questions:
Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice (ORESJ)
peter.kim@oresj.cccounty.us or
kendra.carr@oresj.cccounty.us
13
Table of Contents
Background
A. Intent of RFP
B. Measure X and the African American Holistic Wellness and Resource Hub
C. Role of Community Foundation in Administering Contracts
D. Timeline
Application Instructions and Review Process
A. How to Apply
B. Applicant Eligibility and Allowable Activities
C. Distribution of Funds
D. Application
E. Budget Template
F. Professional References
G. Participatory Review Process
H. Evaluation and Scoring Rubric
I. Further Evaluation and Negotiation (if needed)
Other Procedures and Instructions
A. Optional Bidder’s Information Session
B. How to Submit Questions
C. Appeal Process
D. Submittals are Public Records
E. List of Exhibits
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Background
Background
A. Intent of RFP
Contra Costa County is seeking proposal submissions from local agencies/organizations/collaboratives
who are providing critical services that increase and expand wellness, safety, and healing to people in
African American communities in Contra Costa County. The Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice, in
partnership with a County-approved community foundation as the contracting organization, will be
awarding $880,000 in Measure X funds over two years ($440,000 each year) to community-based service
organizations to augment and expand existing services or programs by increasing capacity (e.g. serve
more participants, host additional events, extend program periods). Ideal service providers are those that
are embedded in, led by, and have a history of serving African American communities, bring an
innovative, culturally relevant service delivery approach, center equity, and fill significant service gaps in
Contra Costa County’s most impacted African Ame rican communities.
Based on Measure X Community Advisory Board recommended key areas of need, African American
Holistic Wellness and Resources Hub Feasibility Study Steering Committee input, community feedback,
and existing research data, the priority service/program categories to be funded are:
▪ Behavioral health supports
▪ Food and/or housing insecurity services
▪ Maternal and infant health services
▪ Youth development support services
▪ Community healing supports, particularly from trauma due to police violence
This RFP process addresses just a subset of the needs brought forth by community input. It is the goal of
this RFP to create an accessible process where organizations of varying sizes and capacities, who are
doing significant work related to African American needs in Contra Costa County, can receive funding to
augment and expand their services.
While applications for funds will be accepted for services/programming targeting African American
communities of any region of Contra Costa County, services/programming serving East County’s most
impacted communities will be prioritized.
The County reserves the right not to fund any awards, re-release the RFP, solicit applications if no viable
applications are submitted through the below process.
B. Measure X and the African American Holistic Wellness and Resource Hub
Funding for this RFP comes from Measure X, a Countywide, 20-year, half-cent sales tax that raises
flexible funds that the County can use to fill gaps in funding to support critical and essential needs and
services in the community.
15
Currently, in Contra Costa County, African Americans represent approximately 8.7% of the population.
Racism, inequity, injustice, and harm exist throughout the United States, including here in Contra Costa
County, have created and maintained conditions for African Americans such that they continue to
experience disproportionate rates of preventable chronic illnesses such as heart disease, obesity, cancer
as well as most recently, COVID-19. Racial and ethnic disparities in health outcomes, the criminal justice
system, educational achievement, and socia l service metrics in Contra Costa Count have been well-
documented in reports issued by the Contra Costa Racial Justice Task Force/Oversight Body , First Five
Contra Costa, Kaiser Permanente, Contra Costa Health Services, Contra Costa Continuum of Care, Contra
Costa Employment and Human Services Department, and others.
For the last several years, members of the community have been advocating and leading the effort in the
County for the creation of an African American Holistic Wellness and Resource Hub and the urgent need
for expanded support services that address the pain, trauma, and other related challenges that exist in
under-resourced, under-served African American communities. The high-level mission and vision for the
African American Holistic Wellness and Resource Hub is to host and provide culturally-relevant and
responsive services to eliminate health and wellness disparities. As a result of services provided through
the African American Holistic Wellness and Resource Hub, African American community mem bers in
Contra Costa County will experience greater safety, connection and belonging, and have greater access to
health, mental health and other support services that meet their immediate needs.
