Department: Purchasing
Department Head/Elected Official: DeWight Dopslauf
Regular or Supplemental RCA: Regular RCA
Type of Request: Contract - Amendment
Project ID (if applicable): N/A
Vendor/Entity Legal Name (if applicable): Ultraviolet Forensics LLC
MWDBE Contracted Goal (if applicable): N/A
MWDBE Current Participation (if applicable): N/A
Justification for 0% MWDBE Participation Goal: 0% - Non-Divisible
Request Summary (Agenda Caption):
title
Request that the County Judge execute an amendment to a professional services exemption and renewal option with Ultraviolet Forensics LLC in the additional amount of $154,000 for additional services and to update the agreement - type for medical examiner services for the Institute of Forensic Sciences for the period of October 1, 2024 - September 30, 2025, Justification for 0% MWDBE Participation Goal: 0% - Non-Divisible.
end
Background and Discussion:
The Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences (HCIFS) is experiencing an increased case load this calendar year in addition to an unprecedented attrition of Assistant Medical Examiners. To ensure timely completion of
statutorily required autopsies, HCIFS is contracting with Dr. Hannah Bielamowicz (through Ultraviolet Forensics LLC) to provide medical examiner services. Dr. Bielamowicz is an experienced forensic pathologist and has provided consultation to HCIFS in the past. She is already aware of the Department’s needs, standard operating procedures, and accreditation requirements. There is no expectation that she would perform any autopsies that might require future courtroom testimony.
Expected Impact:
Dr. Bielamowicz will assist with caseload reduction by performing autopsies. This will assist with turnaround
time of case report completion, assisting with meeting accreditation standards, and providing information to
decedent families.
Alternative Options:
The alternative is for HCIFS to continue processing cases as soon as possible with current staff leading to staff
burnout, further attrition, and longer turnaround times.
Alignment with Goal(s):
X_ Justice and Safety
_ Economic Opportunity
_ Housing
_ Public Health
_ Transportation
_ Flooding
_ Environment
_ Governance and Customer Service
Prior Court Action (if any):
|
Date |
Agenda Item # |
Action Taken |
|
6/6/2023 |
259 |
Agreement Approved |
Location:
Address (if applicable):
Precinct(s): Choose an item.
|
Fiscal and Personnel Summary |
|
Service Name |
|
|
|
|
Current Fiscal Year Cost |
Annual Fiscal Cost |
|
|
Labor |
Non-Labor |
Total |
Recurring Expenses |
|
Funding Sources |
|
|
Existing Budget |
|
|
|
|
|
1000 - General Fund |
$220,000 |
$ |
$220,000 |
$ |
|
Choose an item. |
$ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
|
Choose an item. |
$ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
|
Total Current Budget |
$220,000 |
$ |
$220,000 |
$ |
|
Additional Budget Request (Requires Fiscal Review Request Form) |
|
|
Choose an item. |
$ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
|
Choose an item. |
$ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
|
Choose an item. |
$ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
|
Total Additional Budget Request |
$ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
|
Total Funding Request |
$ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
|
Personnel (Fill out section only if requesting new PCNs) |
|
|
Current Position Count for Service |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
Additional Positions Request |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
Total Personnel |
- |
- |
- |
- |
Anticipated Court Date: 9/19/2024
Anticipated Implementation Date (if different from Court date): 9/19/2024
Emergency/Disaster Recovery Note: Not an emergency, disaster, or COVID-19 related item
Contact(s) name, title, department: Julie Prine, Chief of Staff, Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences; Luke Herdrich, Senior Buyer, Purchasing
Attachments (if applicable): Letter, Amendment