Title
a. Approve and authorize the Executive Director of the Monterey County Workforce Development Board (MCWDB) to execute an Agreement with the California Employers Association (CEA) to extend the term of the Agreement for an additional year, for an aggregate term of October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027, and to add $22,428 for an additional year of services, for an aggregate total amount not to exceed $65,978; and
b. Authorize the Executive Director of the MCWDB to execute one (1) additional annual renewal, with the option to add an additional not to exceed 10% ($2,243) subject to County Counsel review, on substantially the same terms.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Approve and authorize the Executive Director of the Monterey County Workforce Development Board (MCWDB) to execute an Agreement with the California Employers Association (CEA) to extend the term of the Agreement for an additional year, for an aggregate term of October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027, and to add $22,428 for an additional year of services, for an aggregate total amount not to exceed $65,978; and
b. Authorize the Executive Director of the MCWDB to execute one (1) additional annual renewal, with the option to add an additional not to exceed 10% ($2,243) subject to County Counsel review, on substantially the same terms.
SUMMARY:
The WDB was awarded federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funds to provide employment services and occupational skills training to adults and dislocated workers, as well as funds to provide business services to assist local employers with their workforce needs.
The WDB has provided valuable support to Monterey County’s employers through grants, informational webinars, and other services to businesses. Since 2020, the WDB has contracted with the California Employers Association to provide a Human Resources hotline from 8:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, as well as other employer-related services including webinars and workshops, most recently pursuant to a June 2024 Request for Quotes process. CEA was selected based on capacity and competitive price as compared to two other entities - Solvo Global and BLR Partnership Solutions - offering similar services.
Based on the April 4, 2018, delegation of contracting authority to the WDB Executive Director to sign WIOA and non-WIOA funded contracts, subject to a $45,000 cap, prior County Counsel review and other limitations, the WDB entered into an Agreement with CEA not to exceed $21,775 for the period from October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025, and in the following year, the WDB entered into Amendment No. 1 for an amount not to exceed $21,775 for services to local businesses through September 30, 2026. Here, the WDB wishes to extend the Agreement, pursuant to Amendment No. 2, for an additional year in an amount not to exceed $22,428, for the total aggregate Agreement amount of $65,978, which exceeds the contracting authority of the WDB Executive Director.
DISCUSSION:
The Executive Director is requesting approval and authorization of the Board to execute Amendment No. 2 to extend CEA’s Agreement with the WDB for one (1) additional year and increase the aggregate amount of the Agreement to $65,978. Funding for Amendment No. 2 to the Agreement with CEA is consistent with the FY 2026-27 preliminary budget approved by the full WDB on July 16, 2026.
The Executive Director is also requesting authorization to execute an option for an additional one (1) year renewal and, if necessary, to increase the annual amount of the Agreement ($22,428) by an amount not to exceed 10% ($2,242.80) to cover an increase in annual costs, subject to County Counsel review, on substantially the same terms.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVMENT:
The parties to the Agreement were involved in its development. County Counsel has approved the Agreement.
FINANCING:
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Rapid Response grant funding in an amount not to exceed $22,428 will be used to fund the CEA Agreement and is budgeted in Fund 1290, Appropriations Unit CAO030, Unit 105028. There is no financial impact to the General Fund resulting from approval of this Agreement.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS:
Approval of CEA Amendment No. 2 will result in the continued provision of Human Resources and other workforce services to employers throughout Monterey County.
ü Well-Being and Quality of Life
____ Sustainable Infrastructure for the Present and Future
____ Safe and Resilient Communities
ü Diverse and Thriving Economy
Link to the Strategic Plan:
<https://www.countyofmonterey.gov/home/showdocument?id=139569>
Prepared by: Elizabeth Kaylor, Management Analyst III, 5385
Approved by: Christopher Donnelly, Executive Director, 6644
Attachments:
2024-27 California Employer Association HR Services Amendment No. 2