Single Source Procurement: JFK Ebola Screening & Quarantine Initiative

The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) has received approval of a Contract Reporter Exemption Request to change the scope of work for contract C030154 for the JFK Ebola Screening & Quarantine Initiative with the Island Peer Review Organization (IPRO) and to extend the contract for an additional six months. In addition to onsite screening, the Department will contract for direct active monitoring and confirmation of transportation for returning Health Care Workers.

While Ebola virus disease (EVD) has been identified in New York State (NYS), prevention remains the focus of this effort. Confirmed or suspected cases of EVD present special requirements for disease surveillance, public communications, allocation of medical resources, and expansion of human services. At this time, the NYSDOH is experiencing an increase in returning Health Care Workers which requires more staff hours for direct active monitoring or quarantined individuals. When travelers are identified as needing a quarantine, the NYSDOH requires direct active monitoring and quarantine support throughout the period of the quarantine, which can be up to 21 days. NYSDOH does not currently have enough staff available to adequately monitor these quarantined individuals on a daily basis. Additional NYSDOH staff are slated for the Western and Capital District areas but not for the Metropolitan area and lower Hudson Valley. The approval allow for the to hire of IPRO staff for this area and this purpose.

The IPRO was initially selected because they had the capability to implement the project more quickly than other organizations. This public health incident required a quick implementation to respond to the Commissioner's orders to respond to the prevention of Ebola in New York State. Given that the vendor has implemented the requirements of the contract within the time frames outlined, and the current plan is to only extend the contract for an additional six months, it's necessary to continue with the same vendor. Completing a new procurement would take more time than this situation requires.

Procurement / Program Name	JFK Ebola Screening & Quarantine Initiative
Contractor Name(s)	Island Peer Review Organization (IPRO)
Contract Period	11/10/2014 – 11/9/2015
Contract Number(s)	C030154