TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager to execute a contract with Wittman Enterprises, LLC, in the amount of $200,000 annually for providing billing and collection services for the Basic Life Support Transportation Program for a period of one year with the option to renew for two additional one-year periods at the discretion of the City Manager. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
City Council approval is being requested authorizing the City Manager to award a contract to provide billing services for the City's Basic Life Support (BLS) Transportation Program. The Fire Department provides ambulance transportation to area hospitals by two methods. Patients with potentially life-threatening illnesses or injuries are transported in Paramedic Rescue Units. BLS units transport patients with less severe illnesses or injuries. Each year, BLS Units transport over 9,000 patients. Since the BLS Program's inception in 2005, the Fire Department has engaged the services of a professional billing company to provide billing services for patients transported by the BLS Transportation Program. The Department of Financial Management's Commercial Services Bureau will continue to handle billing and collection of all ambulance transports (or Advance Life Support - ALS) by Paramedic Rescue Units.
A Request for Proposals (RFP) was issued on August 24, 2009, and 197 potential bidders specializing in billing and financial services were notified. Of the 197 potential bidders, 14 vendors downloaded the bid. Of those 14 vendors, one is a Woman-owned Business Enterprise (WBE); one is a Minority-owned Business Enterprise (MBE); one is a certified Small Business Enterprise (SBE); and, none are located in Long Beach. The RFP document was made available from the Purchasing Division, located on the seventh floor of City Hall, and the Division's website at www.lonqbeach.qov/purchasinq. An announcement was also included in the Purchasing Division's weekly update on Open Bid opportunities, which is se...
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