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Health and Human Services Agency, recommending the Board:
1) Approve and authorize the Chair to sign Agreement for Services 064-S1710 with Public Safety Associates, LLC, d.b.a. The Polaris Group, for the provision of consulting services for the Emergency Medical Services Agency, for the term September 23, 2016 through August 31, 2019, with a maximum contractual obligation of $90,000; and
2) Authorize the Purchasing Agent, or designee, to execute further documents relating to Agreement for Services 064-S1710, including amendments which do not increase the maximum dollar amount or term of the Agreement, and contingent upon approval by County Counsel and Risk Management.
FUNDING: Ambulance service revenue and property tax assessment.
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DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDATION:
Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) recommending the Board approve and authorize the Chair to sign Agreement for Services 064-S1710 with Public Safety Associates, LLC, d.b.a. The Polaris Group, for the provision of consulting services for the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Agency. The services provided through this Agreement will provide necessary data and recommendations for EMS to evaluate and adjust the services delivery system in order to achieve the goals and vision of EMS services.
Additionally, HHSA has determined that services provided pursuant to this Agreement satisfy the criteria defined in Chapter 3.13, Section 3.13.030 of the County Ordinance in that the work performed under this Agreement is on an “as requested” basis; therefore, it is more economical and feasible to engage an independent contractor for special skills and qualifications involved in the performance of the work.
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND:
The Polaris Group has over thirty years of experience actively engaged in EMS consultation throughout the nation. The Polaris Group is a published author with regard to EMS systems design and function, and brings to the EMS Agency a wealth of information and knowledge regarding appropriate systems, functionality and compliance with regulations regarding the provision of ambulance transportation systems.
HHSA has contracted with The Polaris Group since 2007, originally to assist in the development and implementation of a Request for Proposal for County Service Area No. 3 (CSA #3) due to The Polaris Group's expertise and knowledge in the area of ambulance service systems design and compliance requirements. Since then, the scope of service has been expanded, and the compensation has been increased to allow for a broader, County-wide review and analysis of ambulance services structure, design, and funding mechanisms.
At this time, HHSA wishes to continue the County-wide review and analysis of ambulance services structure, design, and funding mechanisms; mediation of EMS Agency issues; revision and update of the ambulance ordinance to include new permitting processes; and EMS Agency Plan updates. The Polaris Group will provide recommendations for system design and approaches to contracting for ambulance services.
ALTERNATIVES:
Disapproval of Agreement for Services 064-S1710 will result in lack of access to specialized skills and knowledge specific to EMS.
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
County Counsel and Risk Management.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board approve this item.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no Net County Cost associated with this Agenda item. Sufficient appropriations were included in the fiscal year 16/17 budget, and will be included in future budgets for the term of the Agreement.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
1) Clerk of the Board to obtain signature of Chair on two (2) original Agreements for Services 064-S1710.
2) Clerk of the Board to return one (1) fully executed Agreement to the HHSA Contracts Unit at 3057 Briw Road.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT:
Health and Human Services Agency Strategic Plan Objective 3: Program Effective/Integration, Project 3.5: Emergency Services.
CONTACT
Patricia Charles-Heathers, Ph.D., Director