Interoffice Memorandum
DATE: May 14, 2025
TO: Mayor Jerry L. Demings and County Commissioners
FROM: Carrie Mathes, CFCM, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, C.P.M., Manager II, Procurement Division
CONTACT: Isabelle Klier-Graham, Manager, Mental Health and Homeless Division
PHONE: 407-836-3187
SUBJECT: Approval of Contract Y25-2222, Non-Profit Staff Augmentation Services for Local Economic Relief
ACTION REQUESTED:
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Approval of Contract Y25-2222, Non-Profit Staff Augmentation Services for Local Economic Relief, with First Step Staffing, Inc., in the estimated contract award amount of $750,000 for a one-year term. Further request Board authorization for the Procurement Division to renew the contract for two additional one-year terms. ([Community and Family Services Department Mental Health and Homeless Division] Procurement Division)
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PROCUREMENT:
This contract will provide county-wide temporary labor to Orange County divisions and departments as needed. The roles provided under the terms of this contract are diverse and will be housed under varied divisions, such as maintenance person, administrative specialist, debris removal assistant, convention center service worker, event setup worker, event utilities worker, transportation worker, traffic master, parking monitor, traffic flow coordinator, and customer service representative. Specific job descriptions and pay range for each position are outlined within the scope of services.
FUNDING:
Delivery orders will be issued by departments or divisions on an as-needed basis, contingent on available funds.
APPROVALS:
The Mental Health and Homeless Division concurs with this recommendation.
REMARKS:
In accordance with the Code of Ordinances, Part I, Chapter 17, Article III, Section 17-286 - Application and exclusions, agreements between the Board and nonprofit organizations are excluded from competitive procurement requirements.
This organization is an alternative staffing organization that combines market-driven demand of contract staffing with a mission-based employment strategy to connect men and women experiencing homelessness or recent incarceration as well as those who are veterans with sustainable employment, income, and supportive services they need to obtain and retain a job. The goal is to provide economic opportunity and a path to self-sufficiency to those facing financial and employment barriers. First Step Staffing, Inc. provides immediate employment connection, transportation to and from work, and connection to other supports, such as disability services, for vulnerable populations with low to no income.
This project will advance efforts to provide economic opportunities to Orange County residents, thereby reducing unemployment and homelessness rates. First Step Staffing, Inc. will provide a monthly report detailing data including but not limited to the number of those employed, number transitioning to full-time County employment, and demographic information such as housing or unhoused status.
Program Goals: Implementation of First Step Staffing, Inc.’s services address a gap in the spectrum of employment and housing services in that it provides critical support to vulnerable adults. Through the provision of employment and supportive services, individuals are given the opportunity to achieve and sustain resources for an improved quality of life. While there are a variety of 13 positions to be offered throughout the course of this contract, the total number of individuals hired, and subsequent amount reimbursed to the agency is dependent upon the availability of such positions to meet County need.
Enrollment Criteria: First Step Staffing, Inc. is responsible for identifying and vetting appropriate individuals. All prospective employees shall be required to have passed a five-panel drug screening. Background checks shall be performed by the Agency on any individual selected for assignment at Orange County. The ordering Division/Department shall indicate which background check is appropriate for the position being filled and shall include the description and cost of the background check as a line item on the delivery order. No individual referred or placed will have had a disqualifying criminal record during the past 5-10 years (depending on level) preceding placement at Orange County Government, unless Orange County Government specifically agrees.
Referrals/how do people know about the services: The County is entering into this agreement with a focus on augmentation services as opposed to recruitment services. However, the County has no mechanisms in place to restrict individuals from applying for consideration for jobs advertised by the County’s Career Center. Upon position availability, The Division or Department office in need of an assignee will contact First Step Staffing to ascertain the availability of a person or persons who will fill a temporary position. Depending upon the nature of the particular position, an assignee from the vendor’s pool of employees may be assigned to fill a position, or the County ordering office may request resumes of First Step Staffing’s employees who may be considered for the position. When deemed appropriate, the Division in need will ask the First Step Staffing, Inc.’s employee to complete an interview with the potential applicant prior to selection for assignment.
Financial: The County will reimburse up to $750,000 depending on extent of services utilized. Commensurate with employee qualifications, each position will be paid at the established base wage. This will be combined with the established markup rate to supplement First Step Staffing, Inc.’s employment and support services.