1. Approve agreement with AgTech Innovation Alliance using American Rescue Plan funds in the amount of $100,000 for the period of April 1, 2022, through December 31, 2022, to expand their facility to accommodate a demand for laboratory space that greatly exceeds the existing supply; and
    
2. Delegate authority to the Manager of Procurement to sign the agreement.

American Rescue Plan Background
On September 28, 2021, the Board of Supervisors (Board) approved the initial American Rescue Plan (ARP) Expenditure Plan, which included $500,000 for projects under Economic Development within the Strategic Plan Implementation category. The Board then subsequently reviewed and provided direction on certain Economic Development funding at the June 7, 2022, Board meeting and expressed support for funding AgTech Innovation Alliance. Staff has worked with the AgTech Innovation Alliance to develop the final contract, which is recommended for approval with this staff report. Additional information on the scope of the contract with AgTech Innovation Alliance and performance measures are described below:

AgTech Innovation Alliance- Lab@AgStart Facility Expansion
Funding this contract will help expand Lab@AgStart's facilities to accommodate a demand for laboratory space that greatly exceeds the existing supply. Since opening in May 2021, the Lab@AgStart incubator facility filled all available laboratory space completely with paying startup clients, creating at least 18 full-time equivalent professional jobs. The Lab@AgStart expansion will create more available laboratory space to accommodate additional startup clients. 

The performance measure and outcome associated with this project include tracking the number of additional startup clients obtained through the creation of more available laboratory spaces. More information about this contract, including a statement of work, budget, and performance measures, may be found in Attachment A.

No competitive bid is required. The countywide ARP funds were allocated as part of the Board's FY2021-22 budget hearing on September 28, 2021. The Board provided direction of ARP funds set aside for Climate Action at the June 7, 2022 Board meeting.