...Explanation
BACKGROUND:
This ordinance authorizes the Board of Health to enter into an initial contract with qualified vendor, LifeCare Alliance, for the provision of food bank and home delivered meals for eligible Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program recipients via carryover funds. The purpose of this contract is to provide food items (frozen/hot/cold/fresh/grocery) to Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program recipients. The contract period with this vendor is October 1, 2025 through February 28, 2026 in an amount not to exceed $144,807.00.
The City of Columbus, Columbus Public Health, receives funding for the Ryan White Part A HIV Care Grant Program from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), per Ordinance 2389-2024. The purpose of this grant is to improve access to quality medical care for persons with HIV or AIDS living in Central Ohio (Franklin, Licking, Delaware, Morrow, Union, Madison, Pickaway, and Fairfield counties). The goal is that each client will achieve viral suppression, which improves their quality of life and reduces the risk of spreading infection.
Throughout the fiscal year, Columbus Public Health monitors spending by all Ryan White Part A HIV Care Grant providers and makes necessary adjustments for service reallocation, per grant service category to service clients in Central Ohio. These said services are measured by need in the community, in conjunction with Ryan White Part A HIV Care Grant initiatives and program capacity. This contract is being fulfilled by Lifecare Alliance and is not being fulfilled by Columbus Public Health at this time because of limited capacity and expertise in food bank programming. Any services or goods provided in concurrence with this contract are based on a client service count to assist Columbus Public Health in meeting grant deliverables outlined by grantor. LifeCare Alliance is a not for profit agency and is exempt from bidding according to bidding requirement...
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