Title
a. Approve and authorize the Director of Health or Assistant Director of Health to execute an Agreement with Clear Labs, Inc., in the amount of $249,490.80 to install, train, verify, and validate services for the Clear DxTM instrument, purchase a Clear DxTM Subscription, consumables, reagent kits, and maintenance/software support that will enable customer to conduct testing for the period retroactive from January 1, 2021 to March 1, 2022; and
b. Authorize the Director of Health or Assistant Director of Health to approve up to three (3) future one year amendments that do not exceed (10%) ($24,949) of the original Agreement amount and do not significantly alter the scope of services.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Approve and authorize the Director of Health or Assistant Director of Health to execute an Agreement with Clear Labs, Inc., in the amount of $249,490.80 to install, train, verify, and validate services for the Clear DxTM instrument, purchase a Clear DxTM Subscription, consumables, reagent kits, and maintenance/software support that will enable customer to conduct testing for the period retroactive from January 1, 2021 to March 1, 2022; and
b. Authorize the Director of Health or Assistant Director of Health to approve up to three (3) future one year amendments that do not exceed (10%) ($24,949) of the original Agreement amount and do not significantly alter the scope of services.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The Monterey County Health Department is seeking approval of this agreement with Clear Labs, Inc. will provide support for the Clear DxTM instrument that is an automated and real-time system that identifies SARS-CoV-2 using targeted next generation sequencing (NGS in Monterey County. Sequencing detects virus mutations of SARS-CoV-2 which are used to categorize SARS-CoV-2 into different subtypes. Comparing SARS-CoV-2 subtypes allows epidemiologists to identify and confirm COVID19 infection clusters, transmission events and reinfection cases.
Sequencing goes beyond PCR testing. Continued mutations of SARS-CoV-2 may change the genomic make-up to the extent such that certain subtypes will not be detected using current PCR methods. Non-detection of SARS-CoV-2 is not problem using sequencing. Since PCR is the most common testing approach, shortages in PCR reagents and supplies limit testing capacity. Sequencing reagents are more readily available.
The Clear Dx subscription will provide the lab with updated typing data to ensure detection of new virus variants that current PCR methods may not detect. Monitoring the indicators associated with these activities will assist state and local governments in making data-driven policy decisions regarding testing, mitigation, and prevention efforts. The start date of the Agreement is retroactive to January 1, 2021 due to the length of time it took to negotiate with the vendor the terms of the Agreement.
This work supports the MCHD 2018-2022 Strategic Plan Goal 3. Ensure access to culturally and linguistically appropriate, customer-friendly, quality health services. Additionally, this work supports one of the ten essential public health services: 7. Link people to needed personal health services and assure the provision of health care when otherwise unavailable.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
County Counsel and the Auditor-Controller have reviewed and approved as to form and fiscal provisions, respectively.
FINANCING:
This agreement for installation services, consumables and reagents, and support for the Clear DxTM instrument is 100% funded by Public Health Laboratory COVID-19 testing fee revenue.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
Check the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Initiatives:
☐Economic Development:
• Through collaboration, strengthen economic development to ensure a diversified and healthy economy.
☐Administration:
• Promote an organization that practices efficient and effective resource management and is recognized for responsiveness, strong customer orientation, accountability and transparency.
☒Health & Human Services:
• Improve health and quality of life through County supported policies, programs, and services; promoting access to equitable opportunities for healthy choices and healthy environments in collaboration with communities.
☐Infrastructure:
• Plan and develop a sustainable, physical infrastructure that improves the quality of life for County residents and supports economic development results.
☐Public Safety:
• Create a safe environment for people to achieve their potential, leading businesses and communities to thrive and grow by reducing violent crimes as well as crimes in general.
Prepared by: Patricia McFadden, Management Analyst II, 755-4726
Approved by:
______________________Date:_________
Elsa Jimenez, Director of Health, 755-4526
Attachment:
Agreement is on file with the Clerk of the Board