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Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) recommending the Board:
1) Make findings pursuant to Section 3.13.030 (G) of the El Dorado County Ordinance Chapter 3.13, Contracting Out, that the veterinary services provided by Animal Outreach of the Mother Lode involve urgent or emergency services;
2) Make findings in accordance with Procurement Policy C-17 Section 3.6.G(1) exempting the competitive bidding process with Purchasing Agent concurrence because, "There is only one provider capable of providing the product or service that satisfies the department's operational requirements, because of the technological, specialized, or unique character, or proprietary nature, and therefore it is not possible to obtain competitive bids";
3) Approve and authorize the Chair to sign Agreement for Services 10491 with Animal Outreach of the Mother Lode, with an amount not to exceed $250,000, and for the term of three years from January 1, 2027 through December 31, 2029;
4) Authorize the Purchasing Agent to execute amendments relating to Agreement 10491, contingent upon approval by County Counsel and Risk Management, which do not increase the maximum dollar amount or term of the Agreement; and
5) Authorize the HHSA Director, or the Chief Assistant Director, to execute programmatic, administrative, and fiscal documents relating to Agreement 10491.
FUNDING: 15% Fees for Services, 9% Licensing/Permit Fees, 7% Public Health Realignment, and 69% General Fund. In some cases, 100% Pet Aid Special Revenue Fund.
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DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
Pursuant to California Penal Code section 597.1, HHSA Animal Services is required to provide routine care and emergency treatment to animals in the County’s care and is the primary investigatory agency responsible for enforcement of animal crimes laws. To ensure availability of emergency veterinary services 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and to alleviate transporting injured animals to out-of-area locations, Animal Services maintains multiple contracts for services with licensed California veterinarians.
Animal Outreach of the Mother Lode provides veterinary services to animals in the care of Animal Services on the West Slope. These services include the spaying and neutering of dogs pursuant to Food and Agricultural Code section 30503 and the spaying and neutering of cats pursuant to Food and Agricultural Code section 31751.3. Mandatory sterilization is required prior to adoption and ensures humane treatment through prescribed medications or euthanasia when needed. These services reduce the number of fertile animals in the community and increase the likelihood that animals in County care can be adopted.
This proposed agreement with Animal Outreach of the Mother Lode is a renewal of prior Agreement 7599 approved by the Board on October 24, 2023, which expires December 31, 2026 (File 23-1702). HHSA recommends approval of this renewal agreement to ensure uninterrupted veterinary services for animals in the care of Animal Services on the West Slope.
Pursuant to Procurement Policy Board Policy C-17 Section 3.6.G (1) (Sole Source), HHSA recommends, with concurrence from the Purchasing Agent, that competitive bidding requirements be waived due to Animal Outreach of the Mother Lode's proximity and ability to provide immediate emergency veterinary services in the community, which make it uniquely qualified to support Animal Services’ operational needs. Animal Services engages with as many local veterinary practices as possible to ensure continuous access to care, and Animal Outreach of the Mother Lode is the nearest provider participating in the department’s spay and neuter coupon program.
ALTERNATIVES
Should the Board decline to approve this recommendation, HHSA would continue to provide services through staff and other existing contracts with veterinary hospitals, which may result in service delays.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
10/24/2023 Legistar file 23-1702, HHSA C7599 Animal Outreach of the Mother Lode
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
County Counsel, Human Resources, and Risk Management. Auditor Controller notified per B-12 Policy.
CAO RECOMMENDATION
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no Net County Cost associated with this agenda item. Sufficient appropriations were included in the fiscal year (FY) 2026-27 budget and will be included in future budgets for the terms of the Agreement.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
Clerk of the Board to obtain signature of Chair on one original Agreement for Services 10491.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
N/A
CONTACT
Olivia Byron-Cooper, MPH, Director, Health and Human Services Agency