Subject:
Title
Funding Agreement with Ernst & Young LLP for the Regional Opioid Abatement Leadership, Planning, and Coordination Solicitation for gap analysis.
label
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval and execution by the County Administrator of the Funding Agreement (Agreement) with Ernst & Young LLP (Ernst & Young) for gap analysis.
• This agreement provides funding for Ernst & Young to conduct a gap analysis of the current state of the opioid epidemic and abatement programming in Pinellas County to include specific recommendations, guidance, and examples of best practices for use in competitive solicitation for opioid abatement services.
• This solicitation was advertised on October 11, 2023. Four applications were received. The Opioid Abatement Funding Advisory Board (OAFAB) completed rank and review of applications on December 5, 2023, and on January 26, 2024, following oral presentations Ernst & Young earned the highest score and was recommended as the vendor.
• Funding for this Agreement is included in the amount of $478,000 in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Adopted Budget for Human Services Department in the Opioid Abatement Fund. Funding for the second year of this agreement is included in the requested FY 25 Budget submission. This will be funded entirely from the Regional Opioid Abatement Settlement Fund. These funds are accounted for in their own special revenue fund, separate from the General Fund.
The Board of County Commissioners previously approved the funding recommendation for the gap analysis by OAFAB and delegated authority to the County Administrator to sign the agreement and associated documentation under Legistar file # 23-1968A.
Body
Strategic Plan:
Ensure Public Health, Safety, and Welfare
2.1 Provide planning, coordination, prevention, and protective services to ensure a safe and secure community
2.2 Be a facilitator, convener, and purchaser of services for those in need
Deliver First Class Services to the Public and Our Customers
5.1 Maximize partner relationships and public outreach
5.2 Be responsible stewards of the public’s resources
5.3 Ensure effective and efficient delivery of county services and support
Summary:
This Agreement provides funding for Ernst & Young to conduct a gap analysis of the current state of the opioid epidemic and abatement programming in Pinellas County to include specific recommendations, guidance, and examples of bests practices for use in competitive solicitation for opioid abatement services.
The Board previously approved the funding recommendation for the gap analysis by the OAFAB and delegation of authority to the County Administrator to sign the agreement and associated documentation under file 23-1968A
Background/Explanation:
Pinellas County, along with the Florida cities and counties, agreed to the Florida Opioid Allocation and statewide response agreement (the “Florida Plan”) with the State of Florida, which governs the allocation and use of opioid litigation settlement proceeds.
The Regional Fund is distributed to Pinellas County government as a Qualified County under the Florida Plan.
Under the Florida Plan, and in collaboration with the City of Clearwater, Pinellas Park, St. Petersburg, and Department of Health established the OAFAB. The OAFAB is tasked with reviewing opioid-related data, setting priorities for regional settlement funding, and after competitive solicitations administered by Pinellas County Human Services, making funding recommendations to the Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners.
Fiscal Impact:
Funding in an amount not to exceed $478,000.00 has been identified in the Human Services Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) Estimate included with the FY25 Budget Submittal.
This will be funded entirely from the Regional Opioid Abatement settlement funds. These funds are accounted for in their own special revenue fund, separate from the general fund.
Delegated Authority:
Authority for the County Administrator to sign this agreement is granted under Legistar file # 23-1968A (Staff Report is attached).
Staff Member Responsible:
Karen Yatchum, Director Human Services
Partners:
City of Clearwater
City of Pinellas Park
City of St. Petersburg
Florida Department of Health Pinellas County
Department of Children & Families
Attachments:
Services Agreement