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RFP process was initiated for a Shakespeare based outdoor theater production as well as children's theatrical production services. While SF Shakes was the only company to submit a proposal, the City felt confident in recommending them based on prior experience. The current service agreement with SF Shakes expires at the end of the fiscal year. Due to the amount of the proposed service agreement, the City's purchasing policy requires that staff conduct an RFP process and for Council to approve the vendor contract. This policy also encourages departments to utilize the RFP process to avoid the repetitive awarding of services to one vendor on an ongoing basis. In anticipation of the expiring contract, staff initiated the RFP process last September. Based on feedback received in June 2010, they spent significant time revising the scope of work and determined that the most appropriate way to incorporate the desired variety of theatrical programming would be to issue three separate RFPs — one each for children's theatrical production services, adult repertory theater production services and Shakespeare in the Park. Specific service requests for the children's program included production and administration of three annual youth and family oriented performances. The City received two responses to the RFP, one from the current vendor SF Shakes and one from BACT. A screening committee consisting of two Civic Arts Commissioners and staff was formed and on October 26, 2012 reviewed the proposals and interviewed both theatre companies. The committee was asked to select the applicant determined to be the most qualified based on the submitted materials and interviews. The criteria used for evaluation included project scheduling, availability, evidence of success with similar projects, fees and the ability to address all project requirements. While the committee acknowledged the excellent service provided by SF Shakes in the past, it voted unanimously to recommend BACT based on their past experience, comprehensive range of programming and the belief that their services would result in an improved program for the future. Prior to forwarding the committee's selection to the Civic Arts Commission, staff conducted reference checks and met with BACT to refine the scope of services and negotiate terms of the contract. Once mutually accepted, staff brought the recommendation to the Commission and is now before the Council requesting approval. Ms. Andrade-Wax provided a general background on BACT, which is a 501(c)3 formed by 5 arts educators in 2004. BACT serves 22,000 annually throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, with the intent to encourage children to explore literature, language and the arts through the production of stage adaptations of great children's books as well as original pieces. BACT currently offers both main stage productions and youth education programs. The latter includes opportunities to perform and participate in the art and craft of theater, educational classes, afterschool programs, workshops and camps. BACT also operates a school-based program known as Crocodile Junction which, though not a part of this contract, opens the door to connect creative writing and theater arts in the classroom. Vice-Mayor Cook-Kallio asked whether Crocodile Junction falls under the language arts content standards for schools. Ms. Andrade-Wax deferred to BACT representatives. She continued her presentation, reporting that BACT is well known for its community outreach and efforts to provide access to as diverse and inclusive of a community as possible. Working with Community Access Ticketing Service, they were able to donate more than $6,000 in tickets last season to children who would otherwise not have been able to attend a production. The proposed service agreement includes specific program suggestions, including productions of School House Rock Live in the fall, Willy Wonka in the winter, and Secret Garden in the spring. BACT will also provide classes, camps and workshops on a revenue share with the City through the Contract Class Program. The program cost for the next fiscal year is $109,100 and will be offset by participation fees and revenues generated by main stage productions and school matinees. City Council Minutes Page 6 of 13 March 19, 2013