Department: Purchasing
Department Head/Elected Official: DeWight Dopslauf
Regular or Supplemental RCA: Regular RCA
Type of Request: Financial Authorization
Project ID (if applicable): N/A
Vendor/Entity Legal Name (if applicable): Emphasys Computer Solutions, Inc. dba Emphasys Software
MWDBE Contracted Goal (if applicable): 0%
MWDBE Current Participation (if applicable): 0%
Justification for 0% MWDBE Participation Goal: Exempt - Sole Source
Request Summary (Agenda Caption):
title
Request for approval of a sole source exemption from the competitive bid requirements and that the County Judge execute an agreement with Emphasys Computer Solutions, Inc. dba Emphasys Software in the amount of $109,114 for hosting and maintenance of affordable rental properties database for the Community Services Department for the period of January 10, 2023 - January 9, 2024, with four (4) one-year renewal options, Justification for 0% MWDBE Participation Goal: Exempt - Sole Source.
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Background and Discussion:
On March 21, 2006, Harris County Commissioner's Court approved a sole source exemption and the execution of an agreement with Non-Profit Industries, Inc d/b/a Socialserve.com for establishing, hosting, and maintaining a database of affordable rental properties in Harris County. On August 7, 2015, Social serve merged with Emphasys Computer Solutions. Subsequently several amendments were approved with the last available amendment being approved on August 24, 2021. This request establishes a new agreement with Emphasys.
Expected Impact:
To continue to provide affordable housing opportunities to the residents of Harris County along with a bilingual call center to aid them in customizing their searches. The bilingual call center is available Mon-Fri from 9 am - 6 pm. We will be using $109,114 in general funds.
Alternative Options:
Harris County residents would lose access to the free affordable housing search tool as well as the call center that aids them in cu...
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