On December 12, 2023, the Board of Supervisors directed that a one -time allocation of $1 million of
Measure X funds be allocated for the purpose of supporting the “African American Holistic Wellness and
Resource Hub and existing services” in Contra Costa County. These funds were allocated to support and
expand current programs and services as an immediate, intermediary step until the Hub is established,
and is the source of funding for this RFP.
On April 23, 2024, the Board of Supervisors allocated an additional $7.5 million of Measure X funds
towards the actual establishment and operation of an African American Holistic Wellness and Resource
Hub and implementation of services and activities. The outcomes and lessons learned from the service
activities described in this RFP, along with a separate feasibility study that is currently underway, will
inform the Board of Supervisors on how to allocate and apply the additional $7.5 million in funds in the
future.
C. Role of Community Foundation in Administering Contracts
While this RFP process will determine the final recommended service providers for Board of Supervisors
approval, the actual contracting with the service providers will be administered by a County-selected
contractor, such as a community foundation or similar entity, with extensive expertise in supporting local
Black-led and Black community-serving organizations.
This independent contractor will be selected through a separate competitive process and tasked with the
administration, management and monitoring of contracts with service providers for the 2 -year contract
period, including all invoicing and payment of funds. The contractor will be able to allocate up to 12% of
the total $1 million in funds, or $120,000, to go toward indirect and/or administrative costs. The remaining
$880,000 will go towards funding the services solicited in this RFP.
Selection of the independent contractor will be based on demonstrated capacity, cultural competency,
commitment, and experience in working in deep partnership with service providers and community
16
organizations embedded in, representative of, and dedicated to serving marginalized, vulnerable
communities, and specifically impacted African American communities in Contra Costa County.
For more detail, see next section (“Application Instructions and Review Process: Part C. Distribution of
Funds”).
D. Timeline
EVENT DATE
RFP Release Date Wed, September 25, 2024
Bidder’s Information Session Tue, October 1, 2024
RFQ Questions Deadline Wed, October 23, 2024
Submittal Deadline Thu, October 31, 2024
Review/Evaluation November 1-November 13, 2024
Interviews (only if needed) Tues, November 14-15, 2024
Selection Notification Mon, November 18, 2024
Written Appeals Deadline Fri, November 22, 2024
Review by Equity Committee TBD (tentative Mon, Nov 25,
2024)
Request Approval from Board Tue, December 3, 2024
Contract Negotiation and Routing Wed, December 4-20, 2024
Contract Start Date Wed, January 1, 2025
17
Application Instructions and Review Process
Application Instructions and Review Process
A. How to Apply
The narrative portion of the application has two sections. Section 1 allows applicants to provide an
overview of their organization, along with a brief description of the proposed project and target
population. Section 2 asks the applicant to provide a fuller narrative of their program design and plan. In a
separate Word document, applicants must answer all the questions in Sections 1 and 2 (see below, D.
Application).
In addition, all applicants must provide a Budget Summary, using the provided Budget Summary
Template (attached as Exhibit A). The Budget Summary Template can be downloaded and filled in on a
computer, or it can be printed out , completed by hand, then scanned and uploaded as a PDF.
It is recommended that applicants review the Evaluation and Scoring Rubric (see below) to understand
how applications will be scored prior to starting the application.
Applications are due no later than 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 31, 2024 and must be submitted
electronically via email to admin@oresj.cccounty.us. The entire application, Budget Summary, and all
supporting documents must be saved as a single PDF document and then submitted as an attachment in
the email. The email must have following in the body of the message:
• Applicant/Organization name
• Contact Person name, email, phone number
• Project Title
• Priority Funding Area
• Funding Amount Requested
No mailed, hard copy paper applications will be accepted. Ideally, applicants should submit applications
several hours before the deadline in the unlikely event they encounter technical difficulties. Late email
submissions will not be accepted regardless of technical difficulties.
