request for interest (rfi) #2001-374

February 14, 2020

Addendum to

Contra Costa County’s 2020 Request for Interest:

RFI #2001-374

AB 109 West County Reentry Resource Center

Response to Questions Received

RFI for AB 109 West County Reentry Resource Center

Written Questions: RFI #2001-374

1. In reference to RFI Section III, Background, on page 7 stating “In November 2015, the West

County Reentry Resource Center was opened to the public as the Reentry Success Center,

located in the City of Richmond”:

a. Who is the current West County Reentry Resource Center contractor?

The current Contractor for the Center is Rubicon Programs, Inc.

b. Will you please provide the current service plan and most recent annual report

for the West County Reentry Resource Center contractor?

The current service plan included as Attachment 1, and most recent annual

report included as Attachment 2 to this document.

2. In reference to RFI section IV, Project Description, on page 7 stating “In accordance with

and reflecting the Plan, the Contractor will operate the Center as a collective impact

initiative, partnering with multiple public agencies and private nonprofit organizations (the

Partners) to provide co-located, integrated, on-site services to support each Client’s

successful reintegration into the community and increase public safety by reducing

recidivism”:

a. Would you please identify the supervising agency that refers clients to the

Center?

The County has not limited the Center to only accepting client referrals from

any specific supervising agency.

b. Would you please specify how long Clients are expected to receive services from

the Center.

The County has not set any expectation as to how long clients are to receive

services from the Center and believes that this will largely be determined on a

case by case basis.

c. Would you please specify how many Clients visit the Center annually?

Referring to the most recent annual report (Attachment 2), there were 325

intakes in the Center’s most recently completed year of operation.

d. Could you please clarify if Clients are subjected to consequences for not

participating in the Center’s programming?


While some may experience consequences for not participating in Center

programming, the County does not require nor encourage these types of

sanctions.

3. In reference to RFI Section VI.A.1, Center Location, on page 8 stating “Contractor will be

responsible for identifying the physical space in the West Region of Contra Costa County at

which the Center will be located. If necessary to obtain the objectives of the project, also

contracting for the completion of any required tenant improvements, purchasing or securing

all required furniture and equipment, and operating the Center by providing adequate

staffing and reentry services to the County's reentry population”:

a. Is the Contractor required to designate space within the Center for Partners and

their staff, and would a designated conference room or group room be sufficient

to accommodate Partners as they provide demonstrations or meet with Clients?

The County has not made any explicit requirements as to how any space is to be

designated to partners beyond the requirement that it be appropriate to achieve

an environment that provides access to “integrated, co-located services and

resources on-site (delivered by On-Site Partners).” (Page 3 of Section 2.1.2 of

the “West County Reentry Resource Center Design and Implementation Plan”

identified on RFI page 7).

4. In reference to RFI Section VI.A.2.a, Center Personnel, on page 8 stating “Contractor shall

be solely responsible for recruiting, hiring, training, and employing, at a minimum, a

dedicated Center Director and two additional full time support staff for the project.

Contractor shall also provide any additional staff necessary to ensure the Center’s successful

operations,” what are the positions the current Contractor staffs at the Center?

The current personnel of the Contractor who have all or a portion of their costs

paid for through the contract with the County include:

• Center Director

• Office Manager

• Lead Reentry Coach

• Reentry Coach

• Senior Quality Assurance Manager

• Chief Program Officer

5. In reference to RFI Section VI.A.2.c, Service Provision and Coordination, on page 9 stating

“Contractor shall develop coordinated intake, assessment, referral, and data management

policies and practices to support efficient triage and service coordination for each Client”:

a. Is the Contractor expected to provide individualized assessments to each Client

referred to the Center?


The County expects that their may be different processes for Clients depending

on the services a referred Client intends to access or desires, services that are

provided should be individualized where it makes sense to do so, and would

therefore require some level of assessment to determine a Client’s unique

circumstances and characteristics.

b. Is the Contractor expected to provide direct services to Clients in the form of

group counseling, therapy sessions, or case management services?

The County has not set any expectation about the direct services to be provided

by the contractor specifically beyond what is described in the RFI. However,

Contractor should ensure that the Center helps facilitate Client access to an

appropriate array of reentry services to effectively “support each Client’s

successful reintegration into the community” whether such services are provided

by the Contractor or a Center Partner. (RFI page 7)

6. In reference to RFI Section VI.A.2.d, Center Steering Committee, on page 9 stating:

a. Contractor shall require the CSC to be responsible for providing Center oversight

and outreach support, assistance in fundraising efforts, and leadership in

developing a written assessment of program and Center Director performance at

least once during the contract term.

b. Contractor shall establish a Center Steering Committee

c. The Center Steering Committee is expected to meet no less frequently than four

times during each year of the contract term.

