Approve sixth amendment to Agreement No. 18-55 with OLE Health dba CommuniCare OLE to extend the term of the agreement through June 30, 2025; and add CalWORKs funding in the amount of $95,000 to 2024-25 for a new contract maximum of $1,067,797.73, for the period of February 1, 2018 through June 30, 2025 for the provision of Housing and Disability Advocacy Program Services. (No general fund impact) (Sullivan)

Approve sixth amendment to Agreement No. 18-55 with OLE Health dba CommuniCare OLE to extend the term of the agreement through June 30, 2025; and add CalWORKs funding in the amount of $95,000 2024-25 for a new contract maximum of $1,067,797.73, for the period of February 1, 2018 through June 30, 2025 for the provision of Housing and Disability Advocacy Program Services.

In August 2017, the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) requested proposals from counties for its Housing and Disability Advocacy Program (HDAP), which aims to assist individuals who are experiencing homelessness apply for disability benefit programs while also providing housing assistance.

In October 2017, the Yolo County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) submitted an application to CDSS for Housing and Disability Advocacy Program funding. HHSA’s proposed project aims to improve the overall well-being of individuals and families in Yolo County (County) with disabilities who are experiencing homelessness, by providing services that focus on four key areas, including (1) financial self-sufficiency (through access to disability income and/or workforce development), (2) housing stability, (3) physical health, and (4) behavioral health.

The project was structured as an enhancement to the General Assistance program in the County, with a contracted HDAP provider working closely with General Assistance staff to identify individuals in the target population who require assistance with securing disability income. On March 20, 2018, the County entered into Agreement No.18-55 with CommuniCare OLE to provide HDAP services. At that time, CommuniCare OLE was to employ one (1) Disability Benefits Advocate (1 full-time employee) to assist clients in the target population with preparing and submitting benefits claims to any appropriate disability benefits program, including but not limited to:

The Disability Benefits Advocate works with project partners to conduct screenings, assess each person’s appropriateness for disability benefits, assist with preparing and filing disability applications, assist with gathering required documentation, and ensure the timely submission of benefits claims.

The sixth amendment extends the term of the agreement through June 30, 2025 and adds CalWORKs funding to FY 2024-25 allowing for a continuation of services. Disability benefits advocacy services are needed for CalWORKs families where a disability for any member of the household can present barriers to employment. CalWORKs staff also work closely with the provider to refer and identify families who require assistance with securing disability-based income sources.

The County is requesting approval of the amendment as there are currently 72 enrollees of which 31 are homeless, and the Contractor needs the additional year to transition enrollees off the program.

Performance Measures included in this Agreement are as follows:
The Performance Measures were included in the underlying Agreement and are not being revised at this time (See Att. B. Performance Measures).  

County Counsel has approved this Agreement as to form.
 

On November 9, 2017, Yolo County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) from qualified community-based organizations to provide Benefits Linkage Program services. These services were procured under the 2017 RFP.

HHSA is now requesting that the services continue for one year under a sole source. Procurement reviewed HHSA’s request and determined that it was in the best interest of the County, based on satisfactory services and to avoid the interruption of services.  Without sole source approval of the extension, it would potentially put 31 homeless individuals back on the street and the remaining 41 individuals at risk of becoming homeless.

HHSA received two proposal(s) from the 2017 solicitation.  The proposal submitted by CommuniCare OLE was evaluated and determined to meet all the required qualifications necessary to successfully provide these services.  The Competitive Bid Process below provides a summary of the RFP evaluation criteria.

Request for Proposals (RFP) Service Requested:
Benefits Linkage Program

Evaluation Criteria Included in RFP

• Company overview (20 points)
• Experience and past performance (30 points)
• Responsiveness/Responsibility (10 points)
• Approach to Project (50 points)
• Pricing Requirements (30 points)
• Quality Assurance and Oversight (20 points)
• Outputs and Outcome Measures (40 points)
• Financial Information (pass/fail)
• Quality and Completeness of Proposal (pass/fail)

Bids Received

Bidder	Bid
CommuniCare OLE	$127,626 annually
Yolo County Children’s Alliance	$139,231.20 annually

HHSA confirms CommuniCare OLE has performed satisfactorily under this agreement. Last calendar year, roughly 80 CalWORKs participants have met with the Disability Benefits Advocate and close to 30 have been able to formally submit an application for SSI/SSP benefits with CommuniCare’s assistance.