FROM:
Housing
SUBJECT:
Title
Approve an Agreement with The River’s Edge Ranch for Opioid Support and Response Services
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RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
1. Award and authorize the City Manager to enter into an agreement with The River’s Edge Ranch to provide Opioid Support and Response Services for one year in the amount of $310,104 (Bid No HD-26-159-SP) for the first year.
2. Approve and authorize the City Manager to enter into four (4) future one-year optional extensions to the agreement with The River’s Edge Ranch for Opioid Support and Response Services not to exceed $2,000,000.
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COUNCIL GOALS:
• Provide a diverse range of housing types and levels of affordability while addressing homelessness in the community by address Homelessness through proactive programs, including the efforts of the COAST and MET teams.
DISCUSSION:
In December 2021, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2021-120 that authorized staff to opt into settlement agreements with various pharmaceutical distributors in order to receive claims over the following 18 years. The funds from these agreements are restricted to certain opioid abatement and remediation uses.
On March 16, 2026, proposals for this contract were opened and subsequently closed on March 30, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. A total of two (2) bids were received ranging from $310,104 to $419,540 for one year of services. River’s Edge Ranch submitted the apparent lowest and most qualified proposal in the amount of $310,104.
The River’s Edge Ranch, a registered 501 (c)(3) non-profit, is a residential rehabilitation program for men and women recovering from drug and alcohol addiction. The structured, multi-phase program combines daily work responsibilities on a functioning ranch with mentorship, counseling, and life-skills development. They are dedicated to addressing the needs of individuals affected by substance use disorder (SUD) and/or Opioid Use Disorder (OUD).
Their proposal includes staffing, outreach, van lease, operating costs and administrative costs for Opioid Support and Response Services. The River’s Edge Ranch proposal outlines a comprehensive opioid support and response program in the City of Fontana focused on outreach, case management, peer support, and linkage to treatment services for individuals experiencing opioid use disorder (OUD). The program would provide on-site and mobile outreach, intake and assessment, individualized recovery planning, and ongoing case management to connect participants to Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), behavioral health services, and other supportive resources. Services would be delivered by a team including a program manager, case managers, and peer support specialists with lived recovery experience, and would emphasize trauma-informed care, relapse prevention, and long-term recovery stabilization. The program also includes a 24/7 helpline operated by peer support staff to provide immediate assistance, guidance during the intake process, and connection to appropriate services. Additionally, the proposal emphasizes coordination with local service providers, documentation and monitoring of outcomes, and community engagement to improve access to treatment and recovery resources for vulnerable populations.
City staff is satisfied based on its review that The River’s Edge Ranch offers the greatest demonstrated competence and qualifications necessary for the satisfactory performance of the professional services required at a fair and reasonable price. The first year of the contract will be $310,104 while subsequent year’s amounts will be based on available funding received from the settlement agreements.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The fiscal impact associated with the approval of this item is not to exceed $2 million for the full term of the five-year contract. The impact for the 2025-26 fiscal year will be approximately $16,000 and is included in the 2025-26 budget for Opioid Project # 30200025. It will be funded by Opioid Settlement Fund #226. All future costs will be included in the same fund in subsequent fiscal year budgets.
MOTION:
Approve Staff recommendation.