County of Santa Clara Finance and Government Operations Committee April 17 , 2026 3:00 p.m.

The County of Santa Clara Finance and Government Operations Committee convened on April 17, 2026, to discuss a range of topics including contract management, grant oversight, and departmental audits. Key procurement-related discussions focused on the management audit of the inventory items grant program, where concerns were raised about inconsistent criteria for awarding funds, lack of detailed spending plans, and insufficient monitoring and enforcement of grant compliance. The committee considered recommendations such as implementing grant management software to streamline operations, standardizing application requirements, and establishing consequences for non-compliance. Additionally, the committee received reports on the Department of Employment and Benefit Services' successful elimination of a backlog in eligibility case assignments, ongoing improvements in language access vendor services, and the countywide utilities capital improvement projects. The Management Audit Division presented a countywide risk assessment highlighting high-risk areas including the sheriff's office, probation, social services, and transportation services, with plans to develop a focused audit work plan. The committee also reviewed updates on the guaranteed basic income program, noting staff transitions and participant employment outcomes. Motions to receive reports and proceed with recommendations were passed unanimously. No contract awards or specific vendor selections were made during this meeting, but several policy and process improvements were discussed that could impact future procurement and grant management activities.