Agency Health Department

Contractor Western Sydney University

SWIFT Contract Number 174499

Project Name Maternal Early Childhood Sustained Home-Visiting (MECSH) License

Project Number (if applicable) {Empty}

Summarize purpose of the contract, including why it was necessary: The State is required to obtain and maintain the license and technical assistance required to implement the Maternal Early Childhood Sustained Home Visiting (MECSH) program in Minnesota.

Project Duration

Start Date Fri, 04/03/2020 - 00:00

Original end date Tue, 03/15/2022 - 00:00

Actual end date Tue, 12/31/2024 - 00:00

Did project finish on time? Yes

Total billable hours utilized (if applicable) 0

Contract Amounts

Original contract: $483551

Amendments $643454

Contract total $1127005

Did project finish within budget? Yes

What was the funding source? State and federal funding (State Evidence-Based funding & federal MIECHV)

Is this a sole source contract? Yes

If this was a single source contract, explain why the agency determined there was only a single source for the services (if applicable) A single source agreement is required for this contract because the services necessary are only available from the contractee, Western Sidney University (WSU). This is because WSU holds all proprietary rights to the MECSH® model and licenses use of the model to MDH. The MECSH® program is a registered trademark of Western Sydney University and represents an Evidence Based Home Visiting (EBHV) model originally developed at University of New South Wales Sydney (WSU). Because WSU holds all proprietary rights, it is the only vendor that can be utilized to support the continued implementation of this model in Minnesota.

Evaluator Name Katy Spray

Evaluator Email Address katy.spray@state.mn.us

Evaluate the contractor's timeliness Due to the international nature of this contract, timeliness was occasionally an issue. However, MDH worked closely with the international model developer to establish a good working relationship, outline expectations, and requirements of the funding used to obtain this contract. Through that work, the contractor and MDH mutually agreed to regular meetings, invoicing schedules and proper channels of communication.

Evaluate the contractor's quality The contractor's quality is high level and professional.

Evaluate the contractor's cost The deliverable costs are within expected limits. However, the administrative fee (indirect rate) of the university is higher than typical and changes often.

Evaluate the contractor's overall performance The contractor is extremely knowledgeable and passionate about the work. As MDH experienced turnover in program staff, the contractor was patient and helpful while program team onboarded and learned the specs of programming in Minnesota. Contractor collaborated with program staff to enhance internal and external knowledge, refine programmatic documents and increase MDH's capacity to support the license and implementation of the model in Minnesota.

Would you engage the contractor's services again? Yes

Describe any negative action taken during the duration of this contract (i.e., termination, pursuit of suspension, etc.): Not applicable.

Please rate the overall experience with the contractor 4 - satisfied