Submitted by: Patrick A. Paschall
Submitting Department: Finance
Agenda Section: Consent
Item Title:
title
Purchase of Covid-19 Test Kits for Public Distribution
end
Suggested Action:
recommendation
I move that the Mayor and Council allocate and authorize the expenditure of an amount not to exceed $125,000 for the purchase of COVID-19 test kits directly for public distribution, using American Rescue Plan Act funds.
end
Summary Background:
The Hyattsville Household Emergency Relief Program began accepting applications on October 31, 2022. The program is administered by the Hyattsville Community Development Corporation (Hyattsville CDC) after a public Notice of Funding Availability and contract award approved by Council.
Hyattsville CDC plans to send application assistance outreach workers to every residential address in Hyattsville to inform residents about the Household Emergency Relief program and invite them to apply. To enhance these outreach efforts and earn trust among community members, staff and Hyattsville CDC intend to also distribute COVID-19 test kits to every residence within the City during the outreach efforts.
This will achieve multiple goals. First, as a public health matter, ensuring everyone in the City has access to COVID-19 test kits will help limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus by helping to more quickly identify when a family member contracts the virus. Second, providing a free COVID test kit, along with information about the Household Emergency Relief Program, will help residents view the information they receive as coming from a trusted source.
If a resident is not home, a bag branded with the City of Hyattsville’s logo, along with the test kit and a flyer promoting the program, will be left at their door.
These test kits will be purchased using American Rescue Plan Act funds and distribution will be managed by the American Rescue Plan Program Manager in consultation with Hyattsville CDC and City departments.
Per our procurement policies, staff has solicited quotes for the bulk purchase of COVID-19 test kits. Thanks to a connection made directly to the manufacturer, we were able to get pricing at wholesale costs. The manufacturer has quoted $8 per test kit (plus shipping, minimum order of 7,560 tests kits), each test kit with two tests inside the box. Staff intends to purchase 15,120 test kits (30,240 tests) for distribution. Most will be distributed directly to homes in Hyattsville through Hyattsville CDC’s outreach efforts, and others will be provided to local schools and distributed at community events.
Costs for other expenses related to distribution, such as the purchase of flyers and bags, are covered by the existing allocation for outreach efforts.
Next Steps:
Place a Purchase Order with iHealthLabs for the purchase of two pallets (15,120) of test kits.
Fiscal Impact:
Not to exceed $125,000, using American Rescue Plan Act Funds
City Administrator Comments:
Recommend Approval
Community Engagement:
Test kits will be delivered to every residential address in Hyattsville by outreach workers via Hyattsville CDC under the existing contract for administration of the Household Emergency Relief Program, and at community events.
Strategic Goals:
Goal 3 - Promote a Safe and Vibrant Community
Legal Review Required?
N/A