FROM:
Housing
SUBJECT:
Title
Award Bid and Approve an Agreement with Symba Center for Mobile Opioid Outreach Services
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RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
1. Award and authorize the City Manager to enter into an agreement with Symba Center to provide Mobile Opioid Outreach Services for one year in the amount of $447,881.28 (Bid No HD-25-65-SP) for the first year.
2. Approve and authorize the City Manager to execute (4) future one-year optional extensions to the agreement with Symba Center for Mobile Opioid Outreach Services not to exceed $2,000,000.
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COUNCIL GOALS:
• Provide a diverse range of housing types and levels of affordability while addressing homelessness in the community by address Homelessness through proactive programs, including the efforts of the COAST and MET teams.
DISCUSSION:
In December 2021, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2021-120 that authorized staff to opt into settlement agreements with various pharmaceutical distributors in order to receive claims over the following 18 years. The funds from these agreements are restricted to certain opioid abatement and remediation uses.
On November 25, 2024, proposals for this contract were opened and subsequently closed on December 12, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. A total of two (2) bids were received ranging from $447,881 to $865,260 for one year of services. Symba Center submitted the apparent lowest and most qualified proposal in the amount of $447,881.28. They are also committing $70,050 per year of the contract in other grant funding to assist with the cost of administering the proposed services.
Symba Center, a registered 501 (c)(3) non-profit, community-based and medical clinic providing health and wellness services for unhoused, low-income, and uninsured community members. They are dedicated to addressing the needs of individuals affected by substance use disorder (SUD) and/or Opioid Use Disorder (OUD).
Their proposal includes staffing, medical van purchase, operating costs and administrative costs for a Mobile Opioid Outreach unit. The Outreach team will consist of a Clinical Practitioner, a Peer Support Specialist, a Medical Assistant and two Substance Use Counselors. They will provide crucial one-on-one support to the homeless and at-risk community suffering from SUD or OUD throughout Fontana. The proposed program will include SUD/OUD screenings, assessments, treatment, and referrals for services. As part of this agreement, Symba will acquire and equip a medical van that will be the primary mode of meeting with clients throughout the City. The initial two contract years will fund the purchase, equipment, and supplies for the vehicle. At the close of the program, the vehicle will be transferred to the City to use for other programs. Symba Center is committed to implementing a harm reduction policy that respects the rights and dignity of people they encounter and provide them with access to safe and effective services and support.
City staff is satisfied based on its review that Symba Center offers the greatest demonstrated competence and qualifications necessary for the satisfactory performance of the professional services required at a fair and reasonable price. The first year of the contract will be $450,000 while subsequent year’s amounts will be based on available funding received from the settlement agreements.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The fiscal impact associated with the approval of this item is $2 million for the full term of the five-year contract. The impact for the remainder of the current fiscal year is $450,000 and is not included in the 2024-25 budget and will be submitted in the next quarterly budget report and will be funded by Opioid Settlement Fund #226, Opioid Project # 30200025. All future costs will be included in the same fund in subsequent fiscal year budgets.
MOTION:
Approve Staff Recommendation.