To: Board of Supervisors
From: David O. Livingston, Sheriff-Coroner
Report Title: U.S. Behavioral Health Plan of California, Optum Contract
Recommendation: Recommendation of the County Administrator
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RECOMMENDATIONS:
APPROVE and AUTHORIZE the Sheriff-Coroner, or designee, to execute a renewal contract, with U.S. Behavioral Health Plan of California, (dba Optum) in an amount not to exceed $185,000 to provide counseling services to Sheriff-Coroner employees for the period October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2029.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Approval of this request will result in up to $185,000 in contractual service expenditures over a 3-year period and will be funded 100% by the Office of the Sheriff’s budgeted General Fund.
BACKGROUND:
The General Services Department conducted a public solicitation for the Office of the Sheriff for Employee Assistance Program services (RFP No.: 2305-648). Optum was the successful bidder of a total of two respondents. Optum exceeded all bid criteria and has experience working with law enforcement agencies.
For 19 years, the Office of the Sheriff has contracted to provide emergency psychological counseling to all employees. This program has become an essential part of the overall employee assistance package, and many employees have received significant help in their personal and professional lives by utilizing the available services. Additionally, the Sheriff and others in the law enforcement field believe stress counseling can reduce workers compensation and disability retirement claims. Providing these additional services is consistent with all other major law enforcement agencies.
This agreement includes modified indemnification language to provide mutual indemnification.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
If the Board does not approve, this contractor would not be retained to continue providing a comprehensive employee assistant program, which increases potential stress related workers compensation claims and disability claim...
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