TRANSMITTAL LETTER FOR BOARD MEETING OF JANUARY 8, 2026
COMMITTEE ON PROCUREMENT
Mr. John P. Murray, Executive Director
Title
Issue purchase order and enter into an agreement for Contract 24-RFP-18 Leadership Training for a Three-Year Period to California Creative Solutions, Inc., dba CCS Learning Academy, in an amount not to exceed $104,181.00, Account 101-25000-601100, Requisition 1621506
Body
Dear Sir:
Authorization is requested to issue a purchase order and enter into an agreement with California Creative Solutions, Inc., dba CCS Learning Academy, to provide leadership training courses.
The purpose of this contract is to engage the services of a proposer to develop leadership development courses for District supervisors and managers. These courses will increase participants' competency in authentic leadership, emotional intelligence, building accountability, change management, team building, and other leadership topics. Approximately 450 supervisors and managers will participate in the leadership training courses throughout the term of this agreement. The training program's objective is to develop and improve leadership competencies and foster qualities that enable leaders to guide their teams toward the organization's overall success. The training program may also serve as the catalyst to encourage ongoing self-development. Training delivery methods may include any combination of in-person instruction on District property, remote instructor-led classes via Microsoft Teams or Zoom, and/or on-demand e-learning courses available directly from the vendors’ platform or downloaded to the District’s Cornerstone OnDemand learning management system. All services will be delivered by December 31, 2028.
On May 14, 2025, Leadership Training for a Three-Year Period was advertised. The District received twelve (12) proposals on June 13, 2025, from the following vendors: (1) Agile Designs and Services LLC, (2) California Creative Solutions, Inc., dba CCS Learning Academy, (3) CEI of America LLC, (4) CPS HR Consulting, (5) CTR Factor, (6) Education Leadership Service, (7) LANTEC of Louisiana LLC, (8) Lead Strong Inc., (9) Leadership Development Network, (10) McGarity Consulting Group, (11) Morton College, and (12) Nova Collective LLC.
The proposals were evaluated by staff from the Human Resources Department, Engineering Department, Monitoring and Research Department, and Procurement and Materials Management Department. The criteria for these evaluations were outlined in Contract 24-RFP-18 and included: understanding of the project, approach to the work, experience completing projects of similar scope, technical competence, and cost. Based on the initial evaluations, ten (10) proposers were invited to a finalist interview.
Finalist interviews were held on September 22, 2025, through October 6, 2025. A solicitation was sent to the finalists requesting an unqualified “best and final” offer. The “best and final” offers were returned to the Director of Procurement and Materials Management on November 1, 2025.
Based on the evaluation of the proposals using the criteria described above and the pricing provided in the “best and final” offers, the Human Resources Department recommends California Creative Solutions, Inc., dba CCS Learning Academy, to provide leadership training. California Creative Solutions, Inc., possesses a high degree of professional skill and knowledge in this content area. Their leadership courses are designed to cultivate a future-ready workforce by integrating engaging change management principles and data-driven theories. Trainers bring several years of training experience and knowledge, delivering training programs to government agencies. By aligning course content with organizational priorities, California Creative Solutions, Inc. ensures that participants not only gain knowledge but also develop practical skills to lead confidently through transformation, aligning with the MWRD’s strategic initiatives.
The Diversity Section reviewed the scope of work for the proposal. The estimated cost for these services was projected to be $90,000.00 over a three-year period. Affirmative Action participation goals are applicable to District proposals where the estimated total expenditure is in excess of $100,000.00. As such, Appendix A and Appendix V were not included in the request for proposal.
In view of the foregoing, it is requested that the Director of Procurement and Materials Management be authorized to issue a purchase order and enter into an agreement with California Creative Solutions, Inc., dba CCS Learning Academy, in an amount not to exceed $104,181.00.
Funds for 2026, in the amount of $34,727.00 are available in Account 101-25000-601100. Funds will be requested in the amount of $34,727.00 in 2027, and $34,727.00 in 2028 and are contingent on the Board of Commissioners’ approval of the District’s budget for those years.
Requested, Thaddeus J. Kosowski, Director of Human Resources, TJK:TP:KMB
Recommended, Darlene A. LoCascio, Director of Procurement and Materials Management
Respectfully Submitted, Precious Brady-Davis, Chairperson Committee on Procurement
Disposition of this agenda item will be documented in the Official Regular Board Meeting Minutes of the Board of Commissioners for January 8, 2026
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