*Authorize an emergency procurement contract with Priority Dispatch Corporation in the amount of $182,250 for emergency support services

The City of Portland ordains: Section 1. The Council finds: On September 10, 2018, the City of Portland began a competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) process to select a contractor to implement emergency medical, fire and police call taking protocols, which would integrate with the City’s Computer-aided Dispatch (CAD) System. On November 15, 2018, the City awarded Priority Dispatch Corporation (PDC) a Contract to implement the Priority Dispatch System (PDS) subsequent to the competitive RFP process. Contract No. 30006755 with PDC was made effective August 1, 2019 for a total not-to-exceed value of $809,847.00. The Scope included implementation, train-the-trainer education, support, and maintenance, but did not include in-person, live one-on-one training services. The PDS system is a highly visible public safety system that BOEC and public safety agencies throughout Multnomah County depend upon to safely and reliably prioritize and provide life-saving instructions and information to the community and emergency service responders. On May 18, 2021, BOEC implemented the medical and fire protocol elements of the Priority Dispatch System. The COVID-19 pandemic caused extreme staffing shortages and BOEC did not have enough staff to provide "on-the-floor" (real-time) educational and process support for dispatchers using the new medical and fire protocols. PDC placed highly skilled trainers on the 911 operations floor 24/7 to support dispatchers while dispatchers learned the new protocols. These trainers assisted dispatchers in call processing, thereby increasing dispatcher compliance and confidence with the medical and fire protocols, leading to greater public and responder safety. In accordance with Portland City Code 5.33.130(C), the City awarded an emergency procurement contract to PDC for $182,250, for emergency support services. NOW THEREFORE, The Council directs: In accordance with Portland City Code 5.33.130(E) the Council approves this emergency procurement contract with PDC for emergency support services. The Mayor is authorized to pay for emergency training services to Priority Dispatch Corporation for an amount of $182,250. The Mayor and City Auditor are hereby authorized to pay for these services from BOEC Emergency Communications Fund 202000. Section 2. The Council declares that an emergency exists because a delay in proceeding will prevent prompt payment for emergency services rendered by Priority Dispatch Corporation; therefore, this Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage by Council.