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2 <br /> Several concerns were raised during the joint meeting about the merits of a third party <br /> consultant process. These concerns included timing since the bond referendum is scheduled <br /> for November, the potential duplication of effort since consulting firms had already evaluated <br /> school facility needs, the inability to compare projects between the districts due to the unique <br /> nature of each district's needs, the potential to create divisiveness between the districts, and the <br /> unique position of the elected school boards to best express and prioritize the needs of each of <br /> the districts. <br /> If the Board elects to proceed with this analysis, staff would solicit competitive proposals from <br /> consulting firms and negotiate a contract with the most qualified firm. The solicitation and <br /> selection of a consultant could be accomplished in six weeks. Once a contract is approved, the <br /> consultant would need another six weeks to conduct the analysis and prepare a report. <br /> FINANCIAL IMPACT: The estimated cost of conducting a comparative analysis is between <br /> $38,000 and $43,000. A budget amendment would be required to fund the contract. <br /> SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following Orange County Social Justice Goal is applicable to <br /> this agenda item: <br /> • GOAL: CREATE A SAFE COMMUNITY <br /> The reduction of risks from vehicle/traffic accidents, childhood and senior injuries, gang <br /> activity, substance abuse and domestic violence. <br /> RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board deliberate as necessary <br /> and provide direction to staff on whether to proceed with the solicitation of a consultant to <br /> prioritize school capital needs as presented in the districts' facility analyses. <br />