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APPROVE A MOTION AUTHORIZING A THREE-YEAR AGREEMENT WITH VERTOSOFT LLC, UTILIZING AN OMNIA PARTNERS COOPERATIVE PURCHASING AGREEMENT, FOR THE PROVISION OF INJURY RECOVERY NAVIGATION SERVICES DELIVERED BY READY REBOUND
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RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council approve a motion to:
1. Approve findings pursuant to Stockton Municipal Code section 3.68.070 in support of an exception to the competitive bidding process.
2. Authorize a three-year agreement with Vertosoft LLC, utilizing the OMNIA Partners cooperative purchasing agreement (Contract No. 159574), for the provision of injury recovery navigation services delivered by Ready Rebound for an amount not to exceed $340,028.88.
3. Authorize the City Manager to take all necessary and appropriate actions to carry out the purpose and intent of this motion.
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Summary
The Fire Department seeks to implement an injury recovery navigation program to enhance coordination of care for work-related injuries, support efficient return-to-duty timelines, and help manage overtime costs associated with backfilling positions. Ready Rebound provides a first-responder-focused recovery navigation model that integrates clinically guided coordination, facilitates timely access to specialty care, and improves visibility into recovery milestones.
Staff recommends approval of a three-year agreement with Vertosoft LLC, utilizing the OMNIA Partners cooperative purchasing agreement (Contract No. 159574), for the provision of injury recovery navigation services delivered by Ready Rebound for an amount not to exceed $340,028.88.
DISCUSSION
Background
The City administers its workers’ compensation program through a Third-Party Administrator (TPA), in coordination with Human Resources and Department staff, providing a well-established framework for claims administration. While this model effectively supports the management of work-related injuries, delays can occur between injury, evaluation, and treatment, extending recovery timelines and slowing progression through care.
In a fire service environment with fixed minimum staffing requirements, extended absences must be backfilled through overtime, increasing costs and placing additional strain on operations. These delays also impact the injured employee, who is often motivated to return to duty but may experience frustration navigating the timing and sequencing of care.
These conditions present an opportunity to enhance the existing framework through improved coordination, continuity of care, and visibility into recovery progress. Additional support focused on appointment scheduling, communication across providers, and proactive tracking of recovery milestones will help reduce delays and support more efficient return-to-duty outcomes.
Present Situation
The Ready Rebound model applies a sports medicine-based approach to injury recovery, providing injured personnel with immediate access to clinically trained navigators and expedited pathways to specialty care. Upon injury, personnel are connected to certified athletic trainers who help direct them to appropriate care and coordinate appointments, imaging, and follow-up treatment. This approach prioritizes rapid access to the right level of care and reduces delays that can occur in traditional referral processes.
In addition to facilitating access to care, Ready Rebound actively manages the recovery process by coordinating communication among medical providers, the Third-Party Administrator (TPA), Human Resources, and Department staff. Navigators remain engaged throughout treatment, helping ensure continuity of care, monitoring progress, and addressing administrative or logistical barriers that can slow recovery.
A key benefit of the program is its ability to accelerate recovery timelines by reducing delays between injury, diagnosis, and treatment. By improving early access to specialty care and maintaining momentum throughout the recovery process, injured personnel are able to progress more efficiently through treatment and return to duty sooner. Faster return-to-duty timelines directly reduce the duration of absences that must be backfilled through overtime, helping to control costs and ease operational strain. This also reduces reliance on mandatory overtime, supporting workforce stability, and improving overall morale.
The City will have access to a real-time dashboard that will track 1) overall utilization of the service; 2) time to treatment metrics; 3) quantity and type of appointments; 4) estimated overtime savings; and 5) claim progression and recovery timelines. If delays occur, they are clearly documented for review, ensuring accountability and continuous improvement.
The proposed agreement is structured through a cooperative purchasing contract with Vertosoft LLC, the awarded contract holder under a competitively solicited OMNIA Partners cooperative agreement. Under this structure, Vertosoft LLC provides access to a portfolio of pre-approved software and service providers, including Ready Rebound. The program currently supports over 400 departments across 22 states, including 18 in California ranging from Cal Fire to Ross Valley, Lodi, Contra Costa County, Milpitas, and Yuba City. These partnerships demonstrate consistent impact in reducing delays, improving care, and lowering claim costs.
Findings
Stockton Municipal Code Section 3.68.070(A)(5) permits an exception to the competitive bidding process, allowing the City to utilize the terms and conditions of a competitively solicited and negotiated cooperative purchasing agreement when it meets the City’s procurement and business needs, and when the City Council approves findings supporting such use. The following findings support and justify an exception under Section 3.68.070(A)(5):
1. OMNIA Partners cooperative purchasing agreement with Vertosoft LLC (Contract No. 159574) was established through a competitive solicitation process conducted by a lead public agency, consistent with applicable procurement laws and cooperative purchasing standards.
2. The cooperative contract and underlying Request for Proposals (RFP) have been reviewed by the City’s Procurement Division and determined to be consistent with the City’s procurement requirements and industry best practices for open, fair, and competitive solicitations.
3. Utilizing the OMNIA Partners cooperative contract allows the City to procure the requested services in an efficient and cost-effective manner by leveraging pre-negotiated pricing and terms, thereby avoiding the expense associated with conducting a separate competitive solicitation.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
On January 27, 2026, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2026-01-27-1206, authorizing a carry-forward appropriation of $1.0 million in FY 2024-25 Fire Department year-end savings for use in FY 2025-26. This appropriation included $110,000 to support the initial year of injury recovery navigation services.
The proposed agreement with Ready Rebound is structured as a three-year contract with a first-year cost of $112,405.64. The majority of first-year costs will be funded through the previously approved carry-forward appropriation, with the remaining balance absorbed within the Fire Department’s existing FY 2025-26 operating budget.
Funding for years two and three of the agreement has been requested by the Fire Department for its ongoing operating budget as part of the annual budget development and adoption process.
Attachment A - Cooperative Purchase Agreement