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APPROVE MOTION TO EXECUTE A THREE-YEAR AGREEMENT WITH ON DUTY HEALTH, PLLC FOR ON-SITE FIREFIGHTER HEALTH AND WELLNESS ASSESSMENTS
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RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that City Council approve a motion to:
1. Authorize the City Manager to execute a three-year Agreement with two (2) one-year options to renew with On Duty Health, PLLC for annual firefighter health and wellness examinations in an amount not to exceed $450,000; and
2. Approve findings pursuant to Stockton Municipal Code section 3.68.070 in support of an exception to the competitive bidding process; and
3. Authorize the City Manager to carry-over the FY 2023-24 appropriation of $93,000 for annual health and wellness examinations to FY2024-25 and to continue any remaining appropriations of the program to future fiscal years through the contract term.
4. Authorize the City Manager to take appropriate and necessary actions to carry out the purpose and intent of this motion.
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Summary
Stockton Fire Department (SFD) members require annual health and wellness examinations in accordance with National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) 1582, United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and United States Department of Transportation (DOT) standards. On August 24, 2023, the City advertised a Request for Proposals (RFP) for annual firefighter health and wellness examination services and On Duty Health, PLLC (ODH) was the highest ranking proponent. It is recommended that City Council approve a motion authorizing the City Manager to execute a three-year Agreement with ODH for annual firefighter health and wellness examinations for an amount not to exceed $450,000.
DISCUSSION
Background
Firefighters face unique occupational hazards that increase their risk of developing cancer. Regular medical evaluations are essential for early detection of potential health issues and the prevention of long-term complications. In 2010, researchers from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), launched a multi-year study to examine whether firefighters have a higher risk of cancer and other causes of death due to job related exposures. The study was a joint effort led by researchers at NIOSH in collaboration with researchers at the National Cancer Institute and the University of California at Davis Department of Public Health Sciences and supported by the U.S. Fire Administration. The study included nearly 30,000 career firefighters from Chicago, Philadelphia, and San Francisco who were employed at any time between 1950 and 2009. The study was completed in 2015. According to Dr. Robert D. Daniels, PhD, Lead Epidemiologist in the NIOSH Education and Information Division, NIOSH researchers found that, when compared to the number of cancers expected using U.S. population rates, firefighters had a 9% increase in cancer diagnoses and a 14% increase in cancer-related deaths.
Early detection of cancer is paramount. When cancer care is delayed, there is a lower chance of survival, greater problems associated with treatment and higher costs of care. Early diagnosis improves cancer outcomes by providing care at the earliest possible stage.
Present Situation
On August 24, 2023, the City advertised a Request for Proposals (RFP) for annual firefighter health examination services. On September 21, the City received six (6) proposals, two of which were deemed non-responsive by the Procurement Division. All responsive proposals were evaluated by an SFD review panel and On Duty Health, PLLC (ODH) was the highest ranking proponent.
ODH will offer comprehensive on-site annual firefighter exams, encompassing lab and urinalysis, a thorough physical examination, cardiopulmonary screening and fitness assessment, and ultrasound-enhanced cancer screenings. ODH's cancer screenings will employ ultrasound imaging to examine the carotid arteries, thyroid, liver, pancreas, gall bladder, spleen, kidneys, bladder, pelvic region (for women), and testicular and prostate areas (for men). Ultrasound, utilizing high-frequency sound waves for real-time imaging of organs, blood vessels, and tissues, is a safer alternative to X-rays or CT scans, which involve radiation exposure. This technology significantly contributes to improving long-term survival rates by detecting tumors in their early stages. The integration of ultrasound-enhanced cancer screenings into annual firefighter exams increases the likelihood of identifying potential health risks at their inception, thereby improving health outcomes among SFD members.
Each exam will be National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1582/1583 and The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) and International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) Wellness-Fitness Initiative (WFI) 4th Edition compliant.
SFD’s current annual firefighter health and wellness examination vendor is unable to provide onsite services and does not offer ultrasound-enhanced cancer screening. Their inability to deliver on-site services results in SFD members vying with other local agencies and private companies for health and wellness examinations throughout the day. This extends the time spent in the doctor's office, impeding the prompt return of suppression personnel to their vital role in providing emergency services for the community. ODH’s ability to perform on-site examinations will enhance the efficiency of annual wellness assessments, reducing downtime for suppression personnel during the examinations. Furthermore, ODH’s ability to deliver ultrasound-enhanced cancer screenings ensures a more comprehensive examination for SFD personnel, ultimately improving overall health outcomes.
Findings
Pursuant to Stockton Municipal Code section 3.68.070, Council may approve findings which support an exception to the competitive bidding process.
The proposed findings include:
1. Annual health and fitness assessments are required for firefighters.
2. Use of the RFP process is appropriate for this agreement because it relies on the evaluation of professional qualifications and performance as the basis for selection. Use of these criteria helps ensure selection of a vendor that will provide the highest quality service which is in the public interest.
3. On Duty Health, PLLC is qualified to provide annual health and fitness assessment services for the Stockton Fire Department.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
Staff recommends a three-year agreement with On Duty Health, PLLC for firefighter annual health and wellness assessment services for an amount not to exceed $450,000.
Firefighter health and wellness examinations are conducted annually during the first quarter of the calendar year beginning the month of January. The annual exams for calendar year 2024 will be postponed and scheduled in October 2024 to accommodate and prepare for the new contract.
The Fire Department currently has an approved annual budget allocation of $93,000 for annual health and wellness assessments in its General Fund Suppression Special Services account. The cost of the new contract will be incorporated in SFD’s annual budget beginning FY2024-25 in the following accounts subject to City Council approval during the annual budget development process.
General Fund Suppression Special Services Account
4020-000-630006-100-000-20-40-000-000- $93,000
Fire Measure W Special Services Account
4020-000-630006-200-202-20-40-0000-000- $22,000
Fire Prevention Special Services Account
4050-000-630006-220-225-20-40-0000-000- $4,000
The current budget appropriation in FY2023-24 will be encumbered upon contract execution to cover the cost of services over the three-year term.
Attachment A - Agreement