Title
Authorization to Amend Contract to Accept Additional Emergency Assistance CARES Act Funding from Arizona Community Action Association dba Wildfire (Ordinance S-47021)
Description
Request authorization for the City Manager, or his designee, to amend Contract 152678 and accept additional emergency assistance Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding from the Arizona Community Action Association dba Wildfire (Wildfire) in the amount of $750,000 for the period beginning June 1, 2020 through Dec. 30, 2020. Further request authorization for the City Treasurer to accept, and the City Controller to disburse, all funds related to this item. There is no impact to the General Fund.
Report
Summary
As part of the strategic plan for the City of Phoenix's $293 million Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF), the City, through the Neighborhood Services Department, awarded $25.7 million to Wildfire due to its ability to provide utility, rent and mortgage assistance services of this scope and scale during this state of emergency through its existing network.
As the designated Community Action Agency for the City of Phoenix, the Human Service Department (HSD) was, in turn, initially awarded $2 million by Wildfire to administer utility, rent and mortgage assistance to individuals and families impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Households eligible to receive assistance must be able to document that their current financial hardship is due to COVID-19.
The additional funding will allow HSD staff to further support those individuals who have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic by providing emergency utility, rent and mortgage assistance.
Procurement Information
The City of Phoenix has obtained all necessary federal waivers to alleviate the need to comply with federal procurement guidelines.
Contract Term
The term of the contract begins June 1, 2020 through Dec. 30, 2020 and may be extended based on continuous need and available funding. Any extension term may be exercised in the discretion of the City Manager or his designee.
Financial Impact
The aggregate value of this contract shall not exceed $2,750,000. Funding is provided from the CARES Act's CRF. There is no impact to the General Fund.
Concurrence/Previous Council Action
On June 24, 2020, City Council authorized staff to enter into contract with Wildfire with Ordinance S-46799.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Inger Erickson and the Human Services Department.