Department: Purchasing
Department Head/Elected Official: DeWight Dopslauf
Regular or Supplemental RCA: Supplemental RCA
Type of Request: Contract - Award
Project ID (if applicable): N/A
Vendor/Entity Legal Name (if applicable): PharmChem, Inc.
MWDBE Participation (if applicable): N/A
Request Summary (Agenda Caption):
title
Request by the Office of the Purchasing Agent that the County Judge execute an agreement with PharmChem, Inc. in the amount of $24,667 for transdermal drug test supplies and laboratory services for Pretrial Services for services provided June 1, 2021 - August 31, 2021.
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Background and Discussion: For some years, Pretrial Services used transdermal drug test patches as an alternative for defendants who were court-ordered to drug testing, but who had physiological or psychological impediments that made urine specimen collection impractical. Because of the low number of patches used from year to year, the department did not contract for the services. However, in 2021 the courts began ordering patch testing in substantial numbers for defendants who had no such impediments and the cost of the patches and laboratory testing quickly exceeded $50,000 - the non-contract purchase limit. Although patch use was halted, the remaining balance owed by the department necessitated resolution through a settlement agreement.
Expected Impact: The proposed settlement agreement will clear the balance owed by the department to the vendor. The department also plans to engage with County Purchasing to seek out other flexible, lower-cost alternatives to transdermal drug test patches for situations in which urine specimen collection is impractical.
Alternative Options: Action is required and there is no viable alternative to the proposed settlement agreement.
Alignment with Goal(s):
_ Justice and Safety
_ Economic Opportunity
_ Housing
_ Public Health
_ Transportation
_ Flooding
_ Environment
X Governance and Customer Service
Prior Court Action (if...
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