Explanation
BACKGROUND: The purpose of this legislation is to authorize the Board of Health to modify and extend the following contract for continued COVID-19 contact tracing.
Emocha Mobile Health -Ordinance 2127-2021 approved the modification and increased the contract amount by an additional $2,320,000.00 for a total contract amount not to exceed $3,752,429.00, including case investigation services and extend the contract end date through March 31, 2022. This ordinance will extend those contract services through April 30, 2022.
Due to the immediate nature of the need for contact tracing services, CPH is requesting the waiver of the provisions of Columbus City Code Chapter 329 from the Director of the Division of Finance and Management.
FISCAL IMPACT: There is no fiscal impact as this is only to extend the award period. The amount of the grant will remain the same.
Title
To authorize the Board of Health to modify extend the existing contract with Emocha Mobile Health through April 30, 2022; and to declare an emergency.
Body
WHEREAS, a need exists for continued COVID-19 contact tracing services through April 30, 2022; and,
WHEREAS, expenditures from Health Department Operating Fund to provide continued contact tracing, testing and vaccination services is necessary to address increased needs caused by the COVID-19 public health emergency; and
WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the Columbus Public Health Department to waive the competitive bidding requirements of the Columbus City Code; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Department of Health in that it is immediately necessary to authorize the Board to modify and extend the contract for contact tracing services due to the immediate nature of such need, all for the immediate preservation of the public health, peace, property, safety, and welfare; and NOW, THEREFORE
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Board of Health is hereby authorized to modify and extend the contract with Emocha Mobile Health for contact tracing services for the COVID-19 pandemic response through April 30, 2022.
SECTION 2. That the funds necessary to carry out the purpose of this ordinance are hereby deemed appropriated, and the City Auditor shall establish such accounting codes necessary.
SECTION 3. That the City Auditor is authorized to make any accounting changes necessary to ensure that this contract is properly accounted for and recorded accurately on the City’s financial reports.
SECTION 4. That this Council finds it in the City's best interests to waive the competitive bidding requirements of City Code.
SECTION 5. That for reasons stated in the preamble hereto, which is hereby made a part hereof, this ordinance is hereby declared to be an emergency measure and shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage and approval by the Mayor, or ten days after passage if the Mayor neither approves nor vetoes the same.