B. Applicant Eligibility and Allowable Activities
Eligible applicants must be community-based, non-profit organizations that are registered with the
Internal Revenue Service as having 501(c)(3) status.
Applicants must demonstrate expertise, capacity, and cultural competency in serving and meeting the
needs of local Black community members who are most impacted by poverty, houselessness, violence,
premature death, and/or lack of access to basic needs or healthcare. Applicants must be able to deliver
culturally-relevant, trauma-informed, and healing-centered direct services aimed at increasing and
18
strengthening African-American holistic wellness in Contra Costa County, and have the capability and
experience to effectively perform their proposed scope of services. Applicants should be embedded in the
community they serve and have leadership and staff that reflect the lived experiences of their program
participants.
These funds can be used to support a range of services and interventions designed to meet the needs of
vulnerable persons in African American communities in Contra Costa County who can benefit from the
following:
• Behavioral health support services
• Food and/or housing insecurity services
• Maternal and/or infant health services
• Youth development services
• Community healing support services, particularly from trauma due to police violence
The kinds of activities and services that will be funded can include (but are not limited to):
• Case Management/Service Navigation
• Mental Health Counseling
• Basic Needs Assistance
• Rental Assistance or Utility Assistance
• Pre- and/or Post-Natal Support Services
• Employment Readiness Training and Job Placement Support
• Education Support
• Healing Circles
The following types of activities are examples of INELIGIBLE activities for funding through this RFP
process:
• Fundraising Activities
• Executive Level Staff Salaries, unless staff if providing direct service to program
• Asset Acquisition
• Capital Improvements
C. Distribution of Funds
As described in the “Background” section, the County will contract with a community foundation, or
similar entity, to receive the $1 million in total funds to administer the grant program and oversee the
contracting with the service provider organizations, including drafting of contracts, contract negotiations ,
invoicing and payment processes, and the monitoring of program activities and progress made. For their
service, the entity will be able to charge 12%, or $120,000, toward indirect and administrative fees.
The remaining $880,000 will go toward service provider contracts. The release of funds and funding of
service contracts will occur in two annual phases:
• $440,000 in phase 1 (January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2025)
• $440,000 in phase 2 (January 1, 2026 – December 31, 2026)
As much as possible, funds will be evenly distributed across the 5 priority funding areas:
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• Behavioral health support services ($88,000)
• Food and/or housing insecurity services ($88,000)
• Maternal and/or infant health services ($88,000)
• Youth development services ($88,000)
• Community healing support services, particularly from trauma due to police violence ($88,000)
In each category, there will 1-3 awards ranging from $25,000 to $88,000 each, for a total of 5 -15 grantees.
Final award amounts will be determined by the number of applications received, the funding amounts
requested, and quality of proposals.
In your proposal, please indicate which funding priority category you are applying for and state the
amount of funding you are requesting (between $25,000 and $88,000).
D. Application
Contra Costa County
Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice (ORESJ)
Request for Proposals Application
To Provide Services to Increase and Expand African American Wellness in CC County
SECTION 1: Organization Information
Organization Name:
Organization Address:
Tax ID:
Primary Contact Person for this Application:
Primary Contact Phone#: Primary Contact Email:
Project Name and Brief Description (50 words or less):
Areas/Cities to Be Served in Contra Costa County:
Target Population(s):
How many people will this service or program serve annually?
Total Funding Amount Requested:
This is a collaborative application; awarded funding will be distributed to multiple organizations.
☐Yes ☐No
If yes, please list all other agencies (other than the applicant agency) applying as part of this collaborative
application:
NOTE: All agencies included in the collaborative application must submit documentation confirming their participation in
the collaborative project (for example, an MOU/MOA or letter of support) with the application materials.
This proposal falls under the following priority funding areas:
☐ Behavioral Health support
services
☐ Food and/or Housing Insecurity
services
☐ Maternal and/or Infant Health
services
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☐ Reentry support services ☐ Youth Development services ☐ Healing support services
SIGNATURE: Date:
Name of Authorized Signer:
SECTION 2: Program Narrative and Design
The following narrative and program design questions are your opportunity to provide the County with a clear
picture of the program, service, or activity that you are proposing. Some of these questions may require a lengthier
or more concise response. Overall, each question in this section can be answered successfully in 300 words or less.
