Title
Authorize an Exception to A-87 for Competitive Procurement and Approve a Single Source Contract with Jewish Family Service of San Diego (Districts: All)
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Overview
On June 8, 2021 (3), the San Diego County Board of Supervisors (Board) approved the framework of American Rescue Plan Act funding. Several projects were approved under the Senior and Youth Services component of this framework including the No-Cost Transportation for Older Adults program. The No-Cost Transportation for Older Adults program was created by the County of San Diego (County) Health and Human Services Agency, Aging & Independence Services (AIS) to provide an equity-centered approach to transportation services for vulnerable low-income older adults residing in priority communities. On October 4, 2022, a contract was awarded to Jewish Family Service of San Diego (JFS) through a competitive procurement to deliver safe, accessible, and no-cost transportation for low-income older adults with limited access to public transportation. Through the program, eligible participants were provided with up to 100 miles of transportation each month, to and from medical appointments, social engagements, and necessary errands, helping to reduce social isolation and allowing participants to retain their independence and access to community resources. Without this program, many of the older adult residents who utilize the services may likely experience barriers to obtaining safe, affordable, and reliable transportation.
On June 25, 2024 (9), the Board adopted the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024-25 County budget including a Change Letter addendum that allocated an additional $250,000 to the No-Cost Transportation for Older Adults program. On September 24, 2024 (4), the Board authorized a contract amendment with JFS to leverage this funding and extend services for the No-Cost Transportation for Older Adults program through March 31, 2026. From October 2022 through March 2026, JFS enrolled 569 older adults into the program and provided 66,895 one-way trips totaling over 367,000 miles of rides. Upon conclusion of the contract, participant and community feedback indicated an ongoing need for these services.
On June 25, 2026 (8), the Board adopted the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-27 County budget which included a one-time allocation of General Purpose Revenue of $1,020,000 to support the reestablishment of the No Cost Senior Transportation Program on a limited-term basis.
Today’s action requests the Board authorize the Director, Department of Purchasing and Contracting to authorize an exception to Board Policy A-87 for competitive procurement and initiate a single source contract with JFS for up to one year and an additional six months if needed to operate the No-Cost Transportation for Older Adults program.
This item supports the County vision of a just, sustainable, and resilient future for all, specifically those communities and populations in San Diego County that have been historically left behind, as well as our ongoing commitment to the regional Live Well San Diego vision of healthy, safe, and thriving communities. This will be accomplished by providing older adults with safe and reliable transportation to reduce social isolation and increase self-sufficiency.
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Recommendation by Chief Administrative Officer:
In accordance with Board Policy A-87, Competitive Procurement, approve and authorize the Director of the Department of Purchasing and Contracting to enter into negotiations with Jewish Family Service of San Diego and subject to successful negotiations and a determination of a fair and reasonable price, award a contract for the No-Cost Transportation for Older Adults program for up to one year and an additional six months if needed, and to amend the contract as needed to reflect changes to requirements and funding.
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Equity Impact Statement
Reliable transportation is essential for maintaining independence and ensuring access to community spaces and services as individuals age. Finding safe and affordable transportation remains a significant challenge for many older adults in San Diego County. Older adults with disabilities or those living in areas without adequate transportation infrastructure face even greater barriers. The No-Cost Transportation for Older Adults program seeks to address this critical need by providing safe, accessible, and free transportation for low‑income adults aged 60 and older. This program enables participants to stay socially connected, engage in community life, and access essential destinations regardless of income or functional limitations. By ensuring timely access to essential transportation services, older adults can age with dignity in their homes and communities. Today’s action ensures that older adults throughout the county have equitable access to transportation and the important places it connects them to.
Sustainability Impact Statement
This item supports the County of San Diego (County) Sustainability Goal #1 to engage the community in meaningful ways; Sustainability Goal #2 to provide just and equitable access to County services; and Sustainability Goal #4 to protect the health and well-being of everyone in the region. Specifically, the No-Cost Transportation for Older Adults program provides older adults living on low-income with independence, access to social connections, and safe and reliable transportation thus reducing social isolation.
Fiscal Impact
Funds for this request are included in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-27 Operational Plan in the Health and Human Services Agency. If approved, this request will result in costs of $1,020,000 in FY 2026-27. The funding source is one-time use of Unlocked Reserves General Purpose Revenue. There will be no change in net General Fund costs and no additional staff years.
