Commission approves sole‑source contract with Find Help to build searchable local resource directory

The Department of Disability and Aging Services Commission on Dec. 4 authorized a sole‑source waiver and awarded a contract to Find Help to develop an Online Resource Directory (ORD) for DAS and the Department of Public Health, with a contract value of $1,727,000 plus a 10% contingency (not to exceed $1,899,700) covering 01/01/2025–06/30/2029.

Fanny Lapitan, Director of the DOS Benefits and Resources Hub, said the ORD will be a dynamic, searchable tool for older adults, people with disabilities, public staff and community partners. Features discussed include keyword search, a branded staff and community site for DAS, closed‑loop referral functionality, multi‑language support and data and reporting access for DAS and DPH. “The online resource directory or we, for sure we call it ORD, for DAS will be a tool that provides resources information about programs and services available to older adults and people with disabilities in San Francisco,” Lapitan said.

Deputy CIO Jeff Scarfia (IT) and commissioners emphasized accessibility for older adults and people with disabilities, the need for clear timelines and deliverables, and reporting and data‑sharing details. Scarfia said Find Help is widely used and that a tailored deployment typically can take about six months, but additional requirements to tailor the platform for DAS’s target population could affect timing and deliverables. “Find Help is one of the larger nationwide vendors ... this is again, we mentioned UCSF and Sutter here in San Francisco, but they have, you know, over 300 organizations across the country that plug this in,” he said, and noted that DPH expects roughly a six‑month timeline for deployment on the health side.

Commissioners asked whether the vendor’s prior product met accessibility standards and whether dashboards and reports would meet DAS’s needs; staff said the earlier vendor attempt did not produce the desired product, that Find Help was selected through the RFP process and that project management will create a schedule with milestones to be shared with the commission. The commission moved, seconded and approved the sole‑source waiver and contract by roll call. President Janet Spears, Vice President Nelson Lum, Commissioner Martha Knudson, Commissioner Sasha Bittner, Commissioner Wanda (as recorded), Commissioner Barbara Sklar and Commissioner Linda Parker Pennington voted yes.

Staff said they will return with project timelines and benchmarks once the contract is fully executed and the project manager is in place. Commissioners requested continued attention to usability for older adults and people with visual impairments and committed to oversight on deliverables and reporting.