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Approve a first contract amendment with CPS HR Consulting for $87,500 for a total contract amount of $175,000 to conduct five additional candidate searches for the current period through June 30, 2025; and Authorize the County Administrator to execute the contract and any subsequent amendments, with County Counsel concurrence, up to 10% of the contract budget
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Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No _X _
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No _X _
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The Solano County Department of Information Technology (DoIT) recommends the Board of Supervisors:
1. Approve a first contract amendment with CPS HR Consulting for $87,500 for a total contract amount of $175,000 to conduct five additional candidate searches for the current period through June 30, 2025; and
2. Authorize the County Administrator to execute the contract and any subsequent amendments, with County Counsel concurrence, up to 10% of the contract budget
SUMMARY:
DoIT has been facing a high vacancy rate for multiple years, with many positions in critical operational areas. Recently, DoIT has had success in filling vacant positions with a partnership between Solano County Human Resources (HR) and CPS HR Consulting (CPS). Since October 2023, eight additional staff have vacated their positions which has created additional recruitment needs. Some of these positions are currently going through HR, but three vacancies have been identified as candidates for the CPS recruitment activities. Due to rate of attrition, it is expected that additional positions may become vacant and additional CPS services will be needed.
Due to previous successes, DoIT is seeking to continue this partnership by contracting with CPS for another candidate searches. CPS is a knowledgeable recruitment agency with expertise in hiring, a large network of potential candidates, and a rigorous screening process. By continuing the partnering with CPS, DoIT can utilize CPS’s expertise and outreach to obtain quality candidates to fill important hard-to-fill technology positions.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The cost of the amendment with CPS HR Consulting is $87,500 from now until June 30, 2025, for a total contract cost of $175,000. The cost of the amendment will be funded utilizing savings identified within the existing DoIT appropriations in the FY2023/24 working budget.
DISCUSSION:
DoIT currently has a 21% vacancy rate and continues to have vacancies in critical technology positions that need to be filled. Due to success of using CPS over the past year, DoIT is seeking additional authorization to utilize them for five more positions. CPS is a leading recruitment agency specializing in hiring and has a track record of delivering high-quality candidates for vacated positions.
The following are the benefits of using CPS:
• Expertise: CPS has a team of experienced recruiters who have a deep understanding of hiring. They can identify the most suitable candidates for the vacant positions, which will save the county time and resources.
• Access to talent: CPS proactively seeks out candidates through its large networks and contacts to match the talent with Solano County needs.
• Screening: CPS uses a rigorous screening process to evaluate candidates and ensures they meet County requirements.
Solano County's high vacancy rate in critical technology positions poses a challenge for DoIT. With CPS’s expertise in hiring, access to a vast network of potential candidates, and rigorous screening process, CPS has delivered high-quality candidates for previous vacated positions. By continuing to partner with them, DoIT will have the tools needed to continue filling important positions.
DoIT is partnered closely with Human Resources to ensure that CPS follows all civil service hiring rules, where applicable, or transitions a candidate search to HR for final civil service hiring steps in accordance with regular hiring practices.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board could choose not to approve the contract with CPS. This is not recommended as CPS has a track record of finding the right candidates to fill critical technology positions within DoIT.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The County Administrators Office has reviewed this request and County Counsel has approved as to form. Human Resources works closely with DoIT on candidate searches conducted by CPS.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION