TITLE
Recommendation to adopt resolution authorizing City Manager, or designee, to execute a contract, and any necessary documents including any necessary subsequent amendments, with Forensic Nurse Specialists, Inc., of Los Alamitos, CA, for Sexual Assault Response Team services, in a total annual amount not to exceed $60,000 for a period of three years, with the option to renew for two additional one-year periods, at the discretion of the City Manager. (Citywide)
Levine Act: Yes
DISCUSSION
City Council approval is requested to enter into a contract with Forensic Nurse Specialists, Inc., for providing Sexual Assault Response Team services. The Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) relies on the expertise of forensic professionals to perform examinations of victims and/or subjects when investigating sexual assault cases. Per California Penal Code 13823, these exams must be performed by a qualified healthcare professional, hospital, or other emergency medical facility.
Forensic Nurse Specialists, Inc., is the only vendor in the greater Long Beach area that provides forensic medical evidentiary examinations for child abuse, sexual assault, and domestic violence victims around the clock. They also have experts who conduct forensic interviews and provide reports that LBPD can use when filing cases with the District Attorney. Additionally, Forensic Nurse Specialists, Inc., provides expert testimony during criminal proceedings, and treatment for victims of sexual assault. The City of Long Beach (City) has contracted with Forensic Nurse Specialists, Inc., since July 1994, and they have proven to provide reliable and timely on-call nurses at a reasonable cost.
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 when authorized by a Resolution adopted by the City Council.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Arturo D. Sanchez on September 20, 2023, Purchasing Agent Michelle Wilson on September 13, 2023, and by Budget Analysis Officer Greg Sorensen on September 19, 2023.
LEVINE ACT
This item is subject to the Levine Act. The Mayor, Councilmembers, and Commissioners who have received a contribution of more than $250 within 12 months prior from a party, participant, or their representatives involved in this proceeding may do either of the following: (1) disclose the contribution on the record and recuse themselves from this proceeding; OR (2) return the portion of the contribution that exceeds $250 within 30 days from the time the elected official knew or should have known about the contribution and participate in the proceeding.
All parties, participants, and their representatives must disclose on the record of this proceeding any contribution of more than $250 made to the Mayor or any Councilmembers within 12 months prior to the date of the proceeding. The Mayor, Councilmembers, and Commissioners are prohibited from accepting, soliciting, or directing a contribution of more than $250 from a party, participant, or their representatives during a proceeding and for 12 months following the date a final decision is rendered.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action to adopt a Resolution and award a contract concurrently is requested on October 10, 2023, to ensure the contract is in place expeditiously.
FISCAL IMPACT
The total annual amount of the contract will not exceed $60,000 for a period of three years. This amount is currently budgeted in the General Fund Group in the Police Department. This recommendation has no staffing impact beyond the normal budgeted scope of duties and is consistent with existing City Council priorities. There is no local job impact associated with this recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
WALLY HEBEISH
CHIEF OF POLICE
APPROVED:
THOMAS B. MODICA
CITY MANAGER