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Approve a contract with PAVE Prevention, Inc. in the amount of $236,207 for library staff training on situational awareness, personal safety, and de-escalation skills, for the term of October 1, 2026, through October 1, 2029; and Delegate authority to the County Administrator to execute the contract and any subsequent amendments, with County Counsel concurrence, up to an aggregate amount of $74,999
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Published Notice Required? Yes ___ No _X _
Public Hearing Required? Yes ___ No _ X_
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The Director of Library Services recommends that the Board of Supervisors:
1. Approve a contract with PAVE Prevention, Inc. in the amount of $236,207 for library staff training on situational awareness, personal safety, and de-escalation skills, for the term of October 1, 2026, through October 1, 2029; and
2. Delegate authority to the County Administrator to execute the contract and any subsequent amendments, with County Counsel concurrence, up to an aggregate amount of $74,999.
SUMMARY:
PAVE Prevention, Inc. (Proactive Anti-Violence Education, or “PAVE”) provides trauma-informed workplace safety and violence prevention training. PAVE uses scenario-based learning integrated with Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice, and Accessibility (DEIJA) and Cultural Intelligence (CQ) frameworks to provide staff with practical tools for verbal and nonverbal de-escalation, boundary setting, situational awareness, conflict resolution, and personal safety. The training is intended to help employees respond safely and effectively to challenging interactions in the workplace.
Under the proposed agreement, PAVE will deliver a comprehensive, multi-tiered safety and training program for the Solano County Department of Library Services. The contract scope encompasses four 35-hour cohort training sessions for up to 30 participants each, three 30-hour PAVE Steward “Train the Trainer” sessions for up to 15 participants, regular online coaching and “office hours” sessions, proprietary workforce assessments (including the Employee Experience Survey and Self-Description Inventory), and onsite safety inspections and reports for all nine library branch locations and the Law Library.
The program is divided into two parts that may be completed over a one- or two-year period. The agreement also provides the option to purchase additional programming during the third year. The proposed contract term is three years to allow the Library to add this programming if desired; however, the $236,207 contract amount does not include the optional third-year programming. Any additional programming would be subject to available funding and would be included in a future Requested Budget.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The total contract amount is $236,207 and includes a 10% Califia member discount. The two-part base program consists of $111,624 for Part One and $124,583 for Part Two. The contract term extends through October 1, 2029, to allow the Library the option to purchase additional programming during the third year. Any optional third-year programming would be subject to available funding and included in the Library’s Requested Budget for that year. Funding for Parts One and Two is included in the Library’s FY2026/27 Working Budget and is funded by tax revenue and charges to special districts for library services; there is no impact to the General Fund.
The cost of preparing the agenda item is nominal and is included in the Library’s FY2026/27 Working Budget.
DISCUSSION:
As public-facing employees, Library staff interact with a diverse population and regularly assist patrons with a wide range of needs. These interactions occasionally involve challenging behaviors or situations that require staff to use effective communication, de-escalation, boundary setting, and personal safety skills. Providing employees with practical tools to respond confidently and appropriately to these situations supports staff well-being while helping the Library maintain welcoming and accessible spaces for the community.
The number of reported incidents at the Library’s nine branches has increased in recent years, from 84 in 2021 to 887 for the first eight months of 2026. Reported incidents encompass a broad range of interactions and behaviors. Of the incidents reports over the past five years, approximately 32% involved higher-level concerns such as threatening behavior, inappropriate conduct, or drugs and alcohol. In a staff survey conducted as part of the Library’s 2024 organizational study, 25% of respondents identified improved safety measures, including training and security, as an opportunity to reduce workplace stress. The increase in reported incidents demonstrates the value of providing staff with additional tools and training to respond effectively to challenging situations when they occur.
PAVE offers a comprehensive, trauma-informed approach designed to strengthen employees’ communication, de-escalation, situational awareness, and personal safety skills. The proposed training will build upon the Library’s existing safety efforts by providing staff with additional tools to respond effectively to challenging interactions while continuing to provide welcoming and responsive service to the public.
PAVE Training
PAVE states that it has developed its Trauma-Informed Practices curriculum in alignment with the CDC’s Center for Preparedness and Response and the SAMHSA’s National Center for Trauma-Informed Care’s six principles on trauma-informed care, which include:
• Safety
• Trustworthiness/Transparency
• Peer Support
• Collaboration/Mutuality
• Empowerment, Voice and Choice
• Cultural, Historical and Gender Issues
PAVE allows clients to customize the training modules that will be included in their program based on their organizational needs. Some of the topics the Library’s program will focus on include verbal and nonverbal de-escalation and disengagement; boundary setting, conflict resolution and personal safety; identifying behavior impacted by trauma, stress, and burnout; and overcoming communication barriers. Many topics will be taught through scenario-based learning that reflects situations Library staff may encounter, allowing employees to practice techniques learned during the training and build confidence in responding to challenging interactions.
PAVE Steward Program
The PAVE Steward Program provides an advanced “Train the Trainer” program for staff who have completed the other PAVE components in their personalized curriculum. All Library staff whose primary job is to interact with the public will receive training under the proposed agreement, either directly from PAVE or from co-workers who have completed the “Train the Trainer” portion of the program.
PAVE Office Hours Coaching Program
The PAVE Coaching Program will be offered to all library employees, regardless of whether or not they have participated in the previous PAVE training components. It provides opportunities to share experiences and reinforce skills learned through the training. Each cohort will receive six one-hour sessions over a six-week period.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board of Supervisors may choose not to approve this contract; however, this is not recommended because the proposed programming will supplement the Library’s existing safety training with additional scenario-based instruction, coaching, and opportunities for staff to develop and reinforce de-escalation, communication, and personal safety skills.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
None
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION