Title
a. Authorize the Chief Information Officer, Director of Free Libraries, and Director of Social Services to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with Loaves, Fishes and Computers for the implementation and promotion of digital literacy training, digital navigator services, and broadband adoption outreach activities throughout Monterey County; and
b. Authorize the Chief Information Officer, Director of Free Libraries, and Director of Social Services to sign up to three renewals extending the term with minor administrative amendments to the Memorandum of Understanding that do not substantially alter the intent or financial obligations.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Authorize the Chief Information Officer, Director of Free Libraries, and Director of Social Services to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with Loaves, Fishes and Computers for the implementation and promotion of digital literacy training, digital navigator services, and broadband adoption outreach activities throughout Monterey County; and
b. Authorize the Chief Information Officer, Director of Free Libraries, and Director of Social Services to sign up to three renewals extending the term with minor administrative amendments to the Memorandum of Understanding that do not substantially alter the intent or financial obligations.
SUMMARY:
The proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) establishes a collaborative partnership between Loaves, Fishes, and Computers (LFC) and Monterey County Departments; Information Technology Department (ITD), Monterey County Free Libraries (MCFL), and Department of Social Services (DSS), to support digital inclusion efforts for Monterey County residents.
DISCUSSION:
The intent of the partnership between ITD, MCFL, DSS, and LFC is to expand community access to digital literacy training, promote awareness of reduced-cost internet services available to eligible households, and provide digital navigator assistance to residents needing support with internet enrollment, device usage, and access to online services.
Under the proposed MOU, the Parties will collaborate to:
• Utilize library facilities and other approved community locations to host digital literacy trainings and outreach activities;
• Promote broadband affordability programs and reduced-cost internet service options available to qualifying residents;
• Conduct community outreach and educational events throughout Monterey County;
• Provide digital navigator support services to assist residents with enrollment and digital access needs;
• Coordinate outreach efforts with existing community events and trusted local organizations to maximize community engagement; and
• Pursue grant funding opportunities collaboratively to offset program and operational costs associated with digital inclusion initiatives.
The County departments may collaboratively pursue grant funding opportunities related to digital literacy, broadband adoption, and digital inclusion services, with any resulting funding agreements or expenditures subject to Board of Supervisors approval, as required. The MOU also permits the County to participate as a subgrantee or subrecipient under grant opportunities awarded to LFC, with awarded funds intended to offset County program and operational costs.
The MOU also includes provisions governing the appropriate use, protection, and destruction of data shared for outreach and enrollment purposes. Any data exchanged under the MOU shall be utilized solely for activities related to the program and shall not be used, disclosed, or retained for any unrelated purpose.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT/COMMITTEE ACTIONS:
The Office of the County Counsel has reviewed and approved the MOU as to form. DSS and MCFL have reviewed and support this recommended action. Auditor-Controller’s Office reviewed the MOU and approved as to fiscal provisions.
FINANCING:
The proposed MOU does not obligate the County to provide funding under the MOU unless separately approved by the Board of Supervisors. Existing staff and available resources will be utilized to support current outreach activities.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS:
The proposed partnership supports County efforts to reduce the digital divide and improve equitable access to online education, employment resources, telehealth services, government services, and other essential digital resources for underserved communities throughout Monterey County.
X Well-Being and Quality of Life
____ Sustainable Infrastructure for the Present and Future
____ Safe and Resilient Communities
X Diverse and Thriving Economy
____ Dynamic Organization and Employer of Choice
____ Administrative
Prepared by: Sarah House, Information Technology Manager, 759-6992
Approved by: Eric A. Chatham, Chief Information Officer, 759-6920
Attachments:
MOU Digital Literacy