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PUBLIC NOTICE
SOQ 22-053
 
Drug Screening
 
The Jefferson Parish Department of Juvenile Services is hereby soliciting Statements of Qualifications from firms or individuals interested and qualified to provide legally defensible drug screenings for the youth placed on probation by the Jefferson Parish Juvenile Court.
(Resolution #140607)                                                                  
 
DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION: 3:30 P.M.  NOVEMBER 10, 2022
 
General
Many of the youth placed on probation by the Jefferson Parish Court have substance abuse related issues. Through substance abuse testing, we are able to identify those youth in need of intervention. Once those needs are identified, we can help manage any addiction concerns through therapeutic services and probation supervision. A lower rate of substance abusers coincides with a lower rate of delinquent activity and recidivism amongst those involved in the juvenile justice system.
 
Scope of Services
As a minimum, the scope of services will include the following:
 
Timely completion of multi-panel screens for all major drug classifications, alcohol, designer and street drugs for the youths currently on probation
Expert availability for technical assistance, result interpretation, and telephonic testimony
Accessibility to screening forms and screen results via online portal
Ability to prove and track the of chain of custody
The supply of collection materials and packaging for the facilitation of in-house sample collection and corresponding paperwork
Ability to provide initial and booster trainings to the Department of Juvenile Services Probation Department in collection procedure, chain of custody, result interpretation and other areas as both parties see fit 
Evaluation Criteria
The following criteria will be used to evaluate the statements submitted in response to this Public Notice: 
 
Ability to provide accurate multi-panel substance abuse testing, including current street drugs, designer substances and alcohol, with proof of a small margin of error in past performances. (20 points)
Efficient timely completion of screens, proof of 24-48 hour turnaround times in past performances. (20 points)
Identifiable chain of custody, including a specified forensic procedure from sample collection through result identification for legally defensible results. (20 points)
Online portal accessibility to manage collections, including the ability to gather forms related to sample collection, check the status and results of screens. (20 points)
Professional training, certifications, and experience of staff in relation to drug screen collection. (10 points)
Accessibility to specialists who can interpret results, provide confirmation of results, and speak to future trends in drug use amongst youth. (10 points) 
 
Minimum Requirements for Selection
At least one staff member with postgraduate level specialization in toxicology, pathology or related field.  This employee will be on site at the screening facility and their job description shall include overseeing substance abuse testing.
The vendor under consideration shall employee lab technicians with specialized training and background in toxicology, lab collection, chain of custody, and/or related fields. 
For further information, contact Danielle Phillips, Probation Supervisor, (504) 364-3750 extension 87431 and/or Matt Villio, Assistant Director, Department of Juvenile Services, extension 87447.
 
Compensation
 
Compensation for the required services will be made on a per test basis or a fixed fee basis, or a combination of both, which will be negotiated upon award of contract.
 
 
 
Questionnaire and Submittals  
 
A General Professional Services Questionnaire, including professional license information, must accompany statements of qualifications.  Please obtain required questionnaire by calling the Purchasing Department at (504)364-2678. The submitting individual(s) or firms must identify all subcontractors who would assist in providing professional services for the project.  Each subcontractor shall submit all documents and information included in the questionnaire. 
 
Submissions are to be submitted on the e-Procurement site at www.jeffparishbids.net no later than 3:30 PM on NOVEMBER 10, 2022.
 
These submissions will only be accepted electronically via the Parish’s e-Procurement system, Central Bidding.  Central Bidding can be accessed by visiting either www.centralauctionhouse.com/SignUp or www.jeffparishbids.net. All vendors will be required to register with Central Bidding. Jefferson Parish vendors are able to register for free by accessing the following link: www.centralauctionhouse.com/registration.php.
 
No submittals will be accepted after the deadline of:
3:30 PM on NOVEMBER 10, 2022,
 
Affidavits are not required to be submitted with the Statement of Qualifications (General Questionnaire) but shall be submitted prior to contract approval.
 
Disputes/protests relating to the decisions by the evaluation committee or by the Jefferson Parish Council shall be brought before the 24th Judicial Court.
 
 
 
(Resolution No. 140607)
 
Parish Wide
 
ADV.: The New Orleans Advocate: October 26, 2022