Posting Language
Title
Authorize negotiation and execution of five contracts for bridge shelter catering, medical waste packaging and room decontamination, staffing, and laundry services with Good Work Austin, Hazcore Environmental Inc., Evins Group LLC d/b/a Evins Personnel Consultants, Evins Temporaries, and Boss Lady Mobile Laundry & Cleaning, each for up to three years for total contract amounts not to exceed $6,551,460, divided among the contractors.
[Note: Public health and safety contracts are exempt from the City Code Chapter 2-9C (Minority Owned and Women Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program); therefore, no subcontracting goals were established].
Body
Lead Department
Financial Services Department.
Client Department(s)
Austin Public Health.
Fiscal Note
Funding in the amount of $181,985 is available in the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Operating Budget of Austin Public Health. Funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets.
Purchasing Language:
Public Health and Safety Exemption.
For More Information:
Direct questions regarding this Recommendation for Council Action to the Financial Services Department - Central Procurement at: FSDCentralProcurementRCAs@austintexas.gov <mailto:FSDCentralProcurementRCAs@austintexas.gov> or 512-974-2500.
Additional Backup Information:
These contracts will provide on-going bridge shelter services at the Northbridge shelter. City staff will operate the Northbridge shelter at double occupancy in order to increase emergency shelter bed access to persons experiencing unsheltered homelessness, per direction of Interim City Manager Garza, through a Memorandum to Mayor and Council dated May 12, 2023.
The contracted services required for emergency bridge shelter operations are similar or identical to services procured for the City’s emergency response operation of non-congregate protective shelters during the COVID-19 pandemic. In August 2021, the City Manager directed the immediate opening and operation of an emergency bridge shelter for individuals experiencing homelessness in conjunction with the Council directed Housing-focused Encampment Assistance Link (HEAL) Initiative for the ongoing negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and changes to City of Austin ordinances (Phase IV effective August 8, 2021) and Texas State law (effective September 1, 2021) designating camping on public property as an illegal activity. Emergency bridge shelter services including laundry services, delivery of prepared meals, temporary staffing services, and decontamination/hazardous waste removal, are required for the safe and effective operation of a temporary emergency bridge shelter. Persons living unsheltered lack resources for basic needs such as hygiene, shelter, and food.
Council directed the creation and implementation of the HEAL Initiative through Resolution No. 20210204-049 which includes identification and development of housing-focused or bridge shelter. In December 2022, Council adopted Resolution No. 20221208-069 directing the City Manager to continue operating the Northbridge shelter as part of the HEAL Initiative until a comparable replacement bridge shelter is operational. Contingent upon available funding, Austin Public Health will seek to contract with a third party for full Northbridge shelter operations through an upcoming competitive solicitation for homeless shelter services.
These are new contracts that will augment services provided by the Emergency Bridge Shelter contract established during COVID. Without shelter or housing, persons living near high traffic areas and in other hazardous conditions face significant health and safety risks. Bridge shelter addresses health and safety needs and connects individuals to services and housing options, decreasing the incidence of camping on public land by individuals without other options.
Contract Detail:
Contract Length Contract
Term of Term Authorization
Initial Term 1 yr. $2,183,820
Optional Extension 1 1 yr. $2,183,820
Optional Extension 2 1 yr. $2,183,820
TOTAL 3 yrs. $6,551,460
Note: Contract Authorization amounts are based on the City’s estimated annual usage.