Title
Public Health Department recommending Chairman be authorized to sign Amendment I to Agreement 566-PHD0207 with Barton Healthcare System increasing compensation by $20,000 to $687,100 for a term to expire September 29, 2008 for the provision of legal support services to support the El Dorado County Safety Net Technology Project.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Approve.
FUNDING: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Blue Shield Foundation of California, and First 5 of El Dorado Grants.
Body
BUDGET SUMMARY: |
|
|
Total Estimated Cost |
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$20,000 |
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|
|
Funding |
|
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Budgeted |
$20,000 |
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New Funding |
$ |
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Savings |
$ |
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Other |
$ |
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Total Funding Available |
$20,000 |
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Change To Net County Cost |
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$20,000 |
Fiscal Impact/Change to Net County Cost: Total compensation amount after contract is amended shall not exceed $687,100. Funding is included the County's adopted FY 07/08 budget. There is no net County cost.
Background: The Public Health Department has taken the lead on the Project, which brings health care organizations in the County together, integrating systems of care administratively, clinically, financially, and technologically with the goal to strengthen the health care delivery system for County residents, particularly low income and underserved. Three grants have been received in support of this effort, including funding from First 5.
The County contracted with Barton to perform and provide a significant amount of services for this Project, due to their technological capacity and expertise. That contract was approved by the Board at their meeting on April 17, 2007. Significant progress has been made toward achieving Project goals, and work continues to move forward at a steady pace. The biggest challenge ahead for the project will be to technologically link healthcare providers in the County so that health information can be shared quickly and effectively.
Reason for Recommendation: The Public Health Department has contracted with Barton Healthcare System to provide necessary services for the networking of access to health care services for low-income families, children, and seniors. The original contract amount was $667,100.00 with a term to expire September 29, 2008. Amendment I will increase the compensation by an additional $20,000.00 and amend the scope to authorize attorney services to assist Barton with any legal issues surrounding this project. The Department has processed Amendment I to the subject agreement.
Due to the legal complexities of this Project, Barton will need counseling services by professionals familiar with health information sharing. These professionals will be readily available to assist Barton with any legal issue, effectively and promptly. Funding for these services was included in the AHRQ grant.
Because these legal services relate directly to the scope of work of the original contract, staff determined that an amendment to that original agreement was appropriate to secure those services.
The Purchasing Agent coordinated outside review of the contractor's qualifications to perform the needed services with Chuck Wiesen, Executive Director of the El Dorado Community Health Center. Mr. Wiesen concurs that Barton Healthcare System has demonstrated its ability to perform the work based on prior experience with this contractor, qualifications of the contractor, and the availability of the contractor to perform the services.
The County Purchasing Agent has reviewed the department's request to amend the contract with Barton Healthcare System and concurs that the continued use of this contractor is appropriate in order to complete the project objectives. The Purchasing Agent concurs that the department's request is in compliance with Board of Supervisors Policy C-17, Sections 7.4.2, 7.5, and 7.10.
Action to be taken following Board approval: Chairman to sign three (3) copies of the attached amendment to the agreement with Barton; Board Clerk's Office to return two (2) originally signed copies to the Department, Department to distribute as appropriate.
Contact: Dan Buffalo