There are no minimum page requirements, however the total written portion of this section should not exceed 3
pages total.
2A Explain your agency mission and describe your experience serving vulnerable African American residents and
communities in Contra Costa County.
2B Describe your proposed project that you are requesting funding for, including its core service elements and
your overall goals. What has been the impact of your services so far in terms of participant outcomes? How will
this funding will expand your agency’s capacity, support what you have already been doing, and grow its reach
and impact?
2C Explain how your service, program, or activity meets a critical need or fills a service gap for vulnerable African
American residents and communities in Contra Costa County. Include how your project is innovative and/or
uniquely designed to meet the needs of African American individuals, families, and/or communities.
2D Describe your approach to outreach and engaging your target population. What methods will you use to
ensure that your target participants are aware of and connected to your program?
2E List the key staff involved in this project and d escribe their roles and responsibilities. How are your staff
qualified to provide the services you describe? In what ways are they competent and skilled to effectively
engage and build relationships with your target population? What training or experience do they have that
prepares them to be effective and successful?
2F What will success look like for your project and how will it be measured? Describe how you track the number
of people served, collect data on program activities? How do you collect and incorporate program participant
feedback? Describe how you use this data to assess program and staff effectiveness , and improve your
programming.
2G Describe your agency’s financial and administrative management structure. Demonstrate your agency’s
capacity to monitor spending, stay within budget, and achieve your stated goals. If your organization has
received any outstanding financial audit findings, please describe the finding(s) and how it is being addressed,
along with any relevant supporting documentation.
E. Budget Template
Applicants must use the Budget Summary Template in Exhibit A and submit a completed Budget
Summary with their application. To accompany the Budget Summary, applicants may also submit a
detailed project budget using their own form/template, if desired.
Indirect costs may be included in the project budget. Examples of indirect costs include administrative
functions that support multiple programs, costs of shared office space and utilities, and other expenses
that benefit multiple program areas that cannot be readily identified with a particular activity. Indirect
costs may not exceed 15% of the project budget.
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F. Professional References
Please provide a list with a minimum of three (3) professional references. Each reference must include the
name of the person, their organization, their relationship to your organization, the years known, and
current contact information. See Exhibit B for the template form to complete and include with your
application.
G. Participatory Review Process
All applications received will be evaluated by a Selection Committee made up of a diverse combination of
County staff, community foundation staff, non-profit organization staff, and/or community members. All
members will be African American Contra Costa County residents who possess both professional and
personal lived experience and expertise related to the priority funding categories.
The Selection Committee will conduct a Participatory Review Process in which applications are reviewed,
scored, and ranked. The Steering Committee will then present their recommendations to the Equity
Committee and then to the full Board of Supervisors for final approval of award.
H. Evaluation and Scoring Rubric
Each application will be evaluated for completeness and overall responsiveness to the requirements
contained in this RFP. The following Evaluation and Scoring Rubric will be used by reviewers to evaluate
to determine which applicant is most qualified to effectively implement the services proposed and meet
the needs of their target population:
Program Elements and Possible Score
I. Organizational History and Overview (Question 2A) 0-15 pts
o Relevancy of the organization’s vision, mission, and strategic goals.
o History of work and service reflects a commitment to addressing the needs of marginalized,
underserved, Black communities.
o Demonstrates a strong level of knowledge and experience as a Black-led, Black community-
serving grassroots organization.
II. Scope of Services Understanding and Experience (Question 2B, 2C, 2D) 0-35 pts
o Demonstrates alignment of purpose and values of the grant .
o Clearly names a critical priority need in the Black community, as stated in the RFP, and
articulates a strategic approach to meeting that need.
o Demonstrates having the understanding of the target population and the surrounding
community, as well as the credibility and access, needed to effectively carry out the proposed
scope of work.
o Describes similar projects currently in place and/or completed in the past with success and can
demonstrate the ability to achieve positive outcomes for their participants.
