...Explanation
BACKGROUND:
Columbus Public Health received additional grant carryover funds for the Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE) grant program, referenced in Ordinance No. 0151-2025. The Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE) grant program is funded from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), with funds originating from the Department of Health and Human Services. This ordinance authorizes the Board of Health to enter into an initial contract with qualified vendor, Health Access LLC, to establish a system for efficient grant monitoring activities, thus ensuring any that implementation of program activities comply with HRSA policies and local service standards. The term of the contract is October 1, 2025 through February 28, 2026.
Effective program implementation requires a mechanism to monitor and hold service providers accountable for implementing programs in compliance with HRSA policies and local service standards. These funds were approved by the Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE) grant program funder, Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), via a carryover request detailing grant funds devoted to establishing a system for an efficient monitoring system for Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE) grant, similar to what is utilized for the Ryan White program. Under the terms of the grant, funds must be used during the grant period or they are forfeited and CPH may be subject to penalties related to future grant funding. Health Access, LLC is a for profit agency and a bid waiver is requested for this ordinance due to time constraints of the current grant cycle and need for continuation of service based grant requirements referenced above. This bid waiver is requested according to bidding requirements of the City Code 329.
Health Access, LLC CC-042931: $75,000.00
This ordinance is submitted as an emergency in order to ensure that quality medical care continues to be available to eligible persons living with HIV/AIDS and to ensure timely payment to providers.
FISCAL IMPACT:
All expenditures are budgeted in the Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE) Grant Program within the Health Department Grant Fund. ($75,000.00)
Title
To authorize the Board of Health to enter into a contract with Health Access LLC, for the Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE) Grant Program for the provision of services allowable under the grant for persons with HIV or AIDS in central Ohio; to authorize the expenditure from the Health Department Grants Fund to pay the costs thereof; to request a bid waiver according to City Code 329; and to declare an emergency. ($75,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, it is necessary to allow the Board of Health to enter into a contract for HIV-related support services and any other service allowable under Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE) Program; and,
WHEREAS, it is necessary to waive the bid requirements of City Code 329 for these services due to time constraints of the current grant cycle and need for continuation of service based grant requirements; and ,
WHEREAS, Health Access, LLC has the expertise required to carry out those services and,
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operations of Columbus Public Health in that it is immediately necessary to enter into a contract with Health Access, LLC, in order to ensure that quality medical care continues to be available to eligible persons living with HIV/AIDS, to ensure timely payment to providers, 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 enter into a contract with Health Access LLC, for HIV-related support services to persons with HIV or AIDS in central Ohio, in a total amount not to exceed $75,000.00, for the period of October 1, 2025 through February 28, 2026.
SECTION 2. That to pay the cost of said contract, the expenditure of $75,000.00, or so much thereof as may be needed, is hereby authorized from the Health Department Grants Fund, Fund No. 2251, object class 03 per the attached accounting document.
SECTION 3. That this contract and waiving of formal bid procedures is in compliance with Chapter 329 of the Columbus City Code.
SECTION 4. 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 as necessary.
SECTION 5. That the City Auditor is authorized to make any accounting changes to revise the funding source for all contracts or contract modifications associated with this ordinance.
SECTION 6. 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.