Title
Authorization to Enter into an Agreement with Prefix Health Technologies, LLC for Client Portal Use (Ordinance S-48204)
Description
Request to authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to enter into an agreement with Prefix Health Technologies, LLC (Prefix) to grant the City access to Prefix’s online client portal for the purpose of administering Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) 2.0. The initial total value of the agreement will not exceed $350,000. Further request to authorize the City Controller to disburse all funds related to this item.
Report
Summary
In March 2021, the City began the ERA 1.0 program with the City administering $26.1 million through the Human Services Department (HSD) and $25 million contracted out to the Arizona Community Action Association, dba Wildfire (Wildfire). Wildfire utilized an online application portal developed by Prefix. To ensure continuity of services for residents, HSD wishes to contract with Prefix to maintain access to a portal environment, existing data and residual applications. With the City obtaining access to Prefix’s online client portal, the City will be able to provide emergency rent and utility assistance to Phoenix households through administration of ERA 2.0. In order to accommodate common software industry contractual provisions, the Human Services Department also requests the City Council authorize an exception, pursuant to Phoenix City Code section 42-20, to allow the inclusion of indemnification and limitation of liability provisions in the agreement that would otherwise be prohibited by City Code Section 42-18.
Contract Term
The term of this contract will begin on or before Jan. 1, 2022, and end June 30, 2022. This contract may be extended for one six-month period through Dec. 31, 2022, based on continuous need and available funding, at the discretion of the City Manager or his designee.
Financial Impact
Initial total expenditures will not exceed $350,000. There is no impact to the General Fund. Funding will be provided through the U.S. Department of Treasury Emergency Rental Assistance Funds pursuant to the American Rescue Plan Act.
Concurrence/Previous Council Action
On Feb. 9, 2021, the City Council approved the Emergency Rental Assistance 1.0 program with Ordinance S-47291.
On June 8, 2021, the City Council discussed the Emergency Rental Assistance 2.0 program.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Gina Montes and the Human Services Department.