Q&A
DSS procurement policies and independence from City Hall interference
1:13:02
·
3 min
Commissioner Park explains DSS procurement policies and emphasizes the agency's independence from City Hall interference in contracting decisions. She outlines the process for shelter procurement and contract approval.
- DSS follows procurement policies closely and independently of City Hall
- The agency uses an open-ended RFP for shelter providers
- An independent committee of agency staff reviews proposals
- OMB reviews and approves shelter budgets
- Contracts go through multiple review processes, including OMB, MOCS, Law Department, and the Controller's office
- Commissioner Park asserts that this structure provides adequate insulation from political interference
Molly Wasow Park
1:13:02
So, you know, DSS follows procurement policies very closely.
1:13:08
We act we we stick to the letter of the those rules, and city hall, personnel are not directly involved in any of our contracting actions.
1:13:23
So when when we were faced with the rapid increase in the shelter census, we worked with the controller's office following the guidelines for emergency procurement, but also really looking to maintain competitiveness.
1:13:39
So that RFP existed independently of of any of the the structure at city hall, that we were able to follow competitive procurement guidelines doing it in a way that was quick, that we were able to meet our legal obligations to shelter everybody.
1:13:58
But I am confident that we follow the, as I say, the the letter of the procurement regulations, and that, we are, on the thoroughly, adhering to all of our accountability requirements there.
Justin L. Brannan
1:14:13
So are there any new policies or is or, oversight mechanisms that have been introduced to prevent, you know, contract interference going forward?
Molly Wasow Park
1:14:26
Specifically from from city hall?
1:14:31
That is is our our procurement has been independent of city hall from the beginning.
1:14:37
You know, we we have open for for any shelter, whether it's emergency or non emergency site, we have an existing open ended RFP.
1:14:47
Providers apply.
1:14:48
There is then an independent committee of agency staff that reviews that RFP for, compliance with the r reviews that proposal with compliance with the RFP terms.
1:15:02
You know, I that is insulated not only from city hall, but from me.
1:15:06
I am not involved in the in that process.
1:15:10
If an if the committee finds that that proposal is, meets those threshold criteria, There is, in accordance with with procurement policies, there's an award letter issued that is a license to negotiate a contract.
1:15:26
It is not in and of itself a contract.
1:15:30
All of our when as we go through the negotiation process, that, big part of that obviously is budget.
1:15:36
Every shelter budget is reviewed by the office of management budget.
1:15:39
We don't move forward without OMB sign off.
1:15:42
And then, once we do have have, agreed upon budget, the contract itself is reviewed by OMB mock's law department before ultimately going through the controller's office.
1:15:54
So, you know, I am confident that the following that structure and following the letter of the procurement rules, provides adequate insulation from from politics.
