Title
Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) recommending the Board:
1) Make findings that the provision of weatherization services provided by Jim Jonas, Inc. are in the public's best interest and that there are specialty skills, qualifications, and equipment not expressly identified in County classifications involved in the performance of the work in accordance with El Dorado County Ordinance Code, Chapter 3.13.030(B);
2) Approve and authorize the Chair to sign Amendment I to, competitively bid, Agreement 6536 with Jim Jonas, Inc., doing business as Jonas Heating and Cooling (Jonas Heating and Cooling), increasing the contract value by $300,000, for a new total amount of $658,500, with no change to the term, expiring June 30, 2025, and no change to the rates of the contract;
3) Authorize the Purchasing Agent to execute amendments relating to Agreement 6536, contingent upon approval by County Counsel and Risk Management, which do not increase the maximum dollar amount or term of the Agreement; and
4) Authorize the HHSA Director, or Chief Assistant Director, to execute programmatic, administrative, and fiscal documents relating to Agreement 6536.
FUNDING: 100% Federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
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DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND:
LIHEAP is a federally funded program that assists income-eligible households meet their energy needs. HHSA administers local LIHEAP services through the Weatherization Program, which provides home weatherization services to low-income residents of El Dorado County and Alpine County. These energy efficiency measures maximize residential cost savings and energy conservation, improving health, safety, and financial outcomes for eligible households.
The Weatherization Program maintains a pool of local, licensed contractors to perform weatherization-related projects on an as-needed basis, ensuring timely and cost-effective coverage for County service areas. Weatherization services include electrical work; heating, venting, and air conditioning (HVAC) repair or replacement; water heater replacement; and fireplace repair or replacement. The Weatherization Program is supported by an annually allocated LIHEAP Funding Agreement between County and the California Department of Community Services and Development (CDCSD), with a total of $2,046,340 allocated for Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-24.
On January 10, 2022, on behalf of HHSA, County’s Chief Administrative Office (CAO) Procurement and Contracts Division issued Request for Qualifications (RFQ) No. 22-918-027 for the provision of residential weatherization services. As a result of this competitive solicitation, the Board approved competitively bid Agreement 6536 with Jonas Heating and Cooling on June 28, 2022 (File ID: 22-0949).
Through Agreement 6536, the Weatherization Program seeks to reduce utility costs and allow occupants to experience a safer and more comfortable homelife. Jonas Heating and Cooling provides personnel, equipment, and services to complete critical heating and air conditioning system repair and replacement. These services assist low-income households with high energy costs, with a focus on vulnerable residents, such as older adults, individuals with disabilities, and families with children.
This Amendment I to Agreement 6536 increases compensation of the Agreement from $358,500 to $658,500, as the current maximum obligation has been expended faster than anticipated. The increased usage of this contract resulted from severe weather events in the County resulting in increased outreach by applicants to the LIHEAP program.
HHSA is recommending the Board approve this Amendment I to allow HHSA to continue using Jonas Heating and Cooling for cost-effective services in support of the Weatherization Program throughout the duration of the Agreement.
ALTERNATIVES:
Should the Board decline to approve this item, there would be delays in serving low-income residents of El Dorado County and Alpine County who meet Weatherization Program eligibility requirements. This would also result in the possible underspending of State contract funds. County staff lack the required licenses to perform the specialized repairs and improvements needed by the Weatherization Program.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION:
1) 12/11/18, 18-1829, Approval of Agreement 3650
2) 06/28/22, 22-0949, HHSA Jim Jonas, Inc. Agreement 6536
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
Approved by County Counsel, Human Resources, and Risk Management.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no Net County Cost associated with this Agenda item. This amendment does not change the rates of the original agreement, and this Agreement, as amended, will continue to be funded by Federal LIHEAP funding allocated to the Weatherization Program. Sufficient appropriations were included in the Fiscal Year 2023-24 Budget and will be included in future budgets for the term of the Agreement.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
Clerk of the Board to obtain signature of Chair on one original Amendment I to Agreement 6536.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT:
Healthy Communities
CONTACT
Olivia Byron-Cooper, MPH, Director, Health and Human Services Agency