May the Contractor organize the CSC with member of its organization’s leadership?

The composition of the Center Steering Committee will at least be expected to

meet the requirements established in Section 2.1.3 of the “West County Reentry

Resource Center Design and Implementation Plan” identified on RFI page 7.

7. In reference to RFI Section VI.A.2.e, Partnership Development and Capacity Building, on

page 9 stating “Contractor shall develop MOUs and other agreements with all relevant

Center partners, including community-based agencies and County, state and federal

providers, for in-kind services as determined to be necessary by Contractor based on

identified needs of Center Clients, to be delivered at the Center or via referral to other

agencies off-site”:

a. How many Partners has the current Contractor established Memorandums of

Understanding (MOUs) or service agreements with?

In the most recent reporting from the Contractor to the County the Center

indicated it is currently implementing the collective impact model as an ongoing

collaboration among 29 other partners.


b. In the event a contract is awarded to someone other than the current Contractor,

would the new Contractor be permitted to establish agreements and MOUs with

the current Center’s Partners?

The County would permit this.

c. Will Partners be compensated for services provided to referred Clients utilizing

funding identified in the itemized FY 2019-20 AB 109 Public Safety

Realignment Budget listed on page 7 of the RFI?

This will have to be determined on a case by case basis as it is not necessarily

the case that all Partners of the Center will receive any funding under AB 109

Public Safety Realignment.

d. Will the Reentry Resource Center Supplier will be expected to compensate

public agencies, private nonprofit organizations, or other Partners who Clients

are referred to?

The Supplier will not be expected to compensate the County for services a

County agency or County Contractor provides to a referred Client,

compensation arrangements for all other organizations and agencies are

expected to be negotiated by the Supplier.

8. In reference to RFI Section VII.b, Contract Monitoring and Evaluation, on page 10 requiring

the completion of progress report forms supplied by the County, please provide a sample or

blank progress report the Contractor will be expected to submit to the County.

While the County maintains the discretion to change the information is requests be included

in a progress report, Attachment 2 provides a sample of a recent progress report.

9. In reference to RFI Section IV, Reference, on page 14 stating “The page for references shall

not exceed a total of one (1) single-sided, 8.5” x 11” page, and shall be presented after the

organizational chart,” may a Responder include Letters of Support after the list of

references?

Do not included any letters of support as part of your RFI response.

10. In reference to the RFI Section entitled “Response Instructions” on page 13 stating

“Statement of Interest is to be double-spaced and typewritten on 8 1/2" x 11" paper


(recycled preferred) with no less than 1" margins on all sides, using an easy to read 12-point

font. Total statement shall not exceed three (3) pages,” may the text be smaller than 12-point

font and should it be structured in a narrative format or in table form?

The Statement of Interest shall be provided in and easy to read 12-point font exactly, and

written in a narrative form.

11. In reference to the RFI Section entitled “Résumés” on page 14 stating “Attach, after the

page of references, a current resume or CV for each staff expected to work on this project,

and the executive management of the organization. Clearly indicate any positions you

expect that you will need to hire,” may job descriptions be attached in lieu of résumés for

staff yet to be hired?

Please do not attach an job descriptions to your RFI response.

ATTACHMENT 1

AB 109 Adult Reentry Services

ORJ Revisions, November 2018 Page 1

Project/Program Name Reentry Success Center

Agency Name Rubicon Programs, Inc

Report compiled by Pat Mims, Director

Reporting period 1/1/2019 to 6/30/2019

Section One: Performance and Demographic Data Measures

The table below reflects new members and intakes completed during the current reporting

period. Intake and orientation procedures were recently combined. This combined process now

eliminates a wait period for the potential new members. Prior procedure, where there was a gap

between intake and orientation being offered, resulted in potential members not returning for

intake completion.

Table 1: Reentry Success Center –

new intakes Q1-Q2

FY 2018-2019

Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Total

New Intakes 61 108 68 88 325

Intakes – Men (69%)

46 73 45 59 223

Intakes – Women (30%)

15 35 19 29 98

New Members 61 108 68 88 325

Total served = All non-duplicated individuals receiving services. New intakes = All non-duplicated individuals receiving services on-site at the Center for the first time. Not all individuals served identify as men or women. New members = individuals who successfully complete orientation, reentry plan and commit to more intensive services.

ⁱPercentages are equal to the whole number in the same

cell divided by the “New Intakes” in the same column/time period.

Section Two: Budget Expenditures

COUNTY OF CONTRA COSTA Summary Report Template

ATTACHMENT 2



Start yr/mo. of current contract 7/1/18 Duration of current

contract (in years)

1

Contract yr/quarter that you are

reporting against

18/19 Qtr 3 & 4

Budget

Headings

Total budget

allocation under

current contract

Expenditures

this reporting

period

Total

expenditures to

date

Further information,

justification or

comments.

