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): Purple Neuron, LLC
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 that the County Judge execute an amendment to an agreement with Purple Neuron, LLC in the additional amount of $13,200 for federal funding under the American Rescue Plan Act 2021 (ARPA) for medical examiner services for the Institute of Forensic Sciences for the period of February 21, 2023 - February 20, 2024, in connection with a personal services exemption, Justification for 0% MWDBE Participation 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. Melissa Blessing (through Purple Neuron LLC) 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.
The agreement is being amended to add an additional $13,200 in ARPA funds to the contract amount.
Expected Impact:
Dr. Blessing 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 f...
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