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August 25, 2026
ITEM TITLE
Agreement: Approve Agreements with Psychological Consulting Associates, Inc. and The Counseling Team International to Provide Public Safety Psychological Evaluations Report Number: 26-0261
Location: No specific geographic location
Department: Police
G.C. § 84308 Regulations Apply: No
Environmental Notice : The activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) State Guidelines. Therefore, pursuant to State Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3) no environmental review is required.
Recommended Action
Adopt a resolution approving agreements with Psychological Consulting Associates, Inc. and The Counseling Team International to provide public safety psychological evaluations.
SUMMARY
On March 20, 2026, the City issued a Request for Proposal (“RFP”), seeking qualified, licensed psychological services providers to conduct post ‑ offer, p re‑ employment psychological evaluations for candidates applying to public safety and social service positions within the Police and Fire Departments. As a result of the RFP process, staff recommends approving agreements with Psychological Consulting Associates, Inc. and The Counseling Team International.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The proposed activity has been reviewed for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”), and it has been determined that the activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the State CEQA Guidelines because the proposed activity consists of a governmental fiscal/administrative activity which does not result in a physical change in the environmen t. Therefore, pursuant to Section 15060(c)(3) of the State CEQA Guidelines, the activity is not subject to CEQA.
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BOARD/COMMISSION/COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
Not applicable.
DISCUSSION
On March 2 0, 2026, the City issued RFP P 32-2026 through PlanetBids seeki ng qualified, licensed psychological services providers to conduct post ‑ offer, pre ‑ employment psychological evaluations for candidates applying to public safety and social service positions within the Police and Fire Departments. The Police Department represents the primary volume of evaluations, while the Fire Department will access these services on an as‑ needed basis. These evaluations determine if a candidate is psychologically suitable for a safety position. The City received responses from 5 vendors.
An evaluation committee consisting of representatives from the Police and Fire Department reviewed submitted proposals based on experience, professional staff, approach to work , and cost. Following evaluation of written proposals, staff recommend s awarding agreements with Psychological Consulting Associates, Inc. and The Counseling Team International.
Psychological Consulting Associates, Inc.
Psychological Consulting Associates, Inc. (PCA) is one of the largest providers of public safety psychological evaluations in California. PCA was established in 2002 and has developed and maintained long -standing contracts with some of the largest agencies in the state, including the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Orange County Sheriff’s Department, and Long Beach Police Department, where it successfully delivers hundreds of high-volume evaluations annually.
The Counseling Team International
Founded in 1985, The Counseling Team International (TCTI) is a nationally recognized leader in comprehensive behavioral health and wellness services for law enforcement, fire service, emergency medical, and governmental agencies. With nearly four decades of experience, TCTI delivers integrated solutions that support organizational readiness, employee well-being, and critical incident resilience. Today, TCTI proudly serves more than 300 public safety agencies nationwide.
Agreement Terms
The agreements with Psychological Consulting Associates, Inc. and The Counseling Team International to provide public safety psychological evaluations have an initial 22-month term of September 1, 2026 through June 30, 2028, and may be extended for up to four additional one-year (1) terms upon mutual agreement of both parties (potentially through June 30, 2032). Each extension may be subject to a cost increase based on the current San Diego Consumer Price Index and capped at a maximum 5%.
DECISION-MAKER CONFLICT
Staff has reviewed the decision contemplated by this action and has determined that it is not site-specific and consequently, the real property holdings of the City Councilmembers do not create a disqualifying real property-related financial conflict of interest under the Political Reform Act. (Gov. Code, § 87100 et seq.) P a g e | 3
Staff is not independently aware and has not been informed by any City Councilmember of any other fact that may constitute a basis for a decision-maker conflict of interest in this matter.
CURRENT-YEAR FISCAL IMPACT
Depending on the number of staff vacancies, the Police and Fire Department typically spends $40,000 to $100,000 per year on psychological evaluations. The annual cost to support this agreement is included in the fiscal year 2026 -27 budgets of the General Fund and Measure A Sales Tax Fund. Therefore, no additional appropriations are required.
ONGOING FISCAL IMPACT
If all four agreement extensions are authorized, the table below outlines the not -to-exceed amounts for the 70-month term for each agreement . Costs for psychological evaluations in subsequent years will be considered as part of the annual budget development process.
Vendor Initial Term Extension 1 Extension 2 Extension 3 Extension 4 70-MONTH Sep 26 - Jun 28 FY 2028-29 FY 2029-30 FY 2030-31 FY 2031-32 TOTAL Psychological Consulting
Associates, Inc. $73,333 $42,000 $44,100 $46,305 $48,620 $254,358 The Counseling Team
International $73,333 $42,000 $44,100 $46,305 $48,620 $254,358 Total $146,666 $84,000 $88,200 $92,610 $97,240 $508,716
ATTACHMENTS
1. Agreement with Psychological Consulting Associates, Inc. to Provide Public Safety Psychological Evaluations
2. Agreement with The Counseling Team International to Provide Public Safety Psychological Evaluations
Staff Contact: Dan Peak, Acting Chief of Police
Dustin Bruzee, Police Lieutenant