TITLE
Recommendation to adopt resolution authorizing 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 Long Beach Police Department relies on the expertise of forensic professionals to perform examinations of victims and/or subjects when investigating sexual assault or rape. These exams must be performed by a qualified healthcare professional, hospital, or other emergency medical facility. Failure to provide a victim of sexual assault with an examination by a qualified professional is a violation of the California Penal Code.
The City has contracted with Forensic Nurse Specialists, Inc., since July 1994 to provide medical examinations, evidence collection, treatment for victims of sexual assault, and expert testimony during criminal proceedings. Forensic Nurse Specialists, Inc., provides 24-hour service. Timely response is critical when performing these examinations to reduce the amount of time a victim spends waiting for the exam. Forensic Nurse Specialists, Inc., have provided reliable on-call nurses within the requested time limit and at a reasonable cost. Forensic Nurse Specialist, Inc., is currently the only vendor in the Long Beach regional area that provides this type of service. There are currently no specific registries that utilize forensic nurses solely for the purpose of exams. These clinicians are usually based within a group, like Forensic Nurse Specialists, Inc.
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 if accompanied by a Resolution adopted by City Council.
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