Title
Youth Engagement Training Service - RFA-26-0226 Request for Award (Ordinance S-53012) - Citywide
Description
Request to authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to enter into a contract with Strategies for Youth, Inc. to provide a youth engagement training curriculum for the Police Department. Further request to authorize the City Controller to disburse all funds related to this item. The total value of the contract will not exceed $120,000.
Report
Summary
On September 24, 2024, the City Council approved a series of action items aimed at enhancing public safety services. One of these items focuses specifically on improving interactions with youth and other vulnerable populations. In alignment with this priority, the Police Department has emphasized policy development and the identification of training needs to ensure personnel have the knowledge, skills and abilities required to effectively engage with young people.
This contract supports that effort by providing a dedicated youth engagement curriculum. Strategies for Youth, Inc. will develop and deliver a comprehensive program known as Policing the Teen Brain (PTB). Using this framework, the Department will create a youth-specific training curriculum tailored to its personnel. Once finalized, the curriculum will be delivered to all sworn and public-facing staff to strengthen and standardize youth engagement practices across the organization.
Procurement Information
In accordance with Administrative Regulation 3.10, standard competition was waived as a result of an approved Determination Memo based on the following reason: Special Circumstances Without Competition: A professional services agreement with Strategies for Youth, Inc will be established. This initiative is designed to strengthen the Police Department’s capacity to effectively interact with youth by improving officers' understanding of adolescent development, trauma, mental health and juvenile law. Strategies for Youth Inc, the only national organization exclusively focused on improving police youth interactions through a structured three-phase training model, is uniquely qualified to lead this work.
Contract Term
The contract will begin on or about September 1, 2026, for a one-year term with two one-year options to extend.
Financial Impact
The aggregate contract value will not exceed $120,000 for the three-year aggregate term. Funding is available in the Police Department's budget.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Assistant City Manager Lori Bays and the Police Department.