Department: Purchasing
Department Head/Elected Official: DeWight Dopslauf
Regular or Supplemental RCA: Regular RCA
Type of Request: Contract - Award
Project ID (if applicable):
Vendor/Entity Legal Name (if applicable):
MWDBE Participation (if applicable): N/A
Request Summary (Agenda Caption):
title
Request for approval of a personal services exemption from the competitive bid requirements and that the County Judge execute an agreement with Dr. Melissa Blessing in the amount of $132,000 for medical examiner services for the Institute of Forensic Sciences for the period of November 30, 2021 - November 29, 2022.
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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. Melissa Blessing to provide medical examiner services. Dr. Blessing 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. Blessing will assist with caseload reduction by performing a maximum of 10 autopsies per month. 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 (i...
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