Business Impact Statement
N/A
Advisory Board Statement
The Aging & Independence Services Advisory Council reviewed this item at their regular meeting on July 13, 2026, and recommended approval.
Background
According to population estimates from San Diego Association of Governments, of the nearly 3.3 million people currently residing in San Diego County, approximately 710,000 are adults aged 60 years and older. By 2029, the number of adults aged 60 years and older who reside in San Diego County is expected to increase to more than 824,500. As the older adult population continues to grow, creating communities where people of all ages and abilities can thrive while accessing critical resources and services is essential.
On June 8, 2021 (3), the San Diego County Board of Supervisors (Board) took critical action to advance support for county residents by approving the framework for the use of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding. The No-Cost Transportation for Older Adults program was one of several projects approved under the Senior and Youth Services component of the ARPA framework.
On October 4, 2022, a contract was awarded to Jewish Family Service of San Diego (JFS) through a competitive procurement to provide safe, accessible, and no-cost transportation for low-income older adults with limited access to public transportation. Created by the County of San Diego (County) Health and Human Services Agency, Aging & Independence Services (AIS), the No-Cost Transportation for Older Adults program offers eligible older adults, ages 60 or older, up to 100 miles of transportation per month to a variety of destinations including medical appointments, grocery stores, and social engagements to reduce social isolation, allowing them to retain their independence and access community resources.
On June 25, 2024 (9), the Board adopted the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024-25 County budget including a Change Letter addendum that allocated an additional $250,000 to the No-Cost Transportation for Older Adults program. On September 24, 2024 (4), the Board authorized a contract amendment with JFS to leverage this funding and extend services for the No-Cost Transportation for Older Adults program through March 31, 2026, which allowed the County to continue to provide support for program participants who benefitted from these services, including curb-to-curb, door-to-door, and wheelchair accessible transportation. On June 25, 2026 (8), the Board adopted the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-27 County budget which included a one-time allocation of General Purpose Revenue of $1,020,000 to support the reestablishment of the No Cost Senior Transportation Program on a limited-term basis. From October 2022 through March 2026, JFS enrolled 569 older adults into the program and provided 66,895 one-way trips totaling over 367,000 miles of rides.
Upon conclusion of the contract, participant and community feedback indicated an ongoing need for these services. Reliable transportation is essential for maintaining independence and ensuring access to community spaces such as doctors’ offices, grocery stores, pharmacies, and social activities that are critical for health and well-being. Finding safe and affordable transportation remains a significant challenge for many older adults in San Diego County. The No Cost Transportation for Older Adults program reduces isolation, supports families and caregivers, removes financial barriers for those on fixed incomes, and enables older adults to remain active, engaged, and safe in their communities.
This request is made in accordance with Board policy A-87, 3A(3) Continuity - the procurement is for services where continuity of providers will allow the County an opportunity to leverage previously initiated work, benefit from efficiency, and benefit from critical knowledge that would require substantial re-work to perform. JFS administered the No-Cost Transportation for Older Adults program from its inception in October 2022 through March 2026. During the time JFS administered the program, they established themselves as a safe, reliable transportation provider, and gained valuable knowledge about the needs of the older adults in the community utilizing the program and services, which informed their programmatic approach. Through this contract, JFS developed a robust program model that provided flexible ride scheduling, varying levels of functional assistance, and targeted marketing and outreach to established partners, while also leveraging their established call center to enhance coverage and service accessibility. The program demands a provider with existing infrastructure to begin providing rides quickly, established regional partnerships, and proven cultural competencies. Due to the short duration of this contract, only an organization capable of immediately delivering services and providing rides across all levels of functional assistance can effectively operate the program as intended to achieve the program’s goals.
Today’s action requests the Board authorize the Director, Department of Purchasing and Contracting to initiate a single source contract with JFS for up to one year and a six-month option period if needed, to implement the No-Cost Transportation for Older Adults program.
Linkage To The County Of San Diego Strategic Plan
Today’s proposed action supports the County of San Diego 2026-2031 Strategic Plan Initiatives of Sustainability (Resiliency), Equity (Health), and Community (Quality of Life), and the regional Live Well San Diego vision by continuing services that assist vulnerable older adults, disabled residents, and their caregivers.
Respectfully submitted,
EBONY N. SHELTON
Chief Administrative Officer
Attachment(s)
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