Explanation
BACKGROUND:
Columbus Public Health received additional grant carryover funds for the Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE) grant program, referenced in Ordinance No. 0441-2024. This ordinance authorizes the Board of Health to modify an existing contract with Knupp, Watson and Wallman, Inc. for the provision of targeted media services for sexual transmitted infections prevention services. These services include HIV and other STI screening, PrEP education and referral, linkage to care for persons with HIV and/or an STI, and retention in HIV care. The term of the contract is June 1, 2024, through February 28, 2025, with funding based on service assessments for allowable services under the Ending the HIV Epidemic Grant program.
This contract was originally set at a price point of $119,599.00 and is being increased by $280,401.00 for a new total amount of $400,000.00. This contract is being modified due to Columbus Public Health needing additional prevention services via media platforms to meet program needs. Furthermore, services are expanded with Knupp, Watson and Wallman, Inc. to serve more EHE recipients and meet program deliverables with carryover funds. This modification will allow the additional provision of outreach to build awareness and provide education regarding the importance of medical care and viral suppression, screening for persons at risk of HIV and making referrals for PrEP. Knupp, Watson and Wallman, Inc. These services were competitively bid through vendor services (RFQ22658) and Bonfire (Sexual Health Outreach Campaign) in August of 2022, according to bidding requirements of the City Code; given the experience of Knupp, Watson and Wallman and their familiarity with the program, it would not be in the CIty's best interests to seek another vendor through the standard procurement process. All price points included in this modification were established per service being delivered and reviewed in an approved budget.
Knupp, Watson and Wa...
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