COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

DEPARTMENT OF CHILD SUPPORT SERVICES

 

DATE:

April 24, 2003

BOARD MEETING DATE:

May 13, 2003

 

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

Peggy Jensen

SUBJECT:

Agreement with Swift Attorney Service for Process Service for the Department of Child Support Services

 

Recommendation

Adopt a resolution authorizing the execution of an agreement with Swift Attorney Service for service of process for the San Mateo County Department of Child Support Services

 

Background

The San Mateo County Department of Child Support Services obtains and enforces orders for child support and health insurance. The Department is mandated to provide this service to all recipients of CalWORKS (formerly Aid to Families with Dependent Children) and anyone else that applies for child support services. Obtaining and enforcing child support and health insurance orders is a legal process requiring formal service of process to the defendant party. The San Mateo County Department of Child Support Services currently refers approximately 5,000 legal documents a year for service of process

 

Discussion

In March of 2003, the San Mateo County Department of Child Support Services issued a Request for Proposals for process service to over 85 firms. Proposals were received from six (6) firms. A four-member review committee evaluated the proposals and selected two (2) finalists primarily based on the following five factors:

    1. Prior experience

    2. Demonstrated ability to work well with public agencies

    3. Cost

    4. Ability to complete the work within the stated timeframe, and

    5. References from clients.

Formal interviews were held on April 9, 2003 with the two (2) finalists. Swift Attorney Service was selected as the contractor of choice based on the evaluation criteria and interview. Please reference the attached Vendor Matrix for a summary of the key evaluation criteria and overall process followed in selecting this contractor.

The contract with Swift Attorney Service is for the period from July 1, 2003 through and including June 30, 2006 for a not to exceed total of $540,000.

County Counsel has reviewed and approved the attached agreement.

 

Vision Alignment

Entering into a contract for service of process will enable the Department of Child Support Services to establish and enforce orders for child support and medical insurance. The ability to provide these services helps the County achieve the following visioning goals.

    Provide equal access to educational opportunity.

    3. All children ages 0-5 years have access to childcare/early learning opportunities that contribute to their entering kindergarten ready to succeed.

    Ensure basic health and safety for all.

    5. Residents have access to healthcare and preventative care.

    6. Children grow up healthy in safe and supportive homes and neighborhoods.

    8. Help vulnerable people-the aged, disabled, mentally ill, at-risk youth and others- achieve a better quality of life.

    Create opportunities for every household to participate in our prosperity.

All households experience real gains in income.

 

Fiscal Impact

The total cost of the proposed 3-year contract for service of process is not to exceed $540,000. Funding to cover the full amount of the contract is included in the FY 2003/2004 Proposed Budget for the Department of Child Support Services. The Department of Child Support Services is fully funded through Federal and State subventions, so this contract does not require any County General Fund support.

 

Vendor Matrix

1. General Description of RFP

Process Service Contract for the San Mateo County Department of Child Support Services

2. List key evaluation criteria

· Prior experience serving family law documents

· Demonstrated ability and competence in providing a high level of professional service to public agencies

· Cost

· Ability to complete work in estimated timeframe

· Number, capability, expertise, training and experience of personnel to be assigned to contract

    · Contractor's overall ability to manage increased workload and meet all facets of our process serving needs

· Ability to meet qualifications and conditions as specified in the RFP

· Client references

3. Where advertised?

· CA Association of Photocopiers and Process Servers

· United States Process Servers Association

· The San Francisco Chronicle

· The San Jose Mercury News

4. In addition to any advertisement, list others to whom RFP was sent

· Swift Attorney Service (current contractor)

· All Process Servers advertised in California Yellow Pages

· All Process Services advertised on YellowPages.com website.

· All Process Servers listed on the National Association of Professional Process Servers' Website

5. Total number sent to prospective proposers

85

6. Number of proposals received

6

7. Who evaluated the proposals

· RFP Review Committee (4 individuals) comprised of Management, Legal, and Professional staff from the Department of Child Support Services, specifically: Department Director, Child Support Services Manager, Administrative Services Manager, and the Lead Child Support Attorney.

8. In alphabetical order, names of proposers (or finalists, if applicable) and location

· Legal Pursuit, Inc., San Jose, CA.

· Swift Attorney Service, Redwood City, CA.