III. Team member qualifications (Question 2E) 0-20 pts
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o Clear and succinct description of each key team member’s role and area of responsibility on the
project.
o Qualifications, lived experiences, and expertise of staff are sufficient to deliver on the full scope
of work described and align with this RFP’s goals.
o Describes competencies and expertise needed to establish rapport, trust and credibility with
marginalized, underserved, Black communities.
IV. Data Collection and Program Assessment (Question 2F) 0-15 pts
o Describes the processes and competencies needed to effectively collect, track, and analyze
program data and participant feedback in a consistent, organized manner.
o Demonstrates the ability and experience needed to use data to help inform and improve how
they deliver their services, measure progress/success, and effectively support their participants.
V. Financial and Organizational Administration (Question 2G, Budget Summary) 0-15 pts
o Demonstrates the organizational experience, structure, and capacity to appropriately manage
their contract and stay within budget through sound fiscal practices.
o Budget Summary is consistent with what is described in the proposal and presents realistic and
responsible staffing and program costs.
o If applicable, adequately describes any outstanding or relevant financial audit findings and their
efforts to correct and resolve those issues.
Total: 100 points
Priority Points
VI. Preferential Points for Supporting East County Communities 0-10 pts
o Articulates a clear intention and program design that targets Black communities in East County
cities and communities, naming the critical needs that are unique or more pronounced in those
areas as supported by data.
o Points equaling up to 10% (or 10 points) of the total score possible may be added to the applicant’s
total score, allowing for a possible total score of 110 points.
I. Further Evaluation and Negotiation (if needed)
Upon completion of the Selection Committee’s review of applications, the County will notify Applicants if
further evaluation and negotiation is necessary. Applicants may be contacted for an interview, but only if
needed. The key team members identified in the proposal should attend the interview. Interviews will be
30-60 minutes. Any delay caused by Applicant’s failure to respond to direction from the County may be
interpreted as the Applicant being no longer interested in the opportunity and can lead to th e County’s
rejection of the application.
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Other Procedures and Instructions
Other Procedures and Instructions
A. Optional Bidders’ Information Session
Potential applicants are encouraged to attend a Bidders’ Information Session on Tuesday, October 1,
2024, from 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm which will be held online via Zoom (provide link). At the Bidders’
Information Session, staff will review the RFP instructions, provide grant information and general
technical assistance on the submission requirements.
B. How to Submit Questions
Questions regarding the RFP instructions or grant requirements can be emailed to
admin@oresj.cccounty.us until 5:00 pm on Wednesday, October 23, 2024. All responses will be
posted on the Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice website
(www.contracosta.ca.gov/9969/Racial-Equity-and-Social-Justice) within 72 hours of the office having
received the question.
C. Appeal Process
In the event a dispute arises concerning the RFQ process prior to the award of the contract, the party
wishing resolution of the dispute shall submit an appeal in writing to the attention of:
Kendra Carr and Peter Kim, Co-Directors
Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice
Contra Costa County
1026 Escobar Street, Suite 2B
Martinez CA, 94553
Appeals must be submitted no later than 3:00 P.M. on Friday, November 22, 2024. Notification of a
final decision on the appeal shall be made in writing to the Responder within ten (10) days, or
December 2, 2024, and the decision of ORESJ shall be final and not subject to further review. When
submitting an appeal, the appellant must clearly state the action appealed, the impact to the
appellant’s application, and the remedy sought. Appeals shall be limited to the following technical
grounds:
• Failure of the County to follow the review and selection procedures and adhere to requirements
specified in the RFQ or any addenda or amendments to the RFQ.
• There has been a violation of conflict of interest as provided by California Government Code
Section 87100 et seq.
• There has been a violation of State or Federal law.
