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APPROVE MOTION TO REJECT BIDS FOR DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION CONSULTING SERVICES (PUR 26-006)
recommended action
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council approve a motion to reject all bids received for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion consulting services (PUR 26-006).
It is also recommended that the City Manager be authorized to take appropriate and necessary actions to carry out the purpose and intent of this motion.
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Summary
In August 2025, the City issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) consulting services (Attachment A). A total of 18 proposals were received in response to the solicitation.
Since that time, the City has experienced leadership changes and has reassessed its approach to advancing DEI initiatives. Rather than utilizing a consultant, the City now intends to hire a full-time Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer to lead these efforts internally. As a result, staff recommends rejecting all proposals received under PUR 26-006.
DISCUSSION
Background
In July 2022, the Stockton City Council adopted Resolution No. 2022-07-12-1504 (Attachment B), formally declaring racism and inequity a human rights and public health crisis. The resolution reaffirmed the City’s commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in its policies, practices, programs, and services.
The resolution recognizes the City’s responsibility to understand the impacts of past and present decisions on communities of color, low-income residents, and other historically marginalized groups, and calls for continued engagement with the community to help advance more equitable outcomes for all Stockton residents.
In August 2025, the City issued an RFP for DEI consulting services. Following further evaluation, staff determined that hiring a full-time Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer will better support the City’s long-term goals. Dedicated staff will provide consistent leadership, institutional knowledge, and ongoing coordination across departments to advance DEI initiatives. Unlike a consultant engagement, a full-time employee will allow the City to integrate DEI principles into daily operations, policy development, and community engagement efforts in a more sustained and comprehensive manner.
Section 7.4 of the Request for Proposals states:
“The City reserves the right to rescind award of the contract at any time before execution of the contract by both parties if rescission is deemed to be in the City’s best interest. In no event shall the City have any liability for the rescission of award. The Proponent assumes the sole risk and responsibility for all expenses connected with the preparation of its proposal.”
Consistent with this provision, and based on the City’s reassessment of its approach to advancing DEI initiatives, staff recommends rejecting all proposals received for DEI consulting services under PUR 26-006 and moving forward with the recruitment of a full-time Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer. Rejecting all proposals and pursuing an alternative staffing approach is in the City’s best interest at this time.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
There is no financial impact to the City by approving this motion.
Attachment A - DEI Consulting RFP
Attachment B - Resolution 2022-07-12-1504