TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Philippe Eskandar, City Manager
BY: Mario Rueda, Fire Chief
DATE: February 12, 2025
SUBJECT: AWARD OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT TO
EMS QI PARTNERS, LLC FOR NURSE EDUCATOR SERVICES
STRATEGIC PLAN CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTORS
Efficient, Responsive, and Effective City Services
Fiscally Responsible and Transparent City Government
Safe Community
BACKGROUND
The San Marino Fire Department has provided Advanced Life Support services to the residents of San Marino since 1984. The San Marino Fire Department consists of twenty sworn personnel that maintain Paramedic accreditation with the State of California and County of Los Angeles. The Fire Department responded to 2,235 unique incidents in calendar year 2023, 77% of which were categorized as medical calls.
DISCUSSION
The Los Angeles County Department of Health Services and Emergency Medical Services Agency mandates that all paramedic agencies maintain a comprehensive Quality Improvement (QI) program to monitor and evaluate paramedic program performance. It involves the systematic review of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) patient care reports (PCRs) to assess the quality and effectiveness of care provided; identifies opportunities for improvement and implementing strategies to enhance patient outcomes; and provides ongoing continuing education for paramedics to ensure they remain compliant with the latest protocols and best practices in prehospital emergency care.
Gretchen Shepherd Romey, Mayor
Tony Chou, Vice Mayor
Hunter Chang, Council Member
John Chou, Council Member
Calvin Lo, Council Member
Typically, the administration of the QI program is overseen by a qualified Nurse Educator who holds certification as a Mobile Intensive Care Nurse (MCN), and current instructor certifications for American Heart Association (AHA) Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), AHA Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), AHA Basic Life Support (BCLS), and Prehospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS) by the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT). This individual brings specialized knowledge and expertise in EMS and is responsible for coordinating and managing various elements of the QI program. Their role includes analyzing data, facilitating continuing education, and working closely with paramedics to ensure compliance with State and County regulations while promoting excellence in patient care.
On November 18, 2024, the San Marino Fire Department issued a request for proposals (RFP) for Nurse Educator and Quality Improvement Coordinator services through the City’s OpenGov procurement portal. The RFP was open for a four-week period and closed on December 13, 2024. Notification of the RFP was sent to 1,523 vendors.
The RFP received one responsive proposal from EMS QI Partners, LLC. The proposal was reviewed by an evaluation panel on the following requirements:
• Past Experience / Performance Track Record
• Qualifications and Curriculum Vitae
• Best Value/Cost Effectiveness
The panel determined that EMS QI Partners, LCC’s proposal sufficiently met the evaluation criteria. EMS QI Partners, LLC has served as the Fire Department’s Nurse Educator service provider since 2022. During this time, the organization has consistently delivered exceptional service and education to the department’s paramedic personnel. Staff recommends moving forward with an agreement with EMS QI Partners, LLC based on their response to the RFP, relevant experience, and proven performance and track record with the City.
The Professional Services Agreement was presented to the Public Safety Commission on January 27, 2025. The Commission reviewed the agreement and recommended its approval by City Council.
FISCAL IMPACT & PROCUREMENT REVIEW
The Professional Services Agreement between the City of San Marino and EMS QI Partners, LLC carries a three-year term with an option for two additional one-year agreements based on satisfactory performance of the initial contract.
The agreement has a starting cost of $29,990 for the first year of the agreement, and the annual cost would not increase more than 10% per year.
The estimated annual costs are as follows:
Year 1: $29,990
Year 2: $32,989
Year 3: $36,288
Year 4 (optional): $39,917
Year 5 (optional): $43,909
LEGAL REVIEW
The City Attorney's office has reviewed and approved as to form.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the Council award a Professional Services Agreement with EMS QI Partners, LLC to provide Nurse Educator and Quality Improvement services for a three-year term in an amount not to exceed $99,267. Further, staff recommends the Council delegate the City Manager the authority to award two optional one-year Professional Service Agreements subject to satisfactory performance and Council allocation in the annual budget. If Council agrees with Staff’s recommendation a motion would be:
“I move to (1) authorize the City Manager to execute a contract with EMS QI Partners, LLC, in the amount not to exceed $99,267; and (2) delegate the City Manager the authority to award two optional one-year Professional Service agreements, not to exceed $39,917 and $43,909, subject to satisfactory performance and Council allocation in the annual budget.”
ATTACHMENTS
1. Professional Services Agreement with EMS QI Partners, LLC