Staff 279,034 260,037 260,037

Travel &

Subsistence

2,000 1,671 1,671

Equipment 36,044 29,996 29,996

Dissemination

activities

2,185 360 360 Numerous activities are

planned for the

upcoming reporting

period

Evaluation

activities

Not a budgeted

line in current

approved budget

Program

operations (non-

personnel)

108,418 97,511 97,511

Incentives or

other direct

individual client

support

9,000 10,995 10,995

Consultants and

Subcontractors

30, 500 20,866 20,866

Section Three: Programmatic or Operational Changes

During this reporting period there have been additional staff changes worth noting. On 1/16/19,

Mr. Clexton Ward was hired on as the Peer Mentor Coordinator. On 5/6/19, Ms. Ana Castrellon

was hired on as Reentry Coach. Former Peer Mentor Coordinator, Lawrence Robinson and

Reentry Coach, Dameion King are no longer with Rubicon Programs. With the newest additions

the RSC is fully staffed with an entirely new team.

During this period of staff transitions and acquisitions at the Center it is encouraging to report that

there was minimal lapse in services and members remained engaged.

Section Four: Concerns/Changes with Organizational Context or Partners



This reporting period there are no concerns with partner engagement. Partners have been

consistent in scheduling Center space, facilitating presentations and participating in workshops.

Partners and providers have been consistent in participating in County wide partner and

provider meetings. The following partners have collaborated within the collective impact model

to serve the re-entry population in partnership with the RSC:

Alcohol and Other Drugs (AODS)

Bay Area Legal Aide

Bay Area Rescue Mission Catholic Charities of the East Bay Center For Human Developement

Center Force

Community Works West

Contra Costa College

Contra Costa County Behavioral Health

Contra Costa County EHSD Contra Costa County Food Bank

Contra Costa County Public Defender’s Office Clean Slate Unit

Contra Costa County Senior Community Service Employment Program Cypress Mandela of Alameda County GRIP

African American Health Conductors

Health Right 360

LEAP Micro Easy Tech

Men and Women of Purpose MWP

Project Second Chance

Richmond MAIN Richmond Works Rubicon Programs

Safe Return Project San Pablo Economic Development Corporation (EDC)

Shelter Inc. Small Business Development Center Sparkpoint Whole Foods

This reporting period there are no concerns with partner engagement as partners have been

welcoming to the incoming RSC leadership and staff alike. In addition, partners have been open

to scheduling and reengaging with RSC activities during the transition of this entirely new team.

My concern is that AB-109 County contracted CBO partners are not obligated to work with the

Reentry Success Center in the capacity of the collective impact model as it has been designed

for the County re-entry system. The Reentry Success Center is not in a position to hold partners

accountable for not engaging in this system structure.



Section Five: Programmatic Outcomes, Lessons Learned



Alpha Cohorts: The final Alpha cohort for the fiscal year began on March 25, 2019 and

concluded on May 17, 2019. There were originally 18 enrolled with 12 graduating. At the

conclusion of the graduation ceremony RSC hosted a banquet to celebrate the

accomplishments of its members. In attendance were partners and providers, Probation,

community members and family and friends of the members. Alpha members receive

the following array of services with each cohort.

Alpha participants receive the following services within a cohort:

8 weeks of Restorative Practices Circles

8 weeks of T4C curriculum 3x a week

*8 weeks of Alcohol and Other Drugs (AODS) group facilitation and individual

counselling for those interested

*8 weeks of Behavioral Health group facilitation and individual counselling for

those interested

8 weeks in which twenty (20) partner agencies share their resources at least once

during a cohort

Mentors are immediately assigned to those that are interested in the mentoring

program

Clean Slate: On June 15, 2019, the RSC in partnered with Contra Costa Public

Defenders Office, Bay Area Legal Aid, and Rubicon Programs to hold a Clean

Slate day. This event was held at the Reentry Success Center and was well

attended by the community.

Partner Capacity Building: On January 24, 2019, in collaboration with Community

Works West the RSC hosted a Restorative Practices training for partners and

providers. This training equipped partners and providers with the tools necessary

to conduct restorative circles and incorporate restorative practices within their

agencies. Surveys were taken and there was an overwhelming response of that

this training was extremely helpful.

Mentorship: On February 28, 2019 and June 6, 2019, the RSC hosted the mentor

training facilitated by Men and Women of Purpose. As a result of these trainings

nine mentors (4) were identified by the RSC Mentor Volunteer Coordinator and

now work specifically with members from the Center.

Pro-Social Activities:

On February 6, 2018, ten (10) mentees were escorted to the Golden State Warriors

basketball game. This exciting event was filled with community building, healing,

appreciation and mentor-mentee connection.

