REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION
SUBMITTED TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
SUBMITTED BY: Oliver Chi, City Manager
PREPARED BY: David A. Segura, Fire Chief
Subject:
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Approve and authorize execution of a three-year Professional Services Contract between the City of Huntington Beach and Wittman Enterprises, LLC in the amount of $1,080,000 to provide billing services for emergency paramedic and ambulance services; and, increase the Fire Department’s Professional Services authority accordingly
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Statement of Issue:
The Fire Department is requesting approval of a three-year professional services contract with Wittman Enterprises, LLC in the amount of $1,080,000 for billing services for emergency paramedic and ambulance service. The professional services authority for Wittman Enterprise, LLC is also requested to be increased by a commensurate amount.
Financial Impact:
Sufficient funds are included in FY 2019/20 budget (10065401).
Recommended Action:
recommendation
A) Approve and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute a “Professional Services Contract Between the City of Huntington Beach and Wittman Enterprises, LLC for Billing Services for Emergency Paramedic and Ambulance Service” in an amount not to exceed $1,080,000 over a three-year period; and,
B) Increase the Fire Department’s professional services authority accordingly by the commensurate amount to ensure compliance with Administrative Regulation No. 228.
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Alternative Action(s):
Do not approve the contract and direct staff accordingly.
Analysis:
The City of Huntington Beach Fire Department requires a professional and competent billing service related to emergency paramedic and ambulance services. These services are currently provided under an October 4, 2015, professional services agreement with Wittman Enterprises, LLC, which is now on a month-to-month agreement. Wittman Enterprises, LLC currently charges 4.75% of collected revenues.
On July 26, 2019, a request for proposals (RFP) was issued to solicit proposals from qualified vendors. The following three vendors responded to the RFP:
• Wittman Enterprises, LLC
• R1-Advanced Data Processing
• EMS Management & Consultants
Each proposal was reviewed and scored by a panel comprised of staff from Finance, Accounting Services, and Public Works based on the criteria outlined in the RFP. Consideration in the evaluation of submittals included the ability to best provide services, meeting the components of the RFP, and comparable experience with customers similar to Huntington Beach in Orange County.
After evaluating the proposals, one vendor was disqualified for not meeting the minimum RFP requirements. Of the two that met requirements, the panel concluded that Wittman Enterprises, LLC best demonstrated the ability to provide the services specified in the RFP. Additionally, Wittman Enterprises, LLC has provided consistent and quality billing services to the City, and they reduced their fee from 4.75% to 3.9% of collected revenues.
Wittman Enterprises, LLC has over 28 years experience in emergency paramedic and ambulance billing and serves more than 90 public agencies in California. They have a depth of experience with the Orange County EMS System and a strong knowledge of local insurance payers and California regulations in this area. The contractual billing fee is based on all revenue for billing services.
Environmental Status:
None.
Strategic Plan Goal:
Strengthen long-term financial and economic sustainability
Attachment(s):
1. Professional Services Contract between the City of Huntington Beach and Wittman Enterprises, LLC