TITLE
Recommendation to adopt resolution authorizing City Manager, or designee, to execute a contract with Gen-Probe Sales and Service, Inc., to purchase diagnostic test kits for one year in an amount not to exceed $100,000, with the option to extend the contract for two additional years at the discretion of the City Manager. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
The City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department), Public Health Laboratory performs approximately 5,500 Chlamydia tests, 3,500 Gonorrhea tests and 300 DNA mycobacteria identification tests each year for clients in its Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Clinic, and for contract outside agencies. These tests are required for the operation of the Health Department's STD Clinic. The Health Department's Public Health Laboratory diagnoses communicable diseases in order to support the treatment of those infected, thereby reducing the spread of these diseases through the general population. In conjunction with the preventive programs conducted through the Health Department's STD clinic, immediate testing and proper diagnosis is critical to the protection of Long Beach citizens. GenProbe is the only company that produces a molecular DNA probe test for the identification of mycobacteria. Because the technology used by Gen-Probe for the Chlamydia and Gonorrhea testing methodology is proprietary, and not available from another manufacturer, the attached resolution is necessary to authorize the City Manager to execute a contract without advertising for bids.
This matter was reviewed bY'Deputy City Attorney, Linda Trang, on October 29, 2008 and by Budget Management Officer, Victoria Bell, on October 30,2008.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action on this matter is requested on November 18, 2008 to ensure uninterrupted testing of individuals from the Health Department's clinics as well as tests requested from outside agencies.
FISCAL IMPACT
The cost for the purchase of these supplies is...
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