. On February 16, 2019, and April 27, 2019, the RSC hosted a breakfast game day

in which members were fed a hot breakfast meal, played games for small prizes

and built community amongst one another. These events were well attended by

members.



On April 12, 2019, the RSC hosted a day in the park in which members were

transported to the Richmond Marina and enjoyed building community with one

another while enjoying BBQ.

On May 25, 2019, ten Mentees and three mentors were transported to the Stone

Soul Concert in which mentors and mentees were afforded the opportunity bond

and listen to some good music. This event was powerful for members as some had

never attended a concert before.

On Monday evenings from 5:30pm to 7:30 pm, in collaboration with Community

Works West the RSC is hosting a Restorative Arts class. This restorative practices

class is designed to address trauma through expressions of creation.

Unfortunately, due to a loss of funding the last class was in May. The RSC is seeking

out funding to continue this class in the future.

On Thursday evenings the RSC is hosting a Men’s “Forward Thinking” support

group. Forward Thinking is a safe place for men to gather together and discuss life

challenges, successes, losses, current events and whatever arises as a result of

“checking-in” during group discussion

Communications: In collaboration with HealthRIGHT360 and with approval from

the Sheriff, the winter/spring and summer issue of the Reentry VOICE was

published and distributed throughout West County Detention Facility (courtesy of

the Sherriff) and throughout the County.

Behavioral Health has assigned a clinician to hold weekly office hours at the Center. This

clinician has been facilitating weekly group counselling sessions with the Alpha class and

individual counselling for those seeking mental health services.

Alcohol and Other Drugs (AODS) is on site two days a week supporting members in their

recovery by holding weekly groups with Alpha participants and individual counselling for

those seeking recovery services. Several members have been referred to outpatient and

inpatient treatment as a result of this service being on site weekly.

JANUARY THRU MARCH 2019:

67- MEMBERS ATTENDED AODS WORKSHOP/GROUP

13- MEMBERS MET WITH AODS INDIVIDUALLY

0- MEMBERS ASSISTED WITH CONTACTING AODS ACCESSLINE

1- MEMBERS DETOX PLACEMENT

0- MEMBERS MAT(MEDICATION ASSISTED TREATMENT) REFERRAL

1- MEMBER OUTPATIENT 2.1 INTAKE REFERRAL

0- MEMBER RESIDENTIAL 3.1 INTAKE REFERRAL

1-MEMBER ASSISTED BY AODS STAFF WITH ACCESSLINE TO SPEAK W/FINANCIAL

COUNSELOR TO OBTAIN MEDI-CAL BENEFITS TO RECEIVE AODS SERVICES.

83=TOTAL AODS ENCOUNTERS

APRIL THRU JUNE 2019:

76- MEMBERS ATTENDED AODS WORKSHOP/GROUP

13- MEMBERS ATTENDED SIS-SUDS WALK IN GROUP

(Seeking Information & Support/Substance Use Disorders) begin date was 5/14/19

2-MEMBERS ASSISTED WITH CONTACTING AODS ACCESSLINE

1- MEMBER DETOX PLACEMENT



0- MEMBERS MAT(MEDICATION ASSSISTED TREATMENT) REFERRAL

2- MEMBERS OUTPATIENT 1.0 INTAKE REFERRAL

0-MEMBERS RESIDENTIAL 3.1 INTAKE REFERRAL

1- MEMBER ASSISTED BY AOD STAFF WITH ACCESSLINE TO SPEAK W/FINANCIAL

COUNSELOR TO OBTAIN MEDI-CAL BENEFITS TO RECEIVE AODS SERVICES.

96=TOTAL AODS ENCOUNTERS

The RSC and Network/HR360 have combined our individual Partner and Provider

meetings West/East and are now holding Contra Costa County Partner and Provider

meetings. The RSC will host every other month in West County and HR360 will host every

other month in the Central and East. This strategy was established to inform partners and

providers of reentry work happening countywide.

The lessoned learned from this reporting period was that service providers were not

holding consistent space at the Center and connecting with members as they were

walking in the door. To remedy this situation a calendar was created in which service

providers could come in as the Alpha class would end and present their programs with

the members in line with the Alpha mantra of the week. This strategy not only improved

service provider engagement it also gave members a broader perspective of the

support the Center and its partners offer.

Section Six: Next Steps



Short Term Goals for Next Reporting Period:

Expanding night programming

Established MOU’s with engaged providers and partners

Establish a stronger presence within the County jails/prisons.

Identify additional partners to engage their services with the RSC

Allocate more resources to convene and coordinate AB109 contractors for capacity

building

Professional development of RSC staff/trainings

request for interest (rfi) #2001-374

Documents