Explanation
BACKGROUND: The purpose of this legislation is to authorize the Board of Health to modify the scope of services and increase the following contract for continued COVID-19 contact tracing and case investigation services.
Emocha Mobile Health - Ordinance 1102-2021 approved the modification of COVID-19 contact tracing services in an amount not to exceed $1,432,429.00. This ordinance will increase the contract amount by an additional $2,320,000.00 for a total contract amount not to exceed $3,752,429.00, include case investigation services and extend the contract end date through March 31, 2022.
Due to the immediate nature of the need for case investigation services and continued contact tracing services, CPH is requesting the waiver of the provisions of Columbus City Code Chapter 329 from the Director of the Division of Finance and Management.
Emergency action is requested due to the nature of the COVID-19 pandemic.
FISCAL IMPACT: Funding for this contract modification is budgeted within the Health Department Grants Fund, Fund No. 2251 ($320,000.00), and the America Rescue Plan Act, Fund No. 2209 ($2,000,000.00). This program does not generate any revenue or require a City Match.
Title
To authorize the Board of Health to modify and increase an existing contract with Emocha Mobile Health for continued COVID-19 contact tracing and case investigation services; to authorize the expenditure of $2,320,000.00 from the Health Department Grants Fund and the American Rescue Plan Act Fund for said contract, to waive the competitive bidding requirements of City Code, and to declare an emergency. ($2,320,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a need for continued COVID-19 contact tracing and case investigation services; and,
WHEREAS, expenditures from the Health Department Grants Fund and the American Rescue Plan Act Fund to provide continued contact tracing services is necessary to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 caused by this public health emergency; and
WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the Columbus Public Health Department to waive the competitive bidding requirements of the Columbus City Code; 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 contract for contact tracing services for the immediate preservation of the public health, peace, property, safety, and welfare; 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 contract with Emocha Mobile Health for contact tracing services for the COVID-19 pandemic response.
SECTION 2. That, to pay the cost of said contract, the expenditure of $2,320,000.00 is hereby authorized from the Health Department Grants Fund, Fund No. 2251 ($320,000.00), and the American Rescue Plan Act Fund, Fund No. 2209 ($2,000,000.00) 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 this Council finds it in the City's best interests to waive the competitive bidding requirements of City Code.
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.