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 Attorne...
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