Title
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 Knowledge, LLC for the provision of epidemiologist consulting services provided under Agreement 5165 because “(C) due to the 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 Amendment I to Agreement for Services 5165 with Public Knowledge, LLC, which increases the maximum obligation by $127,084 for a new total maximum obligation of $200,000 while extending the term by eight months for a new term from December 14, 2020 through June 30, 2023; and
3) Authorize the HHSA Director, or designee, to execute further documents relating to Agreement for Services 5165, contingent upon County Counsel and Risk Management approval, including amendments which do not increase the maximum dollar amount or term of the Agreement.
FUNDING: 100% Federal Funds - Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity Enhancing Detection Funding.
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DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND:
On August 11, 2020, the California Department of Public Health released a notice to counties regarding the award of COVID-19 Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity (ELC) Enhancing Detection Funding. On September 29, 2020, the Board approved acceptance of an ELC grant award to Public Health in the amount of $2,289,931. Funding can be used through November 17, 2022 to support the following activities:
1) Enhance laboratory, surveillance and other workforce capacity for local health department staffing needs to implement actions across all strategies identified by this source of funding;
2) Improve Public Health surveillance and reporting of Electronic Health Data by enhanced disease monitoring activities to identify disparities and track progress in reducing disparities over time;
3) Use laboratory data to enhance investigation, response, and prevention by supporting Contact Tracing; and more.
The corresponding work plan for this funding requires the expertise of an epidemiologist or statistician that exceeds the capacity of County Public Health staff. Under Agreement 5165, approved by the Purchasing Agent on December 14, 2020, Public Knowledge LLC (Public Knowledge) demonstrated to the County that it is specially trained, experienced and competent to perform the special services required, thereunder. The purpose of this Board Item is to bring forth Amendment 1 to Agreement 5165, which updates the scope of services, increases the maximum obligation from $72,916 to $200,000, and extends the term date from October 31, 2022 to June 30, 2023. These actions are necessary for the County to fulfill its obligations under the current funding from the ELC Enhancing Detection Program.
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. The Health and Human Services Agency has documentation on file that such a review was performed for Amendment 1 to Agreement 5165 with Public Knowledge.
ALTERNATIVES:
Should the Board decline to approve this recommendation, HHSA would be unable to fulfill its obligations under the required work plan submitted for the funding of the Agreement.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION:
03/16/2021, 21-0366, CAO and HHSA CARES ACT
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
Approved by County Counsel, Procurement and Contracts, and Risk Management. The Auditor-Controller was notified.
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 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 Amendments 1 for Agreements for Services #5165.
2) Clerk of the Board to return one (1) fully executed Amendment 1 to HHSA Contracts Unit at 3057 Briw Rd, Suite B.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT:
Healthy Communities
CONTACT
Don Semon, Director, Health and Human Services Agency