Agenda Item Wording:
title
Authorization to Enter into a Sole Source for Sexual Assault Forensic Exams - Authorize the City Manager to enter into a sole source Professional Services Agreement with Central Valley Forensic Nursing Specialist under the ownership and direction of Heather McCoy, Registered Nurse, for sexual assault forensic (SART) exams effective July 1, 2024. Contract to renew annually for up to five years and is not to exceed $55,000 a year.
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Deadline for Action: 5/20/2024
Submitting Department: Police Department
Contact Name and Phone Number:
Chief Jason Salazar, ext. 4215, jason.salazar@visalia.city <mailto:jason.salazar@visalia.city>;
Financial Analyst Liz Ybarra, ext. 4250, liz.ybarra@visalia.city <mailto:liz.ybarra@visalia.city>;
Lieutenant Mike Verissimo, ext. 4154, mike.verissimo@visalia.city <mailto:mike.verissimo@visalia.city>
Department Recommendation:
Authorize the City Manager to enter into a Professional Services Agreement with Central Valley Forensic Nursing Specialist (CVFNS) for sexual assault forensic exams effective July 1 ,2024. The contract to renewed annually for up to five years and is not to exceed $55,000 a year.
Summary:
Central Valley Forensic Nursing Specialist (CVFNS) provides scheduled and on call services to all law enforcement agencies in Tulare, Fresno, Madera, and Merced County. Depending on the number of sexual assaults, the cost of services fluctuates annually, with prior Police Department expenditures ranging from $40,000 to $55,000 annually. CVFNS will continue with the same unit cost of $1,200 per SART exam. The attached sheet provides the cost for additional services provided by this vendor.
Background Discussion:
CVFNS has provided the Visalia Police Department and other Central Valley agencies with sexual assault (SART) exams since 2019. Heather McCoy, RN is the President of CVNFS and has owned the business since she took over ownership of Forensic Nurse Specialist of Center California (FNSCC) in 2019. Forensic examinations are necessary to determine whether a person has been sexually assaulted and to collect physical evidence. The forensic professionals at CVFNS have extensive training and experience in sexual and physical abuse and evidence collection. If a forensic examination is determined to be necessary, a trained advocate will remain with the victim throughout the process.
Fiscal Impact:
The Police Department budget includes $55,000 annually for Central Valley Forensic Nursing Specialist expenditure. Annual expenditure varies. Year to date for FY 23/24 is $46,800. A price list of services is attached.
CVFNS is the sole source provider for this service because there is no other vendor or medical facility in our local area that is qualified to perform SART exams. Staff will request insurance and disclosure of ownership requirements.
Prior Council Action: N/A
Other: N/A
Alternatives: Not authorize agreement.
Recommended Motion (and Alternative Motions if expected):
recommendation
Authorize the City Manager to enter into a sole source Professional Services Agreement with Central Valley Forensic Nursing Specialist Inc. under the ownership and direction of Heather McCoy, Registered Nurse, for sexual assault forensic exams effective July 1, 2024. Contract to renew annually for up to five years and is not to exceed $55,000 a year.
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Environmental Assessment Status: N/A
CEQA Review: N/A
Attachments: Price Schedule.