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Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) recommending the Board:
1) Make findings in accordance with County Ordinance 3.13.030 that it is appropriate to contract with Public Health Institute, for the provision of contact tracing and case investigation services, provided under Agreement 6039 because (C) “for limited timeframes, temporary or occasional nature, or schedule for the project or scope of work, the ongoing aggregate of work to be performed is not sufficient to warrant addition of permanent staff;”
2) Approve and authorize the Chair to sign Agreement for Services 6039 with Public Health Institute, with a Not-to-Exceed amount of $645,034 and for the term of six (6) months from the date of final execution; and
3) Authorize the HHSA Director, or designee, to execute further documents relating to Agreement 6039, contingent upon approval by County Counsel and Risk Management, including amendments which do not increase the maximum dollar amount or term of the Agreement.
FUNDING: 100% Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity Enhancing Detection Funding pending approval of Public Health’s Workplan and Budget for the Public Health Workforce Development Supplemental funding through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.
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DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND:
On August 31, 2021, El Dorado County Public Health received a funding allocation letter from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) regarding a funding allocation in the amount of $645,034, which covers the Public Health Workforce Development Supplemental funding through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. This funding was provided to establish, expand, train, and sustain the State, Tribal, Local, and Territorial (STLT) public health workforce in order to support jurisdictional COVID-19 prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery initiatives, including school-based health programs.
CDPH has contracted with The Public Health Institute (PHI) for contact tracing and case investigation assistance throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. PHI offers fully trained individuals familiar with California guidance and regulations, providing assistance to those community members who have been exposed to the virus or become ill with the support they need to remain quarantined, safely. The program model involves small teams of contact tracers, each working with a Resource Coordinator, who can provide people in isolation or quarantine with connections to food banks, mental health services, visiting nurses, and other community programs. PHI and its programs improve health, equity, and wellness by discovering new research, strengthening key partnerships and programs, and advancing sound public health policies for the past 55 years.
On September 29, 2020, the Board of Supervisors accepted funding though the Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity (ELC) Enhancing Detection Funding Award Number Covid-19ELC10 from California Department of Public Health (Legistar item 20-1140). This funding will be used to cover the cost of Agreement 6039 with Public Health Institute, until Public Health’s Workplan and Budget for the Public Health Workforce Development Supplemental funding is approved by CDPH.
In accordance with Board of Supervisors Procurement Policy C-17, Section 7.11, the contractor selection process for service contracts in excess of $100,000 must include a review of the scope of services and contractor’s professional qualifications by a group of individuals (including at least one representative from outside the department requesting the services) qualified to judge the contractor’s ability to perform the services. HHSA has documentation on file that such a review was performed for Agreement 6039 with Public Health Institute.
ALTERNATIVES:
Should the Board decline to approve this Agreement, HHSA would not be able to provide case investigation/contact tracing at the level recommended by CDPH and the CDC to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION:
See above.
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
Approved by County Counsel, Human Resources, and Risk Management. Auditor Controller notified per Board Policy B-12.
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 2021-22 Budget. Funding is covered 100% by Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity (ELC) Enhancing Detection Funding pending approval of Public Health’s Workplan and Budget for the Public Health Workforce Development Supplemental funding through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021. At that time, all costs will be covered by Public Health Workforce Development Supplemental funding through the American Rescue Plan Act .
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS:
1) Clerk of the Board to obtain signature of Chair on two (2) original Agreements for Services #6039; and
2) Clerk of the Board to return one (1) fully executed Agreement to HHSA Contracts Unit at 3057 Briw Rd, Suite B.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT:
County Strategic Plan, Healthy Communities: Improved health, weIl-being and self-sufficiency of El Dorado County communities, residents and visitors.
CONTACT
Don Semon, Director, Health and Human Services Agency