D. Submittals are Public Records
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California Government Code Section 6250, the Public Records Act, defines a public record as any writing
containing information relating to the conduct of the public’s business prepared, owned, used or retained
by any state or local agency regardless of physical form or characteristics. The Public Records Act
provides that public records shall be disclosed upon request and that any person has a right to inspect any
public record, unless the document is exempted from disclosure.
Unless otherwise compelled by a court order, the County will not disclose any submittals while the County
conducts its deliberative process in accordance with the procedures identified in this RF P. However, after
the County either awards a contract to a successful Applicant, or rejects all submittals, the County will
consider each submittal subject to the public disclosure requirements of the California Public Records Act.
Each Applicant is hereby informed that, upon submittal of its application to the County in accordance with
this RFP, the application becomes the property of Contra Costa County.
E. List of Exhibits
Exhibit A: Budget Summary Template
Exhibit B: Professional References
25
Exhibit A: Budget Summary Template
Please use this form to list EACH FUNDING SOURCE and ALL EXPENSE CATEGORIES that are relevant.
Your first source of funds are those you are applying for in this RFP ; please add your requested amount of funds in “Funding Amount”.
Budget should reflect ENTIRE PROJECT. You may add more columns or rows, if needed, by duplicating this sheet as a second page.
SOURCE OF FUNDS
County grants, Federal or State
sources, Community or Private
Foundation, Private Donor, etc.
Source:
Contra Costa
County
(ORESJ)
Source: Source: Source: Source: Source: Source: Source: Total
Budget
Funding Amount $
Status (“Application Submitted” or “Funds Approved/Received”) Application
Submitted
Date Funds Received/Expected 1//30//25 / / / / / / / / / / / / / /
USE OF FUNDS Please distribute all sources of funding over applicable uses below.
Staff Salaries
List ALL program staff positions
and the % of FTE they are
budgeted FOR THIS PROJECT
ONLY.
%FTE
%FTE
%FTE
%FTE
Total Employee Benefits
Total Employee Taxes
Salary/Benefits Subtotal $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $
Other Program Expenses
Other Expenses Subtotal $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $
TOTAL $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 26
Exhibit B: Professional References
Organization:
Contact Person:
Address:
Tel. Number:
City, State, Zip:
Email Address:
Relationship / Years Known:
Organization:
Contact Person:
Address:
Tel. Number:
City, State, Zip:
Email Address:
Relationship / Years Known:
Organization:
Contact Person:
Address:
Tel. Number:
City, State, Zip:
Email Address:
Relationship / Years Known:
Applicant Organization Name:______________________________________________________________
Authorized Staff Name: ______________________________________ Title: _________________________
Authorized Signature: _______________________________________ Date: _________________________
27
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
Staff Report
1025 ESCOBAR STREET
MARTINEZ, CA 94553
File #:24-2909 Agenda Date:9/16/2024 Agenda #:4.
EQUITY COMMITTEE
Meeting Date: September 16, 2024
Subject: Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice updates
Submitted For: Equity Committee
Department: Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice
Referral No:
Referral Name: Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice updates
Presenter: Kendra Carr and Peter Kim
Contact: Kendra Carr,kendra.carr@oresj.cccounty.us <mailto:kendra.carr@oresj.cccounty.us> and Peter Kim,
peter.kim@oresj.cccounty.us <mailto:peter.kim@oresj.cccounty.us>
Referral History:
At the January 22, 2024 Equity Committee meeting and January 30, 2024 Annual Board Retreat, the ORESJ Co
-Directors provided an update regarding the 2024 office priorities, recruiting strategy and work plan for the
second hiring phase for the ORESJ, and presented a proposal for the structure of the Lived Experience
Advisory Board. Subsequently, the ORESJ Co-Directors have presented monthly updates to the Equity
Committee on various initiatives.
Referral Update:
The Co-Directors will provide updates on hiring and community events and partnerships.
Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):
RECEIVE updates from the Co-Directors of the Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice and PROVIDE
direction on next step.
Fiscal Impact (if any):
N/A
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY Printed on 9/11/2024Page 1 of 1
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