District Of Columbia Council Bill B25-0705

District Of Columbia 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/28/24
• Enrolled: 3/15/24
• Passed: 3/29/24

Caption

Contract No. CW102995 with Catholic Charities of The Archdiocese of Washington, Inc. Approval and Payment Authorization Emergency Act of 2024

Impact

This bill impacts the procurement process as it allows for the approval of contracts without adhering to standard bidding procedures, which are normally outlined in the Procurement Practices Reform Act of 2010. The approval of this bill means the council can expedite funding and prevent delays in services provided by Catholic Charities, which are essential for community support and assistance. By designating this as an emergency act, the council illustrates the urgency of these services being available to the public without the potential hindrance of bureaucratic red tape.

Summary

Bill B25-0705, titled the 'Contract No. CW102995 with Catholic Charities of The Archdiocese of Washington, Inc. Approval and Payment Authorization Emergency Act of 2024', aims to approve a contract with Catholic Charities for essential services provided between November 1, 2022, and October 31, 2023, and for future services from November 1, 2023, through October 31, 2024. The total amount authorized for this contract is $3,658,012.16 for past services and $3,912,632 for future services. This emergency act seeks to bypass certain procurement regulations to facilitate timely approval and funding for crucial services that Catholic Charities provides.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding B25-0705 appears to be supportive among council members, as indicated by the unanimous voting outcome of 13 yeas and no nays. This suggests a consensus on the necessity of the services provided by Catholic Charities and the importance of ensuring that funding is not delayed. However, some concerns may exist regarding the transparency and propriety of bypassing standard processes for contract approvals, although these are less visible in the immediate voting results.

Contention

Notable points of contention could revolve around the implications of passing emergency contracts without following standard procurement procedures. Critics may argue that this practice undermines accountability and transparency in public funding. However, the urgency behind the services provided will likely overshadow these concerns among supporters who recognize the pressing need for assistance that Catholic Charities provides to vulnerable populations.