Chapter 4. Direct Service Contract Procedure of California Health And Safety Code >> Division 25. >> Chapter 4.

Each department under the Health and Welfare Agency shall identify each program (1) within which direct service contracts are awarded totaling in the aggregate contract amount of more than two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000), and (2) which awards more than five direct service contracts per year. For the purposes of this chapter, "direct service contracts" shall not include contracts, grants, or subventions to other governmental agencies or units of government nor contracts with regional centers or area agencies on aging.

For each program identified pursuant to Section 38030, each department shall develop an annual calendar identifying target dates for requests for proposal, contract bid deadlines, contract award announcements, contract approvals, and contract evaluations. Where funding or funding levels for a program are uncertain or subject to delays beyond the control of the program, the calendar shall so indicate and shall specify a range of dates within which final decisions on funding availability are likely to be made. Each such calendar shall be available to the public and shall be updated at least annually.

For each program identified pursuant to Section 38030, each department shall develop and maintain a central distribution list for requests for proposal. Such lists shall contain a statement of the basis for making additions to the list and any affirmative action policies pertinent to the program's contracting practices.

Each request for proposal shall contain, but not be limited to, the following information: the goals and objectives of the entire program, identification of the specific minimum range of services to be purchased related to those goals, quantitative as well as qualitative measures which will be used by the department to evaluate service outcomes, specific criteria and a description of the methodology and timetable which will be followed to review and approve bids, and all minimum performance standards any agency must meet prior to direct service contract approval.

For each program identified pursuant to Section 38030, each department shall identify the following steps: time estimated for each step; specific staff names, office addresses, and telephone numbers for those responsible for each step; and legal requirements and signatory approvals required prior to final approval of any contract. Any conditions for advance or interim payments shall also be identified. All bidders shall receive, in writing, all information required pursuant to this section.

For each program identified pursuant to Section 38030, each department shall identify and transmit to all agencies awarded direct service contracts forms required for contract payments, management information or reports required pursuant to contract objectives, and conditions and methods for contract evaluations. Methods and conditions for payment recoveries, withholding of payments, and contract terminations relating to nonperformance shall also be identified. This information shall be made available to each agency awarded a direct service contract prior to final approval of the contract.

Each department under the Health and Welfare Agency shall develop a grievance procedure for resolving disputes arising from the awarding or administering of direct service contracts.

Pursuant to Section 38030 through Section 38035, inclusive, all departments under the Health and Welfare Agency shall prepare an implementation schedule to develop the information required pursuant to this chapter. These schedules shall be transmitted within 90 days after the effective date of this chapter to the Joint Legislative Budget Committee and the Assembly and Senate Offices of Research for their review. The implementation schedule shall cover the period of one year from the effective date of this chapter.