TITLE
Recommendation to adopt resolution and authorize City Manager to execute an agreement and any subsequent amendments with Forensic Nurse Specialists, Inc., of Los Alamitos, CA, for Sexual Assault Response Team services in an annual amount not to exceed $120,000, for a period of two years, with the option to renew for two additional one-year periods, at the discretion of the City Manager. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
The City has contracted with Forensic Nurse Specialists, Inc., since July 1994 to provide medical examinations, evidence collection, and treatment for victims of sexual assault. They also provide expert testimony during criminal proceedings. The 24-hour service provided by Forensic Nurse Specialists, Inc., has been excellent and given at a reasonable cost. There are currently no other vendors in the Long Beach regional area that provide this type of service.
This is a mandatory expense; failure to provide a victim of sexual assault with an examination by a qualified healthcare professional, hospital, or other emergency medical facility would be a violation of the California Penal Code.
City Charter Section 1801 requires that contracts for City purchases be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder after a competitive bid process, but allows for awards without a competitive bid process is accompanied by a Resolution adopted by City Council.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Kendra Carney on August 7, 2015, and by Budget Management Officer Victoria Bell on August 12, 2015.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
Due to the critical nature of this service and in order to prevent any interruptions, City Council action on this matter is requested on October 6, 2015.
FISCAL IMPACT
The annual contract cost will not exceed $120,000. Sufficient funding is budgeted in the General Fund (GF) in the Police Department (PD) to support this agreement. There is no local job impact associated with this recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommend...
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