Explanation
BACKGROUND: Columbus Public Health received funds for the Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE) grant program from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). Ordinance No. 2835-2023 authorized the Board of Health to enter into a contract with Knupp & Watson & Wallman, Inc. with targeted outreach media services and campaigns for the program's awarded strategies. Contractor's Compliance number CC029262.
The City of Columbus’s Sexual Health Promotion Division desires to conduct outreach to build awareness and provide education regarding the importance of screening for persons at risk of HIV, as well as viral suppression and overall health promotion for persons living with HIV.
The services provided will assist and align with the shifted focus to initiatives in the fourth quarter of the grant cycle. Specifically, services are focused upon men who have sex with men (MSM), transgender and gender non-conforming communities, focusing on racial disparities and language barriers that exist within these communities.
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. The bid was awarded to the most responsive, lowest bidder. The original contract amount was $201,828.00 and is being increased by $50,000.00, thus making the new contract amount of $251,828.00. The contract modification was awarded using this RFQ due to the grant cycle ending on February 29, 2024. The increase in award was accessed and determined from successful markers being met during the grant cycle, effectively meeting programmatic initiatives defined by grantor.
Emergency action is required to ensure the continued operation of the Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE) grant program. This is necessary to meet grant deliverables required by grantor and avoid risk of forfeiture of future funds.
FISCAL IMPACT: This...
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