COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

SHERIFF’S OFFICE

DATE:

September 3, 2008

BOARD MEETING DATE:

September 9, 2008

SPECIAL NOTICE/HEARING:

None

VOTE REQUIRED:

Majority

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

Sheriff Greg Munks

SUBJECT:

Agreement with the Service League of San Mateo County to Provide Inmate Services within the County’s Detention Facilities.

RECOMMENDATION:

Adopt a resolution:

1.

waiving the Request for Proposal (RFP) process;

2.

authorizing the President of the Board to execute an Agreement with the Service League of San Mateo County for inmate services within the County’s detention facilities, in an amount not-to-exceed $600,405, funded through the Inmate Welfare Fund (IWF) for a one (1) year term commencing July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009; and

3.

authorizing the Sheriff to execute amendments and minor modifications to this agreement not to exceed an aggregate of $25,000, on the condition that sufficient funds are available in the Inmate Welfare Fund; and/or to modify the contract term and/or services, so long as the modified term or services is/are within the current or revised fiscal provisions.

VISION ALIGNMENT:

Commitment: Provide equal access to educational opportunity.

Goal 4: Residents have many educational and training opportunities beyond high school.

The proposed Agreement provides educational programs and services to inmates in order to promote personal growth and development as well as seek worthy goals upon their release.

PERFORMANCE MEASURE(S):

Measure

FY 2007-08

Actual

FY 2008-09
Projected

Number of volunteer hours provided for inmate services

31,916

32,000

Total average daily population managed at the Maguire Correctional Facility

982

1,087

BACKGROUND:

The County has contracted with the Service League to provide a continuum of services to inmates of County correctional facilities since 1989.

The Service League’s ability to provide an optimum level of services to inmates at a reasonable cost is largely due to a dedicated staff and the recruitment and utilization of hundreds of volunteers and community professionals. The Service League works in close cooperation with other organizations and agencies in the County to expand the number of resources available to inmates and their families. A significant portion of the cost for providing inmate services is subsidized by public donations and fund-raising carried out by Service League sponsors.

Another essential service provided by the Service League is mandated inmate library services and related library materials in the Maguire Correctional Facility [MCF] and the Women’s Correctional Facility [WCC]. In 2001, the Service League took the place of a previous contractor who was unable to fulfill the terms of their contract.

DISCUSSION:

The Service League provides services to inmates such as education, jail orientation, counseling, referrals, jury clothing, childcare, travel fare for released inmates, Spanish language services, various denominational chaplaincy services, etc.

The Service League also provides indirect services consisting of training and guidance for volunteers who interact with inmates and handle their requests as well as build supportive networks with departments, agencies, and substance abuse treatment programs.

Last year, the IWF Committee contributed $560,405 for inmate services, via contract with the Service League. The proposed FY 2008-09 Agreement is for an amount not-to-exceed $600,405, an increase of $40,000 (7%). The increase will provide funding for a second bi-lingual childcare worker at MCF to facilitate quality and easily accessible childcare services. The additional funding will also cover the increasing operating expenses directly related to inmate services which continue to rise (i.e. postage, telecommunications, worker’s compensation, utilities etc.).

The Service League has a unique ability to provide services to inmates by utilizing volunteers and community professionals at a reasonable cost. Therefore, it is in the best interest of the County to waive the Request for Proposals process and to continue contracting with the Service League on the basis of being a sole source provider in the County of San Mateo.

County Counsel has reviewed and approved the resolution and agreement as to legal form. The contractor has assured compliance with the County's Contractor Employee Jury Service Ordinance, as well as all other contract provisions that are required by County ordinance and administrative memoranda, including but not limited to insurance, hold harmless, non-discrimination and equal benefits.

FISCAL IMPACT:

The proposed Agreement is for an amount not-to-exceed $600,405 and a one (1) year term commencing July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009. Funding will come from the FY 2008-09 Inmate Welfare Fund. Therefore, there is no fiscal impact upon the County’s General Fund.