Discuss, consider and take appropriate action on exempting Langford Community Development Services from the competitive bidding or proposal requirements established by Section 262.024.(a)(4) of the Texas Local Government Code, as a professional service to consult and assist with grant application(s) and authorizing execution of an agreement for said services.

This item is to support application efforts for a potential grant to improve our local CPS/Foster care system.  Prior to asking the Commissioners Court for approval to apply for any grant, we need local data and a better understanding of what performance measures could be achievable and demonstrate system improvements for Williamson County.  Ultimately, the goal is to obtain better outcomes for the children and families that are involved in this part of the justice system.
 
This agreement is for the professional services of Judy Langford, President of Langford Community Development Services to assist with these efforts.  Ms. Langford has extensive grant writing and research experience.  She has provided us with a quote of $5,000.00 for basic services, with the option of additional services at a rate of $100/hour.  The not-to-exceed amount is $25,000.00, but the expectation is to pay no more than $10,000 for the consulting/grant writing services.  The funding for this professional service agreement will come out of the Juvenile Services budget line item 01.0100.0576.004100 and the agreement has been reviewed by Legal and Contract Audit.