To: Board of County Commissioners
Through: Todd Weaver, Finance Director
Prepared By:
prepared
Todd Weaver, Finance Director
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presenter
Presenter: Todd Weaver, Finance Director
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Subject:
title
2:30 PM *Waiver per the Purchasing Policy for Coroner’s Office Toxicology Services
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Purpose and Request:
recommended action
To request the Board’s approval of a waiver per the purchasing policy for toxicology services for the Coroner’s Office as an increase in the need for toxicology tests has pushed the total amount above $100,000 for the current provider.
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Background and Discussion: In December of 2021, the Coroner entered into a contract with National Medical Services (NMS) for toxicology services. The Colorado Coroner's Association has discounted government pricing with NMS for participating Coroner’s Offices. NMS is the leading toxicology lab in the country having the largest selection of toxicology tests as well as the most qualified scientific staff. NMS employs approximately 200 experts and scientists including board-certified toxicologists experienced in even the most complex of cases which is a benefit to our county as the nation's fentanyl crisis continues to intensify. As part of a Letter of Understanding, NMS has provided prepaid shipping labels, and blood collection tubes which results in some cost savings. In addition, NMS has an interface with our current case management software which facilitates toxicology report delivery direct to our Office which improves our business processes and turnaround time.
The Coroner’s Office is requesting a waiver per the Purchasing Policy for two reasons. First, the existing agreement with NMS expires at the end of this year. Secondly, earlier this year, the Coroner’s Office was awarded a federal Paul Coverdell grant. This grant will reimburse for the cost of some of these toxicology tests. The increase in the ability to conduct toxicology tests pushes the amount of the waiver above the $100,000 limit for Finance Department approval. Therefore, we are requesting this waiver be approved for a 1-year contract with the ability to renew for four (4) one-year periods.
Fiscal Impact: There is no fiscal impact to this request as the Coroner’s Office already pays for toxicology services within its current budget.
Alternatives: The alternative would be to re-solicit the toxicology services on behalf of the Coroner’s Office.
Alignment with Strategic Plan:
☒Be fiscally sustainable
☒Provide essential and mandated service
☒Be community focused
Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends approval of this waiver.
Concurrence: Coroner’s Office.