Posting Language
Title
Authorize negotiation and execution of a contract with Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute for Texas, for consulting services on first response to mental health incidents, in an amount not to exceed $75,000.
(Note: This procurement was reviewed for subcontracting opportunities in accordance with City Code Chapter 2-9C Minority Owned and Women Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program. For the services required for this solicitation, there were no subcontracting opportunities; therefore, no subcontracting goals were established).
Body
Lead Department
Purchasing Office.
Client Department(s)
City Manager’s Office.
Fiscal Note
Funding is available in the Fiscal Year 2018-2019 Operating Budget of the City Manager’s Office.
Purchasing Language:
Professional Service.
Prior Council Action:
September 11, 2018 - Council approved an ordinance adopting the City of Austin Budget for Fiscal Year 2018-2019 on a 10-1 vote, item 1.
For More Information:
Inquiries should be directed to the City Manager’s Agenda Office, at 512-974-2991 or AgendaOffice@austintexas.gov <mailto:AgendaOffice@austintexas.gov> or to the buyer, Erin D’Vincent at 512-974-3070 or erin.dvincent@austintexas.gov <mailto:erin.dvincent@austintexas.gov>.
Additional Backup Information:
The contract will provide consulting services to assist in a planning process to make improvements in how the City responds to mental health-related incidents, informed by the City Auditor’s report “Austin Police Department (APD) Response to Mental Health Related Incidents” and mental health response best practices. On September 11, 2018, Council approved an ordinance adopting the City of Austin Budget for Fiscal Year 2018-2019 and direction was given in the form of a Budget Rider providing one-time funding for these services.
System improvements will ensure that City first responders involved in an incident with an individual in a mental health crisis will receive clinical care as quickly as possible, thereby ensuring the safety and security of the individual and the community. The consultant will:
• Analyze data related to mental health calls
• Review the Office of the City Auditor’s report “APD Response to Mental Health Related Incidents” for specific findings, including recommended next steps
• Analyze 911 calls and dispatch data
• Review data in existing reports related to emerging best practices in response to mental health calls from other communities and identify strategies that align with identified purpose
• Identify emerging best practices from other communities, including Houston, San Antonio and Dallas
• Review local programs to identify what is currently in place
• Identify any policy or procedure changes across systems necessary or desirable to support goals
• Bring together stakeholders, including community based organizations, to ensure the new first response strategies developed fulfill the stated purpose and goal of the planning process
• Identify enhancements/changes to existing programs and trainings
The consultant, Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute (MMPHI), was selected based on their experience with the City of Dallas and working with local stakeholders to develop innovative methods of responding to 911 calls involving mental health emergencies. MMHPI successfully led a joint effort with the Dallas Fire-Rescue Department, Dallas Police Department and Parkland Health and Hospital System to develop a pilot program, Rapid Integrated Group Healthcare Team. The MMHPI has a local office in Austin.