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Board approves reentry services contracts; asks staff to align two employment contracts with August AB 109 policy review
Summary
The Board approved new contracts for reentry services, including employment and navigation programs, but directed that two larger employment contracts be converted to one‑year initial agreements under delegated authority so staff can align service design with an August discussion of AB 109 planning and reentry priorities.
The Board of Supervisors approved a package of new and renewed contracts for the Office of Diversion and Reentry Services (ODRS) on Tuesday, while asking staff to adjust the initial term and procurement approach for two major employment contracts so the programs can be evaluated alongside an August policy review of AB 109 reentry priorities.
ODRS Director Javier Ira said the contract awards are the result of a December request for proposals and follow an evaluation process. The contracts fund workforce development, employment navigation and other reentry supports delivered by community providers including Mission Services (formerly Goodwill), Center for Employment Opportunities, Breakout Prison Outreach, San Jose State University Research Foundation and others.
Supervisor Arenas, who pulled the item for discussion, asked staff to coordinate the contract start dates and terms with an upcoming August Public Safety & Justice Committee discussion about AB 109 priorities. In response, staff recommended approving three one‑year contracts with extension options and converting two larger, multi‑year employment contracts (Mission Services and Center for Employment Opportunities) into an initial one‑year arrangement under delegated authority so program design and outcomes can be adjusted following the August 14 reentry strategic review.
The Board approved the contracts with that modification. The action ensures no service gap while giving the Board and ODRS time to review measures and align outcomes with AB 109 strategy. ODRS also committed to return to the Board and the Public Safety & Justice Committee with program outcomes and performance metrics at the August meeting.
Supervisors emphasized that the reentry strategy should focus on measurable outcomes such as stable housing, employment placements and recidivism reductions. Several board members asked for clearer reporting on employment outcomes and the number of clients served by each vendor before exercising optional contract extensions.
