Explanation
BACKGROUND:
This ordinance authorizes the Franklin County Municipal Court Administrative and Presiding Judge to enter into contract with Scientific Testing Laboratories, Inc. (STL) and to authorize the expenditure of up to $30,000 from the Municipal Court Judges probation fee fund for on-going urinalysis and oral fluid testing for offenders sentenced to probation.
In a significant number of cases, the Court requires urinalysis and oral fluid testing of offenders sentenced to probation be performed to determine whether or not the offender has substance abuse issues and if so, what substances are being used. Urinalysis and oral fluid testing are important tools for probation officers to use in designing an appropriate treatment regimen for each offender. In addition, throughout the term of an offender's probation, regular testing ensures that any drug use will be detected, thereby assuring the continued compliance of the offender's conditions of probation and abstinence from drugs.
The Probation Department has recommended to the Court that, for continuity of service, STL is the best resource and as such, the Court requests that the provisions of competitive bidding be waived in order to enter into contract with STL.
The Court's Probation Department is developing specifications in order to issue a bid to search for other resources that can provide for the Court's urinalysis and oral fluid testing needs. This legislation is an interim measure so the Court can have time to complete a formal bid process while ensuring that the needed services can continue until a formal award is made.
This company is not debarred according to the Excluded Party Listing System of the Federal Government or prohibited from being awarded a contract according to the Auditor of State Unresolved Findings for Recovery Certified Search.
Scientific Testing Laboratories, Inc. contract compliance # 541624514.
FISCAL IMPACT: Funds are available within the 2006 Franklin County Municipal Court probation fee fund budget for this purpose.
This legislation is considered an emergency measure to ensure the continuation of uninterrupted service and payments for the needed urinalysis and oral fluid testing.
Title
To authorize and direct the Administrative and Presiding Judge of the Franklin County Municipal Court to enter into contract with Scientific Testing Laboratories, Inc.; to authorize the expenditure of up to $30,000 with Scientific Testing Laboratories, Inc. for urinalysis and oral fluid testing of offenders sentenced to probation; to waive the competitive bidding provisions of the Columbus City Code; and to declare an emergency. ($30,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, ordinance number 0187-2006 was passed by Columbus City Council on February 13, 2006 authorizing appropriations for the probation fee fund for the Franklin County Municipal Court, Department of Probation Services; and
WHEREAS, Franklin County Municipal Court has a need for the urinalysis and oral fluid testing of offenders sentenced to probation to determine the probationer's status, design appropriate treatment regimens, to assure offender compliance with the conditions of probation and to ensure that public safety is not compromised; and
WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the city to waive competitive bidding and procure the needed services from Scientific Testing Laboratories, Inc.; and
WHEREAS, this ordinance is requested as an emergency to permit the timely procurement of needed services and to ensure the continuation of uninterrupted payments; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the city, in that it is immediately necessary to enter into contract and authorize the expenditure for urinalysis and oral fluid testing with Scientific Testing Laboratories, Inc., thereby preserving the public health, peace, property, safety and welfare; Now, Therefore,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Administrative and Presiding Judge of the Franklin County Municipal Court be and is hereby authorized to enter into contract with Scientific Testing Laboratories, Inc. for urinalysis and oral fluid testing for the period ending February 28, 2007.
SECTION 2. That the expenditure of $30,000 or as much thereof as may be necessary is hereby authorized from the Franklin County Municipal Court Judges, department number 2501, probation fee fund, fund number 227, subfund 003, oca 250324, object level 1 - 03, object level 3 - 3408.
SECTION 3. That in accordance with 329.27 of the Columbus City Code, this Council finds the best interest of the city is served by waiving, and does hereby waive Section 329.06 (Competitive Sealed Bidding) of the Columbus City Code.
SECTION 4. That for the reasons stated in the preamble hereto, which is hereby made a part hereof, this ordinance is 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.