Explanation
BACKGROUND: The purpose of this legislation is to authorize the Board of Health to modify and increase the contract for interpretation services with Universe Technical Translation Inc. by $48,000.00 for an amount not to exceed $68,000.00 and Vocalink Inc. by $100,000.00 for an amount not to exceed $130,000.00. The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in an increased need for document translation, and telephone interpretation services. Columbus Public Health provides interpretation and translation services for persons with limited English proficiency who receive public health services from Columbus Public Health. These services will be provided at Columbus Public Health’s facility located at 240 Parsons Avenue, and throughout the City of Columbus in conjunction with public health services when required. The contract period is from April 1, 2020 through December 30, 2020.
This ordinance is needed to modify by increasing the contract with Universe Technical Translation Inc. in the amount of $48,000.00 for a total amount not to exceed $68,000.00 and Vocalink Inc. by $100,000.00 for an amount not to exceed $130,000.00. This modification is needed to continue document translation/interpretation services to CPH clients.
Emergency action is requested for this contract in order to ensure Columbus Public Health has document translation/interpretation services.
FISCAL IMPACT: Funding for these contracts ($148,000.00) is budgeted within the CARES ACT Treasury Fund, Fund No. 2207.
Title
To authorize the Board of Health to modify and increase an existing contract for document translation services with Universe Technical Translation Inc., and telephone interpretation services with Vocalink Inc.; to authorize the expenditure of $148,000.00 from the CARES ACT Treasury Fund for said contracts; and to declare an emergency. ($148,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, a need exists for document interpretation and translation services for persons with limited English proficiency who receive services from Columbus Public Health; and,
WHEREAS, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in an increased need for document translation and telephone interpretation; and
WHEREAS, expenditure of CARES ACT funding to provide translation and interpretation services is necessary to address increased interpretation/translation needs caused by the COVID-19 public health emergency; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Department of Health in that it is immediately necessary to authorize the Board to modify the contracts for document interpretation and translation services for the immediate preservation of the public health, peace, property, safety, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, such expenditure of funds has not been previously accounted for in the 2020 Budget; Now, therefore,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Board of Health is hereby authorized to modify and increase the contracts for document translation/interpretation services for the period of April 1, 2020 through December 30, 2020 with Universe Technical Translations and Vocalink Inc.
SECTION 2. That to pay the cost of said contracts, the expenditure of $148,000.00 is hereby authorized from the CARES ACT Treasury Fund, Fund No. 2207, Division No. 5001, Object Class 03, according to the ordinance attachment.
SECTION 3. 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 necessary.
SECTION 4. That the City Auditor is authorized to make any accounting changes necessary to ensure that this contract is properly accounted for and recorded accurately on the City’s financial reports.
SECTION 5. 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.