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Approve a second contract amendment with Meals on Wheels Solano County for $176,150 for a total contract amount of $737,407 to deploy electronic devices and provide technical support to older adults for the current period through September 30, 2024; and Delegate authority to the County Administrator to execute the amendment 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 Health and Social Services recommends that the Board of Supervisors approve a second contract amendment with Meals on Wheels Solano County for $176,150 for a total contract amount of $737,407 to deploy electronic devices and provide technical support to older adults for the current period through September 30, 2024; and delegate authority to the County Administrator to execute the amendment and any subsequent amendments, with County Counsel concurrence, up to an aggregate of $74,999.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
On October 24, 2022, the H&SS Public Health Division, Older and Disabled Adult Services Bureau (ODAS) was notified by the California Department of Aging (CDA) that Solano County would receive $615,100 in non-competitive Access to Technology Program grant funds for the period October 1, 2022 through December 31, 2024. CDA later amended the notification and shortened the contract term by three months, through September 30, 2024, and increase the grant amount by $122,307 for a total grant award of $737,407. These funds were awarded to increase and provide access to technology for older and disabled adults in Solano County.
Through the Access to Technology Program, Solano County is connecting older adults and adults with disabilities to technology through the deployment of “grand-pad” type tablet devices with specialized features, including touch and visual aids that facilitate ease of use for older adults, and training on how to use the equipment. Meals on Wheels Solano County has a contracted provider, Claris Technologies, to deploy the tablets, as well as provide broadband and technical support services to older and disabled adults, funded through CDA’s Access to Technology Program.
On January 10, 2023, the Board approved the original contract with Meals on Wheels Solano County for $561,257 for the period of January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023 with the goal of launching 200 “grand-pad” tablet devices. A first amendment extended the contract through September 30, 2024. This second contract amendment increases the contract by $176,150 for a new total amount of $737,407 and will provide technology devices and training to 74 additional seniors and dependent adults. The total number of devices deployed through this program will be 274.
The “Access to Technology Program” evaluates success by tracking the number of devices successfully deployed to older and disabled adults and through survey results regarding well-being and social engagement. These tablets have been shown to reduce social isolation by promoting social engagement with family members, friends, caregivers, and healthcare personnel.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The contract and amendments are funded through the California Department of Aging’s Access to Technology Program grant funds. Appropriation and revenues are included in the Department’s FY2024/25 Working Budget. There is no impact to the County General Fund.
The costs of preparing this agenda item are nominal and included in the Department’s FY2024/25 Working Budget.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board may not approve this second contract amendment with Meals on Wheels Solano. This is not recommended as this program helps to reduce the digital divide and increase social engagement experienced by many seniors and people with disabilities.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Napa/Solano Area Agency on Aging assisted with this agenda item. The Department of Information and Technology offered consultation and expertise on this program.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION