To: Board of Supervisors
From: Warren Lai, Public Works Director/Chief Engineer
Report Title: APPROVE and AUTHORIZE a purchase order with VitalSmarts, LC and ACCEPT their Terms and Conditions for the purchase of the virtual course materials
Recommendation: Recommendation of the County Administrator
RECOMMENDATIONS:
APPROVE and AUTHORIZE the Purchasing Agent, or designee, to execute, on behalf of the Public Works Department, a purchase order with VitalSmarts, LC (dba Crucial Learning) in an amount not to exceed $24,300 and ACCEPT their Terms and Conditions for the purchase of virtual course materials.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Approval of this request will result in a one-time expenditure up to $24,300 and will be 100% funded by Various Road, Flood Control, and Special District Funds.
BACKGROUND:
The Contra Costa County Public Works Department is responsible for the planning, design, and delivery of a wide range of training opportunities to support staff development and growth in developing their communication and relationship building skills. The “Crucial Conversations for Mastering Dialogue” training gives learners the skills to step into disagreement and turns it into dialogue for improved relationships and results. The Terms and Conditions include provisions requiring the County to indemnify VitalSmarts, LC for certain claims arising from the County's use, operation, or possession of the purchased training materials, and provisions limiting VitalSmarts LC's liability for certain damages related to the transaction. County Counsel has reviewed these provisions and determined they are acceptable for this procurement.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
If the Board does not approve this request, the Public Works Department will be unable to purchase the training materials needed to train staff on the “Crucial Conversations for Mastering Dialogue,” which is essential to support staff in developing their relationship building skills.