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Approve a three-year contract with National Court Research, effective December 1, 2025 through December 1, 2028, in the amount of $255,000 to provide service of process of legal documents, with an option for two additional years at $90,000 per year; and Delegate authority to the County Administrator to execute the contract and any subsequent amendments, with County Counsel concurrence, up to an aggregate of $74,999
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Published Notice Required? Yes ___ No _X_
Public Hearing Required? Yes ___ No _X_
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The Department of Child Support Services recommends that the Board of Supervisors:
1. Approve a three-year contract with National Court Research, effective December 1, 2025 through December 1, 2028, in the amount of $255,000 to provide service of process of legal documents, with an option for two additional years at $90,000 per year; and
2. Delegate authority to the County Administrator to execute the contract and any subsequent amendments, with County Counsel concurrence, up to an aggregate of $74,999
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The Department of Child Support Services (DCSS) contracts with a private vendor to serve court documents needed to establish and enforce child support in Solano County. The current contract for legal service of process expires February 28, 2026 necessitating award of a new contract to avoid interruption in services to DCSS customers.
Each month, Solano County DCSS generates approximately 120 legal documents, including Subpoenas, Orders to Show Cause, Summons and Complaints, and Notice of Motions. Pursuant to the California Code of Civil Procedures, these documents must be personally served. Personal service is primarily achieved using a professional service of process company. Approximately 60 percent of the legal documents are served upon individuals residing in Solano County, and 40 percent are served within California counties outside of Solano County. Occasionally service is required outside of the State of California.
A Request for Proposals (RFP) was issued September 8, 2025 to engage a firm to provide legal service of process of court documents. Two proposals were received in response to the RFP. Both proposals satisfied minimum qualifications, and an evaluation committee evaluated the proposals for qualifications, experience, and technical approach. National Court Research was selected based on the combination of attributes of the evaluation criteria. In addition, staff conducted reference reviews of National Court Research in which existing and past clients reported an overall satisfaction with the services provided.
The term of the National Court Research contract will begin December 1, 2025. This will allow time to onboard the new vendor while the previous vendor concludes services with current clients without a break in service.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The funding for this contract is included in the Department’s FY2025/26 Working Budget. The funds for future years will be requested in the Department’s Requested Budgets. There is no cost to the County General Fund as DCSS is funded with 34% state and 66% federal funds.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board could choose not to approve this contract. This action is not recommended as it would result in a delay of services essential to the servicing of court documents needed to establish and enforce child support in Solano County.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
County Counsel has reviewed and approved the contract as to form. Central Services - Purchasing helped develop the RFP and manage the process. The County Auditor/Controller’s Office helped review the financial statements for the recommended vendor. The County Administrator’s Office has been consulted and concurs with the recommendations.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION