title
Approval of a Contract for Janitorial Services (NB)
explanation
ARC of Alachua County, Inc. (ARC) is a local non-profit service organization which is funded by federal and state agencies as well as local resources, including the United Way of Alachua County. The purpose of ARC is to provide advocacy, support and service for the developmentally disabled in our community. One of the services offered by the organization is vocational training for its "consumers", which includes lawn maintenance, janitorial services and restaurant dishwashing services. With continued endorsement from the City Commission, GRU has been a long-standing supporter of ARC's program to provide employment opportunities for the developmentally challenged by utilizing ARC for janitorial services.
The staff of ARC has performed janitorial services for several GRU facilities for over ten years through a contract with RESPECT of Florida, a nonprofit agency established by the state of Florida to provide support services to governmental agencies. RESPECT of Florida was established by the state for the purpose of assisting these agencies with identifying opportunities for the mentally challenged within their communities and for providing support services for its administrative staff. For its oversight, RESPECT of Florida has taken a 6% Central Nonprofit Agency (CNA) fee as set forth in the Florida Administrative Code.
Due to departmental reorganization changes within the Tallahassee based organization, the local ARC office has been successfully handling the day to day management of the contract without outside assistance. GRU staff works directly with ARC's supervisory staff to administer the contract to ensure that contract requirements are met. Staff believes that establishment of a contract directly with the local ARC office will not adversely affect the level of contract administration while providing cost savings through the elimination of the fee currently being charged by RESPECT.
Buildings serviced under this contract include the GRU Administration Building, the Water/Wastewater Building, Field Services Building, the Operations Center and the Wellness Center. ARC's proposal to perform the service for FY05 is approximately 2.3% over the current service cost which is in line with the Consumer Price Index increase over the past year. Without a CNA fee, the annual cost of the contract will decrease by over $10,000.
ARC has always been responsive to any service requirements even during unusual circumstances and with short notice. GRU has recognized the ARC staff for their service to GRU in the past during building renovations. More recently, ARC's staff was able to provide extra services required at facilities during storm restoration activities when staff operated around the clock at many GRU facilities.
recommendation
The City Commission: 1) authorize the General Manager, or his designee to execute a contract with the Association of Retarded Citizens of Alachua County., Inc. (ARC) for janitorial services for FY 2005, subject to the approval of the City Attorney as to form and legality; and 2) approve the issuance of a purchase order to the Association of Retarded Citizens of Alachua County, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $159,396 for FY 2005.
fiscal note
Funds for these services have been included in the FY 2005 Utilities budget.
drafter
Prepared by: Patricia A. Moore, Administrative Services Director
Submitted by: Michael L. Kurtz, General Manager