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File #: 23-2675    Version: 1 Name:
Type: Financial Authorization Status: Passed
File created: 5/4/2023 In control: Commissioners Court
On agenda: 5/16/2023 Final action: 5/16/2023
Title: Request by the Office of the Purchasing Agent that the County Judge execute an amendment to a personal services exemption agreement with Forensic Pathology Labs, PLLC in the additional amount of $99,000 for the American Rescue Plan Act 2021 (ARPA) for medical examiner services for the Institute of Forensic Sciences for the period of August 2, 2022 - December 31, 2023, MWDBE Contracted Goal: N/A - Personal Services Agreement.
Attachments: 1. 23-2675 Personal Services Exemption Forensic Pathology Labs, PLLC
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):

MWDBE Contracted Goal (if applicable): N/A
MWDBE Current Participation (if applicable): N/A
Justification for 0% MWDBE Participation Goal: N/A - Personal Services Agreement

Request Summary (Agenda Caption):
title
Request by the Office of the Purchasing Agent that the County Judge execute an amendment to a personal services exemption agreement with Forensic Pathology Labs, PLLC in the additional amount of $99,000 for the American Rescue Plan Act 2021 (ARPA) for medical examiner services for the Institute of Forensic Sciences for the period of August 2, 2022 - December 31, 2023, MWDBE Contracted Goal: N/A - Personal Services Agreement.
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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. Alex John (through Forensic Pathology Labs, PLLC) to provide medical examiner services. Dr. John is an experienced forensic pathologist and has provided consultation to HCIFS in the past. Dr. John is already aware of the Department's needs, standard operating procedures, and accreditation requirements. There is no expectation that Dr. John would perform any autopsies that might require future courtroom testimony.

The agreement is being amended to add an additional $99,000 in ARPA funds to the contract amount.

Expected Impact:
Dr. John will assist with caseload reduction by performing assigned autopsies. This will assist with turnaround time of case report completion, assisting with meeting accreditation standards, and providing information to decedent families.

Alternative Options:
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