RFP 6103 - RACIAL EQUITY CONSULTING SERVICES

Project: RFP 6103 - RACIAL EQUITY CONSULTING SERVICES Ref. #: RFP 6103 - RACIAL EQUITY CONSULTING SERVICES Department: Procurement Type: RFP Status: Open Open Date: Aug 29th 2022, 3:00 PM PDT Questions Due Date: Sep 16th 2022, 5:00 PM PDT Close Date: Oct 7th 2022, 3:00 PM PDT Days Left: < 1 Project Description:1.1 Introduction/Purpose The County of Ventura (hereinafter referred to as County) invites your organization to submit a written proposal to provide Racial Equity Consulting Services. The County Executive Office, Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is soliciting proposals from qualified vendors with previous experience working with governmental entities on racial equity assessment and planning. Vendors with familiarity with Government Alliance on Race and Equity (GARE), GARE’s racial equity tools or other similar experience as well as familiarity with the demographics and pre-existing racial and social disparities in Ventura County are preferred. The successful Offeror

shall work directly with the County Executive Office, Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, to assist the County of Ventura in developing a more comprehensive understanding of the racial equity opportunities and challenges within the County’s workforce and to customize racial equity training to the identified needs. In addition, the vendor will facilitate the creation of a countywide Racial Equity Action Plan. For consideration, proposals must contain evidence of the Offeror's experience and abilities in the specified area and other disciplines directly related to the proposed services. 1.2 Background The County of Ventura is committed to developing, nurturing, and sustaining an equitable community and workforce where all individuals can thrive. The County pledges to amplify the voices of under-represented communities and those who were historically excluded, by removing barriers that result from racial and social injustice and inequities. The County strives to ensure that equity, diversity, and inclusion practices are embedded at all levels of the County’s programs and departments through acknowledging, analyzing, and addressing the root causes of inequities. The County advances equitable policies, practices, and procedures, including, but not limited to County services, recruitment and retention, policies and practices, budgeting, and procurement. The County commits to being transparent and will continually evaluate and update strategies when identified goals and objectives are not being achieved or sustained. The County strives to create an inclusive environment where every community member feels like he/she/they belong. The County of Ventura is a member of the Government Alliance on Racial Equity (GARE), which is a national network of governments working to achieve racial equity and advance opportunities for all. GARE membership grants the County access to utilize GARE racial equity tools and resources which are well regarded within the racial equity work in government. In 2017, the County Executive Officer created the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Taskforce with leaders across agencies & departments. The taskforce’s mission was to enhance and strengthen systems, programs, and learning by implementing best practices and improving outcomes for community members. The taskforce has accomplished the following: o Development and implementation of mandatory employee cultural competency training o Creation of the Mentorship Program o Creation of an online DEI Library o Continued bilingual incentive premium o Hosting of public and employee forums regarding race and law enforcement In collaboration with the DEI Taskforce and key stakeholders, the County of Ventura Board of Supervisors (BOS) resolution adopted on November 10, 2020, declared racism a public health crisis, and pledged to promote equity, inclusion, and diversity in housing, employment, economic development, health care, and public safety in the County of Ventura. The resolution adoption and subsequent implementation is integral to the County becoming a “more racial equity and justice-oriented organization in service to our community.” The resolution and its implementation reinforce the diversity, equity and inclusive work initiated by the County in 2017 and is integral to fostering and promoting a racial equity and justice-oriented organization in service to our community. The County chooses to lead with race but is not exclusively focused on race. This framework extends to additional equity issues including sexual orientation, gender, and ability. The Board adopted this resolution will full commitment to carrying forward the following specific goals: • Establish a law enforcement advisory group • Establish a health care working group • Advocate for and improve for health policies • Review policies and procedures to prevent racism • Incorporate DEI into organizational practices • Encourage similar resolutions by other governmental entities This project will help to carry out the resolution to address policies and procedures and incorporate DEI into organizational practices. 1.3 Action Dates The following is an outline of the anticipated schedule for the proposal review and contract award. Issue Request for Proposal (RFP): August 29, 2022 Last day for vendor questions: September 16, 2022 Proposals Due October 7, 2022 Vendor Interviews November 2022 Evaluation-award November 2022 Start Work December 2022 1.4 Questions Regarding RFP All questions concerning this Proposal should be submitted online under the “Messages” tab. All other questions may be directed to Melissa Lorenzen, Principal Buyer, email: Melissa.Lorenzen@ventura.org. Important Events:OngoingOpen DateOnline PortalPosting date for the OpportunityAug 29th 2022, 3:00 PM PDTN/AUpcomingClose DateOnline PortalDeadline for SubmissionsOct 7th 2022, 3:00 PM PDTN/APassedQuestions Due DateOnline PortalDeadline to submit QuestionsSep 16th 2022, 5:00 PM PDTN/A Supporting Documentation:RFP 6103 Addendum No. 1.pdfOtherDocument - RFP 6103 RACIAL EQUITY CONSULTING SERVICES - ADDENDUM #1 DUE DATE EXTENSIONRead more...Sep 19th 2022, 8:38 AM PDT - RFP 6103 Addendum No. 2.pdfOtherDocument - RFP 6103 RACIAL EQUITY CONSULTING SERVICES - ADDENDUM #2 DUE DATE EXTENSIONRead more...Sep 27th 2022, 4:25 PM PDT - RFP 6103 ATTACHMENT A Affidavit of Non-Collusion.pdfDocumentationAug 29th 2022, 1:34 PM PDT - RFP 6103 Racial Equity Consulting Services FINAL 8-29-2022.pdfDocumentationAug 29th 2022, 2:49 PM PDT - RFP Contract - Professional Services SAMPLE.pdfDocumentationSAMPLE CONTRACTOct 17th 2018, 1:29 PM PDT - Commodity Codes: NIGP 918 Consulting Services NIGP 952 Human Services NIGP 91806 Administrative Consulting NIGP 91821 Business Consulting NIGP 91827 Community Development Consulting NIGP 91832 Consulting Services (Not Otherwise Classified) NIGP 91858 Governmental Consulting NIGP 91875 Management Consulting NIGP 95224 Cultural Administration and Promotion Services