TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager to execute all necessary documents with Softscape to implement the Homeless Management Information System in an amount not to exceed $240,000 for a three-year period. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is required to implement a
Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) as mandated by the U. S. Department
of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for all agencies funded by the Continuum of
Care Supportive Housing Program. This project is an important component for monitoring
program outcomes and success as well as meeting HUD Homeless Assistance Program
requirements. This system will assist the DHHS in tracking persons who are homeless
through case management and housing, in collaboration with community-based providers
of homeless services.
On September 26, 2003, a Request for Proposals (RFP) was released to identify a
software vendor with the expertise to facilitate the development of a HMIS, which would
comply with the HUD-mandated data elements. Four vendors responded to the RFP, but
one agency's proposal did not meet the minimum qualifications.
Following an evaluation process, The Rensselaerville Institute (TRI) was selected in
February 2004 to implement the HMIS. Since February 2004, DHHS has worked earnestly
to ensure the needs of the Long Beach Continuum of Care for Homeless Services HMIS
were being met. Unfortunately, TRI continued to miss deadlines for implementation and
missed milestones outlined within the contracted scope of work. Accordingly, the firm was
not compensated for goods and services that were not delivered.
In May 2005, a focus group was convened of both technical and programmatic staff from
local service providers and the DHHS Bureau of Human and Social Services/Homeless
Services to evaluate TRl's progress in meeting contractual obligations. Per their request,
TRI demonstrated the final product, which failed to meet the implementation requirements
and...
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