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): ML Forensic Consulting LLC
MWDBE Contracted Goal (if applicable): N/A
MWDBE Current Participation (if applicable): N/A
Justification for 0% MWDBE Participation Goal: N/A - Goal not applicable to request
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 ML Forensic Consulting LLC in the additional amount of $82,500 for grant funding under the American Rescue Plan Act 2021 (ARPA) for medical examiner services for the Institute of Forensic Sciences.
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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. Mary Anzalone (through ML Forensic Consulting LLC) to provide medical examiner services. Dr. Anzalone 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 $82,500 in ARPA funds to the contract amount.
Expected Impact:
Dr. Anzalone 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:
The alternative is for HCIFS to continue processing cases as so...
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