COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

Department of Child Support Services

 

DATE:

May 15, 2003

BOARD MEETING DATE:

June 10, 2003

 

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

Peggy Jensen, Director

SUBJECT:

Agreement with Laboratory Corporation of America for Paternity Testing Services for the Department of Child Support Services.

 

Recommendation

Adopt a resolution authorizing the execution of an agreement with Laboratory Corporation of America (LabCorp) for paternity testing services for the San Mateo County Department of Child Support Services (SMC/DCSS).

 

Background

The San Mateo County Department of Child Support Services obtains and enforces orders for child support and health insurance. The Department is mandated to provide this service to all recipients of CalWORKS and anyone else that applies for child support services. The process of securing child support involves location of non-custodial parents, establishment of paternity and establishment and enforcement of court orders for support. Securing child support is a legal process and establishment of paternity is the first step in this process. The SMC/DCSS establishes paternity for about 500 children a year, which means approximately 1,200 to 1,500 people are tested annually. The current contract for paternity testing services expires on June 30, 2003.

 

Discussion

In March of 2003, the SMC/DCSS issued a Request for Proposals for paternity testing services to over 40 firms. Proposals were received from nine (9) firms. A four-member review committee evaluated the proposals and selected four (4) finalists primarily based on the following six factors:

    1. Prior experience

    2. Demonstrated ability to work well with public agencies

    3. Cost

    4. Ability to complete the work within the stated timeframe

    5. American Association of Blood Banks Standing/Certification, and

    6. References from clients.

Formal interviews were held April 23 and April 24, 2003 with the four (4) finalists. Laboratory Corporation of America (LabCorp) was selected as the contractor of choice based on the evaluation criteria and interview. Please reference the attached Vendor Matrix for a summary of the key evaluation criteria and overall process followed in selecting this contractor.

The contract with Lab Corp is for the period from July 1, 2003 through and including June 30, 2006 for a not to exceed total of $120,000.

County Counsel has reviewed and approved the attached agreement.

 

Vision Alignment

Entering into a contract for paternity testing services will enable the Department of Child Support Services to establish and enforce orders for child support and medical insurance. The ability to provide these services helps the County achieve the following visioning goals.

    Provide equal access to educational opportunity.

    3. All children ages 0-5 years have access to childcare/early learning opportunities that contribute to their entering kindergarten ready to succeed.

    Ensure basic health and safety for all.

    5. Residents have access to healthcare and preventative care.

    6. Children grow up healthy in safe and supportive homes and neighborhoods.

    8. Help vulnerable people-the aged, disabled, mentally ill, at-risk youth and others- achieve a better quality of life.

    Create opportunities for every household to participate in our prosperity.

    17. All households experience real gains in income.

 

Fiscal Impact

The total cost of the proposed 3-year contract for paternity testing services is not to exceed $120,000. Funding to cover the full amount of the contract is included in the FY 2003/2004 Proposed Budget for the Department of Child Support Services. The Department of Child Support Services is fully funded through State and Federal subventions, so this contract does not require any County General Fund support.

Vendor Matrix

1. General Description of RFP

Paternity Testing Services for the San Mateo County Department of Child Support Services

2. List key evaluation criteria

· Prior experience performing paternity testing services for a local child support agency.

· Demonstrated ability and competence in providing a high level of professional service to public agencies.

· Cost.

· Ability to complete work in necessary timeframes.

· Number, capability, expertise, training and experience of personnel to be assigned to contract.

    · Contractor's overall ability to manage increased workload and meet all facets of the Department's paternity testing needs.

· Ability to meet qualifications and conditions as specified in the RFP.

· Client references.

· American Association of Blood Banks Standing/Certification.

3. Where advertised?

· American Association of Blood Banks.

4. In addition to any advertisement, list others to whom RFP was sent

· Long Beach Genetics (current contractor)

· All paternity testing laboratories with American Association of Blood Banks certification.

5. Total number sent to prospective proposers

41

6. Number of proposals received

9

7. Who evaluated the proposals

· RFP Review Committee (4 individuals) comprised of Management, Legal, and Professional staff from the Department of Child Support Services, specifically: Department Director, Child Support Services Manager, Administrative Services Manager, and the Lead Child Support Attorney.

8. In alphabetical order, names of proposers (or finalists, if applicable) and location

· Long Beach Genetics, Rancho Dominguez, CA.

· Reliagene, New Orleans, LA.

· Orchid Genescreen, East Lansing, MI.

· Laboratory Corporation of America, Burlington, NC.