DR4527(COVID-19) - Approve spending authority for the emergency purchase of various goods and services related to the City's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Specific Explanation:
The Chief Procurement Officer recommends that City Council approve spending authority in an amount not to exceed $ 6,568,736.02 for the emergency purchase of various goods and services related to the City's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, it is also requested that authorization be given to issue purchase orders to the vendors listed on the attached spreadsheet for the provision of such goods and services.
In response to the Mayor's initial proclamation issued on March 11, 2020 declaring a Local State of Disaster Due to a Public Health Emergency, and the indefinite extension of the declaration issued on March 17, 2020, the City has engaged numerous vendors to assist with responding to the public health emergency resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. The goods and services provided by these various vendors include, but are not limited to, the following:
The attached spreadsheet represents emergency purchase orders that have been approved to-date by the Chief Procurement Officer in response to the COVID-19 pandemic since September 30, 2020 and have not yet come before City Council for approval. This consolidated request for City Council approval is hereby made in an effort to streamline the procurement process and allow the City to be agile and timely in responding to the ever-changing needs of both the City's residents and the demands of the pandemic.
- Office supplies and furnishings to build out the Kirby Street Contact Tracing facility
- To provide additional customer support lead over the PC refresh initiative Wave 1, 2 & 3
- To install touchless faucets in the TranStar facility
- To purchase multiple orders of hand sanitizer, disinfectant spray and wipes
- To extend the services provided to shelter the homeless including food and shelter
- To expand on the HER-PHESC initiative to educate and empower the community through the CHEFs program
- To purchase Level 4 isolation gowns and 3M masks to better protect our first responders and health care workers
- To purchase wireless equipment and setup at the Kirby call center operations in support of the Contact Tracers
- To create a strategic plan to promote equitable access to COVID-19 related public health information, training and resources
- For the purchase and installation of Social Distancing workstations on the 18th and 23rd floors of 611 Walker Building
- To implement multiple violence prevention education initiatives in response to recent increase in reported cases as well as implement a food initiative / grocery giveaways to reduce stress
- To purchase two portable book drops for the Houston Library system
- To purchase additional computer equipment for the HHD Kirby Street operation
- To purchase and additional 30 temperature check kiosks
- To purchase and install a warehouse management system for HFD/OEM in support of the increased PPE inventory
- To purchase additional PPE items including disposable masks and gloves
- To purchase videography and media equipment for HHD
- Scott Street Corridor outreach initiative
This recommendation is made pursuant to section 252.022(a)(2) of the Texas Local Government Code, which provides that "a procurement necessary to preserve or protect the public health or safety of the municipality's residents" is exempt from the competitive bidding process.
M/WBE Participation:
These Emergency Purchase Orders have been reviewed for possible MWBE participation. In cases where participation is possible, appropriation OBO documentation will be provided.
Hire Houston First:
The proposed procurements are exempt from the City's Hire Houston First ordinance. Bids/ proposals were not solicited because the departments are utilizing emergency purchase orders for these procurements.
Disaster Note:
This item is related to the impact of COVID-19 and it is the City's intent to use other federal funding sources for eligible expenditures, namely the Coronavirus Relief Fund dollars.
Fiscal Note:
No Fiscal Note is required on grant items.
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Jerry Adams, Chief Procurement Officer
Finance/Strategic Procurement Division
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Estimated Spending Authority
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Department
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FY2021
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Out years
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Total
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Finance
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$6,568,736.02 |
$0.00
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$6,568,736.02
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