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Approve a contract with Thurmond Consulting LLC for $233,333 to provide technical support for behavioral health related initiatives for the period of July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026; 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; and Approve an Appropriation Transfer Request for $233,333 to recognize unanticipated grant revenue to fund the agreement (4/5 vote required)
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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 (H&SS) recommends that the Board of Supervisors approve a contract with Thurmond Consulting, LLC for $233,333 to provide technical support for behavioral health related initiatives for the period of July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026; 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; and approve an Appropriation Transfer Request for $233,333 to recognize unanticipated grant revenue to fund the agreement (4/5 vote required).
SUMMARY:
Under this agreement, Thurmond Consulting LLC will provide Health and Social Services, Behavioral Health Division with technical assistance, training, compliance monitoring, and document development to enhance the Behavioral Health Division’s internal capacity for managing complex, multi-source funding streams. In addition, Thurmond Consulting LLC will facilitate strategic planning efforts, lead stakeholder engagement activities, and offer professional group facilitation to support cross-sector collaboration and alignment. These services will support ongoing and emerging initiatives such as the Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program (BHCIP), the implementation of the Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA), and other applicable State or federal programs critical to Solano County’s behavioral health and housing continuum.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no impact to the County General Fund. The contract will be funded with Solano County’s Homeless Housing, Assistance, and Prevention Program Round 5 (HHAP-5) grant allocation from the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). HHAP-5 funding is specifically designated to support tenancy-related services for individuals experiencing mental health challenges who are at risk of losing their independent community housing.
An Appropriation Transfer Request for $233,333 is recommended to recognize unanticipated HHAP-5 revenue to fund the contract.
DISCUSSION:
On July 10, 2023, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 129 into law, authorizing $1 billion in funding for the Homeless Housing, Assistance, and Prevention Program Round 5 (HHAP-5) grant. This fifth round of HHAP funding is aimed at continuing county efforts to address homelessness by providing essential resources to implement effective solutions and support vulnerable populations. The application requirements for HHAP-5 included submission of a local homelessness action plan and outcome goals to be achieved by 2026 to meet specific State measures. The Behavioral Health Division’s regionally coordinated homelessness action plan included a landscape analysis that assessed the current number of people experiencing homelessness, system performance measures, existing programs, and funding that addresses homelessness within Solano County’s jurisdiction. The plan emphasizes coordination of efforts within a jurisdiction, efforts to ensure racial equity in providing services and outcomes, and key actions to improve performance.
On April 8, 2025, the Board accepted the HHAP-5 grant award of $1,655,549 from the HCD to provide supportive housing services to assist behavioral health clients in maintaining independent community housing.
Over the past several years, Health and Social Services, Behavioral Health Division, has leveraged multiple one-time State funding opportunities to expand supportive housing and homelessness services infrastructure, including implementing new programs and capital investments. These efforts have been made possible through various grants such as the five HHAP funding rounds, the Behavioral Health Bridge Housing (BHBH) program, and the Housing and Homelessness Incentive Program (HHIP). However, many of these grants are scheduled to end within the next two to three years. As these programs wind down, the H&SS, Behavioral Health Division, must prepare for longer-term sustainability planning to preserve service continuity and maintain client access to housing and supports.
Simultaneously, significant structural changes are on the horizon at the State level. Most notably, implementation of Proposition 1 which includes reforming the State’s mental health and substance use disorder system through the Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA). The BHSA requires behavioral health departments to submit a behavioral health services and infrastructure spending plan by July 2026. This planning effort will demand a thorough evaluation of the Behavioral Health Division’s existing behavioral health housing investments, service gaps, and long-term funding strategies. The scope and complexity of these requirements underscore the need for guidance and capacity support. Through this contract, Thurmond Consulting LLC will provide critical assistance to Solano County by:
• Supporting compliance with complex, active State grants, each carrying unique guidelines, timelines, and deliverables.
• Assessing the sustainability of programs developed through expiring grant funds and assisting the Behavioral Health Division to formulate a strategy for ongoing service delivery and housing resource continuity.
• Providing full-scope grant identification and application support to secure new funding streams that address current service and infrastructure gaps.
Thurmond Consulting has provided technical assistance for behavioral health related initiatives to the Behavioral Health Division for over a year, with a contract that concluded on June 30, 2025. The Board’s approval of this current contract will ensure continuity of the vital support that has been provided to the Behavioral Health Division and allow for uninterrupted guidance in navigating complex funding landscapes and sustaining critical housing initiatives.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board may choose not to approve the contract; however, this action is not recommended. Thurmond Consulting LLC's subject matter expertise has assisted in strengthening H&SS’ ability to maintain and further its position in responding to and addressing homelessness in Solano County.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
County Counsel has reviewed and approved this item as to form.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION