Committee reviews draft RFP for alternative response task force; asks for more time and staff input

The committee reviewed a draft request for proposals (RFP) to procure consulting services and to initiate the Alternative Response Task Force, a project to develop non-police responses to selected calls for service.

Staff noted the RFP is intended to create the task force, define its charge and secure a consultant to run the process; a draft timeline included outreach and a vendor selection period leading to a consultant start date after the new year. Several council members said they had not yet had a chance to read the full draft (some could not access email after an IT migration) and asked that the item be placed on the January 6 agenda for additional review.

Council members and public commenters urged the RFP/service design include an initial review of existing local programs and comparable models elsewhere so the task force would build on documented best practices. A council member volunteered to serve on the review panel; staff indicated a review team would score proposals, invite finalists for interviews, and bring recommendations to council. Committee members agreed to provide additional comments and to allow staff time to coordinate schedules for vendor review and interviews. The committee did not release the RFP immediately and directed staff to return with a revised timeline and further details at the next committee meeting.