Specifications include, but are not limited to: specific, detailed proposals from qualified consultants experienced in the design and implementation of financial programs. Under the general direction of the California HOPE Program staff, the selected Contractor will assist, advise, and perform tasks related to program development and implementation with particular emphasis including, but not limited to, determining best practices for: program structure; enrollment practices; asset building and closing the wealth gap; data sharing and protection of privacy; investment policies; and potential ways to eventually scale this program to include all foster youth and children born into low-income households. The selected Contractor must also work with the Board/Workgroup to synthesize the information and best practices established through Board/Workgroup meetings (which must convene, by statute, on or before February 1, 2023) and prepare/deliver a report to the Legislature no later than, February 1, 2024. The report must also include information about future statutory and budget allocations needed to meet the goals of the Program and potential expansion to all foster youth and children born into low-income circumstances. The selected Contractor must follow requirements as outlined in AB 156, pertaining to the HOPE Act (California Revenue and Taxation Code 17141.5; & California Welfare and Institutions Code 18997.5-18997.55). The following tasks must be completed between March 1, 2023 and February 1, 2024, per statute: • Developing and maintaining a timeline and responsibilities schedule for services as defined in this Scope of Work. • Briefing and obtaining direction from California HOPE Program staff on definitional/investment issues. • Participating in briefings for legislative staff and others as identified by California HOPE Program staff. • Assisting with the development and maintenance of materials for a California HOPE Program website during the implementation stage. • Assisting with the development of the initial program description, including materials on major issues to be used at future workshops across the state to help socialize the program.
